Business Diplomat: Two Worlds Joined

A Business Diplomat is a person who brings together the world of business and the culture of diplomacy, says Sherzod Abdunazarov, Consul General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul. Interviewed by: Muhammadillo Shermatov Interviewee: Sherzod Abdunazarov, Consul General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul

Muhammadillo ShermatovOctober 30, 2026Updated November 1, 2026

Key takeaways

Business and diplomacy are usually seen as separate professions with separate habits. In this part of its interview series, Business Diplomat presents the opening of the definition given by Sherzod Abdunazarov, Consul General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul. As a consul, he works at the point where the two worlds meet.

First observation: bringing together

Abdunazarov defines a Business Diplomat as a person who “brings together the world of business and the culture of diplomacy.” The verb is “brings together”, not “replaces” or “converts”. Neither world is asked to give up its own character. Business keeps its attention to results and efficiency; diplomacy keeps its attention to form, patience and relationship. The business diplomat holds both.

Second observation: what each world contributes

Business brings initiative, speed and an eye for opportunity. Diplomacy brings a tradition of managing differences without breakdown: knowing how to address a counterpart, how to disagree, how to leave room for the other side to agree. A person who has only the first may act quickly and give offence. A person who has only the second may act correctly and achieve little. The combination is what the definition describes.

Third observation: a culture, not a rulebook

The word chosen is “culture of diplomacy”, not “rules of diplomacy”. Culture is a way of behaving that becomes habitual. It suggests that what the business diplomat acquires is a manner of conduct that shapes every interaction, not a list of formal requirements.

The logic of the assessment

Two worlds exist side by side. The business diplomat joins them. What is joined is a business orientation and a diplomatic culture.

The role of Business Diplomat

The platform’s mission is to give young people experience, bring a diplomatic order to the business world, and benefit states by revitalising the economy. Abdunazarov’s definition matches the platform’s name and purpose directly. Business Diplomat can show young professionals how the two worlds complement each other.

Conclusion

A Business Diplomat joins the energy of business with the culture of diplomacy. Business Diplomat aims to train young professionals who can do both.

First observation: bringing together
Abdunazarov defines a Business Diplomat as a person who “brings together the world of business and the culture of diplomacy.” The verb is “brings together”, not “replaces” or “converts”. Neither world is asked to give up its own character. Business keeps its attention to results and efficiency; diplomacy keeps its attention to form, patience and relationship. The business diplomat holds both.

Second observation: what each world contributes
Business brings initiative, speed and an eye for opportunity. Diplomacy brings a tradition of managing differences without breakdown: knowing how to address a counterpart, how to disagree, how to leave room for the other side to agree. A person who has only the first may act quickly and give offence. A person who has only the second may act correctly and achieve little. The combination is what the definition describes.

Third observation: a culture, not a rulebook
The word chosen is “culture of diplomacy”, not “rules of diplomacy”. Culture is a way of behaving that becomes habitual. It suggests that what the business diplomat acquires is a manner of conduct that shapes every interaction, not a list of formal requirements.

The logic of the assessment
Two worlds exist side by side. The business diplomat joins them. What is joined is a business orientation and a diplomatic culture.

The role of Business Diplomat
The platform’s mission is to give young people experience, bring a diplomatic order to the business world, and benefit states by revitalising the economy. Abdunazarov’s definition matches the platform’s name and purpose directly. Business Diplomat can show young professionals how the two worlds complement each other.

Conclusion
A Business Diplomat joins the energy of business with the culture of diplomacy. Business Diplomat aims to train young professionals who can do both.