The updated constitution defines the future development of Uzbekistan
By Mr. Deputy Director, The International Institute for Central Asia
In accordance with the decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan on April 30 of this year will be held a national referendum on the draft constitutional law “On the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan”.
The issue of the need for constitutional reform was first raised by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his inauguration speech on November 6, 2021. Later, in his congratulation on Constitution Day (December 2021) and in his address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan (December 2022), the head of state outlined the proposed changes in more detail.
The key essence of the constitutional reform is the need to harmonize the Basic Law with the modern realities of society, consistently carry out reforms, and, most importantly, create a solid legal foundation for building the New Uzbekistan.
In his address to parliament, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said: “We need to develop a modern Constitution imbued with the goal of ensuring the interests of the individual, respect for his honor and dignity as the highest value, a basic law that will fully meet the objectives of building a new Uzbekistan and will serve future generations”.
An analysis of the transformations and reforms carried out in recent years attests to their decisiveness, magnitude, and irreversibility. Direct dialogue between the state and society has been established, and the situation regarding freedom of speech, religion, and movement has changed dramatically.
An important element of the structural transformation process was the improvement of social protection of citizens and the reduction of poverty. It is the well-being and prosperity of the people that are the main goal of the reforms. So, if in 2017 500,000 low-income families received social assistance, today there are more than 2 million.
Another major priority was the fight against corruption, shadow money flows, and the prevention of conflicts of interest and illicit enrichment. In order to coordinate work in this direction in a systematic way, a specialized Agency was created. Liberal reforms aimed at ensuring openness of the national economy and creating the necessary conditions for its integration into world economic relations have been carried out in the economy of Uzbekistan.
The key transformations include liberalization of the foreign exchange market, lower import duties, and greater access of private investors to industries such as energy, geological exploration, chemistry and petrochemistry, medicine, and education. All sectors have received systemic programs of support and development. Improving the business environment and supporting entrepreneurship, which is the driver of today’s economy, has become another top priority of the ongoing reforms.
More than 200 types of licenses and permissive procedures were abolished in this area. The total number of taxes was reduced from 13 to 9, rates on some of them were reduced by half. The VAT rate was gradually reduced from 20 to 12 percent.
“We all need to understand one thing: supporting entrepreneurship is the most effective way to improve the well-being of citizens, our people, the ultimate goal of building a New Uzbekistan,” the head of state said in an interview with the Yangi Uzbekiston newspaper.
The development of entrepreneurship has begun to show impressive rates. So, if in 2016 the number of operating enterprises was 258 thousand, then by the beginning of 2023 – 592.4 thousand (an increase of 2.3 times). If in 2016 the number of newly created enterprises was about 33 thousand, then in 2022 there will be more than 93.6 thousand (an increase of 2.8 times).
Between 2016 and 2022, according to the World Bank, Uzbekistan’s average annual GDP growth was 5.2%, compared with only 2.3% for the world as a whole. Even in 2020, when a coronavirus pandemic swept the world, Uzbekistan’s GDP increased by 1.9%, while the global GDP collapsed by 3.3%. During the same period, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover increased more than 2 times, from 24.2 billion US dollars (2016) to 50.0 billion US dollars (2022). Exports increased by 60%, from 12.1 billion US dollars (2016) to 19.3 billion US dollars (2022 G.).
As a result of the reforms aimed at creating a favorable investment climate, the volume of foreign investments in the economy has increased 10-fold over the past 5 years, amounting to $40 billion. Relations with the countries of the region and Uzbekistan’s image in the international arena have significantly improved. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s new regional course was able to actually reset relations within the region. With the support of other Central Asian countries, unprecedented progress has been made in resolving such sensitive issues as borders, water and the energy problem.
Borders opened, trade normalized, and all countries in the region began to reap significant economic benefits from closer cooperation.
Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with Central Asian states has tripled since 2016 (from $2.5 billion to $7.5 billion). Trade with Kyrgyzstan increased 7.5 times, with Turkmenistan 4.4 times, with Tajikistan 3.4 times, and with Kazakhstan almost 2.4 times. For the first time since the early 1990s, the region is seeing close cooperation in industrial cooperation in priority sectors of the economy, cross-border trade zones are being created, and transport and logistics issues are being addressed.
