Statement of President Zhaparov on Kyrgyzstan’s green transition

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<strong>Statement of President Zhaparov on Kyrgyzstan’s green transition</strong>

Dear partner countries and international financial development institutions! We can all see how the problem of smog has become one of the most pressing problems in our country in the recent years. Smog is especially strong in the fall and winter period, since the use of coal for heating plays a significant role in this.

Undoubtedly, the solution to this issue requires a comprehensive approach. In my first year as the president, I identified environmental and green economy issues as one of the top priorities of the state policy.

On our initiative, the UN declared 2022 as the “International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development,” in Kyrgyzstan last year was also declared the «Year of protection of mountain ecosystems and climate sustainability». The issues of the negative effects of climate change concern all countries of the world, including Kyrgyzstan, which has thousand-years’ glaciers.

In November 2021, in my speech at the opening of the Summit of the World Leaders on Climate Change in Glasgow, I said that by 2030, Kyrgyzstan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44%, and by 2050 will try to achieve carbon neutrality, which is possible primarily through development of the hydropower sector.

Kyrgyzstan is a country rich in hydro-resources. It is sad to note that being in the upper reaches of water resources, we were not able to build new hydropower plants during the years of independence and were forced to import electricity in winter time. For the last 30 years we have been using coal, fuel oil and the power of previously built hydropower plants. At the moment we are using only about 10% of our hydropower potential.

Therefore, on my instructions, over the last two years we have actively started building small and medium hydropower plants across the country, and appropriate regulations have been adopted to provide preferences to investors.

The largest construction project, Kambar-Ata HPP-1, the future flagship of the national energy sector, has been launched.

With implementation of these projects, Kyrgyzstan can truly be called an energy-independent country that will export electricity to foreign countries.

Perhaps if more attention had been paid to this issue in earlier years, the smog issue would not be so acute today. We could have used more electricity for heating in the fall and winter.

Now we are firmly committed to development of the green economy, the whole modern world pays special attention to this. That is why I have instructed us to begin actively working on exchanging the country’s foreign debt for green initiatives.

Today, Kyrgyzstan’s foreign debt totals around USD 4.2 billion.

Of course, we are and will be in full compliance with all our foreign debt repayment obligations, and we have every opportunity to do so. We are just taking the initiative to develop the green economy and jointly contribute to improving the environmental situation in the world.

It would be good if the funds earmarked for repayment of the foreign debt were used to support the green initiatives. We are not saying that these projects should only be financed by donors and partners. We are also ready to invest from our side and implement these projects.

For many years the green economy has been discussed at various levels, but unfortunately in most cases it is all in theory. We want to move from words to deeds, together we can change this.

It is no secret that we are far behind other countries in the world in terms of the green economy. We want to correct this as soon as possible.

We are sure that these initiatives will be supported by the donor countries and development partners.

At the moment, 50 small and medium hydropower plants are being built in Kyrgyzstan. But even this is not enough. We have investment projects ready. We have the capacity to build small and medium hydropower plants with the capacity from 1 to 1,000 MW; the rivers are ready.

The countries and financial institutions, of which Kyrgyzstan is a debtor, could take part in construction of energy facilities and hydropower plants in the country. Together we will cut the ribbons of these green economy facilities.

Together we are implementing green projects in Kyrgyzstan, in exchange for us being written off foreign debts.

We all want our children to live in a rich country with a good environment. We want to be a truly energy-independent country which uses its potential rationally. Therefore, the state will continue to move in this direction, paying more and more attention to the ecology and green economy issues.

For further information 

Kyrgyz Presidency: https://president.kg/kg/

30 years of ties between the EU and Central Asia

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<strong>30 years of ties between the EU and Central Asia</strong>

Tuesday, 17 January 2023, Brussels, European External Action Service (EEAS): In the framework of the anniversary of thirty years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the European Union and the Central Asian republics, namely Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the EU’s Special Representative for Central Asia, Finnish diplomat Terhi Hakala co-hosted a reception with the heads of diplomatic mission of the aforemention countries. 

EEAS Secretary General Stefano Sannino likewise attended the event, and addressed the gathered guests. 

