La France renforce son soutien aux victimes à la CPI

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La France renforce son soutien aux victimes à la CPI

La République française, État partie à la Cour pénale internationale (CPI) depuis 2000, a effectué une contribution volontaire de 150 000 EUR au Fonds au profit des victimes à la CPI, réaffirmant ainsi son engagement en faveur de la justice internationale et des droits des victimes de crimes relevant du Statut de Rome. Cette contribution volontaire de la France est non affectée et sera utilisée pour réparer les préjudices subis par les victimes, par le biais des réparations ordonnées par la CPI et d’autres programmes mis en œuvre à leur bénéfice. 

S.E. Kevin Kelly, membre du Conseil de direction du Fonds au profit des victimes à la CPI, a déclaré : 
« Cette nouvelle contribution de la France envoie un message fort sur l’importance de la justice réparatrice pour les victimes dans le cadre du système du Statut de Rome et de la CPI. Précisément en ces temps difficiles, la France continue de démontrer qu’elle est une ardente défenseure du droit international, de la responsabilité et du soutien aux victimes de crimes les plus graves. Je salue la générosité de la France et j’exhorte les autres États à apporter un soutien similaire aux activités du Fonds au profit des victimes à la CPI ». 

S.E. François Alabrune, Ambassadeur de la République française auprès du Royaume des Pays-Bas, a déclaré : « La Cour punit, mais elle répare aussi. La France demeure engagée auprès des victimes, au cœur du système du Statut de Rome. Elle réaffirme l’importance du Fonds au profit des victimes, pilier indispensable pour assurer la réparation et renforcer l’état de droit à la suite de la commission des crimes les plus graves ». 

La République française soutient de manière constante les programmes mis en œuvre par le Fonds au profit des victimes à la CPI. Elle est le 10ᵉ plus grand contributeur du Fonds, ayant versé plus de 1 740 000 EUR de contributions volontaires depuis 2005. Le total des contributions reçues de la République française représente environ 3 % du budget programmatique global du Fonds au profit des victimes à la CPI depuis 2004. 

China–Netherlands Technology Dispute over Nexperia Enters a Negotiated Phase

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China–Netherlands Technology Dispute over Nexperia Enters a Negotiated Phase

Tensions between China and the Netherlands have escalated significantly following the Dutch government’s intervention in Nexperia, a major semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Nijmegen and majority-owned by the Chinese technology group Wingtech. The dispute has become one of the most notable flashpoints in the broader global competition over technology supply chains.

In September 2025, the Netherlands invoked the rarely used Goods Availability Act to place Nexperia under temporary state supervision, citing national security concerns and the need to safeguard essential semiconductor production capabilities on Dutch and European soil. The government argued that actions by the company’s Chinese leadership risked the transfer of technology and intellectual property out of Europe, potentially weakening critical supply chains for industries such as automotive and consumer electronics. (Government.nl)

China reacted sharply. Beijing condemned the Dutch intervention as a violation of international norms and “improper interference” in corporate affairs, accusing the Netherlands of disrupting the global semiconductor supply chain. In response, Chinese authorities briefly blocked exports of Nexperia chips manufactured in China — components widely used in automobiles and everyday electronics — aggravating concerns among European manufacturers about production slowdowns. (Reuters)

The export ban and resulting supply disruptions contributed to production challenges for auto makers across Europe and Asia, with industry players warning of material shortages and operational strain. China has repeatedly urged the Netherlands to reverse its actions and remove obstacles to stabilizing the global chip market. (Reuters)

In mid-November 2025, the Dutch government suspended its state control of Nexperia as part of diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and foster constructive dialogue with Chinese authorities. Dutch officials characterized the suspension as a goodwill gesture, while affirming that safeguards remain in place should security concerns re-emerge. The Netherlands continues to engage in negotiations with Beijing and coordinate with European partners, seeking a durable resolution that protects both economic security and supply continuity. (Anadolu Ajansı)

The Nexperia dispute underscores the strategic importance of semiconductors in international geopolitics. It reflects growing global competition over technology governance, investment security, and supply chain resilience — issues that are likely to persist as countries balance economic openness with national security imperatives.

U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela Sparks International Tensions

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U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela Sparks International Tensions

On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the United States conducted a major military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The U.S. government confirmed that both individuals were taken into custody and are now being held in Brooklyn, New York, pending prosecution on charges alleging their involvement in a narco-terrorism conspiracy.