Anna Bjerde, vice president of the World Bank, wrote in her article for Gazeta.uz, “We see quite impressive results of the implemented market reforms in Uzbekistan. Further reforms are needed to withstand global shocks and build an inclusive market economy.”
Obviously, in order to strengthen the results achieved and consistently continue the reforms initiated, the logic of rapidly changing life itself suggests the need to create a solid legal framework that defines the current and future development of Uzbekistan.
As foreign experts point out, the constitutional changes should become a kind of face of the large-scale reforms that are being carried out under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Despite the successes achieved, there is a public demand for a continuation of radical changes aimed at building a state that is developed in all respects.
According to expert forecasts, by 2030 the population of Uzbekistan will reach more than 40 million people, and by 2040 – 50 million people. Our country is becoming a large state, where in the near future more than half of the population will be young people. Creating decent conditions for them requires: a steadily growing economy; sustainable security; effective governance; social guarantees and much more.
Therefore, the ambitious goal is to increase the country’s GDP to $100 billion within five years, bring annual exports to $30 billion, raise the share of the private sector in GDP to 80%, bring investment to $120 billion, including at least $70 billion of foreign investment.
All of this will allow Uzbekistan to become one of the world’s upper-middle-income countries by 2030. To this end, it is planned to bring Uzbekistan to a leading position in the world Index of Economic Freedom, to significantly improve the efficiency of the judicial system, anti-corruption measures and the protection of property rights.
In addition, the task is to raise the level of investment and financial freedom. By 2030 it is planned to make the republic leaders in logistics efficiency. To this end, there is a firm intention to accelerate the process of accession to the World Trade Organization, which will allow to establish a system of non-discriminatory trade with more than 160 countries and find stable markets.
Another important goal is to use digitalization as the main “driver” of economic transformation. It is planned to increase the volume of the digital economy by at least 2.5 times. All of this requires a solid legal basis, indicating that the New Uzbekistan needs to update the Constitution.
In the context of the economic dimension, the draft law “On the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan” includes articles related to ensuring the freedom of entrepreneurial activity, the inviolability of private property, a favorable investment and business climate. In particular, direct action norms are introduced aimed at developing market relations and fair competition, protecting private property, ensuring a favorable business and investment climate and conditions for the development of entrepreneurship, legislative regulation and limitation of monopolistic activities.
All these and other changes should be the basis for building a strong economy of New Uzbekistan. At the same time, as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted, “Construction of the New Uzbekistan is not a subjective desire, not a PR campaign, but an objective necessity that has fundamental historical foundations. In order to systematically implement this ambitious task in all respects, the Development Strategy for 2022-2026 was adopted, which in essence is a powerful roadmap for achieving the goals set.
This is, on the one hand, a policy document covering all areas of life for the state and society, and on the other, a long-term plan, clearly aligned with our real capabilities. Today, more than ever, it is important to consolidate society around the idea of building a New Uzbekistan put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Our common task is to take the right advantage of the emerging opportunities, to unite our efforts for the benefit of development and prosperity of Uzbekistan.
Inaugural visit of Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Nasimi Aghayev in Bavaria
Wednesday, 19 April 2023, Munich, Free State of Bavaria, Germany: The Head of Bavarian Chancellery, Minister for Federal and Media Affairs, Dr. Florian Herrmann and Minister for European Affairs Melanie Huml received the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Nasimi Aghayev, for his inaugural visit to the State Chancellery.
Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann said as per statement: “A warm welcome to the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Nasimi Aghayev. Diverse international relations are of outstanding importance for politics and business, especially in times of upheaval. We are pleased about the great interest in Bavaria and about the opportunities that exist for both sides within the framework of cooperation. Azerbaijan can play an important role in the diversification of raw material supply chains.
For further information
Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany: https://berlin.mfa.gov.az/az
Pictures by Bayerische Staatskanzlei – Bavarian State Chancellery
Ambassador Delattre received in Thuringia
Monday, 17 April 2023, Erfurt, Free State of Thuringia, Germany: Premier Bodo Ramelow received the Ambassador of the French Republic, H.E. François Marie Delattre, for an inaugural visit to the Thuringian State Chancellery. The Ambassador was offered the opportunity to sign the stately guestbook.
