Celebrating the Emperor Naruhito’s Birthday at the Embassy of Japan

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Celebrating the Emperor Naruhito’s Birthday at the Embassy of Japan

By Anton Lutter

The birthday of Emperor Naruhito, who ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019, was celebrated on February 23rd at the residence of Ambassador H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami. Ambassador Minami, who has a distinguished career in Japan’s Foreign Service, has served as Ambassador to the Netherlands since December 2022.

In his speech, the Ambassador reiterated the importance of the multifaceted bilateral relations between Japan and the Netherlands:
“Thanks to the rich and longstanding cultural exchange over centuries, many Dutch people are involved in traditional Japanese cultural activities such as Ikebana, tea ceremony, martial arts, and so on.”

The year 2025 marks the 425th anniversary of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, which includes a long history of mutual trade. Ambassador Minami noted:
“In this respect, I look forward to the upcoming high-level trade mission on high-tech and digital technology, led by Mr. Dirk Beljaarts, Minister of Economic Affairs, visiting Japan in May. I am sure that this mission will have a great positive impact on high-tech businesses in both countries. On that occasion, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander will also pay a visit to Japan, and I believe that it will enhance the gravity and dignity of our relationship.”

Between March 1942 and September 1945, Japan occupied the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia). This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II—an important moment for Japan as well. The Ambassador remarked:
“After 80 years, there are still people who suffer from the experiences and memories of the past. Last year, a Japanese group of atomic bomb survivors, Hidan-kyo, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which brought great joy to the Japanese people. But I believe that one important message of this award is that the Japanese people should never forget the past. It is with this solemn reminder that Japan should engage in the efforts for reconciliation with the Dutch people.”

Japan is considered a key partner to NATO, which will hold its 2025 Summit in The Hague in June. As former Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated in 2023, “no other nation is closer to NATO than Japan.” In January 2025, Japan appointed an ambassador to NATO in Brussels, becoming the first among NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners to do so.

Ambassador Minami also emphasized the importance of defense cooperation between the Netherlands and Japan:
“We are pleased that the mutual high-level visits of our armed forces were successful, and that the Netherlands dispatches a naval frigate to the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan, every two years. Security in Asia and security in Europe are inseparable.”

He also highlighted Japan’s commitment to the rule of law:
“We believe in the importance of the rule of law as a fundamental value of international society. In this regard, we are very concerned about the future of the ICC. Today, the ICC finds itself under threat of sanctions and arrest warrants from some states, and these threats may undermine the impartiality and independence of the ICC—a court entrusted with providing access to justice for victims of the most heinous crimes. Japan is determined to protect and cooperate further with the ICC, and we remain committed to working together with the other States Parties to this end.”

In addition to members of the Diplomatic Corps, the event was attended by Vice-President of the Council of State Mr. Thom de Graaf, President of the First Chamber of the States-General Prof. Dr. Jan Anthonie Bruijn, Mr. Laurens Jan Brinkhorst, former Minister of Economic Affairs and former Ambassador of the European Union to Japan, and Mr. Wouter Jurgens, Director of the Security Policy Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Philippines’ leading historian Professor Ambeth Ocampo visits Netherlands

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Philippines’ leading historian Professor Ambeth Ocampo visits Netherlands

Ambeth Ocampo is a household name in The Philippines, as historian, author (more then 35 books), including the widely-read “Rizal without the Overcoat” and the most recent “Cabinet of Curiosities: History from Philippine Artifacts.”

He’s Professor of History at the Ateneo de Manila University and Distinguished Professorial Lecturer at the De La Salle University and former chairman of the National Historical Commission of The Philippines and then chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Ocampo is also the author of “Looking Back,” the longest running column on history in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Sir Steef Klarenbeek, KOR, Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, Sir Anton Lutter, KCR.

During his highly anticipated visit, Professor Ambeth Ocampo delivered a lecture titled “The Philippines, Maps, and the Emergence of Nation” at the Philippine Embassy. The event was organized in collaboration with the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Knights of Rizal – The Hague Chapter, and also featured a lecture at Leiden University.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya praised Professor Ocampo’s work, highlighting how his contributions as a historian at Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University have shaped how Filipinos view and appreciate history. Ambassador Malaya noted that Ocampo’s approach encourages Filipinos to look beyond conventional historical narratives, making history both engaging and accessible to students and scholars. “For Ocampo, maps are not just navigation tools; they are powerful instruments that influence our understanding of geography, culture, and identity,” the Ambassador remarked.

Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, Philippines Embassy, The Hague.