The operation, which unfolded with significant force, has so far been linked to at least 80 deaths. Among the fatalities were 32 Cuban military and police personnel, who were in Venezuela as part of a security cooperation mission supporting the Maduro government.

The raid has triggered a sharp diplomatic backlash. Venezuela has condemned the operation, denouncing it as a violation of national sovereignty. Cuba has declared a period of mourning for its fallen service members and is demanding the immediate release of Maduro and his wife.

The unfolding situation is likely to have broad implications for regional security and U.S.-Latin America relations, raising urgent questions about international law, counter-narcotics strategy, and geopolitical stability in the hemisphere.

Technology – Mind – Health 

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Technology – Mind – Health 

It is a distinct honour to introduce the keynote address by H.E. Vladimir Norov, former Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. With decades of experience in diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and strategic governance—most recently in the development of artificial intelligence ecosystems across Central Asia—H.E. Norov brings a uniquely global and policy-oriented perspective to today’s critical theme: Technology – Mind – Health. His address invites us to reflect on how technological progress must be guided by human-centred values, ethical governance, and a deep commitment to mental and societal well-being.

“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished colleagues, dear friends, 

It is a pleasure and an honour to join this important gathering devoted to the intersection of technology, the human mind, and public health. To this end, my special thanks go to the Global Academy for Future Governance (GAFG) and its global partners consortium (including the Diplomat Magazine media platform) – gathered almost 20 speakers of all generations, meridians and professions, and – organised this highly topical and much- needed summit on the future of the human race, enveloped in ever-evolving technology.

In recent years, this triad has moved from an academic question to a central challenge for governments, industries, and societies. Today, the ways in which we design, regulate, and apply technologies will increasingly determine not only economic outcomes, but also the psychological resilience and social well-being of entire nations. 

As someone who has spent decades in diplomacy, international cooperation, and now in the development of artificial intelligence ecosystems across Central Asia, I have seen both the immense promise and the profound risks that accompany technological progress.  

The digital revolution has expanded access to knowledge, improved governance, and opened opportunities for millions. At the same time, it has created complex challenges for mental health, social cohesion, and the ethical foundations upon which our societies rest. 

First, let me emphasise that technological development is no longer isolated in the domain of engineers or computer scientists. It is a cross-disciplinary endeavour. Artificial intelligence influences behavioural patterns, decision-making, and emotional well-being.  Digital platforms shape public discourse and can both strengthen and weaken democratic processes.  And while new medical technologies expand diagnostic capabilities, they also introduce questions of trust, privacy, and equitable access. 

Second, the relationship between technology and the mind has become increasingly asymmetric. Machines learn faster, scale instantly, and operate without fatigue. Humans do not. The pace of innovation has begun to surpass the pace of human adaptation.  

This gap is visible not only in education, but also in governance systems and labour markets. As leaders, policymakers, and researchers, we must ensure that human capacities—intellectual, emotional, and ethical—remain at the centre of technological development. 

This is where the issue of mental health becomes crucial.  The World Health Organization now lists mental disorders among the leading causes of disability globally.  Digital dependence, information saturation, and algorithmic manipulation are emerging factors.  This brings me to the central issue: mental health. It’s a global crisis, and the digital world is a major contributor.  

We’re seeing the psychological toll of constant connectivity, algorithmic echo chambers, and the anxiety of technological displacement. We should not overlook the silent but growing psychological burden created by constant connectivity and the erosion of genuine human contact. However, technology—especially AI—can also be part of the solution.  

With proper governance frameworks, AI can strengthen psychological well-being, support early diagnosis of mental disorders, and expand access to quality care in regions where professional resources are limited. 

In Central Asia, for example, digital tools are already improving telemedicine, multilingual education platforms, and data-driven public health strategies. But for such progress to be sustainable, we need shared principles.  

Allow me to highlight three. To get this right, we need a new playbook, built on three core pillars: 

First, human-centred design. Technologies must be evaluated not only for efficiency but for their impact on human cognition, behavioural health, and social relationships. We must resist the temptation to adopt systems simply because they are powerful or fashionable. 

Second, ethical and inclusive governance. Countries at different stages of development should not be left behind. Without inclusive frameworks, digital inequality will deepen, leading to new forms of marginalisation and instability.  We need global standards and cooperation to ensure no country, no community, is left behind. This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about global stability. 

Third, strengthening resilience. Resilience is not merely the capacity to withstand shocks. It is the ability to maintain mental integrity, critical thinking, and emotional well-being amid rapid technological change. This requires interdisciplinary education, digital literacy, and policies that safeguard the mental health of young generations. 