Delattre was accredited to the German Federation on Tuesday, 27 September 2022. He arrived in Germany after serving as the Secretary-General of the Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs, the second ranking official that is, from 2019 through 2022.
He speaks French, German and English. His illustrious career began in 1989. François Delattre has furthermore served in the capacity as Permanent Representative to the UN in NYC (2014-2019); Ambassador to the United States (2011-2014); Ambassador to Canada (2008-2011); or Consul General in New York (2004-2008).
Ambassador Delattre (b. 15 novembre 1963) holds a licentiate degree in International Law, and the diplomatic rank of Minister Plenipotentiary ‘hors classe‘ – extraordinary.
For further information
Government of the Free State of Thuringia: https://www.staatskanzlei-thueringen.de/medienservice/veranstaltungsberichte/detailseite/ministerpraesident-bodo-ramelow-003902160a
Serb community could permanently cut ties with authorities in Pristina?
In Kosovo, extraordinary local elections will be held on 23 April 2023 in four predominantly Serb municipalities in the north of Kosovo (Severna Mitrovica, Leposavić, Zubin Potok and Zvečan) to elect the municipal mayors as well as councilors for the municipal councils in Leposavić and Zvečan.
The extraordinary local elections will be held after the mayors and municipal councilors from the Srpska lista /Serb List/ party had left the Kosovo institutions in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo as a protest against the decision of the Kosovo Government on mandatory reregistration of vehicles from former Serbian (KM) to RKS registration plates. The elections were to be held on 18 December 2022, but due to unfavorable security situation have been postponed for 23 April 2023. The official election campaign will take place from 4 April to 21 April 2023.
Srpska lista is the largest political party of Kosovo Serbs and enjoys strong support of the official Belgrade. However, it has not register to participate at the local elections under the explanation that their condition for return to Kosovo institutions had not been fulfilled. Specifically, their request for postponement of the decision on reregistration of vehicles, establishment of community of predominantly Serb municipalities (ZSO) in line with the 2013 Brussels agreement and withdrawal of Kosovo special police force from the north of Kosovo, that is Serb communities. The Srpska lista, has won more than 90% of votes in Serb communities at almost all elections in Kosovo organized since its establishment in 2013.
The Kosovo Election Commission (CIK) has decided to reduce the number of polling stations from 44 to only six, and open 13 alternative polling centers.
Albanians to head predominantly Serb municipalities?
The Srpska lista members withdrewfrom authorities in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo (Severna Mitrovica, Leposavić, Zubin Potok and Zvečan) and all institutions in Kosovo in early November 2022. The talks between official Belgrade and Pristina in the previous period, which resulted in the verbal agreement from Ohrid, have not resolved the issue of return of Serb representatives to Kosovo institutions, whereas the issue of organization of extraordinary local elections in the north of Kosovo was not even officially on the agenda. It was expected that after the Ohrid meeting things regarding the north of Kosovo would become clearer, as well as that the Srpska lista would maybe change its decision and participate at the elections, which has not happened.
According to CIK data, two out of four municipalities in the north of Kosovo will have candidates for the position of the municipal mayor who come from Serb parties–Leposavić i Zvečan.
In Leposavić, Aleksandar Jablanović, President of Partija kosovskih Srba (PKS) /Party of Kosovo Serbs/, which is a minor political party, is one of the candidates for the position of the mayor. He claims that he “offers changes in line with the trends of the 21st century.”
In Zvečan, Slađana Pantović, an opposition politician who had participated in previous election cycles without achieving any significant results, runs for the position of the mayor as an independent candidate. Both candidates from the Serb community belong to the Pristina-based pro-government block.
Candidates for Severna Mitrovica and Zubin Potok municipalities come exclusively from Albanian political parties. The Lëvizja Vetëvendosje (LVV) /Self-Determination Movement/headed by Albin Kurti and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) headed by Memli Krasniqi have their candidates for mayors in all four municipalities with predominantly Serb population.