Professor Ocampo began his lecture by describing the Philippines as “a young nation with an old history,” a history that can often be found in overlooked objects such as maps. He presented a series of historical maps, including the 1563 Ramusio-Gastaldi map, the first to reference “Filipina,” and the 1734 Velarde-Bagay-Suarez map, known as the country’s first scientific map and the “mother of all Philippine maps.” He also discussed the Philippines’ early encounters with the Dutch, showcasing maps like Jan Huygen van Linschoten’s 1598 map of Southeast Asia and the 1619 Mercator-Hondius map, which recorded naval battles between Spanish and Dutch fleets in Philippine waters. Ocampo also highlighted artifacts such as cannons marked with “VOC” (the initials of the Dutch East India Company), which are displayed in Intramuros and Zamboanga City.

“Old maps are significant not only for what they show but also for what they omit. They help define a nation’s territories, contributing to the formation of national identity,” Ocampo explained. “Maps represent trade, evangelization, and empire, while also connecting the past with the future.”

Sir Anton Lutter, KCR.

Sir Anton Lutter, KCR, Chapter Commander of the Knights of Rizal – The Hague, also delivered remarks, stating that the “Philippines has been an interesting country for the Dutch people, it being a seafaring nation, and that the presentation by Prof. Ocampo highlights the historical relations between the two nations.”

The event included an exhibition of historical books on the Philippines, curated by Sir Steef Klarenbeek, KOR, of the Knights of Rizal – The Hague Chapter. The collection featured works such as A Sense of Nation: The Birthright of Rizal, Bonifacio, and Mabini, Not Everything in Me Shall Die, Lolo Jose, and Philippine Cartography 1320-1899 by Carlos Quirino. Additionally, Dutch translations of JosĂ© Rizal’s novels Noli Me Tangere (Raak me niet aan!) and El Filibusterismo (De revolutie), translated by Mr. Gerard Arp, were displayed.

Ambeth Ocampo is widely regarded as the foremost expert on Dr. JosĂ© Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, and is known for his extensive work on Rizal’s legacy. Rizal was deeply influenced by the Dutch author Multatuli (pen name of Eduard Douwes Dekker), whose 1860 novel Max Havelaar inspired Rizal’s own work El Filibusterismo (1891). In connection with this, Ocampo visited the Multatuli Museum in Amsterdam, the birthplace of Douwes Dekker, which houses personal artifacts, letters, and other items offering insight into his life.

During his visit, Professor Ocampo was welcomed by members of the Multatuli Society, including board member Jurjen Pen, former Museum Conservator Willem van Duin, former Vice President of the Amsterdam Court Teun van Os van den Abeelen, and Filipina volunteer Jeanette Go. Ambassador Malaya, Sir Anton Lutter, KCR, and the Philippine Embassy team also accompanied him.

Mr. Pen, having read Rizal’s novels, described the Philippine hero as “smart, dedicated, strict, organized, and well-traveled.” Both Rizal and Multatuli had firsthand experience with the injustices of colonial rule, which led them to advocate for reform. Multatuli’s ideas played a significant role in reforming colonial policies in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and sparked movements for women’s rights and equality in the Netherlands.

President Trump’s Tariff Threat and Its Far-Reaching Impacts

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President Trump’s Tariff Threat and Its Far-Reaching Impacts

In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a potential 50% increase in tariffs on Chinese imports, set to take effect tomorrow, April 9, unless China retracts its retaliatory 34% levies by the end of today, April 8. Should this ultimatum stand, total U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods would reach an extraordinary 104%, marking a significant intensification of the long-standing trade dispute between the two global economic powers.

The White House has swiftly denied rumors suggesting a possible 90-day pause on the tariffs, dismissing such claims as “fake news.” The response from global markets has been immediate and severe. The S&P 500 has officially entered bear market territory, as investor confidence wanes and fears of a looming global recession mount.

International leaders have expressed concern over the aggressive stance adopted by Washington. Officials from the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and Mexico have voiced strong criticism of the new trade policy and are reportedly evaluating legal avenues and retaliatory measures. Such actions could further deepen existing divisions within global trade alliances and trigger a broader economic fallout.

Despite the potential negatives, the Trump administration has framed the tariff escalation as a necessary step to correct long-standing imbalances in global trade. According to White House economic advisers, these measures are designed to:

  • Encourage Fair Trade: By pressuring foreign nations to eliminate protectionist practices and level the playing field for U.S. companies.
  • Boost Domestic Industries: By incentivizing consumers and businesses to support American-made goods.
  • Promote Innovation and Competitiveness: As industries are pushed to evolve and enhance productivity in the face of decreased foreign competition.

In tandem with the tariff measures, the U.S. has pursued broader economic strategies aimed at revitalizing its industrial base. Recent tax reforms have injected capital into the economy, giving consumers and businesses greater spending power. Policy support for key sectors—including manufacturing, technology, and energy—has led to job creation and a measurable decline in unemployment rates.