Our legacy will not be defined by the technology we invent, but by the wisdom we show in governing it. The goal is a future where technology doesn’t replace us, but elevates us. Where it doesn’t overwhelm the mind, but strengthens it. Our era is defined not only by technological innovation but by the responsibility to guide it wisely.  

If we succeed, technology will amplify human potential, not diminish it. It will reinforce mental health, not compromise it.  It will empower societies to solve problems, rather than create new ones. I believe that the dialogue we have today—among scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders—is essential. No single institution and no single nation can address these challenges alone. But together, we can shape a future in which technological development is aligned with human dignity, ethical values, and social well-being. 

Let us approach this future with confidence, cooperation, and a commitment to placing the human mind at the centre of technological progress. 

Common Fund for Commodities Concludes Thirty-Seventh Governing Council Annual Meeting in The Hague

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Common Fund for Commodities Concludes Thirty-Seventh Governing Council Annual Meeting in The Hague

The Hague, 10 December 2025 – The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) successfully concluded the Thirty-Seventh Annual Meeting of its Governing Council, held from 9 to 10 December 2025 in The Hague, the Netherlands. The meeting brought together delegations from 76 countries, with 38 Member States delivering national statements and six regional groups intervening, underscoring broad engagement and strong collective ownership of the Fund’s strategic direction.

A Landmark Governance Milestone

A defining outcome of the meeting was the activation of the amended Agreement Establishing the Common Fund for Commodities. Adopted without opposition, the decision brings into force amendments approved by the Board of Governors in 2014, marking their long-awaited entry into effect after eleven years.

This milestone reflects a decisive collective commitment by Member States to strengthen the Fund’s governance, modernise its institutional framework, and enhance its capacity to deliver development impact in commodity-dependent economies.

Opening of the Session

The meeting was formally opened by H.E. Ms. Mirjam Blaak Sow, Alternate Governor of the CFC for the Republic of Uganda and Chairperson of the Governing Council. In her opening remarks, she welcomed participants and reaffirmed the CFC’s mandate to empower commodity-dependent communities while advancing inclusive and sustainable development across global value chains.

High-Level Addresses and Strategic Leadership

The Governing Council featured a series of high-level interventions, beginning with remarks by Dr. Martin Fregene, Director of the Agriculture and Agro-Industry Department at the African Development Bank (AfDB), representing the Chief Guest and keynote speaker, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group.

The session also included a keynote video message from Ms. Maryam Bukar Hassan, United Nations Global Advocate for Peace, who emphasised the importance of placing people and communities at the centre of development strategies.

H.E. Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the CFC

The annual address by Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the CFC, highlighted the Fund’s progress throughout 2025 and reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and people-centred commodity value chains—an approach he described as “humanising the value chains.”

Operational Highlights: 2025 Performance

The Governing Council reviewed the CFC’s operational performance and noted several significant achievements:

  • 496 projects financed to date, with a total project value of USD 357.21 million, delivered through grants, loans, and equity investments, including participation in nine agricultural impact investment funds.
  • 21 new projects approved in 2025 under the 25th and 26th Open Calls for Proposals, representing a total project value of USD 161.3 million, with USD 21.02 million financed directly by the CFC, alongside extensive administrative and legal support.

These results reaffirm the CFC’s role as a catalytic financier, supporting value creation, resilience, and inclusive growth in commodity-dependent economies.

Governance, Appointments, and Strategic Direction

The Governing Council approved key financial and administrative decisions essential to maintaining the Fund’s strong governance and operational stability.

The Ambassador of Tanzania to the Netherlands, H.E. Caroline Chipeta.

Member States unanimously elected H.E. Ms. Caroline Kitana Chipeta, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as Chairperson of the Governing Council for the forthcoming term—reflecting broad confidence in her leadership.

By consensus, the Council also approved the Strategic Framework 2025–2035, providing the CFC with a clear and forward-looking roadmap for the decade ahead. Developed through extensive consultations within the Open-Ended Working Group, the process was led by Mr. Tom Fabozzi (Ireland) and H.E. Ms. Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba (Botswana). The Framework sets out shared priorities to guide the CFC’s strategic focus and institutional evolution amid emerging global development challenges.

The Ambassador of Botswana, H.E. Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba

Appointments of Executive Directors, Alternate Executive Directors, and Vice-Chairpersons of the Governing Council were also confirmed, underscoring Member States’ continued commitment to collaborative leadership and effective stewardship.

