A Legacy That Stands by the People

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A Legacy That Stands by the People

By Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

 As we approach the end of this very challenging year of COVID-19, Thais around the world are commemorating our National Day on 5th December, which is also the birthday of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, Thai Father’s Day, and World Soil Day. All these occasions remind us of how our nation has evolved this far and what institutional forces have kept such progress moving.

Old friends of Thailand might be familiar with stories about the monarchy, whose dedication to nation-building and development are intrinsically interwoven into every chapter of our history. The royal family’s cherished commitment towards the welfare of her people was particularly recognised after the Second World War when Thailand had to gather all its strength and resources to combat poverty and maintain security.

The kingdom was then blessed with the will power to steer itself through those troubles when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, whose name coincidentally means “Strength of the Land, Incomparable Power,” acceded to the throne in 1946 at the age of eighteen. As a constitutional monarchy, the sovereign does not wield any power beyond ceremonial duties. But the King and members of the royal family have the liberty to initiate any charitable activities and development projects and complement government efforts. Throughout the 70-year reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, around 4,877 royal projects in various fields were initiated to reduce development gaps nationwide.

While most projects were financially supported by the government, many of them were fully financed by His Majesty’s personal funds. When I started working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 1970s, these development projects were just being crystallised. I recall how Thai people keenly followed the televised reports of the King’s visits upcountry every evening. Thais valued and became familiar with images of the King holding a wrinkled, well-used map in his hands and a camera hanging from his neck, sweat dripping from his brow, interacting attentively with locals to understand their concerns and environment.

Likewise, the monarchy and the people have always had close and intimate contact, enabling both sides to develop a kinship type of relationship, rather than one of an authoritative nature. Hence, designating 5th December as Father’s Day actually originated from the genuine sentiment of the people, who cherished their beloved King as a father figure — a pillar of strength one could always rely upon when in need. Indeed, it was during the turbulent Cold War years that His Majesty led his people through some of Thailand’s most challenging times. An important point worth noting is that it has been customary for the monarchy to stand with the people and to improve their wellbeing.

For instance, I remember that it was also in the 1970s that Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the grandmother of His Majesty the present King, established two foundations for community development. The first is the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, initially founded as the Thai Hill Crafts Foundation to create livelihoods and generate income for ethnic minorities in Northern Thailand. The second is the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation, established in 1974, the year I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Princess paid frequent trips to remote villages, taking with her a medical team to treat any sick or injured persons during her visit. This is important because in certain remote areas of the country, access to public health services was quite limited. Stateless people living along the border areas were given treatment just the same. The Foundation is a living testament to her community spirit and non-discriminatory community service in public health which has carried on until today. Not long after in 1976, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother set up the SUPPORT Foundation to preserve traditional handicraft techniques and promote them as supplementary sources of income for farmers who have spare time after harvest.

Fast forward to my ambassadorial postings in the 1990s through to the 2000s and beyond, I had many opportunities to celebrate royal contributions to national development. One of the most memorable occasions was the UNGA’s resolution to declare 5 th December as World Soil Day, to highlight the importance of healthy soil for sustainable development and commemorate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great’s advocacy in this field. Agriculture was a favourite subject for him since it is so vital for our people’s livelihood.

Thailand nowadays has changed immensely from the time when I was a junior diplomat. Economic growth in the last three decades has elevated the country to the upper middle income echelon, and has urbanised the lifestyle of most Thais and the way they perceive the world. State mechanisms have matured, becoming more effective in addressing the grievances of the people. Thai people are more self-dependent, better educated, and have access to opportunities for better prospects in life.

In the fast-changing world where human touch seems to be dominated by virtual interactions, many people have forgotten how the monarchy has stood up for Thai people through thick and thin, and now often take the monarchy for granted. Some, including the more confident and expressive younger generations, are not even certain how to relate the institution to their daily lives, as they did not grow up, like my generation, to experience how the monarchy was directly involved in improving the livelihood of Thai people and Thailand’s status in the international arena.

Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Nevertheless, in such times, the monarchy has always remained steadfast in its conviction and has never stepped back from assisting the people, often quietly, while expecting nothing in return. Last year the world saw the ceremonial grandeur of the Coronation of King Rama X, or His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. In his Oath of Accession, he pledged “to treasure, preserve and build on our heritage…..for the great enduring good of the people.” His Majesty has never forgotten the solemn commitment of continuing the royal practice to help and empower the Thai people to be self-reliant. His Majesty has supported the royal initiatives of his royal parents and other members of the royal family in numerous endeavours.

Many are focused on promoting sustainable development, therefore contributing to Thailand’s achievements in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, since 1978, His Majesty has strategically inaugurated 21 Somdej Phrayuparaj Hospitals in the most remote areas of -3- the country, where they were most needed. More currently, His Majesty made significant donations of medical equipment during COVID-19, supporting SDG 3 on good health and well-being.

