Romanian Diplomat Dr Razvan Constantinescu Nominated for Grassroot Diplomat Award

Dr Razvan Constantinescu, Honorary Consul of Romania in Bristol, has been shortlisted from over 100 candidates this year for the 3rd Annual Grassroot Diplomat Initiative Award.

2015-03-03 17:36:25

The award recognises outstanding politicians and diplomats who are representing civilian interests at the highest level in areas of policy, social and business overall. Dr Constantinescu is nominated for his longstanding work for improved social capital.

Dr Constantinescu is a tireless campaigner for community engagement and small business development. An Oxford-trained sociologist, Dr Constantinescu is a passionate believer in the potential of social capital to successfully address society's challenges. Using his diplomatic position to maximum effect, Dr Constantinescu is very active in networking and laying new foundations for the civil society and in supporting small and medium businesses across South West of England and Romania. Whether facilitating government visits to the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, promoting and attending business launches or food festivals, Dr Constantinescu liaises with MPs, MEPs, Councillors and Lord Mayors in pursuit of projects or initiatives he feels passionate about.

In 2014, Dr Constantinescu organised the visit of the Romanian Ambassador to local business offices at the Bristol Science Park and visited with the Ambassador. He also supported business expansion programmes by issuing hundreds of letters on behalf of local firms which is a testament to his dedication to using his network for the better of social development.

Passionate about democracy and community engagement, Dr Constantinescu successfully recruited a team of 35 volunteers of all ages and diverse ethnicities to organise Bristol's first ever Voting Station for the Romanian Community. Approximately 4,000 Romanians live in South West England so facilitating their right to vote has helped to establish strong and long-lasting relations between different communities living in the area.

A charitable project, Dr Constantinescu initiated "From Bristol with Love" in March 2014 with the simple aim of delivering as much aid as possible to disadvantaged communities such as orphanages in Romania: http://bristollovetrust.uk/ As part of the project, he and his team of volunteers set up partnerships with coach travel companies, engaged with Bristol Councillors from various political affiliations and churches of different denominations, schools and the local community to deliver over 88 boxes of clothes, toys, and educational equipment to Romanian orphanages in only under 8 months.

Talyn Rahman-Figueroa, Executive Director of Grassroot Diplomat, said: "All too often, we hear stories of our governments not representing our needs but Grassroot Diplomat looks upon selfless individuals who work tirelessly for their communities. The award seeks to create a culture of positive role models within our governments which encourages others in power to follow suit." Dr Constantinescu says, "The process of working with the community is more important than what you achieve" and continues to engage closely with diverse communities represented in Bristol.
The Romanian consulate in Bristol opened in December 2013 with diplomatic jurisdiction covering Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Somerset counties.