Looking Ahead

The Governing Council agreed that its Thirty-Eighth Meeting will be held in The Hague on 2–3 December 2026, while welcoming expressions of interest from Member States wishing to host future sessions.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks by H.E. Ms. Mirjam Blaak Sow, followed by expressions of appreciation from Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, who thanked delegations for their constructive engagement and spirit of cooperation.

The Common Fund for Commodities reaffirmed its commitment to supporting commodity-dependent communities and advancing sustainable and inclusive development across global value chains.

CFC Side Event: Empowering Smallholders for Climate-Resilient Value Chains

On the margins of the 37th Governing Council, the CFC convened a high-level Side Event titled:

“Empowering Smallholders to Drive Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Commodity Value Chains.”

The session addressed the central role of smallholders in global commodity production and the persistent challenges they face in accessing finance, technology, markets, and data—challenges intensified by evolving sustainability regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Distinguished Speakers and Contributors

The event featured keynote and expert contributions from:

  • Mr. Henrique Choer Moraes, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Brazil to the Netherlands
  • Dr. Cheryl Barr Kumarakulasinghe, Deputy Undersecretary, Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia
  • Mrs. Wang Yan, General Manager, Bank of China (Europe) S.A., Rotterdam Branch
  • Prof. Ajay Bailey, Chair in Geographies of Health, Inclusion and Development, Utrecht University

UNCTAD contributions included Dr. Mussie Delelegn and Dr. Andrzej Bolesta, who presented insights from the CFC–UNCTAD study on productive capacities and sustainable development.

Project Showcases

Practical examples from the field were presented by:

  • ETG, highlighting regenerative agriculture initiatives in Malawi and Mozambique
  • Planting Naturals (Goldtree Ltd.), showcasing certified organic and fair-trade palm oil production in Sierra Leone
  • Akhuwat Foundation, the world’s largest Islamic microfinance organisation, supporting millions of smallholder families

Advancing Inclusive Transitions

The Side Event fostered dialogue on climate-smart agriculture, traceable supply chains, inclusive financing, and regenerative production—emphasising collaborative approaches to ensure sustainability transitions are equitable, effective, and development-enhancing for smallholders across the Global South.

Rizal Day 2025 at the Philippine Embassy in The Hague

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Rizal Day 2025 at the Philippine Embassy in The Hague

Every December 30, Filipinos across the nation and around the world come together to commemorate Rizal Day, honoring the life, works, and martyrdom of Dr. José Rizal. The 129th commemoration of Rizal Day marks more than a historical milestone—it reaffirms the continuing relevance of Rizal’s ideals in shaping Filipino identity, nationalism, and civic responsibility.

Rizal Day commemorates the execution of Dr. José Rizal on December 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan (now Luneta Park). His death at the hands of Spanish colonial authorities transformed him from a reformist intellectual into a symbol of peaceful resistance and national awakening. Through his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Rizal exposed social injustices and abuses, inspiring Filipinos to reflect on freedom, dignity, and the value of education.

The 129th commemoration at the Philippine Embassy in The Hague was observed through a wreath-laying ceremony, speeches, and the recitation of the poem Mi Último Adiós.

Sir Anton Lutter, KCR, Chapter Commander and founder of The Hague Chapter of the Knights of Rizal.

Sir Anton Lutter, KCR, Chapter Commander and founder of The Hague Chapter of the Knights of Rizal—the first chapter of this Philippine order of chivalry in the Netherlands—delivered his annual address. He stated:

“My remarks this year are about the term Noli Me Tangere. I was inspired by it because of the current exhibition at the Mauritshuis. The exhibition focuses on the Grand Tour—the journey undertaken by young Britons of good background after their studies between the 17th and 19th centuries to visit classical sites in Italy. The exhibition includes a large religious painting titled Noli Me Tangere. When we hear that term, we immediately think of Rizal’s great work published in 1887.

However, Noli Me Tangere originates from the Bible. How does this relate to José Rizal? The biblical story concerns the Resurrection. Mary Magdalene visits the tomb and finds it empty. She then sees a man she believes to be the gardener and reaches out to Him. Jesus stops her and says, ‘Noli me tangere’—‘Touch me not.’

He was in a liminal phase, between the grave and glory. He was sacred, and to hold Him would have stopped His mission. He had to ascend to the Father.

We know that José Rizal was familiar with this story. In 1887, he wrote about it to his friend Félix Hidalgo. And as we know, Rizal had his own mission.