Ambassador Palpanov addresses the guests.

The event featured not merely culinary delicacies but also artistic performances as well as an exhibition of crafts hailing from the Central Asian countries.

For instance, unique Turkmen national costumes adorned with handmade embroideries, beautiful necklaces, bracelets, pendants, brooches and other silver jewelry made by skilled zergars, magnificent carpets made of wool and silk, as well as unique works of applied craftsmen are presented at an exhibition being held at the premises of the EEAS. 

For further information 

European External Action Service: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/search_en?fulltext=Terhi+Hakala

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Pictures courtesy of the Turkmen Mission to the EU

Eurojust supports coordinated judicial action in Romania and the Republic of Moldova against border bribery

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Eurojust supports coordinated judicial action in Romania and the Republic of Moldova against border bribery

The Hague, 19 January 2023

Supported by Eurojust, judicial and law enforcement authorities in Romania and the Republic of Moldova have taken coordinated action against border officials who allegedly demanded and accepted bribery to facilitate the illegal passage of vehicles transporting passengers or parcels.

During an action day, 8 suspects were detained and 45 locations were searched across Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Eurojust provided assistance to the Romanian and Moldovan judicial authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT).

Based on the evidence at hand, the national investigative authorities suspect that certain border guards and customs officials working at the Romanian/Moldovan and Romanian/Hungarian border crossing points have been demanding and receiving bribes from individuals involved in the cross-border transport of passengers and/or parcels without the necessary authorisations, in exchange for allowing these illicit border crossings to take place.

Bribes were also allegedly received or accepted in exchange for allowing the border passage of Moldovan citizens who overstayed their EU residency, without applying the legally stipulated sanctions for these situations. The bribes received were allegedly worth up to EUR 500.

The provision of counterfeit work contracts and counterfeit Romanian ID documents by Moldovan suspects is also suspected and subject to investigation. These items were allegedly used to facilitate the fraudulent crossing of State borders by individuals who did not meet the necessary legal requirements.

During the joint action day carried out in Romania and the Republic of Moldova on 17 January, 45 searches were carried out. Furthermore, eight suspects were detained and will be presented to the judge with arrest proposals.

In addition to supporting the establishment of the JIT and providing it with funding, Eurojust actively facilitated the international judicial cooperation by organising a coordination meeting, facilitating the exchange of relevant information and evidence under the JIT, and facilitating the execution of two European investigation orders issued towards a State not participating in the JIT.

The following authorities took part in the investigation:

  • Romania: National Anticorruption Directorate, General Anticorruption Direction within the Romanian Police
  • Republic of Moldova: Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office, Anticorruption and Internal Protection Service

Registrar Abubacarr M. Tambadou opens the second semester of the Mechanism’s Inter-University Video Lecture Programme

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<strong>Registrar Abubacarr M. Tambadou opens the second semester of the Mechanism’s Inter-University Video Lecture Programme</strong>

Arusha, The Hague,  19 January 2023 – The Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Abubacarr M. Tambadou, today opened the second semester of the fourth cycle of the Inter-University Video Lecture Programme, “International Law and Facts Established before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)”, with a lecture on the role and functions of the Mechanism for law students from across the countries of the former Yugoslavia.

Registrar Tambadou provided the students with the historical background of the Mechanism’s establishment and discussed in detail its role and functions. He also outlined the challenges faced by the Mechanism in carrying out a number of essential functions previously carried out by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and the ICTY and discussed the similarities and key differences between the mandates of the Mechanism and its two predecessor Tribunals. He engaged with the students during a question and answer session where the Registrar expanded on the Mechanism’s role in maintaining the legacies of these two pioneering ad hoc international criminal tribunals.

Today’s lecture was the eighth in the fourth cycle of the Programme, which launched in October 2022 with a lecture by the Mechanism’s President, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana. Students also received lectures by experienced lawyers from the Mechanism’s Office of the President, Chambers, the Office of the Prosecutor, as well as by a member of the Defence, covering such topics as the destruction of cultural heritage, joint criminal enterprise, prosecution of war-time sexual violence and the rights of the accused.

