On 20 November 2024 at 2:00 p.m. (The Hague time), Trial Chamber X of the International Criminal Court will deliver its sentencing decision in the case of The Prosecutor v. Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud. A summary of the decision will be publicly read by Trial Chamber representatives and the Office of the Prosecutor.
To reach its decision, the Chamber reviewed written sentencing submissions from the parties and participants and held a hearing on 4 September 2024 to receive final arguments relevant to sentencing.
The judges may impose a prison sentence of up to 30 years or, in cases of extreme gravity and specific individual circumstances, life imprisonment. Additionally, they may order fines or the forfeiture of proceeds, property, or assets derived directly or indirectly from the crime. The ICC cannot impose a death sentence.
The fifth edition of the Wine Extravaganza, hosted by Diplomat Magazine in collaboration with the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, brought together guests to experience a unique selection of international wines on Monday, October 28, 2024. This annual event, which has become a highlight in the diplomatic and wine communities, served as an important platform to showcase the richness and diversity of wines from across the globe.
Since its inception in 2017, the Wine Extravaganza has established itself as a significant event for commercial and cultural exchange through wine, pausing only for a two-year period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 200 guests attended this year, including diplomats, sommeliers, journalists, gastronomic experts, and special invitees, exploring an extraordinary selection of wines from Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Greece, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay—primarily representatives of the New World wine industry.
Thomas Kortleve, Leonardo Royal Hotel’s General Manager.
In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine, emphasized the significance of this event in fostering cultural connections:
“It is truly an honor for us to welcome you to the Diplomats Wine Extravaganza. Today, we are here to celebrate the rich diversity of wine and spirits from ten countries. This event serves as a remarkable platform to show the support of embassies to their wine and spirits industry in the Netherlands.”
H.E. Dr. Greg French, Ambassador of Australia, visiting Australian stand.
To enhance the ambiance, the organizers arranged a live jazz performance that entertained guests throughout the evening, adding a sophisticated touch to the four-hour event. As attendees mingled, they explored an impressive array of wines and paired delicacies, diving into a world of flavors and aromas.
Each ambassador from the participating countries took the opportunity to speak briefly, offering insights into the unique qualities of their nation’s wines. These presentations underscored the cultural significance of wine, bringing to light the stories and traditions behind each bottle.
Dr. Greg French, Australian Ambassador, noted:
“One contribution to global viticulture was Australia’s role as a refuge for grape varieties that were threatened in Europe and other parts of the world in the late nineteenth century. Thanks to our strict quarantine rules, much of Australia remained unaffected by the devastating phylloxera parasite that swept through France and other parts of Europe. This means that Australia is home to some of the oldest continuously producing vines in the world, some over 180 years old, dating back to the 1840s.”
H.E. Mr. Alvaro Gonzalez Otero, Ambassador of Uruguay.
A notable highlight was the participation of the Embassy of Uruguay, which collaborated with Arjan Kiel, owner of La Bodega Vinos, an Amsterdam-based store specializing in Uruguayan and Peruvian wines. La Bodega Vinos showcased a selection from Antigua Bodega Stagnari, featuring wines from the Pedregal line, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat Rosé, Tannat Roble, Tannat Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon, Cuesta de Grava Tannat, and Bella Donna Marselan. Guests enjoyed traditional Uruguayan empanadas, adding an authentic culinary touch to Uruguay’s presentation.
Dayana Perez Fernandez, Chargé d’Affaires of the Dominican Republic.
Dayana Perez Fernandez, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic presented Ron Barceló, a rum brand established in the 1930s under the name Barceló & Co. She noted:
“The brand quickly grew in popularity, becoming one of the largest in the Dominican Republic and is now exported worldwide to more than 20 countries. It’s a light and fragrant rum, with an unmatched flavor, making it especially appealing to consumers. It’s the result of an elaborate process, and you can enjoy it on its own, over ice cubes, or mixed in cocktails. We invite you to stop by our table to try this delicious rum and talk to Mr. Jos Huffmeijer, who is the Ambassador of Ron Barceló in the Netherlands.”
Mr. Jos Huffmeijer, Ambassador of Ron Barceló in the Netherlands with the Dominican Republic delegation.
H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil, proudly introduced sparkling wines from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s wine heartland:
“I am proud to introduce the sparkling wines from Rio Grande do Sul, a province at the heart of Brazil’s wine production. For instance, this region is home to Altos de Pinto Bandeira, the first Denomination of Origin (D.O.) in the New World exclusively dedicated to sparkling wines. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Claudia Silva Brandenberg from Brazilian Wine House and Ms. Richel Klarenbeek from The New Bunch, whose efforts in bringing Brazilian wines to the Netherlands have been invaluable.”