‘Touch me not’ also has a medical meaning. For centuries, doctors used this phrase, and in the 19th century it referred to a diagnosis of facial cancer, specifically of the eyelids or nose. José Rizal himself was an eye doctor. In his book, he used the phrase to describe a social cancer.

Rizal combined these two worlds. He dedicated his book Noli Me Tangere ‘To My Country.’ He told the Philippines: you have a social cancer, so malignant that the slightest touch causes pain.

Rizal assumed the role of a surgeon. The Spanish friars were the bad doctors. They said: do not touch the system, do not criticize the Church. They claimed they were ‘sacred,’ like the Risen Christ. But Rizal disagreed. He said they were not sacred—they were a disease. Unlike the doctors of his time, he decided to operate. He chose to touch the cancer. He knew it would cause pain. He knew it might be fatal for him—and of course it was. He was executed. But he did it anyway. He exposed the sore on the steps of the temple.

Rizal wrote Noli Me Tangere in 1887. It was the first major resistance of its kind in Asia. That was over a century ago. But look around—the cancer has not disappeared; it has metastasized.

Rizal made a choice. He chose to touch the untouchable. He used the pen as a scalpel.

Today, we face the same choice. We have our own cancers in society. The instinct is to look away, to say ‘do not touch.’ Silence feels safer. But the ‘Noli’ is not a prohibition for us—it is a challenge from José Rizal to all of us.”

Following the speech, Sir Chris Sta. Brigida Kopp, KCR, Chapter Commander of Amsterdam, recited Mi Último Adiós (“My Last Farewell”), written by José Rizal while in prison shortly before his execution by firing squad on December 30, 1896.

The highlight of the commemoration was the solemn wreath-laying ceremony led by First Secretary and Consul Irish Kay Kalaw-Ado; Sir Anton Lutter, KCR; Sir Chris Sta. Brigida Kopp, KCR; and Sir Eppo Horlings, Deputy Commander of the Knights of Rizal in The Hague and Philippine Consul General ad honorem. The ceremony was attended by members of the Knights of Rizal, embassy personnel, and members of the Philippine community.

José Rizal’s teachings are as important today as ever. In a rapidly changing world marked by technological advancement, social challenges, and global uncertainty, his message remains deeply relevant. He believed that education is the foundation of national progress, that love of country must be guided by reason and compassion, and that true freedom begins with moral courage. The 129th Rizal Day commemoration emphasized these principles, encouraging Filipinos to practice critical thinking, respect for human rights, and active participation in nation-building.

Rizal’s heroism was not defined by violence, but by intellect, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to truth. As the nation reflects on 129 years since his martyrdom, Rizal Day serves as a reminder that patriotism can be expressed through everyday actions—serving others, standing against injustice, and striving for excellence in one’s field.

The 129th commemoration of Rizal Day is not merely a remembrance of the past, but a call to action for the present and the future. By living out Rizal’s ideals, Filipinos honor his legacy and contribute to the kind of nation he envisioned: educated, just, and free.

Mardouw Olive Estate Strengthens Its Presence in the Netherlands While Reaffirming Global Excellence

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Mardouw Olive Estate Strengthens Its Presence in the Netherlands While Reaffirming Global Excellence

Mardouw Olive Estate, South Africa’s most awarded producer of extra virgin olive oil, continues to consolidate its international reputation through a combination of sustainability leadership, consistent quality, and strategic expansion into the European market.

In a strong expression of its environmental commitment, Mardouw recently hosted a meaningful ceremony at its estate in collaboration with the Verder Group. On Saturday, 18 May 2024, more than 2,000 olive trees were planted at Mardouw—one for every employee of the Verder Group worldwide. The initiative reflects a shared vision of responsible growth and long-term stewardship of the environment.

The ceremony was opened by Richard Hattersley, Managing Director of Verder Scientific South Africa, together with Mardouw CEO Gerbrand Nijman. Mayor Schalk van Eden attended the event, as did Nina Verder on behalf of the Verder family. The Verder Group, a global technology leader active in approximately 25 countries, has placed sustainability at the core of its operations and chose Mardouw as its partner in South Africa to manifest this commitment locally.

“In partnership with Mardouw Olive Estate, we have undertaken a project that symbolizes our dedication to reducing our ecological footprint,” Richard Hattersley said. “By planting an olive tree for each of our employees, we demonstrate our belief in collective action and our commitment to a healthier and more sustainable world. This is what we call ‘enabling progress’ at the Verder Group.”