The Programme, developed and implemented by the Mechanism Information Programme for Affected Communities (MIP), brings together more than 150 postgraduate students from across the former Yugoslavia to initiate a dialogue about the region’s recent history, the role of the ICTY and the principles of international criminal law and international humanitarian law. The fourth cycle of the Programme is anticipated to continue with lectures delivered on a weekly basis until the end of March this year.

Together with the participating universities, the MIP has created a regional network of law faculties – the first of its kind – where law students from different countries in the Balkans region can learn about – and discuss – the work of the ICTY and its legacy. The lecture series not only builds the students’ knowledge, capacity and understanding of international criminal law and international humanitarian law, but also serves as a platform for genuine dialogue between law students from the countries of the former Yugoslavia.

The network includes faculties of the Union University in Belgrade, the University of Donja Gorica, the University of Niš, the University of Peja, the University of Podgorica, the University of Priština, the University of Sarajevo, the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, the University of Split, the University of Vitez, the University of Zagreb, and the University of Zenica.

The Programme forms part of the wider MIP, launched in January 2019, aiming to increase awareness and knowledge among affected communities about the 1990s conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, based on ICTY and Mechanism cases. The MIP is funded by the European Union.

Takedown of fraudulent cryptocurrency network

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Takedown of fraudulent cryptocurrency network

The Hague, 12 January  2023

With the active support of Eurojust and Europol, a coordinated action has led to the dismantling of a cryptocurrency fraud network operating from Bulgaria, Cyprus and Serbia. The network operated professionally to set up call centres, which defrauded numerous victims in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Australia and Canada for at least tens of millions of euros.

Four call centres and 18 places were searched, and over 250 workplaces were identified in Serbia, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Germany. Fourteen persons were arrested in Serbia and one in Germany. Overall, more than 250 persons were interviewed and over 150 computers, various electronic equipment and data back-ups, three cars, two luxury apartments and one million US dollars in cryptocurrencies and 50 000  EUR in cash were seized.   

The number of victims identified are almost certainly only be the tip of the iceberg. During investigations into the organised crime group (OCG), which ran the fraudulent call centre scheme, high volumes of financial transactions were detected. The OCG operated the call centres from Serbia and used a technological infrastructure in Bulgaria to run the scheme. Allegedly, Cyprus was the base for laundering the illegal proceedings.

The network attracted potential investors online and often contacted victims by phone to lure them into doing small investments, speaking English and German. After initial gains, victims invested more money, which they subsequently lost. During the operation, active call centres were searched and closed by the authorities in Serbia.

Eurojust organised a coordination centre with Germany, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Serbia to support the cross-border judicial cooperation, including the presence of a crypto expert from Germany and Europol EC3. The Agency also organised a coordination meeting, during which a joint investigation team (JIT) between Germany and Serbia was agreed upon.

Europol organised an operational meeting and provided support to the joint action day from the Eurojust coordination centre and two of the participating countries.

A group of 33 German police officers took part in the actions in Bulgaria, Cyprus and Serbia, as a large share of the victims are from Germany.

Investigations into the online scam were launched in 2021 by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) in Stuttgart in Germany and the State Office of Criminal Investigations of Baden-Württemberg. Eurojust organised a coordination meeting in November 2022 to prepare for this week’s operation and provided judicial, logistical and financial support to the JIT.

The operation was carried out on the ground by:

  • Bulgaria: General Directorate National Police and Investigative Department in Sofia City PPO under supervision of the Sofia City Prosecutors’ Office
  • Cyprus: Crime Combating Department, Office for Executing European Investigation Orders and Letters of Request Limassol/Pafos Branch
  • Germany: PPO Stuttgart; State Office of Criminal Investigations Baden-Württemberg; Police Headquarters of Aalen and Reutlingen
  • Serbia: Special Public Prosecution Office for Combating High-Tech Crime; Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia – Service for Combating Organized Crime

Will Germany help shift EU–Taiwan ties into gear?

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Will Germany help shift EU–Taiwan ties into gear?

By Dr. Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy

The European Union is in the process of rethinking its relations with China, with an increasing awareness that China presents mounting challenges to core European values and interests. In Brussels, the issue of systemic rivalry has taken centre stage in the China debate, while calls for cooperation and engagement remain.

