The honourable Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Dutch Minister of Defence.
We have reached our third year.
We have seen Diplomat Magazine evolve from a novel concept into a reliable information platform for the diplomatic and international community; an important working tool for diplomats and academics; a creator of events promoting the art and culture of peoples; a cyber sphere bringing together ideas from all over the world; a unique public relations facilitator; and a staunch supporter of the causes of justice and peace.
When the idea of the publication was first conceived, we asked ourselves: what can a diplomatic magazine offer? We now have an answer – Diplomat Magazine connects diplomats and make participation possible.
In times of rapid change with uncertain outcomes, we are proud to have our main article signed by H. E. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Dutch Minister of Defence, who provides an update on the Netherlands’ approach to coping with the turmoil of an unstable world.
In this issue, Diplomat Magazine focuses on inclusion, participation, innovation and the future. Among other highlights, we report on the visit of President Paul Kagame, whose célèbre speech was welcomed by an audience of more than 4,000 in Amsterdam.
We present articles by the prosecutor of the ICC, Fatou Bensouda, who gives us an exclusive insight into her daily work against war crimes, genocide and crime against humanity; and Jamie Shea, who elaborates on the challenges facing NATO. Archbishop H. E. Aldo Cavalli talks about earth, refugees and modern slavery, while Marc Petermann offers his perspective on the refugee crisis in Europe.
Contributions to this edition are many and varied. Ambassadors from 15 countries expound on economics, global diplomacy, history, art, politics and future global challenges, and we bid farewell to the Ambassadors of Croatia, Sudan and Iraq. Jordan talks global water issues, and Albania has opened a new art gallery in town. We hail the success of Expo Milano, as well as Germany’s great support for the OPCW.
Read also in this special issue about diplomacy in a digital age by distinguished Professor and Clingendale Senior Research Fellow, Jan Melissen.
Enjoy our reports on a series of successful diplomatic events, as well as the role of the diplomatic spouse, as told by an ensemble of Ambassadors’ wives meeting at the emblematic Peace Palace of The Hague.
We wish to thank the Ambassadors of Armenia, Bangladesh, China, El Salvador, Estonia, Georgia, Iran, Italy, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Pakistan, Rwanda, Serbia, Slovenia, Tunisia, Ukraine and Venezuela for their incredible support on the establishment of the first Embassy Art Exhibition, organized by Diplomat Magazine and the gallery Patrice van Dorst, which will become an annual event.
Thanks also to the Diplomat Magazine team, including our great photographers and inspiring junior contributors. We hope you enjoy the issue.
For all the very latest diplomatic news, views, photos, events and more, just go to www.diplomatmagazine.eu.
For previous printed editions go to : https://diplomatmagazine.eu/local-news-2/