Gerbrand Nijman underlined the alignment of values between the two partners. “At Mardouw, we uphold the highest standards of quality, recognised worldwide through platinum and gold awards in Europe, the United States, and South America. It is an honour to welcome these more than 2,000 trees to our farm and to care for them as part of our long-term contribution to both excellence in olive oil production and environmental responsibility.”

Alongside these sustainability milestones, Mardouw is now making its first retail steps in the Netherlands. Mardouw XXV Ultra and Superior Extra Virgin Olive Oils are now available in Wassenaar, located on the main shopping street, De Langstraat 39. This marks Mardouw’s first retail presence in the Netherlands, a significant milestone welcomed by the estate as its products reach consumers in one of the country’s most distinguished villages.

Further expansion is already underway. Mardouw has received its first order from a specialty store in Hilversum, where the oils are expected to be available by the end of January.

The year 2025 has proven to be an exceptional one for Mardouw Olive Estate. For the fourth consecutive year, the estate was recognised as the most awarded extra virgin olive oil producer in South Africa, reflecting the remarkable consistency and quality of its EVOOs. Internationally, Mardouw was honoured in Rome with the award for the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil of the Southern Hemisphere, reinforcing its standing among the world’s elite producers.

CEO of Mardouw, Gerbrand Nijman during the planing of Olive Trees at Mardouw.

Most recently, Mardouw received the news that it will enter the Top 25 Extra Virgin Olive Oils of the World, with the final results to be announced in mid-January 2026. This achievement signals a very promising start to the new year and serves as a strong encouragement for the entire Mardouw team.

With deep roots in sustainability, growing recognition across continents, and a clear footprint in the Netherlands, Mardouw Olive Estate continues to demonstrate that excellence, responsibility, and international ambition can go hand in hand.

AI, Robotics and Us – E-Book Launch

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AI, Robotics and Us – E-Book Launch

By Kamila Bogdanova

As 2025 drew to a close, reflection on the year’s achievements, milestones, and challenges brought one initiative into sharp focus: the creation of the Global Academy for Future Governance (GAFG) and its pilot project, the global online course “Understanding AI & Robotics: Their Multi-Dimensional and Multi-Spatial Implications for the Public and Private Sector.”

Conceived and delivered through GAFG in collaboration with SilkRoad 4.0, European Perspectives scientific magazine, IFIMES, and a broad consortium of international partners, the course united speakers and participants from all continents for eight intensive weeks of learning, dialogue, and exchange. From this collective effort emerged an e-book—an edited volume that captures not only what was discussed, but how participants learned to think together about a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

This publication is more than a record of lectures. It reflects a shared effort to understand the future being shaped by artificial intelligence and robotics, and the conditions required to keep that future human-centred, ethically grounded, and globally inclusive.

From the opening sessions, one message was clear: AI and robotics are not defined by machines alone. They are defined by people—by how societies are organized, how vulnerability is protected, and how opportunity is created. The most meaningful questions were not about how powerful AI might become, but about the kind of world built around it and the principles that must guide decisions when speed and convenience invite compromise.

AI often enters public debate framed by dramatic language—revolutions, disruption, races for dominance. The reality is more measured and more consequential. AI enters daily life incrementally: through hospital triage systems, factory maintenance schedules, airport logistics, and fraud-detection tools that quietly determine outcomes. Because these systems integrate gradually, they can reshape societies before shared rules and norms are fully established.

This is precisely why the e-book matters. It treats AI and robotics neither as abstract concepts nor as purely technical domains. Instead, it addresses them as cross-sector, cross-border phenomena with ethical, economic, political, cultural, and security implications. The chapters emerge from global dialogue among contributors who do not always share the same assumptions, yet share a commitment to serious exchange and comparative perspective.

A book born from dialogue

The publication grew out of a learning environment intentionally designed as a meeting ground for different generations, regions, and professional cultures. This diversity reshaped the questions under discussion. Instead of asking what AI can do, participants focused on what should be permitted and under which conditions. Instead of framing competition as a race to win, the discussion turned to preventing the concentration of benefits among a few while risks spread to many.

These questions are practical rather than theoretical. They concern public policy, corporate responsibility, social cohesion, security, and public trust. Across the chapters, a common insight emerges: governance does not hinder technological progress. It enables technology to serve society rather than destabilize it.

From fascination to responsibility

The e-book presents both optimism and caution—and shows why each is essential.