H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil.
For some countries, the Wine Extravaganza marked a valuable introduction to the Dutch market, sparking potential opportunities for expansion into Europe. Dr. De Lara shared her pride in the event’s role in advancing global wine culture:
“Diplomats Wine Extravaganza has proven to be an instrumental force in advancing the wine industry of numerous countries. This event helps position participating countries on the international wine scene, promoting their cultural identity and the quality of their products to a global audience.”
H.E. Mr. Andre Teran Parral, Ambassador of Ecuador and H.E. Mr. Philippe Couvreur, Judge ad hoc at ICJ.
The success of the Wine Extravaganza 2024 once again highlighted the powerful role of wine in diplomacy, reinforcing connections across continents.
Cheers to an unforgettable night of taste, tradition, and international friendship—until the next edition!
During the 5th Edition of the Wine Extravaganza, hosted by Diplomat Magazine at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, Uruguay was proudly represented by H.E. Mr. Alvaro Gonzalez Otero, Ambassador of Uruguay to the Netherlands. In his address to the over 200 guests attending this year, including diplomats, sommeliers, journalists, gastronomic experts, and special invitees, Ambassador Gonzalez Otero shared the remarkable story of Uruguay’s wine heritage and its bright future.
“Wine arrived in Uruguay during the second half of the 19th century, thanks to immigrant families who brought their knowledge from the Mediterranean,” he recounted. “With the experience of those pioneers as a banner, plus the work of many others who followed them, viticulture gained a foothold in Uruguay and achieved a growth that managed to replace a good part of the foreign production.”
A Rich Legacy and a National Icon: Tannat
The ambassador highlighted Uruguay’s national icon, the Tannat grape, introduced from southwest France in 1870 by Pascual Harriague. Over the years, Tannat has found ideal growing conditions in Uruguay, where “the clay soils, together with the Atlantic breeze, offer exceptional conditions for this variety.” Today, Uruguay proudly stands as the world’s largest producer of Tannat, surpassing even France in production volume.
“Uruguay is today the main producer of Tannat in the world, with production volumes that even exceed those of its place of origin,” Ambassador Gonzalez Otero noted. This flagship variety, with its strong character, has won numerous international awards and positioned Uruguay prominently on the global wine stage.
In addition to Tannat, Uruguay produces other reds such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir, along with whites like Chardonnay and Albariño, which has found “unbeatable conditions for its development” in Uruguay’s terroir.
Whether it is the powerful Tannat or one of the many other grape varieties, Uruguayan wines offer a unique combination of tradition, character, and flavor.”
Commitment to Sustainability and Tourism
Ambassador Gonzalez Otero emphasized Uruguay’s dedication to sustainable wine practices. “Right now, we also have a sustainable program, with the aim of promoting environmentally friendly viticulture,” he stated, underscoring Uruguay’s efforts to protect its land and resources for future generations.
Uruguay’s wine regions span from coast to coast, each offering unique characteristics that contribute to the diversity of its wines. The country’s wineries also welcome tourists, providing visitors with an immersive experience in Uruguayan wine culture. “We warmly invite you to discover them to experience unique moments in the different regions of the country, appreciating flavours, aromas, colours, traditions, legends, culture, landscapes, and, most importantly, the passion of its people,” the ambassador encouraged.
Ambassadors attending the V Diplomats Wine Extravaganza.
A Toast to Uruguayan Wines in the Netherlands
The event also featured Mr. Arjan Kiel, owner of “La Bodega Vinos,” an Amsterdam-based importer of Uruguayan wines. Mr. Arjan Kiel, owner of “La Bodega Vinos,” an Amsterdam-based importer of Uruguayan wines, has played a key role in bringing the unique flavors of Uruguay to the Netherlands. Mr. Kiel’s appreciation for Uruguay’s wines was reflected in his words:
“Uruguay is a country that continues to surprise wine lovers worldwide. With its unique Atlantic climate, rich family history and strong focus on innovation and sustainability, it offers an unparalleled wine experience in South America.
Ambassador Gonzalez Otero concluded by expressing his pride in Uruguay’s wines and the spirit they embody. “Uruguay not only offers exceptional wines, but also fascinating history, social progress and a warm welcome to visitors,” he said. “Discover Uruguay’s hidden treasure and taste the wines that are making the country a rising star in the international wine world.”
Amsterdam, 7-11-2024 – World Waternet and Wetskills Foundation are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the ongoing collaboration on water management, youth empowerment and capacity-building initiatives worldwide.
This partnership leverages each organisation’s strengths to drive impactful solutions, develop young professionals, and enhance local water management capacities. Enhancing water management through collaborative initiatives The partnership will focus on joint projects, innovative research, and capacity-building efforts that address critical water management challenges globally.
