The world of diplomacy and state relations is governed by rigorous laws. A diplomatic gift is an instrument of non-verbal communication, meant to reflect respect and heritage. Public institutions often fall into the trap of ordering engraved glass statuettes or standard albums. For a present to take on a genuinely representative character, it is worth reaching for authentic craft held in the spirit of quiet luxury.

Why are glass and engraving not enough?

Presents handed over at the levels of government share one flaw: they repeat. Glass statuettes and albums usually end up in institutional storerooms, because they have no use beyond the moment of handing over.

A protocol gift is not meant to be a private benefit – clear rules and limits apply here, and the present usually remains the property of the institution. It is meant instead to represent the country or region passing it on. That is best done by an object made of a local material, whose very making is a calling card.

Solid oak, black and gold

The answer to the search for the ideal B2G present is the exclusive Odoardo Alibi™ brand. Its product is a monumental box made of solid Polish oak – a symbol of steadfastness – which becomes an excellent calling card for a region. The minimalist form allows dignified personalization. A three-dimensional crest or coat of arms can be placed on the lid, which fits perfectly within the frame of diplomatic quiet luxury and surpasses in value any misjudged investment.

An object that has a use

The set holds 50 deep questions for your partner. That is what distinguishes it from a statuette: the box is fit for use – in a state room during a meeting in a smaller circle, or in the residence where a delegation is received.

The use of black paper and abstract illustrations engages the senses, making clear the meaning of silence and image in communication. By handing over such a gift, the host of a visit sends a message full of class and empathy, after which one can move smoothly into the process of active listening in a relationship. We discuss the question of cultural neutrality in the piece Gifts for foreign delegations.

Coherence of the diplomatic image

The visit of a foreign delegation is a many-dimensional experience. Representative interiors can be completed with the rotating Odoardo Art™ collection, described in the piece Law firm decor, and an institution's digital layer with addresses from the Odoardo Space™ portfolio, which we write about in the piece Local government and political diplomacy. When a coherent setting is joined to the handing over of craft from Odoardo Alibi™, a delegation leaves the country convinced it has dealt with partners of the highest class.

Why we hold discretion to be the highest form of representation, we explain in the manifesto.