Saudi Arabia Celebrates 96th National Day in The Hague, Highlighting Vision 2030 and Saudi-Dutch Relations

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Saudi Arabia Celebrates 96th National Day in The Hague, Highlighting Vision 2030 and Saudi-Dutch Relations

The Hague, September 2026 — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia marked its 96th National Day on 23 September, commemorating the unification of the country in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud and the establishment of the modern Kingdom. Across Saudi Arabia, the anniversary was celebrated with military displays, traditional folk dances, parades, concerts and fireworks, reflecting the country’s history, cultural heritage and ambitions for the future.

This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature”, highlighting six core values: authenticity, courage, determination, generosity, hospitality and vision. The theme reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its cultural identity while pursuing economic diversification, social development and international cooperation.

In The Hague, the anniversary was celebrated at the emblematic Hotel Des Indes, where H.E. Mr. Shahir Khalid A. Al Khaniny, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Netherlands, hosted a reception attended by a distinguished gathering of Dutch officials, ambassadors, representatives of international organisations, business leaders, academics, and members of the Saudi community.

The event brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps from countries across the world, alongside members of the business and aviation sectors, cultural and media representatives, and senior executives of companies with strong ties to Saudi Arabia. Representatives of the national carrier Saudia in the Netherlands were also among the guests. Saudi students and members of the Saudi community residing in the Netherlands joined in marking the national occasion.

For Ambassador Al Khaniny, who arrived in the Netherlands in January 2026, this was his first National Day reception in The Hague. The gathering offered an opportunity to recognise the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands and the connections cultivated during his first months in the country.

Ambassador H.E. Mr. Shahir Al Khaniny, of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Saudi diplomats and high business representatives.

A vision for the Kingdom’s future

Following the interpretation of the national anthems, Ambassador Al Khaniny welcomed his guests and expressed his appreciation for their presence and friendship.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all today, in joining to celebrate the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Your presence is deeply appreciated, and I am truly grateful for your friendship,” he said.

The Ambassador underlined the significance of the anniversary at a time of far-reaching transformation within the Kingdom, guided by the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Ambassador of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Paul Teesalu, Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Mr. Hernan Bascunan, Ambassador of Venezuela to the International Organizations, H.E. Mr. Hector Constant Rosales, Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Dominican Republic, H.E. Mr. Carlos de la Mota and the Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Ms. Eva Yelina Silva Walker.

“This year, we celebrate this occasion with immense pride in the transformation taking place across the Kingdom, guided by the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030—a transformation marked by unprecedented development, economic growth, social progress, innovation, and expanding opportunities across all sectors.”

He added that Saudi Arabia was advancing with confidence towards “a more diversified, prosperous, and sustainable future.”

Launched in 2016, Saudi Vision 2030 provides the framework for the Kingdom’s economic and social transformation, seeking to diversify the economy, develop new sectors, expand investment opportunities and enhance the quality of life. The National Day theme complemented these objectives by placing the values of Saudi society alongside the country’s aspirations for the coming decades.

H.E. Dr Alvaro Gonzalez Otero, Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Ms Caroline Chipeta, Ambassador of Tanzania and H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

A century of friendship between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands

The Ambassador also highlighted the longstanding friendship between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands, noting the historical foundations of a relationship that has developed into a broad partnership.

He recalled the early diplomatic contacts between the two countries, including the meeting between Prince Faisal and Queen Wilhelmina, which contributed to strengthening relations and expanding commercial ties. A century later, Saudi-Dutch cooperation encompasses a wide range of shared interests and opportunities.

“A century later, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands went beyond the ties of the past and advanced to a partnership with a strong present and an even greater future,” Ambassador Al Khaniny stated.

Cooperation between the two countries extends across investment, energy, sustainability, water management, agriculture, logistics, innovation, education and science. These fields offer opportunities to combine Saudi Arabia’s development ambitions with Dutch expertise in areas such as water technology, sustainable agriculture, port operations and logistics, and innovative solutions for the energy transition.

The presence of business representatives and senior executives at the reception reflected the importance of these economic connections. The gathering also provided a setting for further exchanges among Dutch and Saudi stakeholders, reinforcing the role of diplomatic engagement in supporting trade, investment and institutional cooperation.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Mr. Mohammed Bashri, the ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, H.E. Mr. Khalid Al-Kadi, the Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Emad Hanna Kamel and the Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Mrs. Corinne Suzanne Cicéron Bühler.