Out of 11 candidates from four political entities, only two are from the Serb community. This will lead to a situation that the municipalities in which Serbs comprise more than 96% of the local population will be headed by ethnic Albanians- with negligible turnout at elections, which will be in the area of statistical error. Severna Mitrovica is the informal center of political clustering of Serbs in Kosovo and after the extraordinary local elections it could have an Albanian as its mayor.
Repetition of mistakes of the international community
The European Union expressed its regrets that the Srpska lista will not participate at the elections, which are “the cornerstone of democracy”. “The EU regrets that the Srpska lista has not exercised its democratic right to participate at the upcoming elections,” EU Spokesperson Peter Stano said and added that it was important security conditions are created so that the day of elections passes without disruptions. It is questionable whether security conditions are in place to hold the elections or will the elections be held with highs security risks.
Unlike in the situation from December last year, this time the international community supports the organization of elections in the north of Kosovo. The Quint countries (US, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy) stated that they “regret” the Srpska lista will not participate in the elections. They called on both sides to restrain and avoid violence which might disrupt the election process and expect that the relevant authorities will “act with professionalism.”
The key question is what will happen after the local elections, because whoever gets elected will not have the true power- as they essentially will not have the legitimacy. Therefore, the election process will not have much sense and will not resolve the substantial problems, such as the return of Serbs to Kosovo institutions. By approving the organization of extraordinary elections in the municipalities with predominantly Serb population the international community deepens the existing crisis and the Serb community could permanently cut the ties with the authorities in Pristina?
The international community has brought itself into a rather “unpleasant situation” because it did not want to request again from the Kosovo authorities to postpone the elections after the Kosovo authorities have already done that in December 2022, expecting that the Srpska lista would now participate in the elections on the basis of the agreement brokered in Ohrid. The international community has evidently chosen to repeat the mistakes from the past and deepen the crisis.
It is evident that what has been agreed in Ohrid was not sufficient for the Srpska lista to justify its participation in the elections. Namely, after the meeting Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti (LVV) did not make an appearance and say “we will establish the ZSO /Community of Serb Municipalities/”. On the contrary, he repeated that “self-governance cannot be [equal to] ZSO.” Furthermore, there was also no progress made with respect to withdrawal of Kosovo special police force from the North, which instill “unrests and fear” among the local Serb population.
KFOR stated that the Kosovo police will be responsible for security during the elections in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo, while the KFOR mission will monitor the situation. “KFOR continues to monitor the situation and maintain a high level of readiness of all its units to address any possible scenario, while expecting that institutions in Kosovo will be effectively resolve the situation.”
Establish a moratorium on unilateral moves and presence of special force
Currently, there are no conditions in place for the holding of local elections under normal circumstances- without increased tensions and with participation of majority of Serb population. However, even if the elections take place the question to be asked is what will happen after 23 April 2023?
Analysts believe that there are no normal conditions in place for organization of elections, that it is possible to expect tensions similar to those form last year and that the situation after the local elections could become further complicated and contribute to permanent cutting of ties between the Serb community and Kosovo authorities. As a result they believe that it is necessary to introduce a moratorium on the presence on special police force in the north of Kosovo or, as a compromise solution, ensure a 24-hour joint presence of members of EULEX and Kosovo Special Police Force at the established checkpoint after the Jarinje crossing and at the checkpoint near the Bistrički bridge on the Mitrovica–Leposavić main road. Furthermore, introduce a moratorium on unilateral moves and actions and postpone the extraordinary elections all until conditions are created for their organization, specifically until a political agreement is reached within the framework of the Franco-German plan and the EU-mediated dialogue between the official Belgrade and Pristina. The Kosovo society must be persistent in the pursuit of a much-needed social consensus and compromise.
Agreement of Montenegro with the Serb Orthodox Church – a model for Kosovo
Have the Kosovo leaders learned a lesson from the recent visit of Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazović (URA) to Kosovo? Namely, Abazović is an ethnic Albanian, member of a minority, who has demonstrated on the example of Montenegro how a social consensus and compromises can be reached, how to create an inclusive society and how to recognize and cultivate its diversities. During his visit to Kosovo he met with all key political stakeholders and representatives of all religious and minority communities.