Furthermore, the administration’s focus on domestic energy production is reducing reliance on foreign sources, lowering energy costs, and strengthening national security.

As the world watches with cautious anticipation, the coming days will be critical in determining whether these aggressive measures yield productive negotiations or plunge global trade into deeper disarray. Regardless of the outcome, the implications for diplomacy, international cooperation, and economic strategy are vast.

Development and International Education

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Development and International Education

By Professor Ruard Ganzevoort and Dr. Claire Hallewas

For a small country, the Netherlands has always played an impressive international role. Not only in international trade, but also – and related to it – in science. The world would have been different without the law of the sea of Hugo Grotius and the humanism of Erasmus. In the field of diplomacy and development, the country has also for many years been willing to contribute to stable and mutually beneficial international relations. The constitution of the Netherlands makes this responsibility explicit in art 90: The Government shall promote the development of the international legal order. That is why there has been much support to develop The Hague into the international city of peace and justice. It has also led to strong commitment to international development cooperation.

As diplomats from the global south will know, many young people from the global south have made their way to study in the Netherlands or another European country. Some of our educational institutions are even specifically tailored to the needs and interests of students from the global south. Many mid-career professionals attended training programs under the rubric of ‘capacity building’. Whether it is in agriculture and food security, water or energy technology, or management and social sciences, global south education has become an important part of knowledge diplomacy since the 1950s. We might even call this the ‘development decades’. In returning to their home countries, the alumni have proven to become important connectors between the two countries. Many of them build mutually fruitful collaborations over decades.

But times are changing. European governments, including the Dutch, are cutting down on scholarships for the global south. They put restrictions on the number of foreign students generally. They focus more on internal issues than on international collaboration, especially with the global south. And they are more interested in securitization and defence than in development and conflict prevention.

The crucial challenges today – climate change, international stability, food security, and more – require more collaboration, not less. Diplomats, as well as international NGOs and knowledge institutions are tirelessly trying to build and maintain that collaboration. Against the Zeitgeist, they hammer home the message that we need to work together because we only have one planet, and our common future depends on keeping that planet a viable place to live.

There are many beautiful stories to tell about these collaborations. European cities learn from counterparts in Africa and Asia how to cope with heatwaves. Countries like the Netherlands and Bangladesh share experiences of being river deltas. Multicultural societies are all navigating diversities and a search for identity. The economic and ecological challenges around fossil resources are discussed around the globe. Researchers, NGOs and grassroots organisations share their insights. Together they inform policymakers and politicians. Students bring experiences from their home country to Europe and return with new knowledge and possibilities. Diplomats build bridges to make all these stories known and to forge connections. As important as these collaborations were in the past, they are even more relevant today.

Fortunately, the changing attitude of western governments is not the end of the story. Since the development decades, many countries have evolved from low-income countries to middle-income countries or even better. Parallel to that, they developed from aid recipients to trade partners. And internally, they often started to invest significantly in education, health care, and technology. That does not mean that collaboration for global south education has become irrelevant. Instead, it means that this collaboration is becoming truly mutual. We are learning that knowledge from the north and the south complement each other and colleagues from north and south increasingly work together on common challenges.

As economic possibilities and traditional differences in political power are still there, countries in the north still have a responsibility to contribute financially to this cooperation. The common good of humanity and of the planet requires continuing our investments in global south education. Diplomats from the south should not hesitate to urge countries like the Netherlands to maintain the effective scholarship programs for global south students as well as funding for joint research. But they should also urge their home countries to expand or start their own scholarship and research funding programs. Jointly investing in education and science will continue to be the key driver to flourishing people, societies, and international relations, as well as addressing the global challenges we jointly face.

About the authors:

Ruard Ganzevoort, ISS Rector

Ruard Ganzevoort is rector of the International Institute of Social Studies (Erasmus University Rotterdam) and chair of the network of Dutch development institutes SAIL.

Claire Hallewas, TU Delft

Claire Hallewas is managing director of the TU Delft | Global Initiative (Delft University of Technology) and chair of the Dutch Platform for International Education (PIE).