Dialogue and international cooperation

Addressing the wider international context, Ambassador Al Khaniny emphasised the importance of diplomacy and multilateral cooperation at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and continuing conflicts.

“At a time when the world is witnessing growing tensions and an increasing number of conflicts, it stipulates the need for dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes through bilateral engagement and multilateral efforts,” he said.

With world leaders and representatives of the international community gathering in New York for the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly, he stressed the importance of effective multilateralism and the contribution of international organisations to addressing shared challenges.

The Ambassador noted the role of these institutions in strengthening cooperation, advancing peace and security, and promoting constructive engagement among nations. His remarks carried particular relevance in The Hague, home to numerous international organisations and judicial institutions dedicated to international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Dutch Government and people for their friendship, hospitality and continued cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

“May the bonds of friendship between the two Kingdoms continue to deepen, and may Saudi-Dutch relations continue to flourish for the benefit of our two nations and in support of greater international cooperation and prosperity,” Ambassador Al Khaniny, concluded.

“May the bonds of friendship between the two Kingdoms continue to deepen, and may Saudi-Dutch relations continue to flourish for the benefit of our two nations and in support of greater international cooperation and prosperity,” he concluded.

An evening of friendship and exchange

The official proceedings were followed by a reception, during which guests took the opportunity to exchange views and strengthen professional and personal connections in a friendly atmosphere.

The gathering at Hotel Des Indes brought together the diplomatic, political, academic and business communities, illustrating the breadth of relationships linking Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. For the Saudi community in the Netherlands, the occasion was also an opportunity to celebrate their country’s history, identity and achievements while sharing the significance of the national anniversary with their Dutch hosts and international friends.

Will Zelenskyy make an exit?

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Will Zelenskyy make an exit?

By Sazzad Haider

The geopolitical landscape shifted overnight when President Donald Trump pivoted on his energy policy, lifting a strategic cluster of sanctions on Russian fossil fuels.

Ultimately, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, has removed certain sanctions that were previously imposed on Russian fossil fuel exports. In recent days, he has concluded an agreement with the Russian Federation to facilitate the importation of diesel fuel.

The move culminated in a formal agreement to resume the import of Russian diesel, a decision that effectively prioritized American fuel stability over the diplomatic front. For President Zelenskyy, the agreement was more than a policy shift; it was a calculated betrayal.

“The fuel is there, we just need the handshake,” Trump had remarked during a closed-door briefing.

For Donald Trump, the geopolitical calculus of Eastern Europe is a matter of balance sheets and resource acquisition. He has increasingly signaled that Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a liability—a leader whose tenure has become an obstacle to a more lucrative strategic alignment with Vladimir Putin. In Trump’s estimation, the strategic weight of the Russian Federation far outweighs that of the current Ukrainian administration. The motivation is fundamentally economic: access to Russian diesel and the opening of sprawling bilateral trade sectors that have remained frozen since the conflict began. To Trump, a ceasefire isn’t just a diplomatic victory; it is the prerequisite for a massive industrial pivot.

The world has learned not to mistake Trump’s “impossible” proposals for mere rhetoric. Years ago, his public obsession with purchasing Greenland was laughed off as a surreal eccentricity. Yet, through a series of quiet, aggressive security arrangements, he managed to embed a U.S. military presence on the island, turning a punchline into a strategic foothold.

He is now applying that same disruptive logic to Kyiv. By championing immediate Ukrainian elections, Trump is framing Zelenskyy’s inability to secure a peace treaty as a disqualifying failure. He has grown particularly caustic regarding Zelenskyy’s authorization of strikes on Russian energy infrastructure—moves Trump views as sabotage of future trade assets. Zelenskyy, sensing the shifting wind in Washington, has offered a counter-proposal: elections can happen, but only if Russia agrees to a sixty-day cessation of hostilities first.

The shift in the American wind had become a gale. With Elon Musk openly calling for Zelenskyy’s exit, the Ukrainian president found himself operating in a strategic vacuum where former allies now functioned as critics. To stabilize the collapse of confidence, Zelenskyy pivoted toward Europe, treating the continent as a lifeline rather than a supplement. During a targeted diplomatic circuit in the United Kingdom, he met with King Charles and Prime Minister Andy Burnham, pushing for the specific, high-end unmanned aerial systems and missile technology required to keep a defensive line from buckling. It was a desperate, calculated gambit to prove that while Trump’s confidence had evaporated, the European machinery of war remained operational.