World Waternet Global Water Management
Through shared expertise, World Waternet and Wetskills aim to empower local water organisations and nurture the next generation of water professionals. “We are excited to partner with Wetskills Foundation to promote sustainable water management across diverse communities,” said Frank Tibben, CIO of World Waternet. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to building resilient water systems through knowledge sharing and youth empowerment.”
Driving knowledge exchange and capacity building Key activities under this partnership include the organisation of Wetskills water challenges, where young professionals collaborate to solve real-world water issues, as well as training sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs led by experts from World Waternet and Wetskills. By connecting Dutch and international participants, the partnership fosters a crosscultural exchange of ideas and best practices.
World Waternet and Wetskills has a long history of cooperation for more than a decade. “Working with World Waternet presents an invaluable opportunity for Wetskills to organise events together and stimulate innovations and follow-up in certain focus areas worldwide. Also young professional worldwide can brainstorm to come-up with new ideas and concepts for urgent and real-life water challenges. This MoU will boost the cooperation to amplify our impact and reach more young professionals worldwide,” stated Johan Oost, Executive Director of Wetskills Foundation.
World Waternet
“Our joint efforts will empower youth and support innovation in water management, driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.” Commitment to innovation and sustainable impact Together, World Waternet and Wetskills will actively seek opportunities for new projects and align efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, focused on clean water and sanitation. The partnership will also engage third parties as part of a broader collective to address pressing global water challenges.
The three-year MoU will be a dynamic framework for cooperation, with both organisations meeting biannually to review progress and set new targets. By connecting young professionals form Waternet and World Waternet (The Netherlands) together with local youth and yeppers (Young Expert Programme) abroad, we will work on water related and problematic topics, within countries in the World Waternet programme. Each year, we will build on ideas from Wetskills sessions, implementing at least one as a concrete project. Through these joint efforts, World Waternet and Wetskills Foundation are committed to advancing sustainable water management and fostering global solutions for future generations.
End of the press release note for editors About World Waternet World Waternet was established in 2007 by the municipality of Amsterdam and the water authority Amstel, Gooi, and Vecht. World Waternet supports public water organisations worldwide by sharing knowledge and expertise in water management to improve access to clean, sufficient, and safe water. The organisation collaborates across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America working on a healthy water-cycle, treated as a global common good, for future generations, in the interest of all.
For more information please contact frank.tibben@waternet.nl About Wetskills Foundation Wetskills Foundation brings together young water professionals from around the world to participate in creative and hands-on water challenges. By connecting participants with industry experts, Wetskills cultivates innovative solutions and strengthens global capacity in water management.
Professor Caroline E. Foster is based at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and specialises in international law. She was formerly employed with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The impending Global Commodities Forum is a reminder of a core challenge presently confronting the global trade community: how to use international trade policy as a tool for climate and sustainability action? This is what the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS or the Agreement), concluded between Costa Rica, Fiji, Iceland, New Zealand and Switzerland in July 2024, is all about.[1] The ACCTS’ overall aim is to give better effect to the commitment to sustainable development reflected in the preamble to the Agreement establishing the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and help States achieve ambitious outcomes under the Paris Agreement. The Agreement is ahead of the game, reflecting the vital understanding that changing the international trade rules will be a critical pillar in making the Paris Agreement work effectively, alleviating the pollution crisis and making decent progress toward world biodiversity targets.[2]
Special Character of the ACCTS
It is clear that the Agreement is a unique and promising contribution in many ways, although the text of the ACCTS is not yet available for scrutiny at the time of writing. It is an “open plurilateral” agreement and also a dynamic or “living” agreement. The ACCTS is open and plurilateral because only a small self-selected group of countries have come together to negotiate the initial agreement, in order to make progress fast in areas where the parties can see their way clear to achieving trade and sustainability gains, yet it is open to accession by other countries should they be ready to join. It is a dynamic and living agreement in that additional substance in new areas of trade policy can be added into it over time. While the current scope of the Agreement is limited, it provides flexibility to expand its application to other areas in the future. This means that even though the Agreement addresses at present only three selected core areas, it has the potential to embrace both a wider membership and further substantive coverage over time.
These characteristics of the Agreement are a double-edged sword. They mark the Agreement’s significant potential as a trailblazer and yet its dependence for ultimate success in making further necessary gains, in membership especially. Although only Costa Rica, Fiji, Iceland, New Zealand and Switzerland were in a position to join as founding members, the UK, Canada and the EU are possible future parties. Norway may also be a contender, having been among the negotiating parties. In terms of coverage, as it stands the three core areas the ACCTS addresses are: increasing market access for environmental goods and services; reducing fossil fuel subsidies; and developing guidelines for voluntary eco-labelling schemes.