Ghana @68

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Ghana @68

Cultural Diplomacy as a Tool For Enhancing Bilateral Relations Between Ghana and The Netherlands

By H.E. Mr. Francis Danti Kotia, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the Kingdom of the Netherlands

As Ghana attained its 68th Independence Anniversary in March 2025, it is important to take stock of Ghana-Netherlands relations and to preview areas of future focused cooperation between the two Countries. Ghana’s relations with the Netherlands dates as far back as 1593 when the first Dutchman Bernard Ericzoon set foot on Ghanaian soil. At the time the Dutch were amongst a group of European explorers who had sailed to the coast of Africa in search of resources that will interestingly finance the all-important movement that came to be known as the Renaissance in Europe. Ghana then known as the Gold Coast was endowed with a bountiful supply of Gold which gave Dutch explorers a reason to mark their territory in West Africa by putting up forts and dungeons in Elmina to consolidate their military position in a strategically lucrative part of the African continent.

These forts will later be used as the assembly point for enslaved Africans who were to be transported to the new world as commodities in what came to be known as the Transatlantic Slave trade. Over the years, the commercial relations between Ghana and the Netherlands have evolved from an aura of darkness and shame to a stage of equity, fairness, mutual benefit undergirded by humanitarian principles. Although Ghana closed down its Mission in the Hague from 1982 to 1997 due mainly to resource constrains, nevertheless, the Netherlands maintained its Embassy in Accra at the level of a ChargĂ© d’affaires until 1991 when it was upgraded to the Ambassadorial level.

Over the years, the scope of cooperation between Ghana and the Netherlands has grown in leaps and bounds and still experiencing satisfactory expansion in all aspects of the relationship. The major sectors in Ghana that are beneficiaries of Dutch support are in the domain of health, transportation, water and sanitation as well as agriculture. Ghana indeed has been one of the Netherlands’ development partners since 1998 with cooperation concentrating on areas of mutual interest to both countries. Nonetheless, the developmental assistance lately is undergoing a transformation that places more emphasis on trade instead of aid. A paradigm shift in policy which suits Ghana’s attempt to advance through investments and reciprocal free trade predicated on the export of finished products and the structural development of the local economy through the transfer of technology and technical expertise.

It is therefore refreshing to note, that the Netherlands has now become the second destination of Ghana’s exports to Europe. As encouraging as that economic development is, there is certainly room for improvement which is why it has become imperative to explore numerous avenues that can serve as a stimulus of commercial exchange between two very friendly countries.

The Netherlands Africa Business Council (NABC) has been one of the institutions that continue to create the right platform for entrepreneurs interested in doing business in Ghana. Its counterpart in Ghana, is the Ghana and Netherlands Business and Culture Council (GNBCC) which represents business interests of both Ghanaian and Dutch companies. GNBCC not only facilitates and supports businesses between Ghana and the Netherlands but also fosters cultural understanding between the people of the two countries.

In an attempt to make culture one of the mainstays of bilateral ties between Ghana and the Netherlands, the Ghana Mission in the Hague intends to embark upon a series of activities and programmes that will showcase cultural diplomacy as a solid platform for marketing Ghanaian businesses and entrepreneurs in the host country. It is a tool that is likely to be effective as a basis for drawing the two countries together because even though prima facie Dutch culture appears to have little in common with the Ghanaian way of life the narratives of Ghanaian migrants to the Netherlands seems to suggest otherwise.

Not only have Ghanaians integrated seamlessly into Dutch society, but the ability of second and third generation Ghanaians born in the Netherlands to successfully form a familiar identity by merging cultural values from both sides of their heritage illustrates that the two countries have a lot in common. A visit to any Ghanaian restaurant in Amsterdam or any part of the Netherlands will have both Dutch and African customers patronizing Ghanaian food. Jollof Rice, Yam or Apim and Palava Sauce, or Banku and Tilapia, ripened Fried plantains and Beans stew (known in Ghanaian parlance as Red Red) are not necessarily alien to the palate of Dutch consumers.

The exploits of Ghanaian footballers in the Netherlands have also played a major role in the cultural integration that currently defines bilateral relations between the two countries. Footballers of Ghanaian heritage such as Memphis Depay, Jeremie Frimpong and Brian Brobbey have excelled not only in the Dutch Eredivisie but have also climbed the sporting ladder to represent the Netherlands at the national level in global tournaments such as the World Cup and the European Nations League. These remarkable exploits chalked by these renowned sportsmen have added to the visibility of Ghana within Dutch households contributing in no small measure to the aura of inclusivity and diversity which have become part and parcel of the Dutch society.

The reputation of Ghanaian migrants in the Netherlands remains resplendent, devoid of notoriety and controversy. Immigrants from Ghana are noted for their sense of discipline, hardwork, spirituality and communality. Their offspring and descendants currently identify not only as high-profile sportsmen but as legal practitioners, medical doctors, entertainers and law-abiding citizens contributing meaningfully and positively towards the upward mobility of Dutch society. The good deeds of the Ghanaian Diaspora in the Netherlands have given Ghana a good name and turned the country into a good brand within the annals of Dutch society which can be exploited for the mutual benefit of the two countries. The fact that the Ghana brand is well received in the Netherlands means that our commodities and exports have a comparative advantage on the local market.