Germany is one of the leading member states that has shown support for change in the EU’s relationship with China, while simultaneously proving to be slow in adjusting its own China policy.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s trip to Beijing in November, accompanied by a large business delegation soon after Chinese leader Xi Jinping further tightened his control over the country, raised questions across Europe about Berlin’s readiness to embrace change, and further complicates ties with fellow EU member states.

In Germany, the China debate has seen an important shift over the past year as Berlin sought to strategically position itself within Europe’s emerging Indo-Pacific strategy. While there’s consensus in Berlin on the need to rethink political and economic ties with China, there’s no agreement on the exact path to follow. It is in this context that awareness of Taiwan’s strategic relevance to Germany’s security and prosperity has grown.

Berlin is in the process of drafting its first national security strategy and is working on a China strategy. Given the marked internal divisions among Germany’s economic and political elite on how to handle China, both strategies remain subject to difficult negotiations.

In light of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and Beijing’s diplomatic support to Moscow, which included Xi’s refusal to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion, the EU has become deeply aware of its own vulnerabilities. There is fear in Europe, and across democracies globally, that Taiwan’s future—and the future of democracy in general—is under growing threat from an increasingly authoritarian Chinese leader.

Critically, Europe lacks a contingency plan for how to respond. Continuing visits to Taiwan by European parliamentarians, including those by German, Lithuanian and Spanish lawmakers this week, ensure that Europeans are far more likely to understand Taiwan’s situation, thereby contributing to the preparedness of EU member states should a crisis occur.

The visit by German lawmakers must be considered in this broader context, and as an example of the well-established practice of parliamentary diplomacy that remains a normal feature of democracies across the globe. In addition to Germany, Lithuania and Spain, this can and should prove a common way for Taiwan to engage with other partners across the EU. European lawmakers have in fact been visiting Taiwan for decades, with exchanges now returning to pre-Covid-19 levels.

When it comes to German-Sino relations, the reality is that uncertainty will remain, much to Xi’s chagrin, and will likely intensify as China grows more aggressive. Germany therefore must follow through with a strong strategy on security, one that will help deliver a common European message to China and that remains clear on Europe’s right to cooperate with Taiwan.

From Beijing’s perspective, keeping Germany close is important, so the Chinese leadership is unlikely to risk relations with a vital European partner, even in the face of the Bundestag’s growing willingness to engage with Taiwan.

For decades, the Chinese economy has benefited from German investment, in particular German technology. China is currently engaged in building up its own export base for higher-value products, becoming a stronger competitor in sectors that are key to Germany, such as automobiles.

This alone is reason enough for Germany to reconsider how it exploits its own leverage in ties with China. It also has the potential to support European convergence towards a rebalancing of bilateral ties in order to address the asymmetry that has dominated trade at the expense of European interests and to the benefit of China.

Given Germany’s strong desire to shape European foreign policy, it is Berlin’s responsibility to ensure that values are given the right consideration along with not just German, but European interests. Parliamentary diplomacy can contribute to sending a message to Beijing that Berlin not only has the right to cooperate, but is also ready to embrace Taiwan in line with the EU’s one-China policy, and will not hesitate to contribute to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Coming from Germany, a crucial partner for China, such a message carries real weight and is necessary for a credible European shift on China.

What is most important is that Berlin’s responsibility lies in helping to deliver a common European message—that by engaging Taiwan, Europeans are looking after their own interests while also seeking to promote peace and stability for all in the region.

The Indo-Pacific is a region of strategic importance to Europe, a fact that Berlin has notably embraced with its own Indo-Pacific policy guidelines. So far, however, Germany has failed to Europeanise its China policy and push forward a common European agenda. In this regard, parliamentary diplomacy can help move the dial.

About the author:

Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy is an assistant professor at National Dong-Hwa University in Taiwan and a former political adviser in the European Parliament. She is on Twitter at @zsuzsettte.

Image: Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images.