The ACCTS’ Three Core Areas
Market liberalisation in environmental goods and services couples with efforts to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation by making such goods and services more readily available and affordable, as well as incentivising investment in relevant technologies. When the Agreement enters into force, the parties will eliminate tariffs on over 300 recognised environmental goods. An environmental good is a good benefiting the environment. Examples include solar panels, wind and hydraulic turbines, electric vehicles, wool fibre, recycled paper, electric static converters, and wood products.[3] There is a special focus on “land-based” or natural renewable goods, obviously of economic interest to ACCTS parties. The ACCTS will expand concepts of what may count as environmental services beyond previous instruments as well as listing over 100 environmentally related services subsectors.[4] An environmental service is a service benefiting the environment. Examples include waste management and remediation services.
Addressing fossil fuel subsidies is arguably the most essential of the three trade policy areas the ACCTS presently addresses. This sits within the broader global need to reduce inefficiency in the energy sector and to decouple energy security from reliance on carbon technologies. We are told that the Agreement defines “fossil fuel subsidies”, and introduces specific prohibitions on these subsidies along with certain exceptions for fundamental policy goals, including for energy security and disaster resilience.
The third policy area is the ACCTS’ development of principles-based guidelines for voluntary eco-labelling mechanisms and their accompanying institutional mechanisms. Eco-labelling schemes help consumers to recognise environmentally more beneficial products by allowing accredited producers and traders to affix an eco-label to their product. Examples include eco-labels identifying the sustainable origins of fisheries products, or the energy usage of whiteware. Principles-based guidelines will help ensure that such schemes do not apply arbitrary or unfair criteria, and encourage trade in sustainable products.
Comparing the ACCTS With Regional and Bilateral Agreements
The ACCTS thus complements the more gradual, softer-edged processes underway through the commitments under the 2023 Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)’s Pillar III on a green and fair economy and more generally market-based “green regionalism”.[5] At the same time, because the ACCTS embodies deep new commitments targeted to specific action areas, it also goes beyond the important new range of hard law commitments on environmental issues in the 2018 Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).[6] The CPTPP addressed liberalisation in environmental goods and services, and also a wide range of areas including marine capture fisheries, vessel source pollution, alien invasive species, trade and biodiversity, conservation and trade, and transition to a low emissions and resilient economy, as well as corporate social responsibility.
In the meantime, avant garde bilateral agreements have made important new strides into trade and sustainability. Stand-out instruments include various EU agreements, particularly the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (EU-NZ FTA),[7] with its environmental goods list, believed to be a first for the EU, though we find a longer list in the NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EU FTA).[8] The Australia-Singapore Green Economy Agreement also merits a mention.[9] Though only provisionally in force, the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) also features progressive rules in a range of areas. CETA includes chapters on regulatory cooperation, sustainable development and the environment, considering sustainable development ‘for the welfare of present and future generations’ and asserting that trade should promote sustainable development.[10] CETA seeks facilitation of trade in environmental goods and services, as well as lifecycle management of goods including carbon accounting and recycling.
Comparing the ACCTS with Developments in the WTO
The value of the ACCTS can be understood best when we consider the Agreement in the context of such broader initiatives, as well as developments in the WTO. In the WTO, trade and sustainability developments are still in their infancy. The Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD) have given birth to four differently composed Working Groups, each with different numbers and combinations of WTO Members.
The Working Groups deal respectively with (a) Environmental Goods and Services, (b) Subsidies, (c) Trade-related Climate Measures, and (d) the Circular Economy. The two TESSD Working Groups overlapping with the ACCTS are the Working Group on Environmental Goods and Services and potentially the Working Group on Subsidies. All four working groups will be important loci for developments on the environment-trade connection. Certainly the launch of the WTO Secretariat’s Trade Policy Tools for Climate Action at UNFCCC COP28 communicates an institutional awareness of the need for concrete action.[11] However it must be recalled that participation in the TESSD Working Groups is voluntary and not all WTO members are choosing to participate.
The Working Group on Environmental Goods and Services has been focusing initially on how to liberalise trade in goods and services that are key for the renewable energy sector, including solar, wind and hydropower. The Working Group on Subsidies deals with one of the most challenging aspects of traditional international trade policy. WTO law disciplines subsidies heavily because they are generally considered inconsistent with maintaining a level playing field for open competition and can give industries in one country a market lead over industries in another country. Yet, as an economic tool, subsidies can be used to promote environmental policies enabling trade to work for the environment.[12] Current disputes over countervailing duties on electric vehicles from China illustrate the tensions.
