PARAMARIBO — Under the theme ‘Diplomacy in Action: Bringing Us Closer Together’, the Suriname Diplomatic Week 2026 will take place from 18 to 24 November. In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation (BIS) states that this also offers Suriname an opportunity to prepare for the CARICOM presidency that the country will take over in 2027. The program is also in line with the economic development of the country, including the growth in the offshore oil and gas sector. It aims to promote trade, investment and opportunities for local entrepreneurs in agriculture, logistics and tourism.
During the week diplomacy gets a human face. From November 16 to 19, diplomats will visit schools and give master classes to high school and college students. The Diplomatic Village will be held in the Prince Ballroom from November 20 to 22, where visitors can talk to representatives of more than 33 physically present countries, foreign missions and international organizations.
“With this Diplomatic Week we want to make diplomacy accessible and position Suriname more strongly in the world, with the mission: ‘To make Suriname shine’”
During the same period, trade and investment sessions will take place to connect Surinamese companies with international partners. “With this Diplomatic Week, we want to make diplomacy accessible and position Suriname more strongly in the world, with the mission: ‘To make Suriname shine’,” BIS Minister Melvin Bouva revealed at the launch.
The official opening reception is on November 18, with the public film event ‘Embassies under the Stars’ the following day in the parking lot between the offices of the president and the vice president. A symposium on Suriname’s foreign policy is scheduled for November 23 at BIS. The week ends on November 24 with visits to locations for international delegations in preparation for Independence Day on November 25.
BIS indicates that organizational costs for the ministry remain limited “thanks to cooperation with local sponsors and the business community”. “Participating missions pay their own accommodation costs.” More than fifty participating countries and international organizations, physically or digitally, are expected for the Suriname Diplomatic Week 2026. Citizens, students and entrepreneurs are invited to participate in the activities.