The successful cultural synthesis that has been demonstrated by the Ghana community residing in the Netherlands must inform the basis for using culture as a tool for bringing the Netherlands and Ghana closer together. Furthermore, the beatific fusion of Ghanaian and Dutch culture means that, the populations of both countries have a mutual appreciation for hard work, discipline, peace and tranquillity, communal living, honesty, generosity, good food, sports and a solid commitment to God.

This natural cosmopolitan blend of Ghanaian and Dutch customs and traditions must necessarily find expression in the political ties that bind the two countries together. It is for this reason that, the Ghana Embassy in the Hague in the coming weeks and months intends to leverage on the existing rapport between the peoples of the two countries to stage Film Festivals, Food Fairs, Musical Concerts and Fashion Shows to generate more publicity for Ghana as a national brand in the Netherlands.

Cultural Diplomacy has been described as an extension of public diplomacy which relies on the exchange of ideas, information, art, language and other aspects of culture to foster cordial and friendly relations between states and their peoples. Ghanaians and their Dutch counterpart have found an organic way of coming together. It is now for our governments to use this synergy as a platform for further promoting tourism, trade, commerce and multilateral cooperation.

The forts and castles which form part of the Netherlands’ colonial legacy in Ghana must give Dutch scholars and academics a reason to travel to Ghana to learn more about their nation and the historical underpinnings which tie their ancestors to Africa. The ability to convert a dark ancient colonial relic into a monument or vehicle for postmodern commercial growth can only be attained through the creative use of cultural diplomacy as a basis for progressive exchange between Ghana and the Netherlands.  

Move fast and break things

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Move fast and break things

By John DunkelgrĂŒn

Up until eleven years ago, Facebook’s internal motto, coined by its founder Mark Zuckerberg, encapsulated the company’s bold vision.

This motto is particularly fitting for a company with ambitious plans to redefine traditional practices. Facebook and WhatsApp transformed personal communication by offering easier, faster, and cheaper ways to connect, rendering traditional mail services almost obsolete. Similarly, Amazon revolutionized the retail industry by providing an unparalleled selection of goods that could be purchased conveniently and affordably from anywhere, delivering them swiftly to people’s doorsteps. While this shift significantly impacted many small businesses, the plan succeeded, ultimately benefiting consumers.

Likewise, Apple’s iPhone disrupted and destroyed Nokia’s mobile phone business but created to an entirely new industry centered on smartphones.

In the business world, the concept of “move fast and break things” is commonplace and is often called “Creative Destruction.” When a product line becomes unprofitable, it should be shut down or replaced swiftly. Similarly, when superior machinery becomes available, it’s often beneficial to upgrade even before the old machines have depreciated. The key factor is how much better the new strategy or technology is.

However, this approach does not apply to a nation’s governance. Like supertankers, countries change direction and speed gradually. Forcing rapid change can undermine their structural integrity and cause instability, chaos, and panic. Moreover, such changes require a well-thought-out plan. Is one in place?

President Trump inherited an economically strong nation. There was near full employmemt and inflation was on a downward trend. The labor market was thriving, and the stock market was performing exceptionally well. Nonetheless, challenges persisted. The U.S. continued to struggle with managing the ongoing influx of migrants. Unemployment in the Rust Belt remained stubbornly high, leaving many without hope for improvement. Additionally, middle-class incomes had stagnated, and the National Debt was becoming increasingly alarming.

When Mr. Trump took office, he claimed that the U.S. was in dire trouble. It had been taken advantage of by almost all of its trading partners. It had been weakened by previous administrations and by the elites controlling the so-called ‘Deep State.’ His approach involved rapid and widespread changes, often lacking a clear plan. The national deficit had increased, in part due to his earlier tax cuts that favored corporations and the ultra-wealthy. At the same time, he reduced the number of IRS employees, potentially allowing more individuals and businesses to evade existing tax obligations.

Additionally, he pushed for a return to in-office work even when many offices were no longer operational or necessary. He encouraged Mr. Musk to fire large numbers of federal employees without having comprehensive reorganization strategies in place. These sweeping actions raise the question: how do they contribute to making the government more efficient? The lack of planning and consistent strategy seems counterproductive to his goal of improving government functionality.

A significant issue is that he applied outdated pre-WWII strategies to address modern challenges that often don’t exist in how he perceives them. The global economy is an intricate network of interconnections involving not just goods, but services, communications, and ideas, all built upon trust. This trust is essential for respecting relationships and agreements, and for resolving disagreements through dialogue rather than abrupt actions. The global economic system is sensitive and doesn’t respond well to blunt disruptions.