Five years of grinding attrition have left Ukraine a map of scars, with a fifth of its land currently functioning as a Russian colony. Zelenskyy remains the face of the resistance, though his hand is guided by the logistics of Washington and Brussels; without their shipments of shells and sensors, the front lines would collapse into the mud.

The machinery of democracy has stalled, rendered obsolete by the physical impossibility of polling stations in a war zone. Because no one has voted in years, Zelenskyy’s mandate has shifted from a democratic one to a survivalist one, leaving his actual popularity an open question. Yet, there is a lingering anxiety that the only thing more dangerous than an election not held is an election that is. Should the polls actually open, the process would not be a domestic affair, but a geopolitical theater—one where American influence could pivot the presidency, just as Trump has suggested.

The G20 summit is scheduled to convene in Miami during December, with Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to attend. His participation, considering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, would generate substantial discomfort among European allies. As a result, Trump is endeavoring to establish an accord with Putin regarding Ukraine before the conference takes place. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has designated the complete withdrawal of Russian military personnel—including the relinquishment of Russian authority over Crimea—as his essential condition for conflict resolution; such an outcome would represent a significant setback for Putin. Trump, however, aims to achieve a settlement through territorial concessions granted to Russia—an arrangement that the steadfast Zelenskyy would find unacceptable.

Should Zelenskyy be removed and replaced by a pro-American, Trump-aligned leader—whether through democratic processes or other means—the pathway would open for negotiating a peace settlement with Russia contingent upon territorial concessions. The United States has invested considerable financial resources in supporting Ukraine’s defense, yet Trump demonstrates reluctance to increase this expenditure further. Moreover, Trump has already secured preliminary agreements regarding Ukraine’s mineral wealth for 2025, effectively positioning American interests over the nation’s rare earth elements, lithium, and titanium reserves. Given that active military operations currently impede the full-scale extraction and utilization of these resources, achieving peace has become a higher priority for Trump than for Ukraine war itself.

 President Trump has accumulated substantial financial returns through his significant capital investments directed toward the Ukrainian conflict, thereby establishing effective control over Ukraine’s considerable mineral resource base. Furthermore, as a consequence of military operations spanning both the Middle East and Ukraine, the United States has attained dominance within the global energy sector; the nation presently exports substantially more petroleum than it requires for domestic consumption.

In response to the Ukrainian conflict, the European Union has implemented comprehensive sanctions against Russia. These measures have constrained the Union’s capacity to obtain Russian petroleum and natural gas, compelling it to source these essential commodities from the United States at substantially higher costs. Within this geopolitical context, President Trump independently negotiated a procurement agreement for diesel fuel from Russia while circumventing the established sanctions regime; however, he preserved the sanctions framework for all other parties, effectively preventing them from importing Russian petroleum derivatives. This arrangement mandates that Russian diesel acquisitions occur exclusively through United States intermediaries. The United States currently exercises regulatory control over a significant portion of petroleum supplies derived from the Middle East, Venezuela, and Russia.

The Middle East has ceased to function as the predominant energy-supplying region, as American energy enterprises now exercise exclusive dominance over the international petroleum market.

Fundamentally, the petroleum trade constitutes the central factor underlying both the Ukrainian conflict and tensions in the Middle East—a circumstance for which civilian populations bear the consequences.

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About the author: Sazzad Haider is writer & journalist, lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is Editor in Chief of Diplomatic Journal.

E-mail: diplomaticjournal9@gmail.com

Navigating the Digital Shift: Guy Kortes on AI, Media and Young Voters

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Navigating the Digital Shift: Guy Kortes on AI, Media and Young Voters

How social media and artificial intelligence are reshaping political engagement among young voters

For many young people, political news no longer begins with a newspaper or television broadcast. It starts with a social media post, short video or algorithmic recommendation. This shift is changing how young people access information, engage with politics and understand democracy.

Young participants of Bright Future’s “Participate and Promote Democracy” EU funded youth participation project spoke with Guy Kortes, current national chairman of the Jonge Democraten, the youth organization, affiliated with D66, about the opportunities and risks of this digital transformation.