On education, His Majesty set up the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Scholarship Foundation, which has provided scholarships for 1,764 students to receive proper education from high school to bachelor’s degree. This corresponds to SDG 4 on quality education. His Majesty’s projects are a reflection that sustainable development can only be attained through a community-wide team spirit and concerted efforts to improve society. To transform this vision into action, he launched the Royal Initiative Volunteer Project to engage the people in public service activities. Such activities strengthen the bond within communities and remind us of how Thai communities throughout history and around the world have always come together to overcome hardships.

The monarchy has been a guiding beacon and stabilising force in Thailand for eight centuries. As some critics have stated, monarchies hold institutional memories of tradition and continuity in ever changing times. They undeniably remind a country of its unique traits and identity, facts that can often be forgotten in the swiftly changing currents of politics. In a volatile and complex world, we are in constant need of inspirational strength of stability to keep our feet on the ground, so that we will not be too easily blown away by the winds of uncertainty. The monarchy is, of course, one of these invaluable institutions that has stood the test of time and serves as an enduring link between our inspirational past, our dynamic present, and our promising future.

The Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro

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The Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro

H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro is the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, he presented his credentials to His Majesty Willem Alexander King of the Netherlands, on December 2, 2020. He is coming to The Hague with decades worth of experience.

Mr. Brenes Castro began with a background in law. He became a Licensed Attorney and Notary Public in 1991 when he graduated from Law School at the University of Costa Rica, which is situated in his hometown, San Jose. While completing his degree, he simultaneously worked at a private legal practice with a focus on Immigration and Commercial Law. He then pursued further education at the University of Essex and earned a Master of Arts in Theory and Practice of Human Rights in 1994. It is most likely here that he developed his passion for human rights.

Throughout the 1990s, Mr. Brenes Castro was active in various institutions while maintaining his devotion to civil rights and peace. This included being a consultant and later professor at the University for Peace of the United Nations. The Master’s Program in Human Rights and Peace Education and the Master’s Program in Sustainable Environmental Tourism and Peace Promotion are some of the programs he taught. In addition, he was the Program Officer and Coordinator of the Security and Demilitarization Program at the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress from the mid-to-late-1990s. At the end of the decade, he was also the Director of the Study on the Quality of the Attention to the Public of the National Police, which was contracted by the Government of Nicaragua.

From 2000 onwards, Mr. Brenes Castro joined Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship. His interests expanded to International Relations, International Security, and International Law, which would be reflected in his career for the next twenty years. He became involved in many legal cases and projects, including being a counsel and advocate in the case concerning the “Dispute Regarding Navigational and Related Rights” between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and the case of “Certain Activities Carried Out by Nicaragua in the Border Area,” to name a few.

In addition, he was involved in various commissions over the years, either as a member or coordinator. These include the International Law Advisory Commission, the Foreign Service Evaluation Commission, and the Technical-Scientific Advisory Commission on the Extension of the Continental Shelf of Costa Rica. He took up all these positions while being an advisor to the Minister. In late 2020, Mr. Brenes Castro embarked on his first mission abroad as Costa Rica’s Ambassador to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW.

Aside from his aforementioned roles, Mr. Brenes Castro is also the author and editor of many publications. He began writing as soon as he graduated from law school and has released over a dozen books and articles altogether. Some of his books include The Leadership Challenges of Demilitarization in Africa and Un Llamado A La Responsabilidad [A Call to Responsibility]. His collection of articles consists of Some Juridicial Considerations Regarding the Declaration of Human Responsibilities for Peace and Sustainable Development, and Soldiers as Businessmen: The Economic Activities of Central America’s Militaries, among others.

In honor of his contributions and efforts thus far, Mr. Brenes Castro has received various distinctions. He was bestowed Knight of Magistral Grace in 2001 by the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta. In 2012, he was granted the title of Associate by the Instituto Hispano-Luso-Americano De Derecho Internacional – a scientific association dedicated to international law. He is currently a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration for the 2019-2024 period.

Mr. Brenes Castro is fluent in Spanish and English and has some proficiency in French.

Upon taking up his current position as Ambassador, his excellency is pleased to continue fostering the vigorous political, economic, and cultural relations between Costa Rica and the Netherlands. Both countries place heavy importance on protecting the climate and the environment, which can bring them “international challenges.” However, this is also shared solidarity that is currently needed in the face of global threats from climate change.

The diplomat community in The Hague sends a warm welcome to Ambassador Brenes Castro and wishes him all the best in his new term.

UAE appoint Climate Change Envoy

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UAE appoint Climate Change Envoy

Sunday, 29 November 2020, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The cabinet of the UAE government appointed Industry and Advanced Technology Minister of State as well as Director-General and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber as a ‘Special Envoy for Climate Change’. 

