On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, the Royal Palace in Amsterdam witnessed the grandeur of the Annual Gala Dinner hosted by Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Netherlands. The distinguished gathering included Heads of Diplomatic Mission accredited to the Court of His Majesty and eminent Dutch Scientists and scholars.
The highlight of the event was the King’s speech, where the King’s address touched upon pressing global issues, celebrated collective achievements, and underscored the significance of dialogue and cooperation.
His Majesty highlighted the annual dinner as a gesture of appreciation for the vital role diplomats play in fostering understanding and cooperation. Acknowledging the importance of openness and dialogue, the King emphasized the necessity of knowing and listening to each other’s stories to prevent the world from becoming a threatening and desolate place.
Empathy for Global Concerns
The monarch exhibited a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the international community, especially in regions grappling with crises. “I’m thinking, for example, of the humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region, especially Sudan and neighbouring countries. Millions of people are fleeing the violence, living in fear and suffering from hunger. He declared.
The King also reiterated unwavering support for the people of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law.
Facing Crises and Finding Solutions
While recognizing the myriad global crises, His Majesty shifted the focus to the positive aspects, highlighting instances where collective action overcame adversity. The King referenced the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent agreement on the High Seas Treaty as examples of international unity. He encouraged a similar collaborative approach to combat climate change. “I hope that we can also find the ability to bring momentum to the fight against climate change. The rapid rise of sustainable energy sources is encouraging.
Please allow me this small expression of national pride: the Netherlands is second only to Australia in its per capita generation of solar energy. Anyone who knows how changeable the weather is we have in this country may find that hard to believe. But it’s true.”
Celebrating Academic Freedom and Innovation
In a unique twist, the King extended the discussion beyond diplomacy. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this evening made a small contribution to solutions? To help bring that about, we invited a special group of people to join us: Scientists and scholars in fields that are of great international importance. Climate, health, water, agriculture, nature and economics, but also law and philosophy.”
Emphasizing the importance of academic freedom and independence, the monarch paid tribute to the responsibility borne by scholars in guiding society towards a better future.
A Toast to Understanding and Cooperation
Concluding his address, His Majesty invited the guests to raise their glasses in a toast. The toast was dedicated “To understanding among nations and to our cooperation.” The sentiment encapsulated the essence of the evening — an acknowledgment of shared challenges, a celebration of collective achievements, and a commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration among nations.