Kortes sees social media, as an important tool for making political information more accessible. It allows young people to encounter news, participate in discussions and express their views. Yet accessibility can come at a cost. Short-form content may simplify complex political issues and leave little room for context or nuance.

The changing media environment also raises questions about the future of independent journalism. Kortes supports stronger protection against copyright infringement, so journalists can be fairly compensated, when their work is used by AI systems. He also sees subscription-based models as one way for media organisations to remain financially sustainable.

Misinformation presents another challenge. Kortes argues for clear legal boundaries, while keeping platforms responsible for content moderation. At the same time, freedom of expression should remain protected, unless content becomes dangerous or hateful.

He rejects broad social media bans for young people, favouring age-specific restrictions, that protect vulnerable users without excluding young people from digital participation. Transparency is equally important. Media organisations should disclose sponsorships, financial interests and potential foreign influence, while safeguards must prevent such rules from being misused to silence critical voices.

Kortes also stresses the importance of protecting journalists from threats and political intimidation. Governments have a responsibility to provide practical protection, while politicians should avoid encouraging hostility towards journalists, simply because they disagree with their reporting.

Artificial intelligence makes these challenges more urgent. AI can generate convincing content, reproduce bias and make manipulated information harder to identify. Kortes therefore supports greater transparency, stronger regulation and greater responsibility from platforms.

Ultimately, he sees media literacy and critical thinking, as essential democratic skills. Schools should help young people evaluate sources, recognise manipulation and deepfakes and use AI responsibly.

In an information environment, where anyone can publish or generate content, knowing how to question information may be as important as having access to it.

This article is produced by Peace Ojoma Idoko, Mariia Lesnikova, Charahja van Broekhoven, Felisita Fideline Sinartio,Rina Takahashi, Otabek Abdullaev, Adam Harutyunyan, participants in the Bright Future Foundation, as part of the European Union’s “Participate & Promote Democracy” Youth Participation project, in cooperation with Diplomat Magazine, Embassy of the Netherlands in Armenia and young members of the Armenian partner organization Promising Youth.

Real Armenia: Rethinking Statehood, Identity and the Future

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Real Armenia: Rethinking Statehood, Identity and the Future

By Matti Below, Sofie Babaian, and Kira Berger

On 8 October 2026, H.E. Mr Viktor Biyagov, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Netherlands, delivered a lecture entitled “Real Armenia: Rethinking Statehood, Identity and the Future” at Maastricht University’s Faculty of Law.

The event formed part of The Ambassador Lecture Series, convened by Professor Fabian Raimondo under the auspices of the Maastricht Centre for Human Rights and in cooperation with ELSA Maastricht. The series offers students an opportunity to engage directly with ambassadors on legal, political and diplomatic issues of international significance. In his lecture, Ambassador Biyagov explored the concept of “Real Armenia”, reflecting on the relationship between historical identity, sovereignty and the future of the Armenian state.

At the heart of his presentation was a fundamental question: how can a nation whose identity has been shaped by its history reconcile the preservation of its heritage with the practical demands of building a modern, sovereign and democratic state? From historical memory to modern statehood For centuries, Armenians preserved their national identity despite being deprived of an independent state. Historical memory, language, culture and solidarity consequently played a central role in sustaining a sense of national belonging.

According to Ambassador Biyagov, the restoration of Armenian independence has brought new responsibilities and challenges. The concept of “Real Armenia” places the internationally recognised territory of the Republic of Armenia, its institutions and its citizens at the centre of national priorities.

This approach distinguishes between historical identity and present-day state strategy, placing sovereignty, security, democratic governance and citizens’ welfare at the centre of national priorities. But it does not mean abandoning historical memory. Instead, the Ambassador stressed the importance of distinguishing between the preservation of national identity and the formulation of a viable political strategy. History should inform the choices of the present without preventing society from looking towards the future.

H.E. Mr Viktor Biyagov, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Netherlands during his presentation

Patriotism An important theme of the lecture was the Armenian patriotism

Traditionally associated with historical memory, sacrifice and the preservation of national identity, patriotism increasingly finds expression in active citizenship and responsibility towards the state. Ambassador Biyagov described a modern conception of patriotism founded on democratic participation, respect for the rule of law, the protection of individual rights and accountability. In this perspective, the strength of a state should be measured not merely by its territory or historical achievements, but also by the security, freedom, dignity and opportunities it provides to its citizens.