Optimism is grounded in reality. AI and robotics already deliver tangible benefits: earlier disease detection, safer human-machine collaboration, more efficient logistics, improved cybersecurity, and broader access to essential services. For societies with limited resources, these capabilities offer meaningful opportunities.

Caution is equally grounded. AI scales rapidly. It scales bias alongside insight, misinformation alongside efficiency, and power alongside innovation. It can move faster than democratic oversight, legal frameworks, and public understanding. AI is therefore not merely a tool; it amplifies the values, assumptions, and incentives embedded within it.

A recurring conclusion from the program is that human control requires systems, not slogans. Transparency, auditability, education, and digital literacy are essential—not only for engineers, but for citizens and institutions. Effective governance demands adaptability, institutional independence, and the willingness to acknowledge uncertainty. In high-impact domains, misplaced certainty creates risk rather than confidence.

A perspective shaped by a complex world

In a period of global tension, AI is often framed as a geopolitical instrument—who leads, who controls data, compute, and infrastructure. These dynamics matter, yet they do not alter a deeper reality: AI has become a shared global environment. Code, ideas, and risks move across borders with ease. Information ecosystems, digital security, and critical infrastructure increasingly depend on decisions made far beyond any single jurisdiction.

Against this backdrop, the ethos behind the e-book—dialogue, cooperation, and inclusion—emerges as a strategic necessity. In domains marked by rapid diffusion and low barriers, isolation is unrealistic. Fragmentation leads to incompatible standards, uneven safeguards, and accelerated deployment without shared norms. Such conditions increase systemic risk.

The program that produced this e-book created a rare professional space: one in which participants with different nationalities and assumptions spoke a common language of responsibility. The chapters do not promote a single ideology. They advocate frameworks that place humans at the centre while allowing societies to innovate according to their own realities.

What readers can expect

Readers will not find a single overarching theory of AI governance in these pages. This choice is intentional. AI encompasses a family of technologies embedded in diverse environments. Governance must therefore remain contextual—tailored to sector-specific risks, sensitive to local conditions, and aware of differing social thresholds regarding surveillance, autonomy, and the balance between state and market.

In essence, this is an e-book about AI and robotics, and also about systems thinking.

An invitation to engage

Policymakers may approach this volume seeking guidance on regulation, investment, and safeguards. Executives and practitioners may look for insight into competitiveness and risk management. Students and citizens may simply aim to understand the transformations unfolding around them.

Wherever readers stand, two guiding principles are worth keeping in mind. First, resist extremes. AI is neither salvation nor catastrophe. It is a powerful set of tools shaped by the constraints and incentives applied to it. Second, focus on implementation. The critical question is not only what is possible, but under what conditions innovation remains safe, fair, accountable, and worthy of trust.

The most memorable moments of the program were those marked by intellectual humility: when technologists acknowledged model limitations, when diplomats recognized regulatory constraints, when artists reminded participants that human creativity cannot be reduced to an output metric, and when individuals from different continents asked how to build systems that serve more than a single interest.

That spirit defines this e-book. It records an encounter—between disciplines, generations, institutions, and between the human world and the machines now being created within it.

As “Understanding AI & Robotics” is launched, the hope is that its pages will inform and steady readers alike. The connectivity shift is already underway. The most urgent task is not to observe it, but to shape it with reason, humility, and respect for the lives that will unfold within the systems being built.

Request a free copy: Office@future-governance.org 

About the author:

Kamila Bogdanova, is GAFG Multispatial Affairs Senior Officer

Khaleda Zia Passes Away

Diplomat Magazine
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Khaleda Zia Passes Away

By Sazzad Haider

Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, passed away in Dhaka on December 30. Her death occurred during a transitional phase for Bangladesh. Following Sheikh Hasina’s ousting in a violent mass uprising over a year and a half ago, Islamic fundamentalists began to rise in Bangladesh.

After Hasina’s exit, this group continued to exert pressure on interim government leader Dr. Mohammad Yunus to establish a revolutionary government rather than hold elections – even insisting that the nation be declared an Islamic state by altering the national flag and anthem.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, under the leadership of the late Begum Khaleda Zia, opposed these proposals and called for the restoration of democracy through immediate parliamentary elections. The BNP is the largest political party in Bangladesh, which is why Sheikh Hasina, recognized as an autocratic leader, subjected the BNP, her primary rival, and its leader, Begum Zia, along with her family, to various forms of oppression. Furthermore, numerous leaders, activists, and supporters of this party faced different types of torture, including enforced disappearances and murder.