Prime Minister Abazović stated that the agreement Montenegro had signed with the Serb Orthodox Church (SPC) could be a model that Kosovo could implement without problems. He said that it does not need to be done in the same way and that Kosovo could take the agreement with the Orthodox Church as a model. Abazović also noted that “relaxation of the people can only be beneficial.”
In the heads of politicians there are barriers which need to be further destroyed. For twenty years already we have been talking about the same things. I believe that the guarantees have to come from the international factor and be signed. Abazović also noted that, if the issue is not resolved during Aleksandar Vučić’s (SNS) time, it will remain unresolved for a long period of time. Independent of what I think, Vučić has major political stability in Serbia and it will be very difficult for his successor to address some historical issues in the political sense- regardless of who the successor will be, said Abazović and added that the wait does not suit any of the sides. Abazović emphasized that Montenegro is very interested in “an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, as it would be of assistance to the region as well.” He reiterated that Montenegro was ready to serve as the “logistical location” for a meeting such as the one that had been organized in Ohrid.
“The Brussels agreement is a good basis for the future,” said Abazović and added that if Montenegro can be a part of the guarantees for overcoming the problem, than it can be done.
It seems justified to raise the question when will the Kosovo leaders embrace such a future-oriented political discourse, when will the prime minister or president of Kosovo be a member of a minority? Is the Kosovo leadership ready for such a historic step forward?
Published by the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) on 20 April 2023 from Ljubljana, Slovenia. IFIMES regularly analyzes developments in the Middle East, the Balkans and around the world. IFIMES made an analysis of the current political situation in the context of the upcoming extraordinary elections, scheduled to take place on 23 April 2023 in four predominantly-Serb municipalities in the north of Kosovo. We bring the most interesting parts of the extensive analysis “2023 Kosovo 2023: Serb community could permanently cut ties with authorities in Pristina?”.
Oman to be official guest country at ITB Berlin 2024
Tuesday, 18 April 2022, Muscat-Berlin: The Sultanate in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula and the world’s leading tourism trade show announced official cooperation.
The Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and ITB Berlin announce that the Sultanate of Oman will be the official Guest Country of the world’s leading travel trade show in 2024. “ITB Berlin is a strong platform to showcase the diversity of the many offerings Oman has to offer in the growing tourism industry,” said His Excellency Salim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman. “We are delighted that the Sultanate of Oman will be the host country in 2024 and are determined to provide the international travel industry with an immersive and sustainable experience that will appeal to all possible senses and meet all expectations,” the Minister added.
The Minister had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding at an informal ceremony at ITB Berlin 2023 to seal the cooperation at an early stage. This was followed by the official signing of the contract with David Ruetz, Senior Vice President, Messe Berlin.
“Oman has had a strong presence at ITB Berlin for many years and we are very impressed with the tourism offering and diversity of this destination,” David Ruetz emphasised. “We are delighted to have secured such an attractive partner for next year’s show in the Sultanate.”
The country in the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula delights with its over 5,000-year-old history and is known for its rich diversity. Travellers can expect a hospitable destination and a natural paradise rich in contrasts that attracts relaxation seekers and activity lovers alike. In addition to golden sand dunes and green oases, the sultanate impresses with high peaks and imposing caves as well as kilometres of sandy beaches and cliffs. Outdoor activities such as snorkelling, hiking and climbing round off the range of tourist attractions.
As the official guest country of ITB Berlin 2024, Oman will host the opening gala on 4 March 2024 in the CityCube Berlin. From 5 to 7 March the Sultanate will also be presenting a diverse programme of events to trade visitors.
For further information
Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman: https://mht.gov.om
First ‘1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda’ memorial unveiled in the Netherlands
First ‘1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda’ memorial unveiled in the Netherlands
History was made today, April 19th, 2023, as the first ‘1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda’ memorial site was unveiled in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Located in the northern part of the Beatrix Park in Amsterdam, the memorial site is a place for survivors and the larger Rwandan community in the Netherlands to remember their loved ones and to pay tribute to more than one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. It will also be a place that will give an opportunity to the Dutch population, especially young generations, to reflect on the genocide and learn lessons from this tragedy, which will help prevent future genocides.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands remained the only major country in Western Europe without any memorial for the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This is why the Embassy of Rwanda and Ibuka-Netherlands believed that a city like Amsterdam, with its history and as a city that received a number of genocide survivors from Rwanda, is an important location for a memorial site in honor of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The official inauguration of the memorial was carried out by H.E. Mr. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Mrs. Christine Safari, Chairperson of IBUKA-Netherlands.