The Ambassador also addressed the relationship between Armenia and its extensive diaspora. While Armenian identity transcends national borders, the responsibilities of statehood necessarily concern the institutions and citizens of the Republic of Armenia.

Reconciling these different dimensions of Armenian identity remains an important challenge. Security, peace and regional stability The question of security occupied a central place in the Ambassador’s reflections. In his account, national security extends beyond military capabilities to encompass institutional resilience, economic development, democratic stability and the confidence of citizens in their country’s future.

Particular attention was devoted to the prospects for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Ambassador Biyagov emphasised that the concept of “Real Armenia” cannot be separated from the pursuit of sustainable peace. Such peace, he suggested, requires more than the absence of armed conflict: it depends on the gradual development of trust and the creation of conditions that make renewed hostilities less likely. He acknowledged that reconciliation between societies affected by prolonged conflict is a complex undertaking, potentially requiring generations.

“Real Armenia: Rethinking Statehood, Identity and the Future” lecture by the Ambassador of Armenia at Maastricht University’s Faculty of Law.

Nevertheless, peace remains an essential condition for long-term stability and development. Foreign policy and strategic autonomy Ambassador Biyagov also examined Armenia’s position within a complex geopolitical environment. As a relatively small state situated at the intersection of competing regional and international interests, Armenia faces the challenge of preserving its sovereignty while maintaining constructive relationships with major powers.

The Ambassador advocated a balanced foreign policy aimed at safeguarding Armenia’s longterm interests and preserving its freedom of strategic choice. This involves developing relations with the European Union and the United States while maintaining important ties with Russia and Iran. Rather than pursuing isolation or excessive dependence on any single international partner, Armenia seeks to strengthen its capacity to make independent decisions in accordance with its national interests. These issues featured prominently in the question-and-answer session, during which participants explored the opportunities and difficulties associated with Armenia’s evolving international relationships, particularly its engagement with the European Union.

Towards a new social contract another significant aspect of the lecture concerned the relationship between the Armenian state and its citizens. Ambassador Biyagov presented “Real Armenia” as the foundation of a renewed social contract, in which political legitimacy rests on popular sovereignty, democratic accountability and the state’s responsibility to protect the welfare of its population. He recognised that such a transformation cannot be achieved solely through governmental initiatives. It also requires changes in public attitudes and a willingness to reconcile deeply rooted historical experiences with contemporary political realities.

The challenges of this transition are compounded by social divisions, the consequences of genocide and the relationship between Armenia and its diaspora. The Ambassador referred in particular to the displacement of approximately 100,000 Armenians and the need to create conditions for their successful integration into society. Nevertheless, he emphasised the importance of societal participation in shaping Armenia’s future.

A sustainable transformation must emerge not only from political institutions but also from citizens themselves. Making history serve the future The lecture concluded with a reflection on the relationship between historical memory and political responsibility. As Ambassador Biyagov put it, “Historical memory should provide wisdom, not paralysis.” This observation encapsulated the central message of his presentation: honouring Armenia’s past requires more than preserving its memory. It also demands the construction of a secure, prosperous and democratic future for the generations to come.

The concept of “Real Armenia” thus represents an attempt to reconcile historical identity with the practical responsibilities of contemporary statehood. As the lecture illustrated, this process involves difficult choices concerning sovereignty, security, democracy and international relations, but also offers an opportunity to redefine the relationship between a nation’s past and its future.

ICC Revises Code of Judicial Ethics

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ICC Revises Code of Judicial Ethics

The Hague, 16 October 2026 — A revised version of the Code of Judicial Ethics of the International Criminal Court (ICC) enters into force today, introducing amendments concerning judges’ use of social media and the binding nature of the Code.

The amendments were agreed upon by the judges during their annual judicial retreat on 29 September 2026, in accordance with Regulation 126 of the Regulations of the Court.

A new subparagraph 3 has been added to Article 10, requiring judges to exercise caution when using social media and other information technologies. Article 12 has also been amended to expressly affirm that the ethical standards set out in the Code are binding and that non-compliance may constitute misconduct.

These changes reflect the Court’s commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and ensuring that the conduct of its judges remains consistent with the responsibilities and public trust associated with judicial office.

The amendments to Articles 10 and 12 enter into force today, following publication of the revised Code on the ICC website.