In parallel, certain subsidies need to be reduced and eliminated in order to protect the environment. As seen in the ACCTS, fossil fuel subsidies are a clear target, and multilateral disciplines are long overdue.[13] The sums involved are substantial. Fossil fuel subsidies were estimated by the OECD and the International Energy Agency (IEA) at a figure of USD 1,481.3 billion in 2022, doubling from 2021.[14] Given the entrenched interests in play at all levels, we can expect slow progress for a little longer on fossil fuel subsidies in the global arena. So far, attempts to address fossil fuel subsidies in the WTO have been dismally disappointing, despite longtime efforts by the WTO Members belonging to what is now the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFSR) Initiative. Gaining transparency through increased reporting of energy subsidies will be an important first step. The 2024 WTO Ministerial Statement included an annex on planned work, including working together on roadmaps for fossil fuel subsidy elimination.[15] Some bilateral agreements address fossil fuel subsidy reform, with, for instance, stronger wording in the NZ–UK FTA and weaker language in the EU–NZ FTA. Yet, as we will see in the ACCTS, energy subsidies are a complex matter, with people around the world reliant on government interventions to help deal with energy poverty.
Thus, we can see that the ACCTS is indeed highly distinctive Progress in aligning trade and climate policy globally is still expected to be slow. The EU and New Zealand have led the way towards an inclusive Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate manifesting a commitment to ensuring that progress is made, joined by Kenya, Ecuador and the United Kingdom. However, generating the necessary momentum on trade and sustainability in the WTO is challenging. Multilateral action will be powerful, but as an open plurilateral the ACCTS is able to achieve more, faster, among its adherents.
Putting the ACCTS into Perspective
The appearance on the scene of instruments such as the ACCTS is no accident. Government strategists’ and certain international relations’ scholarship work converges in seeing considerable promise in smaller, deeper international agreements that can be expanded over time. The ACCTS is a key initiative and it’s highly likely that it will be efficiently implemented, setting a new tone and manifesting the commitment to bring sustainability increasingly and effectively into the trade policy.
Yet globally there remains much work to be done. High quality dedicated statecraft is needed to revolutionise the world economy, and day-to-day living, in ways that will truly address the current, critical sustainability crisis. International trade law is a vital part of the fabric of international law, and only with change in international trade law can 21st century sustainability and climate challenges adequately be confronted.
As to criticism of the ACCTS, critics are not wrong when they point out that, in a carbon-based economy, trade agreements can be expected to increase trade and that increased trade and economic growth are drivers of rising greenhouse gas emissions. Neither are they wrong in highlighting the need to equip developing countries with capacities and technologies for green production, which is not a focus of the ACCTS. Further, the progress that is evident in the ACCTS has occurred because there are certain areas where trade and environmental interests coincide. For instance, the ACCTS was hailed in the New Zealand media as the agreement on wood and wool. When trade and environmental interests are in competition, as they often are, it will not be so easy to secure outcomes. Social pressure and the fuller realisation of what is at stake will play an important part, but the road is uphill and will be steep and hard for governments to climb.
However, as the transition to a global carbon economy goes forward, new areas of complementarity between trade and environmental policy can be expected to emerge. The nurturing of a circular economy is just one example: a model of production and consumption which involves reusing, repairing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible in order to make better use of the enormous volumes of resources presently funnelled through economies and discarded. Ultimately, change will have to be transformational to turn present realities into new ways of living, and, with the vision and the will, the extent of the contribution that can be made by strategic initiatives within the international trading system is vast.
Conclusion
Governments and citizens are coming to understand the overwhelming need to develop international economic policy in ways that help address environmental and sustainability objectives. As is widely recognised, it will be important to bear in mind the many integrated aspects of sustainability that go beyond the environmental, including labour standards, economic development, and concerns including gender equality and animal welfare.[16] The ACCTS makes a valuable and timely contribution to this important agenda.
About the author:
Professor Caroline E. Foster is based at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and specialises in international law. She was formerly employed with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
[1] Foster, C.E. (2021) ‘The Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability’ in P. Delimatsis and L. Reins (eds) Encyclopedia on Trade and Environmental Law 479-482 Edward Elgar: Cheltenham, UK/Northhampton MA USA; see also Foster, C.E. (2025), ‘Trade and Environment’ in V. Vadi and D. Collins (eds), Routledge Handbook on International Economic Law Routledge: forthcoming (open access).
[5] P. L. Hsieh, (2024) ‘Shaping Green Regionalism: New Trade Law Approaches to Environmental Sustainability’ Review of European Community and International Environmental Law’ (33) 172-182. On developments in the APEC context see also Foster, C.E. (2025).
[6] Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) 2018 UNTS 3346.
[7]New Zealand–European Union Free Trade Agreement 2023, available at https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/new-zealand/eu-new-zealand-agreement/text-agreement_en, Annex 19.