The imposition of tariffs, intended to bring jobs back to the U.S., risks fueling inflation instead, much like a blacksmith’s bellows stokes a fire. This approach has seriously damaged the United States’ reputation as a reliable partner on the international stage, challenging the trust essential for sustaining global economic relationships.

Addressing the imbalances in global trade, particularly with countries like China that have long benefited from a purposely uneven playing field, would have been a valid strategic goal. Tackling this issue collaboratively with international partners could have yielded more effective and sustainable solutions. Similarly, supporting lower and middle-income workers might have been better achieved through targeted tax reductions financed by increasing taxes on the super-rich and large corporations.

Improving government efficiency doesn’t necessarily require devastating measures. Instead of a blanket workforce reduction, lMr Trump could have encouraged departments to propose thoughtful efficiency improvements, emphasizing innovation and modernization. If he wanted to deal with the government drastically without Mr. Musk’s chainsaw show, he could have demanded that the heads of departments produce a credible plan to cut costs by 10 or 15 percent within 3 months or lose their jobs. Setting clear, strategic goals and offering creative solutions could have led to meaningful gains without drastic random layoffs.

For instance, the IRS could have set specific targets to reduce tax fraud, coupled with closing major tax loopholes, all aimed at reducing the national debt and promoting fairness in the system. By adopting these more nuanced approaches, substantive change could have been achieved without causing disruptions in the system and untold misery to thousands of diligent employees.

Musking the Ship of State with a chainsaw instead of a plan is a recipe for chaos and disaster, as is the badly reasoned and destructive tariff plan.

“Biology 101” for Diplomats…

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“Biology 101” for Diplomats…

“A Thought and a Smile
”

By Eelco H. Dykstra, M.D.

Columnists author articles offering an opinion or perspective about a particular subject.The columns I write are ‘playfully provocative’ and intended to deliver both a smile and a thought. A smile because you hadn’t quite looked at something that way and a thought because the column may leave you wondering


What are your memories when you had Biology in school?

An eye-opening experience because you realized how interconnected everything in life and nature is? Or did you find biology classes boring and all you were interested in was to get a passing grade? Or was it something in between?

When we translate biology from Greek, we get “the study of life.” Nowadays, it is also referred to as ‘Life Sciences.’ Regardless of how you call it, many consider the Greek philosopher Aristotle as the Father of Biology and Maria Sibylla Merian, a German entomologist, naturalist, and scientific illustrator who died in Amsterdam in 1717, as the mother of Biology.

Hang on, wait a minute!

‘Biology’ is the body of knowledge that is relevant to all entities that live in today’s world? ‘Biology’ is a branch of science that deals with living organisms and their vital processes and is based on centuries of observation, investigation, reporting, and discourse?

Well, how could Diplomats then not be interested?

So, let’s present you with a refresher course: “Biology 101 for Diplomats”!

ESSENTIALS

It may sound like a platitude, but when it comes to what is essential, the “4F” approach summarizes all animal behaviour: fighting, fleeing, feeding, and reproduction. There is considerable truth in this tired joke, as all animals – including humans – must make decisions about conflicts, predator avoidance, feeding, and mating.

Diplomats know this – more so than most.

CELLS

Are universal building blocks of everything that is alive and the smallest unit in nature that can live on its own. They have an internal environment (cytoplasm) that contains a brain (nucleus) from which instructions are given to a wide variety of organelles.

These organelles represent essential services like energy, food, internal communication, transport, health, and waste disposal. Each cell is encapsulated by a semi-permeable membrane through which all goods and messages, inbound and outbound, must pass.

Diplomats know this – perhaps more so than most.

HUMANS

An adult human body is estimated to contain about 30 trillion (3×1013) human cells with an equal number of bacteria (!). Cells together create tissues, different tissues create organs and then organ systems. Obviously on a much larger and intricate scale, the human body’s structure and function resemble those of a cell.

With 60% of body weight consisting of fluid (cytoplasm), a central nervous system (nucleus) directs nine systems that work in unison to keep life-sustaining processes running. They break down food for fuel, clear away waste, repair damage, fight predators such as infectious germs and keep a close watch on both the internal and outside environment to keep us safe.

Diplomats know this – perhaps more so than most.

COMMUNITIES

Whether you call it a tribe, village, town, city or nation, humans are social animals that tend to (want to) live and work together in groups based on social/societal cohesion.

At city level humans (cells) live in different neighbourhoods (tissues), at national levels we can find provinces or regions (limbs, torso, neck, head).