Read the ICC Code of Judicial Ethics.

International Court of Justice to Receive Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize

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International Court of Justice to Receive Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize

The Hague, 7 October 2026 — The International Court of Justice (ICJ), which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, will receive the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize on 9 November 2026. The second-oldest peace prize in the world recognises the Court’s significant contribution to the peaceful settlement of disputes between states and its role in promoting international law as a foundation for peace and justice.

Laureate: The International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Established under the Charter of the United Nations in 1945, the Court began its work in April 1946. It has two principal functions: to settle legal disputes between states in accordance with international law and to provide advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and specialised agencies.

Of the six principal organs of the United Nations, the ICJ is the only one based outside New York. Its seat is the Peace Palace in The Hague. The Court comprises 15 judges, also known as members of the Court, and is supported by its Registry. Since its establishment, 202 cases have been entered on the Court’s General List. It is currently handling 24 cases.

Peace Palace, The Hague. Photography by Diplomat Magazine.

Carnegie Foundation Jury Report

In its jury report, the Carnegie Foundation explains the reasons for awarding the Peace Prize to the International Court of Justice:

In a world characterised by increasing geopolitical tensions and international conflicts, the International Court of Justice plays an essential role as a peaceful instrument for the settlement of disputes. By offering states a judicial forum for the resolution of disputes, the Court contributes to preventing the escalation of conflicts and promoting international stability. The International Court of Justice distinguishes itself by its authority and legitimacy and enjoys broad recognition among states worldwide.

In addition, the Court fulfils an important normative function. Through its advisory opinions, it provides authoritative interpretations of international law on issues of global importance, including self-determination, international humanitarian law, and the responsibilities of states.

The 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice marks not only a historic milestone but also underscores the enduring importance of the rule of law in international relations. At a time when multilateralism is increasingly under pressure, the Court remains a stable and authoritative pillar of the international legal order. Through its unique combination of judicial authority, peaceful dispute settlement, and contribution to the development of international law, the International Court of Justice plays an essential role in promoting a just and lasting peace.

The Carnegie Foundation witnesses daily the increasing workload of the Court and the challenges it faces in carrying out its mandate. By awarding the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize to the International Court of Justice, the Carnegie Foundation wishes to recognise and honour the achievements of the members of the Court, as well as the indispensable contributions of the Registry and its staff to the advancement of international justice and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Award Ceremony and High-Level Forum

On behalf of the members of the International Court of Justice and the Registry, H.E. Iwasawa Yuji, President of the ICJ, will receive the prize on Monday, 9 November, at 3 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Peace Palace. The award will be presented by Piet Hein Donner, Chairman of the Carnegie Foundation, Minister of State, and former Vice-President of the Council of State.

The ceremony will take place during the High-Level Forum, A Reaffirmed Commitment to Promoting, Hosting and Advancing Peace through Law, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the Municipality of The Hague, and the Carnegie Foundation.

The forum will bring together representatives of governments, international institutions, academia, the diplomatic corps, and other organisations to reflect on the essential role of international law in promoting peace, justice, and stability. It will also reaffirm the shared commitment of the Netherlands and The Hague to the principle of Peace through Law.

Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize

The Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize has been presented at the Peace Palace since 1931. The Carnegie Foundation awards the prize to an individual or institution that contributes to international peace through words or deeds. It was established by Dutch banker Johan Wateler, who entrusted the prize to the Carnegie Foundation. On 9 November 2026, the prize will be awarded for the 75th time.

Over the past 95 years, the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize has recognised prominent individuals and institutions for their contributions to peace, international cooperation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Notable laureates include Sir Eric Drummond (1931), The Hague Academy of International Law (1936 and 1949), Jean Monnet (1953), the Dag Hammarskjöld Minnes Fund (1962), Coretta Scott King (1969), the Permanent Court of Arbitration (1998), Javier Solana (2006), War Child (2012), Lakhdar Brahimi (2014), and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (2022).

Italian Chef Francesco Frasca Opens Ristorante Baronetto in The Hague

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Italian Chef Francesco Frasca Opens Ristorante Baronetto in The Hague

Italian chef Francesco Frasca has officially opened Ristorante Baronetto, his own restaurant on the characteristic Mallemolen in the heart of The Hague. The new establishment marks an important chapter in Frasca’s culinary career, bringing the flavours and traditions of his native Piedmont to the international city of peace and justice.