Published by The Strategist / Australian Strategic Policy Institute

Successful takedown of drug trafficking network in Italy and Albania     

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<strong>Successful takedown of drug trafficking network in Italy and Albania     </strong>

Eurojust and Europol have supported judicial and law enforcement authorities in Italy and Albania in dismantling a network of drug traffickers. During a joint action day, which saw the involvement of some 350 officers in the field, 30 suspects were arrested and 31 locations were searched. Five rifles, one gun and six vehicles were seized during the operation. The action day was steered in real time from Eurojust’s coordination centre. Europol provided operational support on the spot by deploying its specialists to Italy and Albania.

The criminal groups were allegedly responsible for the large-scale trafficking of cocaine, cannabis and heroin, mainly from Albania to Italy. Today’s operation is part of a longer-term investigation, which is being jointly undertaken by the Italian and Albanian authorities and has already led to the arrest of 62 persons and the seizure of assets worth approximately EUR 1 million (in Italy), as well as to the seizure of vast quantities of drugs.

The case was opened at Eurojust and Europol in 2019. Eurojust organised two coordination meetings, during which representatives of the involved authorities came together to discuss the case, exchange information and agree on further steps. The Agency also supported the authorities by setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT). Over the course of the investigation, Europol provided in-depth analytical support and expertise, mapping out the different high-profile targets and their criminal activities. The investigation was supported by the European Commission’s Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) project, which – for the first time – was able to financially support operational activities.

The following authorities took part in the investigation:

Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Bergamo, Central Investigation Service on Organised Crime of the Guardia di Finanza, Economic-Financial Police of Brescia of the Guardia di Finanza, Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services, Italian International Police Cooperation Service

Albania: Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK),  Albanian State Police – Department of International Relation, Europol National Unit

Rwanda Shining at Tourism Fair in the Netherlands

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Rwanda Shining at Tourism Fair in the Netherlands

This week, a delegation composed of officials from Rwanda’s travel companies, the Embassy of Rwanda in the Netherlands and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) are showcasing Rwanda’s tourist attractions and experiences at the Vakantiebeurs Tourism Fair.

The Vakantiebeurs Tourism Fair, taking place from 11 – 15 January, is the leading travel fair for the BeNeLux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) market organised in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

The Ambassadors of Burundi, H.E Mr. Gamaliel Nkurunziza and the Ambassador of Cameroon, H.E. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua, visited Ambassador Nduhungirehe at Rwanda stand.

The show attracts leading business professionals from the region’s tourism industry including tour operators, travel agents, and Africa travel specialists.

H.E. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands said: “We look forward to supporting the Rwandan companies attending to engage and create business ties with these business travel partners in order to increase travel traffic from the region to Rwanda. Visitors to the Visit Rwanda stand can find inspiration for their next holiday, while enjoying a cup of fresh Rwandan specialty coffee and dance performances by the Rwandan dance group.”

H.E. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of Rwanda with visitors at Rwanda stand.

The Rwandan companies participating at the fair include RwandAir, Kingfisher Journeys, Mist Rwanda Safaris, Silverbird Tours Agency, Pure Africa Tours and Judith Tours.

There’s a Visit Rwanda stand at the fair and a special networking session will also be organised along the margins of the event for the Rwandan delegation to engage with the participating travel agents and tour operators.

Textiles, dress and embroidery: universal languages with many dialects

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<strong>Textiles, dress and embroidery: universal languages with many dialects</strong>

By Dr. Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, Director, Textile Research Centre

It may not come as a surprise to hear that few people, if any, go without clothing or textiles. But many are surprised when they learn about the complexities, meanings and above all the language of those items. Don’t we all sometimes ‘dress up’ to impress, ‘dress down’ to show our modesty, or recognise someone’s attire as specific to a certain culture?

The Textile Research Centre (TRC) in Leiden studies the skills of textile and garment production, and what people want to express when wearing their clothes, namely the language of dress. It is a knowledge centre that is actively involved in the preservation, interpretation and future of this specific, but universal part of cultural heritage.

An embroidered, married woman’s dress from Bayt al-Fakih, Tihamah, Yemen (late 20th century; TRC 1997.0213).

The TRC was founded in 1991 as an independent foundation (‘Stichting’) and works closely together with Leiden University and other Dutch and international organisations worldwide. The courses and workshops set up by the TRC are attended by professionals and non-professionals, promoted by the TRC’s (EU) Erasmus+ Adult Education Accreditation and its official status as a Cultural Public Benefit Organisation (‘ANBI’).