Dr Al Jaber, who holds a PhD in business and economics from Coventry University in the UK. Likewise he is Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company known as Masdar, and UAE National Media Council. 

An advocate for clean energy, Al Jaber has held several positions and advisory roles on issues related to energy, economics and sustainable development. 

For further information 
UAE Cabinet: https://www.uaecabinet.ae
Biography: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Ahmed_Al_Jaber

Anne-Marie Descôtes awarded an ‘Ambassadrice de France’ rank

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Anne-Marie Descôtes awarded an ‘Ambassadrice de France’ rank

Wednesday, 25 November 2020, Paris/Berlin/London, European Union: The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and the Council of Ministers at the initiative of Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced the appointment to the rank and dignity of ‘Ambassadrice de France‘ of the incumbent French top envoys in Germany, Anne-Marie Descôtes as well as to Catherine Colonna in the United Kingdom. 

The rank of ‘Ambassadeur/Ambassadrice de France‘ is attributed intuitu personæ to career diplomats belonging to the corp of minister plenipotentiaries, normally yet not exclusively, for those having reached the ‘hors classe‘ status. The latter is the case for Ambassador Colonna currently serving in the UK, whereas Ambassador Descôtes in Germany hitherto was classed as Minister Plenipotentiary of the 1st class. 

Ambassadeurs de France can be appointed as diplomatic advisers for the government upon issuance of a decree decided in a Council of Ministers at the initiative of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, or to achieve special missions accorded to them by the Foreign Ministry at large. 

Anne-Marie Descôtes (b. 5 December 1959) represents France in Germany since June 2017, whereas her colleague Catherine Colonna (b. 16 April 1956) serves in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland since 2 September 2019. Alongside Ambassador Sylvie Bermann, they are the only three female holders of the rank Ambassadrice de France. 

For further information 
French Presidency’s decree in Council of Ministers: https://www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-macron/2020/11/25/compte-rendu-du-conseil-des-ministres-du-mercredi-25-novembre-2020

French Embassy in Germany: https://de.ambafrance.org/Biographie-de-Mme-Anne-Marie-Descotes, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne-Marie_Descôtes
French Embassy in the UK: https://uk.ambafrance.org/Biographie

Ambassadeur de France: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambassadeur_de_France

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Picture by Ambassade de France en Allemagne – Ambassadeur Anne-Marie Descôtes and Henri Estramant, Diplomat Magazine’s Diplomatic Adviser.

Royal Dutch Horse Carriage Take Indonesian Ambassador To Hand Over Credentials To HM The King of Netherlands

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Royal Dutch Horse Carriage Take Indonesian Ambassador To Hand Over Credentials To HM The King of Netherlands

Arriving at the Palace, the Indonesian Ambassador inspected the palace guards. The tunes of the national anthem, Indonesia Raya echoed along with Ambassador Mayerfas’ steps towards the palace to submit letters of credential to the King of the Netherlands, HM Willem-Alexander.

Indonesia’s ambassador Mayerfas and spouse.

Ambassador Mayerfas conveyed the warm greetings of President Joko Widodo to the King and his appreciation for the visit of the King and Queen of the Netherlands to Indonesia in March 2020. The visit resulted in a US $ 1 billion business commitment in the fields of health, maritime, agriculture and water management.

Besides discussing bilateral relations between the two countries, Ambassador Mayerfas also expressed his hope to strengthen cooperation in the economic field. Also, cooperation in dealing with pandemics and post-pandemic economic recovery is an issue raised by Ambassador Mayerfas.

 After handing over the credential to the King, the Indonesian Ambassador presented credential to the Director-General of the OPCW (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons)on Thursday, November 26, 2020, in The Hague.

H.E. Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe Presents Credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands

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H.E. Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe Presents Credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands


Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands H.E. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, who was accompanied by his spouse and First Secretary Herbert Ndahiro, was received today at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague where he presented his letters of credence to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Ambassador of Rwanda H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, accompanied by his spouse and First Secretary Herbert Ndahiro.

During the ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Nduhungirehe conveyed H.E. President Paul Kagame’s greetings and wishes for good health, happiness and well-being to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and the people of the Netherlands. The Ambassador briefed the King about developments in Rwanda regarding socio-economic development, peace and stability.

Rwanda Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe Presents Credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.

Prior to the presentation of his letters of credence H.E. Ambassador Nduhungirehe was invited to inspect the Guard of Honour at the Palace.

H.E. Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe is Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands with accreditation to the OPCW in The Hague and to the Baltic states Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Presenting credentials to King Willem- Alexander. H.E. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, was accompanied by his spouse and First Secretary Herbert Ndahiro

H.E. Mr. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe is the Ambassador of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands

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H.E. Mr. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe is the Ambassador of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands

H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe is the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), since November 2020. In The Hague, he also serves as non-resident Ambassador to the Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The Ambassador is also in charge of following activities of international jurisdictions based in The Hague, mainly the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). 