[9] Australia-Singapore Green Economy Agreement 2022 available at https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/singapore/singapore-australia-green-economy-agreement#:~:text
[10] EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) 2014, available at https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc
[11]WTO Secretariat, Trade Policy Tools for Climate Action (WTO 2023) available at https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/publications_e/publications_e.htm
[12] See R. Ismer et al (2023) ‘Supporting the Transition to Climate-Neutral Production: An Evaluation Under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures’ Journal of International Economic Law (26) 216-232.
[13] See A. Marhold, ‘SCM: Fossil Fuel Subsidies’ in P. Delimatsis and L. Reins (eds) Encyclopedia on Trade and Environmental Law 479-482 Edward Elgar: Cheltenham, UK/Northhampton MA USA, 347-352 at 347.
[14] ‘Cost of Support Measures for Fossil Fuels almost Doubled in 2022 in Response to Soaring Energy Prices’, 1 December 2023, available at https://www.oecd.org/newsroom/cost-of-support-measures-for-fossil-fuels-almost-doubled-in-2022-in-response-to-soaring-energy-prices.htm
[15] Ministerial Statement on Fossil Fuel Subsidies, MC13, Abu Dhabi, WT/MIN(24)/19, 26 February 2024, available at https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/MIN24/19.pdf&Open=True
[16] G. Vidigal and K. Claussen (2024) The Sustainability Revolution in International Trade Agreements Oxford: Oxford University Press. See also Villars Framework for a Sustainable Trading System 2023, available at https://remakingtradeproject.org/villars-framework
From November 5th to 7th, Rwanda’s finest floriculture will be on display at the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) in the Netherlands, held at stand C5.06 under the esteemed Rwandafresh brand. This year’s participation marks another milestone as Rwanda takes the global stage, showcasing its floral excellence to an international audience. Represented by Bella Flowers and supported by the National Agriculture Export Development Board (NAEB), Rwanda’s delegation aims to captivate the global market, enhance its brand visibility, and attract a broader clientele.
“IFTF 2024 is a fantastic opportunity for Rwanda to establish meaningful connections with buyers worldwide,” says Ms. Janet Basiima, Division Manager of Export Markets Development & Innovation at NAEB. “It’s a chance to elevate our industry on a global scale and highlight the quality of Rwandan flowers.”
Mr. Gedion Demissie, Senior Advisor from Bella Flowers, echoes this sentiment sharing that the IFTF is a strategic platform to build relationships with new clients across Europe and Asia, positioning Rwandan flowers as a distinguished choice globally. “Our goal is to make Rwandan Roses a symbol of excellence in the global flower market.
By embracing eco-friendly practices and empowering our local communities, we are building an export model that not only meets market demand but also enhance Rwanda’s reputation as a sustainable and innovative player in agriculture. The international community can now enjoy premium sustainable-grown Rwandan roses, backed by a dedicated industry that embodies Rwanda’s values of quality, integrity, and environmental stewardship.”
With Rwanda’s presence at IFTF, the nation’s floriculture sector is set to thrive as new market opportunities are explored, increasing flower exports and fueling growth. Rwanda’s participation will strengthen its industry by enhancing production strategies and showcasing the potential of Rwandan flowers to an international audience.
About IFTF
The 2024 International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) is shaping up to be the biggest yet, spotlighting 151 premier flower growers from around the world—a remarkable 10% increase from last year’s lineup of 137. With exhibitors representing 13 nations, this year’s event marks a milestone: for the first time ever, flower growers will comprise over half of all participants, rising from 47% to an impressive 53%. This historic turnout underscores the IFTF’s growing influence as a global hub for floral excellence and innovation.
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held from November 11 to 22, 2024, in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Over 100 heads of state and government are expected to attend the conference. The primary goal of COP29 is for wealthy countries to fund poorer nations in their efforts to combat climate change. To this end, participants are seeking to establish a climate action fund aimed at raising trillions of dollars, with voluntary contributions from fossil fuel-producing countries and companies.
However, many leaders from the world’s major economies will be absent from this important event. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, U.S. President Joe Biden, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have all canceled their plans to attend. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have also stated they will not participate. Neither Mexico nor China has been included in the agenda for leaders’ speeches at the UN climate summit. Whether due to domestic political developments or personal reasons, their absence signals that COP29 negotiations are unlikely to yield a new climate action agreement, making it difficult to secure additional financial resources. This hesitation among developed countries in fulfilling their climate commitments suggests uncertainty about the outcomes of the conference.