A key feature of the TRC is its collection of over 40,000 textiles, garments and accessories that date from prehistory to yesterday. Most of the items are photographed and included in the open-access, online catalogue. The items have been brought together for people to see, feel and indeed closely investigate.

An embroidered, woman’s blouse (huipil) from Guatemala (late 20th century, TRC 2011.0486).

In doing so they can focus on the associated techniques, decoration and the specific meanings of the garments. Items in the collection have been collected during travels in the Netherlands and abroad; they have also been donated by many institutes and individuals, including various embassies in The Hague, as well as immigrant organisations in Leiden and beyond. But people not only donate textiles, they also help us with invaluable information about the meaning of the items, how they were made and used. We often describe this as ‘Citizen Culture at Work’ because so many people are involved.

There is another, closely related side to the TRC. In 2015 the then Yemeni Ambassador to the Netherlands asked if the TRC would become a cultural ark for Yemeni textiles and dress. Since then the TRC has become a haven for Yemeni textiles, preserving and supporting the study of Yemeni textile and dress culture. Sadly, the TRC has also become a textile ark for other communities, including Afghanistan and Syria.

An embroidered, and appliquéd woman’s jacket from the Akhe people in Thailand (late 20th century, TRC 2021.2173).

Embroidery has become an important and prestigious part of TRC activities. We study its long history, its many techniques and forms and its meaning. Embroidery’s history includes monarchs, religious leaders, as well as the military and the diplomatic world, and of course ‘ordinary’ people all over the world. The oldest known surviving embroideries, for example, come from the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamen. He was buried in c. 1322 BC together with both Egyptian made embroidered garments and embroidered clothing that was given as diplomatic gifts by the Mittani, who lived in what is now northern Syria.

A Brussels lace shawl once owned by Queen Anna Paulowna of the Netherlands (c. 1820; TRC 2014.0831).

Embroidery was and still is produced in many parts of the world and there are hundreds of different forms, materials, stitches, threads and end products, and they all have a different history and a different meaning. Many of these forms are represented in the TRC collection, as well as being the subject of an eight-volume series called the Bloomsbury World Encyclopedia of Embroidery, which is written and edited at the TRC, and published by Bloomsbury, London. The first two volumes are already out and cover the Arab World (2016) and Central Asia, the Iranian Plateau and the Indian sub-continent (2021). The first volume won several international prizes, including the prestigious Dartmouth Medal (2017). The third volume on Sub-Saharan embroidery is due in April 2023. The other volumes on Central and East European, East Asian, Southeast Asian and the American forms are all planned for the next five or so years.

A married, Turkmen woman’s headdress from Afghanistan, richly decorated with metal plaques, beads and embroidery (late 20th century; TRC 2000.0120).

Help with the relevant entries is being given by many individuals, institutes and others. The Georgian, Philippine and Estonian Embassies in The Hague, for example, are already working with the TRC. TRC’s ‘Citizen culture at work’ unites many people from all over the world, since, as was said, we all use textiles and garments, and we have to learn the myriads of dialects in order to communicate effectively.

A woman’s apron made from the sleeve of a Turkish embroidered dress. The apron is decorated with paisley (buteh) motifs as well as the signature (tughra) of the Turkish sultan (c. 1900; TRC 2003.0199).

I would like to thank the Arts Society The Hague, and in particular its chair, Mr Andrea Perugini, former Italian Ambassador to the Netherlands, for facilitating the publication and dissemination of this article.

Information:

Textile Research Centre, Hogewoerd 164 2311 HW Leiden

+31 (0)6 28830428

info@trc-leiden.nl

www.trc-leiden.nl

Leonardo’s Faces-Chantalle Shen-Ai Kaljee

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Leonardo’s Faces-Chantalle Shen-Ai Kaljee

The Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade is represented by both new and more experienced employees working together with passion as one team, to deliver great service and to depict the hotel’s values. In these monthly written pieces, there is a focus on their values and their approach to our international clients. Who are the employees as an individual? Allow us to introduce you to Chantalle Shen-Ai Kaljee.