Each community, irrespective of location, size, or type, depends on an uninterrupted supply of essential services such as governance, energy, food, water, housing, economy, communication, transport, health, education, and safety. At community levels, this system of essential services is often referred to as ‘Critical Infrastructure’ and its protection a top priority.

Diplomats know this, perhaps more so than most.

PLANET

Earth is a Cell or Organelle, Space is Cytoplasm, the Sun is a Mitochondrion, and all other planets are different Cells or Organelles? Are all of us living in different communities on the surface of a semi-permeable membrane?

Nobody knows – it is a mere hypothesis


Since all courses end with an exam, here’s a multiple-choice question for you:  

  1. Diplomats can be considered messengers within cells (m-RNA)
  2. Diplomats are gatekeepers for incoming and outgoing information through semi-permeable membranes.
  3. Diplomats are part of an overall Early Warning Systems (EWS) because they function as sensors in a Smart Sensor Grid
  4. All the above are correct.
  5. None of the above are correct.

You tell me!


About the author:

Eelco H. Dykstra. Photography by Tom Manning

Once dubbed a ‘Global Nomad’ in East Africa, Eelco H. Dykstra is a seasoned international crisis and emergency expert. As a true ‘Prac-Ademic’, he blends – also in his column â€œA Thought and a Smile” – his innate optimism with knowledge from his practical experience and rigorous fact-finding. 

Aside from being founder/chair of the Daily Impact Emergency Management (DIEM) network and a visiting professor in South Africa, he initiated the ’20/20 Vision’ program for the dual purpose of strengthening value-based resilience and overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way of implementing lessons (to  be) learned. Eelco has been a correspondent, written multiple books and articles and continues to work extensively with media, government, business, NGO’s and community-based initiatives. In short, Eelco is a transdisciplinary and trans-cultural multi-tasker – just like diplomats are.

Among his hobbies are cooking and playing the cello – see picture, taken by Tom Manning, during an impromptu performance with the Soweto Youth Orchestra.

Eelco H. Dykstra Professor (visiting), Adaptation and Resilience, University of South-Africa, UNISA. Chair, ’20/20 Vision’ Program: How do we go from ‘Risk’ to ‘Resilience”? Founder, Daily Impact Emergency Management (DIEM) Network 
www.diem.nu  www.20outof20.vision / eelco.dykstra@diem.nu

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Advocates for Enhanced European Defense Capabilities in Copenhagen

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Advocates for Enhanced European Defense Capabilities in Copenhagen

On March 18, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered an important speech at the Royal Danish Military Academy in Copenhagen, emphasizing the urgent need for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities to establish credible deterrence by 2030. The address, attended by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, underscored the shifting global security landscape and the imperative for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own defense.

President von der Leyen highlighted the resurgence of power competition and the erosion of the post-Cold War security architecture. She pointed to Russia’s significant military investments, noting that “40% of the federal budget is spent on defense. 9% of its GDP. This investment fuels its war of aggression in Ukraine while preparing it for future confrontation with European democracies.” Concurrently, she observed that traditional allies, notably the United States, are increasingly focusing on the Indo-Pacific region, necessitating a more autonomous European defense posture.

President Ursula van der Leyen 19 03 2025 during her speech at Frederiksberg Castle, Denmark. Photo Hasse Ferrold.

To address these challenges, von der Leyen introduced the “Readiness 2030” initiative, aiming for a robust European defense posture within the next five years. She articulated four key priorities:

  1. Increased Defense Spending: Advocating for a substantial rise in defense budgets across member states, von der Leyen proposed activating the National Escape Clause to provide countries with greater fiscal flexibility. This measure could potentially mobilize up to €650 billion over the next four years.
  2. Addressing Capability Gaps: Emphasizing the need for pan-European collaboration, she called for investments in critical areas such as air and missile defense systems, artillery, drones, cyber capabilities, and military mobility infrastructure.
  3. Support for Ukraine: Termed the “steel porcupine” strategy, this priority focuses on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities to deter potential aggressors. Von der Leyen announced the establishment of a joint task force with Ukraine to coordinate military support and facilitate the integration of Ukraine’s defense industry with the European market.
  4. Strengthening the European Defense Industrial Base: Addressing structural weaknesses, she proposed initiatives to encourage joint procurement and support defense industries, including the creation of a European military sales mechanism and the simplification of regulations through a Defense Omnibus.
EU President Ursula van der Leyen at Frederiksberg Castle. Foto Hasse Ferrold

In her concluding remarks, von der Leyen asserted, “Freedom is not a process. It is a constant struggle. It is every generation’s duty.” She reiterated Europe’s commitment to working closely with NATO, the United States, and other global partners to ensure collective security.