Western countries, particularly in Europe and the U.S., have notably downplayed the issue of moving away from fossil fuels.” For them, the more pressing concerns are energy security, price stability, and inflation reduction. Following the U.S. presidential election, after the victory of Donald Trump, it is expected that oil and gas production will increase to lower electricity costs. South Korean officials are considering increasing imports of U.S. oil and natural gas. Changes in Germany’s coalition government also highlight the challenges of balancing economic transformation with key measures for emissions reduction, pointing to significant political divisions in decision-making.
Global investors are increasingly dissatisfied with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulatory requirements and, in the pursuit of higher returns, are willing to abandon their green commitments. British oil giant BP has announced plans to abandon its restrictions on fossil fuel production, with its new strategy focusing on investing in oil and gas in the Middle East and the Gulf of Mexico. Shell had earlier indicated it might slow down its emissions reduction efforts, and its latest energy transition strategy has lowered its targets.
Moving away from fossil fuels is proving to be a difficult task. Amid various disruptions and obstacles, momentum seems to be waning. Hence, the expectations for climate financing at COP29 are likely to fall short this year.
1. Localized military conflicts and their increased intensity are generating the most carbon emissions. Parties have failed to reach agreements on ceasefires, and negotiations on military withdrawals are unlikely to form any substantial agreements. Military activities are consuming vast amounts of resources, placing a greater burden of responsibility for global climate change and damage. In developed Western countries, military spending continues to rise, while domestic economic growth slows, making it difficult to quickly deliver on climate financing commitments.
2. Due to the Russia-Ukraine war, armed conflicts in the Red Sea, and other tense situations, flights have been rerouted, and commercial ships have altered their paths, further complicating efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Many air routes have been forced to change, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions on both land and sea. Emissions reductions in aviation have a long way to go, especially in terms of reducing the use of traditional aviation fuel. Transportation costs have already risen sharply in many countries, and prioritizing survival has become more important than other concerns. The loss of enthusiasm for climate action may be unavoidable.
3. The explosive growth of artificial intelligence applications has led to a rapid expansion in electricity demand. The production of chips, the construction of cloud data centers, and cryptocurrency mining all consume vast amounts of electricity. In the short term, addressing power shortages is more urgent than the source to generate electricity, and most countries are unable to complete a full transition to clean energy in time.
This year is expected to be the hottest one on record, with an increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, torrential rainfall, and typhoons, alongside the proliferation of infectious diseases and declines in agricultural yields. These trends are largely driven by climate change and its far-reaching effects. As the full scope of these risks becomes increasingly apparent, it is of utmost importance to critically assess the intricate interplay between economic and social development and climate change. This is not a concern limited to a select few or political leaders. Rather, the climate agenda is inextricably linked to the collective well-being, resilience, and long-term sustainability of societies and individuals across the globe.
About the author:
Yi Wang is Head of Global Development Program and Senior Researcher at ANBOUND.
Laren, a friendly town at half an hour’s drive Southeast of Amsterdam, used to be a romantic, bucolic village much beloved by artists. Early in the last century, a wealthy art-loving couple, William and Anna Singer, visited it on a tour of Europe. They liked it so much that they bought a piece of land and built a large villa to house and display their growing art collection. In 1956, Anna Singer donated the villa and its collection to the town as an art museum.
The museum houses impressionistic Dutch artwork, paintings from the Barbizon school, and 19th-century works by American painters, including William Singer.
Singer Laren, as it has become known, has a very active program of great modern classic exhibitions, drawing visitors from all over the country and abroad.
The main current exhibition, My World, shows works from three top private Dutch collections. It is special not only because the works are more contemporary than those normally associated with Singer Laren but mainly because they showcase the best contemporary art worldwide. Rudolph de Lorm, the museum’s director, is proud to host one of the finest expositions of contemporary art in the Netherlands and calls it ‘art that makes you drool’.
This fabulous overview includes works by iconic artists such as Ai Weiwei, Charles Avery, Rineke Dijkstra, Marlene Dumas, Anselm Kiefer, and Antonio Obá.
Given a free hand, the well-known art critic and writer Hans den Hartog Jager curated a selection of works from the three private collections that are rarely seen by the general public. His expertise and discerning eye ensure that the exhibition is a true gem for art enthusiasts. He was given the Herculean task of choosing 150 works from collections totaling thousands.
Antonio Obá
Fata Morgana I (2022)
Olieverf op doek
150 x 120 cm
Particuliere collectie
Met dank aan de kunstenaar en
Mendes Wood DM, São Paulo,
Brussel, Parijs, New York
Fotocredit: Bruno Leão
It was a true tour de force to build a coherent exposition of works in many techniques, works by artists from all over the world, and works with entirely different sorts of messages. Den Hartog Jager divided the exposition into seven themes, which were shown in seven big rooms.