The opening brought together friends, guests and members of The Hague’s Italian community. Representatives of the Italian Embassy attended the celebration, alongside members of the community, including Pasquale Ronza and his wife, Maria, and Elly Ciampichetti, accompanied by, among others, her son Stefano Ciampichetti, Director of Winford The Hague.

At Ristorante Baronetto, The Hague.

Frasca has built his culinary career in The Hague, where he previously served for many years as Executive Chef at Impero Romano.

With Baronetto, he now brings his own vision of Italian hospitality to the table, drawing inspiration from Piedmont and the Langhe region. Traditional dishes, truffles and regional wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, feature prominently in the restaurant’s culinary offering.

Chef Francesco Frasca and co-owner Vijay Jitan welcoming Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during a recent private visit to Ristorante Baronetto in The Hague.

Baronetto has also begun welcoming guests from The Hague’s political, diplomatic and international community. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten recently dined at the restaurant, highlighting its growing presence in a city where gastronomy and international life frequently intersect.

The opening of Ristorante Baronetto celebrates not only a new addition to The Hague’s dining scene, but also Frasca’s longstanding ties to the city and its Italian community. Through his own restaurant, he continues to share the culinary heritage of Piedmont with local residents and international visitors alike.

Ristorante Baronetto
Mallemolen, The Hague
www.baronetto.nl

Chef Francesco Frasca celebrating the opening of Ristorante Baronetto with members of the Italian community in The Hague.

Ten Reasons to Elect Judge Luz Ibanez

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Ten Reasons to Elect Judge Luz Ibanez

Candidacy for the International Court of Justice

INDEPENDENCE · EXPERIENCE · REPRESENTATION  

INDEPENDENCE 01  A RECORD OF JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE – Judge Ibáñez’s judicial record bears witness to her independence of judgment. In complex and sensitive cases, she has applied the law and assessed the facts free from external influence or pressure, including where her view has differed from that of the majority. Her separate opinions are a testament to that independence: carefully reasoned, principled and firmly grounded in the law. Her independence is thus a quality demonstrated consistently through her judicial service.  

02   A CLEAR COMMITMENT TO IMPARTIALITY – Judge Ibáñez’s impartiality is demonstrated through a judicial record spanning cases involving diverse parties, interests and highly sensitive circumstances. She has consistently approached those cases without favor, bias or prejudice, applying the law even-handedly and giving full consideration to the rights and interests of all those before the Court. Her separate opinions, including in particularly sensitive proceedings, bear witness to an impartiality grounded in law rather than in the identity or position of any party.  

03   INDEPENDENCE IN THE FACE OF EXTERNAL PRESSURE – Judicial independence is most consequential when it is exercised in the face of external pressure. From her years as a prosecutor in Peru to her service as an international judge, Judge Ibáñez has exercised judicial and prosecutorial responsibilities in environments where powerful interests and external pressures could bear upon the administration of justice. During her tenure at the ICC, she has continued to discharge her judicial responsibilities independently, throughout a period in which international courts and their judges have faced unprecedented political and other forms of pressure. Her record demonstrates an independence of judgment, grounded in law and principle, and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the judicial function.		EXPERIENCE 04   A RECORD OF INTERNATIONAL JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE – Nine years of service on the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court have given Judge Ibáñez extensive experience in the demands of international adjudication at the highest level: rigorous examination of jurisdiction, procedure and legal argument, translated into clear and reasoned conclusions. That experience has also given her a firsthand understanding of the institutional responsibility entrusted to an international court and of the significance its judgments hold for the broader international legal order.  

05   FOUR DECADES OF PUBLIC SERVICE – Judge Ibáñez brings more than four decades of legal and public service: over three decades as a prosecutor in Peru, alongside sustained engagement with legal academia, and, the past nine years, as an international judge. Her experience, spanning prosecution, scholarship and international adjudication, extending across national and international institutions, has given her a distinctive and deeply grounded understanding of the law, legal institutions and the responsibilities of public office.
 