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Function: Groups & Events Executive
  • Department: Booking Office

When did you start working at the Promenade Hotel?

Back in June 2019 I started working at the Promenade Hotel as a parttime Food and Beverage employee. It was just something I enjoyed doing next to my bachelors. However, I switched department and/or position few times since then. In July 2020, I started a six-month-internship as Food and Beverage Management Trainee. Per February 2021, I made a switch to the Booking Office and completed a Meetings and Events Management internship. Upon rounding off this final part of my studies and graduating from Hotelschool, the Promenade Hotel offered me a full time position as Meetings and Events Coordinator. Happily, I accepted this opportunity and executed this function for about a year. Last July, I promoted to Groups & Events Executive, which is my current position.

What was your first impression of the Promenade Hotel?

Warm, sincere, and family-like, which is something I expressed during the first months as an employee, back in 2019. When I was still living with my parents, in my hometown, I worked for a catering company for about 3 years. That company had a very similar environment and ambience, which is why it felt like a second home. I kind of grew up there. When I moved to The Hague, away from my parents, being quite young still (17), I was looking for a similar workplace. A place to feel at home away from home. So, imagine my delight when I found this welcoming and warm team at the Promenade Hotel!

What makes the Promenade Hotel suitable for welcoming people from all around the world?

Multiple things! To start with, the diversity amongst all our departments. Personally, I really consider it one of our unique selling points that we have such an international team. This way, we get to share our own traditions and habits with each other. It also enables us to connect and understand guests that may be from the same country.

What do you value most in the organization of diplomatic events at the Promenade Hotel?

Each diplomatic event is considered as individual, unique event, whilst keeping the experiences of previously organized events in mind. A way to show a personal and simultaneously professional approach to both old and new events and collaborations. Furthermore, I really appreciate the new things I learn from each country during the process of organizing and hosting a new event.

What did you learn so far by working with diplomats? Some tips, rules or values to share?

Many diplomats are in a way trying to find a place where they can feel at home, whilst being in a different country. This may be through making a real connection with for example staff and guests, frequently returning to a same place because of the friendly faces, or choosing a place because they serve a dish that tastes like home. One thing that they all seem to have in common is that even when they are on the clock, they also appreciate a bit of small talk and laughter during the business hours.

Which Food Festival has been your favorite so far or would you like to experience?

The very first time I experienced a Food Festival was my first day of shift, back in 2019. A very impressive day. If memory serves, it was the Philippine Food Festival. Due to it being my first day, I was not that focused on the special menu, traditional decorations and live elements. Therefore, I would like to experience it again. Other countries that were really appealing to me are Greece and Mexico.

What local food(s), from abroad, have you tried already?

When I go abroad, I always try and taste a local food or drink. Due to the majority of my friends being (partially) international, I also tried some foods and drinks because they brought it from home or made it for me. For instance, I have tried more common things as a Pastel de nata and Polvo à Lagareiro ( both Portugal) as well as more traditional dishes Bigos (Polish) and very authentically prepared foods, like Guanciale carbonara (Italy).

What is your favorite drink or dish at LEO’s International Flavors?

My personal favorite drink was definitely the LEO’S summer special: the Sangria. However, I do also really like the LEO’S Gin and tonic combination. For dishes… I always have a hard time choosing, so I am happy they offer a tasting menu!

What sustainable development goal do you value most? Why this one?

For me, all sustainable development goals are very important. I believe that none of these can exist well or will have the desired effect if the others are neglected. If I would have to single out one in particular, I think that clean water and sanitation would be the one I value most. During the pandemic we have seen the power of good sanitary facilities and services and the importance of it in regards to taking care of ones health. Additionally, water is one of the primary needs for us humans. Without sufficient supplies of clean water and proper sanitation, we would not be able to function and execute actions to reach the other goals.

What piece of good advice did you receive, and from whom, that you would like to forward?

After rain comes sunshine,  after every storm, the sun always shines, or a similar quote that represents that nothing bad lasts forever. Impact may be of longer term, but the actual situation is ought to change one day, sooner or later.

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