Begum Khaleda Zia was forcibly removed from her residence, placed under house arrest, and imprisoned following a so-called kangaroo court trial. When Khaleda Zia sought to travel abroad for medical treatment, Sheikh Hasina ridiculed her efforts and denied her permission to leave the country. After Sheikh Hasina’s downfall, Begum Khaleda Zia was honorably released from house arrest and became a symbol of the nation’s democratic aspirations. Her party focused on maintaining constitutional continuity, which ultimately saved Bangladesh from a chaotic tax regime. Following the collapse of Hasina and her party, Khaleda Zia’s popularity soared. Interim Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Yunus has announced the election timetable, stating that the National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 12 of the coming year.

The primary contenders in this election are the BNP, which is led by Khaleda Zia (the party’s chair), and the Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamic fundamentalist party recognized for its opposition to Bangladesh’s liberation war in 1971. The BNP, regarded as a moderate party, has formed alliances with various left-wing political groups. Other Islamic parties have also joined forces with Jamaat-e-Islami.

Due to Begum Khaleda’s imprisonment and health issues, her son, Tarique Rahman, has been managing the party as its vice chairman from exile in London for an extended period. Just five days ago, on December 25, after a lengthy 17-year exile, Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh and spoke at the largest public rally in the nation’s history. In front of millions, he vowed to create a secure Bangladesh, a message that resonated deeply with the crowd. This rally can be seen as evidence that Tarique Rahman is currently the most popular leader in Bangladesh, following in the footsteps of his recently deceased mother, Khaleda Zia.

In 1981, following the assassination of Khaleda Zia’s husband, Ziaur Rahman, a beloved president of Bangladesh, during a botched military coup, General Ershad, the army chief at the time, seized power in another coup with the intent of dismantling all political parties. During this tumultuous period, the newly widowed Khaleda Zia rose above her sorrow and took charge of the BNP, continuing the political struggle against Ershad. She quickly eclipsed her rival, Sheikh Hasina, in popularity, establishing herself as a steadfast leader.

When Ershad was ousted during a mass uprising in 1990, the BNP triumphed in the 1991 parliamentary elections, forming a government under Khaleda Zia’s leadership. Upon becoming prime minister, Khaleda Zia prioritized women’s empowerment and education, securing another term in office in 2001.

About the author:

Sazzad Haider is Writer & journalist, lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Journal.

Malta Republic Day Reception 2025

Diplomat Magazine
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Malta Republic Day Reception 2025

By Roy Lie Atjam

On the mild winter afternoon of December 12, 2025, a distinguished group of ambassadors, diplomats, and international representatives assembled at the Embassy of Malta to acknowledge and celebrate the Republic Day invitation from Ambassador H.E. Jeffrey Curmi.

The reception started with a captivating performance by the talented duo Kurt Falzon (violin) and Claudia Vicente Cano (cello), who beautifully rendered the national anthems of the Republic of Malta and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, setting the tone for the occasion.

 The celebratory reception also marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Malta and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Ambassador Jeffrey Curmi emphasized the great importance that Malta places on the shared values and principles that have historically formed the foundation of the relationship between the two nations. Looking to the future, the Ambassador expressed Malta’s commitment to continue deepening collaboration and partnership with the Netherlands in the years to come.

He also expressed sincere gratitude for the collegiality and support provided by fellow ambassadors and high-level officials from international organizations in The Hague to his Embassy and Permanent Representation.

H.E. Mr. Jeffrey Curmi, Ambassador of Malta.

 Ambassador Curmi affirmed Malta’s commitment as a proud member of the EU and the international community, standing as a bridge between cultures and a voice in favor of dialogue and cooperation.

Malta’s engagement in global affairs, its commitment to peace and security, and its respect for international law are pillars upon which it continues to engage bilaterally and multilaterally.

The program included a raffle for a plane ticket for two to Malta, courtesy of KM Malta Airlines. The lucky winner was the Ambassador of Brazil.

The Ambassador of Malta, H.E. Mr. Jeffrey Curmi, H.E. Fernando Simas Magalhães, ambassador of Brazil and Ms Paula Garcia Jorge, Sales Manager KM Malta Airlines.

The reception saw a strong turnout and was filled with a festive ambience. The Embassy of Malta extended its sincere appreciation to the representatives of the Malta Tourism Authority and KM Malta Airlines for their support in organizing this outstanding event.

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