The installment of this Memorial site is the fruit of close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Municipality of Amsterdam, and constitutes one the most important tools to help preserve the memory of the victims and educate present and future generations about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
It is crucial for genocide survivors living in the Netherlands to have a symbolic place to come together, to commemorate and to reflect on the life and rebirth of the nation after its dark history.
About the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda:
April 7th is the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly on April 20th, 2020. The date marks the beginning of the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi, which lasted a 100 days, and during which a million children, women and men were systematically killed.
About the Beatrixpark in Amsterdam:
The Beatrixpark is a small, quiet park in the southern part of Amsterdam, close to the RAI congress centre. It is named after former Queen Beatrix and was built in 1938 as a romantic, English style park with a small lake and open landscape.
Ambassador Alattar introduced to Federal Council Chair in Hamburg
Monday, 3 April 2023, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany: The First Mayor of Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, President pro tempore of the German Federal Council (Bundesrat) received for a bilateral meeting the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Ahmed Alattar. The latter was accompanied by a delegation from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.
Ambassador Ahmed Waheeb Maaz Ahmed Alattar was accredited to the Federal Republic of Germany on Monday, 24 October 2022 at Bellevue Palace. He holds an Executive degree in International Security from University College London as well as an MBA from the Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) in France. The Ambassador speaks English, Arabic, Italian, Spanish and German.
In 2017 Alattar began working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) as an Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Subsquently he worked in the capacity as Deputy Director for European Affairs (2018-2020) and Chief of Staff to the Foreign Minister (2020-2022).
During his maiden trip to Hamburg, Ambassador Alattar and his accompanying delegation also encountered representatives from Hamburg Chamber of Commerce.
For further information
Embassy of the UAE in Germany and Croatia (non-resident): https://www.uae-embassy.de/en/bilateral-relations
The Carnival of Oruro and the Piñata
A manifestation of Bolivia and Latin American culture by the Embassy of Bolivia Cultural diversity and identity, oral histories, cultural heritage and migration.
Under the concept of preserving and transmitting Cultural Identity after Migration, Lyla
Carrillo Quan – van der Kaaden (101 Studio), author of Mujeres Latinas de Almere, with the support of the Embassy of the Plurinational State of Bolivia promote intergenerational
knowledge of Latin American culture with an afternoon full of interactive activities.
On the program:
- Reception and exhibition of “Latin Women of Almere”, “The
Bolivian Condor”, and “Dances of the Carnival of Oruro”. - Storytelling: The Carnival of Oruro and four of its dances: La
Diablada, La Morenada, Pujllay, and Tink’u. - Storytelling: “La Piñata”. Explanation of the origins of the Piñata in
Latin American culture based on the story “La Piñata”.
Socio-cultural educational workshop:
● “Make your own piñata” inspired by a character from the
Oruro carnival.
● Make your own Oruro mask
● Dress up or paint characters from the Oruro Carnival
dances and some typical Latin American costumes.
● Break the piñata full of sweets.
Information and registration: +31-641769390
lyla@101studio.nl; info@rserendipity.com
Individual Contribution to the 101 Studio: 12 euros per child that
includes material, and making breaking of a piñata
The great Wiener Ball
“We had a great Wiener Ball’s 54th edition this year at the Grand Huis ter Duin hotel, in Noordwijk”, declared the President of the Wiener Ball ‘s commission. The traditional ball hosted 350 guests and everyone enjoyed the evening. Among them is Mr Peter Potman, who will be the next Dutch ambassador in Vienna.
The president, Antoinette Nikkels van der Veen-Hermans, the vice president Colonel John Wertenbroek and the organizational committee announced that the 55th edition will take place at Grand Huis ter Duin on the 3rd of February 2024. Diplomat Magazine will support once again the traditional event in 2024 and will invite diplomats and heads of missions to enjoy the experience.