Nicholas Party
Still Life (2017)
Pastel op doek
110 x 95 cm
Particuliere collectie
Met dank aan de
kunstenaar en Xavier
Hufkens, Brussel
Fotocredit: Isabelle Arthuis
An artist creates his own world with his creations. By carefully choosing art, often from all corners of the world, a collector builds his or her own world. From the three worlds of these private collections, Den Hartog Jager, in turn, built his world. Finally, in absorbing this galaxy of often mesmerizing collections, you, the viewer, make it into your own world.
“My World” at the Singer Museum is an inspiring tribute to the diversity of artistic expression. Whether you are an art aficionado or a casual visitor, this exhibition offers a profound experience, encouraging a deeper understanding of how artists perceive the world today and, in turn, how we perceive ourselves. It’s an invitation to explore your own ‘world’ through the vivid stories encapsulated in the artwork. An absolute must-visit for anyone looking to reconnect with the transformative power of art.
Amsterdam, 4 November 2024 – World Waternet is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Water Footprint Implementation (WFI) to develop the Water Footprint Compensation Initiative, a program designed to replenish and restore freshwater resources in areas significantly impacted by water use.
Advancing Sustainable Water Management
The initiative aims to mobilize private capital for water restoration projects, advancing sustainable water management at scale. “We are proud to partner with WFI on this innovative initiative,” said Frank Tibben, CIO of World Waternet. “By connecting companies to water restoration projects, we’re creating a powerful mechanism to restore our freshwater systems and ensure sustainable water management.”
Water Footprint Compensation Overview
“World Waternet has been part of the pioneering group from the beginning, and it’s an honor to partner with them on this initiative. Their local project expertise is invaluable for achieving impactful, targeted outcomes,” shared Jaap Feil, Managing Partner of WFI. “We believe this partnership will inspire more NGOs to join the coalition, expanding the reach of water footprint compensation. This collaboration also provides companies with opportunities to engage in meaningful, locally focused compensation projects.”
The Water Footprint Compensation Initiative enables companies to offset the negative effects of their water consumption by funding water replenishment and restoration activities. These efforts are concentrated on the basins where their operations and supply chains are based, ensuring that water restoration happens where it is most needed. The partnership will accelerate the initiative’s development, aiming for a formal launch at the 3rd United Nations Water Conference in 2026.
Key Elements of the Partnership
World Waternet and WFI will identify 5 to 10 potential compensation projects for inclusion in the Water Footprint Compensation platform by the 3rd UN Water Conference. These projects align with World Waternet’s Collective Water Action Agenda as outlined in the new Impact Plan 2030.
Jean-Daniel Ruch tells his story, from the middle of the issues facing the world today. From the democratisation of the Balkans in the 1990s to Turkey’s attempts at mediation between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, a panorama of the history of the last thirty years unfolds before our eyes.
The journey begins in the Jura region of Switzerland during the most heated period of the Jura conflict that agitated that part of Switzerland until recently. The childhood experience contributed to the author’s political education: there he discovers verbal and physical violence, the battles of narratives and propaganda, and the tearing apart of identities.
Almost naturally, it was followed by his involvement in conflict zones in Europe and the Middle East. Either to right wrongs – the prosecution of Balkan war criminals – or to prevent further violence or point the way to peace – his work in the Israeli-Palestinian context. A leitmotif recurs throughout the text: the desire to understand people, individuals.
How can a young man become a war criminal? What drives people to hatred? What arouses fear? Violence? Rejection of others? The keys are to be found, of course, in the individual and collective history of peoples. We are in the habit of reacting emotionally to everything the news channels broadcast. Jean-Daniel Ruch, in contrast, says that good decisions and policies must be the fruit of knowledge and reflection. He offers us some clues as to how to get to the root of today’s conflicts.
About the Author:
Born in Moutier in 1963, Jean-Daniel Ruch studied international relations in Geneva. After four years in the Department of Defence, he joined the Swiss diplomatic service in 1992. He worked for the OSCE in Vienna from 1994 to 1997 and in Warsaw from 1998 to 2000. He continued his career in the Balkans, first at the Swiss embassy in Belgrade (2000-2003), then as political adviser to the prosecutor of the Yugoslavia war crimes tribunal (ICTY) from 2003 to 2007.
From 2008, he led Swiss policy in the Middle East as the Confederation became involved in the search for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Jean-Daniel Ruch was Switzerland’s ambassador to Serbia and to Montenegro (2012-2016), to Israel (2016-2021) and to Turkey (2021-2023).
“Reads like a thriller. And our quest for international justice was also a thriller”
— Carla Del Ponte, former procurator ICTY
Foreword by Micheline Calmy-Rey, former President of the Swiss Confederation.
