In a year marked by celebrations, the city of Amsterdam is preparing to commemorate its 750th anniversary with a series of landmark events. At the heart of these festivities is an exclusive diplomatic gathering hosted by the Ambassadors Forum Foundation, bringing together ambassadors from around the world and CEOs of leading Dutch enterprises.
To learn more about the mission behind this initiative, Diplomat Magazine sat down with Emiel de Sévrèn Jacquet, Honorary Consul of Ukraine and Chairman of the Ambassadors Forum Foundation. An experienced connector between the diplomatic corps and the business community, Emiel shares his vision for promoting meaningful dialogue, international cooperation, and ensuring that Amsterdam takes its place not only as a historic capital but also as a dynamic platform for global engagement.
In this exclusive interview, Emiel discusses the Foundation’s role, the highlights of the upcoming event at the Maritime Museum in the beguining of July, and how ambassadors can benefit from direct engagement with the Netherlands’ most influential business leaders.
Interview: About the Ambassadors Forum Foundation & the 750th Anniversary Celebration in Amsterdam
Could you share the vision and mission of the Ambassadors Forum Foundation and how it serves the diplomatic community in the Netherlands?
Our mission is to strengthen the connection between ambassadors and the C-suite of leading Dutch organizations. We aim to enhance international cooperation in trade, economic development, science, and culture.
What inspired you to establish the foundation?
As you know, the Netherlands has always been a nation of traders, with long-standing trade relations across the globe. In today’s turbulent times, marked by shifting trade dynamics and geopolitical tensions, the ties between countries and companies have become increasingly vital.
Both diplomats and CEOs rotate regularly, which often leads to the loss of established connections and makes it challenging to maintain consistent relationships between diplomatic missions and corporate leaders. We noticed that many ambassadors and CEOs had a mutual desire to connect with one another. We want to facilitate and stimulate those crucial interactions.
Which companies are part of your advisory committees or act as sponsors?
We have a diverse and influential advisory committee, including the CEOs of Heineken, ING, KLM, and Philips—icons of Dutch business. Other members include the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, former Prime Minister, the King’s Commissioner, the Commander of the Armed Forces, and the Director of the Van Gogh Museum, among others. Our founding partners are ING Bank, McKinsey & Company, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, and FGS Global.
The Ambassadors Forum Foundation is organizing a prestigious gathering at the Maritime Museum in Amsterdam in early July. What makes this event special, and what are the key highlights?
This will be a truly unique event in a very special year—Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary. We are bringing together around 80 ambassadors and 100 prominent CEOs for an exceptional afternoon on the terrace of the Maritime Museum, next to a life-size replica of a historic VOC ship.
The event emphasizes active introductions—connecting CEOs and ambassadors directly to promote international cooperation. While there will be speeches, the main goal is to foster meaningful and productive interactions.
How has the response been so far, and how does the Foundation strengthen ties between diplomats and Dutch stakeholders?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of ambassadors and a large number of industry leaders already confirmed. In these uncertain times, people increasingly recognize the importance of international connections. With geopolitical shifts and growing trade challenges, many companies are looking to diversify their markets, and countries are seeking new alliances. Diplomats play a pivotal role in facilitating these efforts.
Why is the event taking place in Amsterdam?
The Netherlands has a somewhat unique situation in that the capital is not the seat of government. Much of the diplomatic activity happens within what we call “The Hague bubble.” We want to ensure ambassadors feel equally welcomed in Amsterdam and can experience the best the city has to offer.
That’s why our program has two parts. After the gathering at the Maritime Museum, ambassadors will enjoy a 45-minute tour on vintage salon boats through Amsterdam’s iconic canals. The evening will conclude at the prominent terrace of 5* Hotel De L’Europe, where more prominent guests will join us for drinks and food prepared by the hotel’s Michelin-starred chef.
Is the Ambassadors Forum the only event the Foundation organizes?
No, this is just the beginning. We plan to organize several more events throughout the year. For example, early next year, following the New Year’s reception at the Royal Palace, we will host a lunch at a nearby location just across from the palace.
How does the Ambassadors Forum Foundation assist diplomats?
We actively support diplomats by facilitating introductions to companies, NGOs, organizations, and key individuals. We also advocate on behalf of the diplomatic community by addressing relevant topics with (government) stakeholders and offering advice across various domains. Thanks to our extensive network, we can often help diplomats navigate the Dutch business and legal landscape more effectively.
Engaging the Diplomatic Community
How do you envision this event benefiting the ambassadors who attend?
Ambassadors will have a productive and efficient day with a great opportunity to directly engage with top industrial leaders in the Netherlands and build valuable new relationships.
What message would you like to convey to diplomatic missions about this event?
We encourage diplomatic missions to research which (corporate) representatives they’d like to meet. This event offers a unique chance to exchange details and schedule follow-up meetings for more in-depth discussions.
How does the Foundation plan to maintain long-term engagement with ambassadors?
The Ambassadors Forum Foundation will continue playing an active role in connecting the Dutch business community with diplomatic missions by organizing events and seminars year-round. We are always available to provide advice and introductions. In partnership with Diplomat Magazine, we can also inform a wide readership and highlight issues relevant to the diplomatic community.
The Netherlands as a Hub for Diplomacy & Business
From your perspective, what makes the Netherlands an attractive hub for diplomatic relations and international business?
The Netherlands is highly attractive due to its strategic location, stable political and economic environment, business-friendly climate, multilingual and well-educated workforce, and the presence of numerous international institutions.
What are some key challenges and opportunities in strengthening ties between diplomats and the Dutch business community?
While the opportunities outweigh the challenges, there are still some barriers. A typical challenge lies in the difference in objectives and organizational cultures: diplomats focus on political, economic, and cultural relations, whereas businesses prioritize profit, market access, and stakeholder returns. This can make alignment difficult, especially when diplomatic caution contrasts with business urgency.
On the other hand, economic diplomacy offers a tremendous opportunity. Diplomats can facilitate market entry, provide access to key contacts, and help navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Furthermore, in volatile regions, diplomatic networks can support businesses by offering risk mitigation and crisis navigation.
For more information about the Ambassadors Forum (AMFOR) please visit www.amfor.nl
