Reflections Of 50 Years in the Mexican Foreign Service: A Conversation with HE Alfredo Pérez Bravo

Kia ora,

We are delighted to welcome members and guests to an upcoming special event "Reflections of 50 Years in the Mexican Foreign Service: A Conversation with HE Alfredo Pérez Bravo".

Join the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs Wellington Branch for a remarkable conversation with the Ambassador of Mexico, whose distinguished 50-year diplomatic career spans five continents, 52 countries, and ten Mexican presidents. In this rare public reflection, the Ambassador shares insights from a lifetime at the centre of global diplomacy, major geopolitical transitions, and the evolution of Mexico’s international engagement.

Beginning his career at just 18 years old, he rose rapidly through the ranks to become the youngest Ambassador in the modern history of the Mexican Foreign Service. His postings have ranged from Sweden during the Cold War, to Washington in the late 1980s, to historic roles as Itinerant Ambassador to 39 nations across Africa and the Middle East. He has served in high-impact positions in Asia, Europe, Russia, and the Caribbean, and today represents Mexico in New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu, while serving as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Wellington.

This event offers a unique opportunity to hear first-hand how diplomacy has transformed—from the era of telegraphs and long-distance cables to the age of social media and public engagement—and how Mexico has navigated these changes.

Join us for an evening of rich stories, memorablel photos, practical insights, and a thought-provoking conversation on diplomacy, leadership, the importance of family and Mexico’s place in an ever-changing world.

EVENT DETAILS

Date/Time: Wednesday 10 December, 5:15pm for 5:30-7:30pm

Event: Fireside chat with the Ambassador, Q&A and a Networking Reception with Mexican food and beverages.

Venue: RHLT2, Rutherford House, Pipitea Campus, Victoria University of Wellington

Doors Open: 5:05pm Q&A will be open to attendees.

Register: By clicking on the link at the bottom of this email.



TERMS AND CONDITIONS

-Registrations are required to attend this event. No walk ups allowed. Non members can attend by paying the registration fee.

-One ticket per person. Each ticket must contain your full first and surname, email address and phone number that matches your ID. 

-All full-time student members must register with their VUW or Massey student email for a valid registration.

-If, after registering, you are unable to attend the event please have the courtesy to cancel your ticket to ensure other people are able to attend. A waitlist will operate.

-In keeping with NZIIA practice, unauthorised recording of this event (either audio or video) is not permitted. Members and guest are reminded to adhere to the NZIIA Code of Conduct.



Biography- Ambassador Alfredo Pérez Bravo

Career Ambassador with 50 years of service in the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

For the past 35 years he has served as Ambassador of Mexico, accredited to 52 countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

Served as Director General of International Technical and Scientific Cooperation (1995-1999), both bilateral and multilateral, in which capacity he chaired more than 60 international Joint Commissions.

Served as Chief of State Protocol for Presidents Felipe Calderón and Enrique Peña Nieto (2012-2014), coordinated 37 presidential tours abroad and 21 state/official visits to Mexico; and coordinated the agenda and attended to the presidents and prime ministers, leaders of the G20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico (2012).

Served as Ambassador-at-Large to Africa, accredited to 39 countries (1990-1994), Ambassador to Algeria (1991-1994), Ambassador to Panama concurrent to Guyana and Suriname (1999-2001); and Representative of Mexico to the English-speaking Caribbean. He also served as Ambassador of Mexico to Malaysia (2001-2007), Ambassador of Mexico to the Russian Federation, and concurrent to the Republics of Armenia and Belarus (2007-2012) as well as Ambassador of Mexico to the Portuguese Republic (2015-2019).

Since November 2019, he is serving as Ambassador of Mexico to New Zealand with concurrent accreditation to the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu.

As of 1 December 2023, he is serving as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to New Zealand.