06   LEADERSHIP AT THE HIGHEST INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL – As First Vice-President of the ICC (2021–2024), Judge Ibáñez Judge Ibáñez served the highest level of the Court’s institutional leadership, engaging extensively with States, international organizations and judicial institutions. Her tenure afforded her a broad perspective on the legal and geopolitical realities shaping international relations, and on the importance of dialogue and consensus in multilateral affairs.  This experience deepened her understanding of multilateralism and the vital relationship between international law, justice, peace and security, a perspective of particular relevance to the judicial responsibilities and central role of the International Court.		REPRESENTATION 07   A LONGSTANDING GAP IN REPRESENTATION – In nearly eight decades of the Court’s history, 109 men have served as Judges of the International Court of Justice, compared with only six women. No woman from Latin America and the Caribbean has yet been elected to the Court. Judge Ibáñez’s election would contribute to addressing this longstanding gap in the Court’s composition, and to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 5 — women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership and decision-making in public life — as envisaged by the UN 2030 Agenda.  

08   REPRESENTATION ALONGSIDE MERIT J- udge Ibáñez’s candidacy brings meaningful regional and professional representation alongside the highest standards of legal competence and judicial independence. Her four decades of service across prosecution, legal academia and international adjudication, together with her perspective as a woman jurist from the GRULAC, would contribute a distinctive legal and professional perspective to the Court.  

09   AN ENRICHED LEGAL PERSPECTIVE – Judge Ibáñez developed  her legal career in Peru, within a legal tradition enriched by the jurisprudence of the Inter-American human rights system and other regional and multilateral mechanisms, and has carried this perspective throughout her nine years as a Judge of the International Criminal Court. Her work has contributed to the development of ICC jurisprudence, drawing on diverse legal traditions and approaches to international law. Her election would bring to the International Court of Justice the distinctive perspective of a South American woman jurist, grounded in a different legal tradition and body of jurisprudence, contributing to the diversity of perspectives that strengthen international adjudication and enhance the Court’s work in the service of the international community.
10   A CAREER IN THE SERVICE OF JUSTICE AND PEACE Judge Ibáñez’s four-decade career has been consistently dedicated to the pursuit of justice as a means of strengthening and securing lasting peace, both nationally and internationally. From prosecuting terrorism and grave human rights violations in Peru, to adjudicating the gravest international crimes at the ICC and contributing to the leadership of an international judicial institution, she has devoted her professional life to upholding the rule of law, protecting human dignity and advancing justice. Her candidacy brings together extensive judicial experience, deep expertise in international law, and a sustained commitment to multilateralism and international peace and security—a record of service that she now places at the service of the International Court of Justice.

2026  ASEAN 59th Anniversary 

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2026  ASEAN 59th Anniversary 

With Timor-Leste now a part of the family, ASEAN is now a formidable eleven-member institution to reckon with.

Theme: “Navigating Our Future, Together”

ASEAN Ambassadors together with many guests attending the 59th Anniversary of the association.

 On 16 September 2026, ASEAN Ambassadors in the Netherlands gathered at the Thai Residence, hosted by H.E. Asi Mamanee, the Thai Ambassador, to celebrate ASEAN’s 59th anniversary.

The event was filled with vibrant songs and dances from all member states, along with engaging performances, heartfelt speeches, and tasty culinary treats that created a wonderful atmosphere of friendship and unity.

H.E. Asi Mamanee, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, Chair of the ASEAN Committee in The Hague.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Asi Mamanee shared how ASEAN’s strategic location between the Indian and Pacific Oceans makes it an important hub for connectivity and a key player in global trade and supply chains. But ASEAN is much more than just an economic success; it’s a shining example of how diverse nations can come together to foster peace, stability, and shared prosperity. He proudly stated that as the Chair of the ASEAN Committee in The Hague, Thailand is committed to promoting activities that leverage these strengths for real, practical cooperation. Our goal is simple: we want to create solutions that benefit not only ASEAN and the Netherlands but also the wider global community.

The celebration ended up on a high note with a delightful Thai buffet, featuring mouthwatering dishes like green curry, leaving everyone with smiles on their faces as they departed from the Thai Residence!

Exclusive Opportunity at Exceptional Prices

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Exclusive Opportunity at Exceptional Prices

A diplomat relocating abroad is offering two elegant, high-quality premium sofas for sale.

Originally priced at €2,500 each, they are now available for just €600 per sofa, or an exceptional offer of €1,000 for both. A rare opportunity to acquire sophisticated, high-quality furniture at a fraction of its original price.

€600 each | €1,000 for both
Original price: €2,500 each

Contact +31 70 360 9815

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