This speech sets the stage for the forthcoming White Paper on Defense, which the European Commission is scheduled to present, outlining detailed strategies to realize these ambitious objectives.

For further details, refer to the full speech by President von der Leyen on the European Commission’s website.

ICC Latvia agreement

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ICC Latvia agreement

On 28 March 2025, the International Criminal Court and the Government of the Republic of Latvia signed an Agreement on the Enforcement of Sentences.

Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the ICC, and H.E. Ms Solvita ĀboltiƆa, Ambassador of Latvia to the Netherlands, formalized the agreement during a ceremony at the ICC headquarters in The Hague. Under this agreement, individuals convicted by the ICC may serve their sentences in Latvia if designated by the Court and accepted by the Latvian Government.

Emphasizing the vital role of sentence enforcement in a complete and effective criminal justice system, ICC President Akane expressed gratitude to Latvia, stating: “The Court sincerely thanks Latvia for concluding this enforcement agreement. This step underscores Latvia’s strong commitment to international criminal justice and strengthens the Court’s ability to uphold its mandate.” She also encouraged other States Parties to follow Latvia’s example by signing similar agreements.

Ambassador ĀboltiƆa highlighted Latvia’s dedication to the Rome Statute, remarking: “This agreement reinforces Latvia’s role as a committed State Party that not only advocates for justice but actively strengthens legal mechanisms to support it. Our history has shown the importance of a strong legal framework in holding perpetrators accountable. We remain steadfast in promoting international peace and security, ensuring that the rule of law prevails over force.”

The Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty, stipulates that sentences imposed by the Court “shall be served in a State designated by the Court from a list of States willing to accept sentenced persons.”

Similar enforcement agreements exist between the ICC and Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Mali, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Minang Festival in Amsterdam – Minangkabau Diaspora Promoting Culture Abroad

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Minang Festival in Amsterdam – Minangkabau Diaspora Promoting Culture Abroad

Amsterdam, February 22, 2025 – The Minang Cultural Festival was held for the first time at Indonesia House Amsterdam (IHA)—the biggest Indonesia’s Promotion Centre in Europe that serves as a promotion hub in the Netherlands and Europe. The festival, themed “Jauah di Mato, Dakek di Hati” (Far from Sight, Close to the Heart), took place over two days on February 21-22, 2025.

More than 400 visitors crowded the five-storey building in Amsterdam, with the majority being local Dutch residents and Indonesian diaspora who have long resided in the Netherlands. Some visitors also came from Germany and Belgium.

Minangkabau Festival 2025.

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Sugiono, paid a visit to IHA on Saturday on the sidelines of his official trip to the Netherlands to meet with the Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp, in The Hague. At the venue, he engaged with visitors, both locals and diaspora, joined a dance, and even graced the festivity with a Minang song, ‘Ayam den Lapeh.’

“This Minang Festival is part of the ongoing programs of the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague at IHA. Besides introducing and promoting Indonesia’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, this initiative also serves as a platform for empowering the significant Indonesian diaspora in the Netherlands,” said the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indonesian Embassy, Mariska Dhanutirto, during the opening on Friday. She also emphasized that cultural festivals like this play an important role in public education, particularly in encouraging younger generations of the diaspora to take pride in and preserve their cultural heritage.

The festival showcased the authenticity of Minangkabau cultural heritage. A series of programs, including traditional dances and music performances, a culinary and Songket textile bazaar, as well as exhibitions, presented Minang traditions in their most authentic form. This, in turn, became the main attraction, drawing even larger crowds on the second day (Saturday). Performances included traditional Minangkabau dances such as Pasambahan, Piring, Indang, and Rantak, as well as Talempong musical performances and Minang pop songs. The first day also featured a presentation and discussion on the unique Minangkabau matrilineal kinship system—the largest of its kind in the world. This interactive discussion, led by a professor from Leiden University, was attended by academics and researchers from various institutions in the Netherlands, friends of Indonesia, as well as art professionals and cultural practitioners.

Indonesia Minangkabau cultural heritage.

A highlight of the festival was the diverse array of Minangkabau cuisine, featuring delicacies such as beef and eel Rendang, Gulai Kepala Ikan (fish head curry), Sate and Soto Padang, and Lontong Sayur (rice cakes with vegetable dishes). Food stalls attracted both the Minang diaspora longing for a taste of home and curious attendees eager to experience the flavors of Indonesia. “Now I understand why Rendang is dubbed the world’s most delicious food. I just proved it myself!” said one visitor who was visiting IHA for the first time.

With its success, organizers hope to make the Minang Festival an annual event, further strengthening the cultural bonds between the Netherlands and Indonesia.

For further information, please contact: Information and Socio-Cultural Affairs Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague Email: bidpen@indonesia.nl

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