It is important to note that defining the “top” achievements in international diplomacy can vary based on personal perspectives and the specific time frame being considered. However, here are ten notable achievements in international diplomacy that have received significant attention in recent years:
1. Iran Nuclear Deal (2015): The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries (United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China), aiming to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. It was a significant diplomatic accomplishment, albeit experiencing difficulties in implementation in subsequent years.
2. Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015): Attaining widespread participation, the Paris Agreement aims to combat climate change and limit global temperature rise by reducing carbon emissions. It represented a major diplomatic effort in promoting global environmental cooperation.
3. Normalization of Relations between the United States and Cuba (2014): After several decades of strained relations, the United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations, resulting in the opening of embassies and an easing of travel and economic restrictions. This marked a significant shift in their relationship.
4. Israeli-Emirati and Israeli-Bahraini Normalization (2020): The Abraham Accords led to the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, signifying a breakthrough in the Arab-Israeli conflict and promoting regional stability and cooperation.
5. Colombian Peace Agreement (2016): The Colombian government reached a historic peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), ending a 50-year-long armed conflict. It aimed to foster reconciliation, justice, and development in Colombia.
6. North and South Korea Summit and Peace Declaration (2018): The leaders of North and South Korea held a historic summit and signed the Panmunjom Declaration, committing to work towards the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and establishing a permanent peace regime.
7. Sudan-Israel Normalization (2020): Sudan became the third Arab state to normalize relations with Israel, following the Abraham Accords. This agreement marked a significant diplomatic shift in Sudan’s relationship with Israel, while also leading to U.S. support for Sudan’s economic transition.
8. Peace Agreement in Afghanistan (2020): The United States signed a peace agreement with the Taliban, aiming to end the longstanding conflict in Afghanistan by facilitating a political settlement, a reduction in violence, and the withdrawal of foreign troops.
9. Negotiations with North Korea on Nuclear Disarmament (2018-2021): Despite some setbacks, diplomatic efforts between the United States and North Korea, most notably the summits between the leaders of both countries, provided dialogues focused on denuclearization and reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
10. Paris Peace Talks to End the Ukrainian War (2014-2021): Although the conflict still persists, international diplomatic efforts, such as the Minsk agreements and the Normandy Format talks, attempted to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war in Eastern Ukraine.
These achievements reflect a range of diplomatic successes in addressing complex global issues, but other significant accomplishments may also be identified based on different perspectives and timeframes.