Ambassador Nduhungirehe is an experienced diplomat, who held the following positions over the past fifteen (15) years:

  • Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in charge of the East African Community – EAC (September 2017 – April 2020).
  • Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda in Brussels, having jurisdiction over the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the European Union (EU), the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and the World Customs Organization (WCO) (December 2015 – September 2017);
  • Acting Director General in charge of Multilateral Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (May 2015 – December 2015);
  • Minister Counsellor, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in charge of the UN Security Council, New York (December 2012 – May 2015)– Rwanda was non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2013 and 2014-;
  • First Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations, New York (August 2010 – December 2012);
  • First Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Permanent Mission to the African Union (March 2007 – August 2010);

Prior to his diplomatic career, Ambassador Nduhungirehe served as Personal Assistant to the Minister of State in charge of Industry and Investment Promotion in the Ministry of Trade and Industry (November 2004 – June 2005), Personal Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (June 2005 – August 2005) and member of the Business Law Reform Cell (August 2005 – January 2007), which was tasked to reform administrative and business laws in order to attract investments in Rwanda. During that period, he was also a part-time lecturer in various universities in Rwanda, teaching Tax Law, Social Law and Economic and Financial Law.

He holds a Master degree in Tax Management from the Solvay Business School of the Free University of Brussels (ULB, Belgium) and is a Bachelor of Law from the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL, Belgium).

Ambassador Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, who fluently speaks Kinyarwanda, French and English, was born in Huye District, Southern Province, Republic of Rwanda on 13th September 1975. He is married with two children.

USA Contributes $7M to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology

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USA Contributes $7M to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology

THE HAGUE, Netherlands–26 November 2020–The Government of the United States of America has awarded a $7,000,000 grant to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the project of the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).

The grant was formalised during a ceremony between the Permanent Representative of the United States to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Joseph Manso, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, which was held yesterday at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.

Ambassador Manso stated: “The United States is proud to finalise its contribution to the ChemTech Centre today. The Centre will strengthen the Organisation’s ability to address new and evolving threats, and to continue its professional and impartial work to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria and around the world. Through its expanded facilities and training programmes, the Centre will also enhance the Organisation’s capacity building programmes. Combined, these will ensure the Organisation remains fit-for-purpose for years to come.”

While expressing his gratitude, Director-General Arias observed: “The OPCW greatly appreciates the United States’ generous support that will allow us to advance towards the completion of this keystone project that will keep the Organisation at the cutting-edge of science and technology to achieve and maintain a world free of the scourge of chemical weapons.”

Director-General Arias appealed to all OPCW Member States in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. He further emphasised the important role the new ChemTech Centre will play in strengthening the OPCW’s ability to address chemical weapon threats and enhance International Cooperation and Assistance capacity building activities. He highlighted that “all contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated”.

So far, 45 countries, the European Union, and three other donors have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the ChemTech Centre project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date.

Bangladeshi youngster Laureate of the 2020 Children’s Peace Prize

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By Roy Lie Atjam.

It was on a quiet autumn afternoon in The Hague where I met Sadat Rahman. This Bangladeshi teen has won the 2020 International Children’s Peace Prize for setting up the social organization and mobile app “Cyber Teens”, which is designed to help in the fight against Cyberbullying in south-western Bangladesh. The Children’s Peace Prize is an initiative of the international children’s rights organization known as Kids Rights. The prize was first launched in 2005 during an International Conference of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome, chaired by Mr Mikhail Gorbachev.

There were 142 applicants from 42 countries that took part in the 2020 contest. The Kids Rights’ Expert Committee selected Sadat Rahman as the winner. By winning the award, Sadat Rahman now has an international platform from which he will be able to spread his message worldwide. The prize is presented to the winner by a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

The Kids Rights organization described Sadat Rahman as a changemaker and social reformer. Sadat was prompted to action after a 15-year-old girl committed suicide due to cyberbullying. He started a social organization called ‘Narail Volunteers’ with the help of his friends. This organization won the ‘Youth Innovation Challenge 2019’ of the non-governmental organization Action Aid and got the funding he needed to get his project off the ground. Sadat Rahman has been presented the Joy Bangla Youth Award for his work in 2018.

From left to right Md Sakhawat Hossain, Sadat’s father, Sadat and Ms. Nawrid Sharmin from the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague.

The International Children’s Peace Prize was presented to Sadat Rahman in The Hague on 13 November 2020 by none other than Human Rights Activist and Nobel Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai. The prize consists of a trophy and a sum of Euro 100,000 which is to be used for the financing of projects. In 2019, the Swedish child environmentalist Greta Thunberg and Cameroonian Divina Malam jointly received the prestigious award. 

Sadat Rahman is a man of many talents. He is a phenomenal, vigorous and courageous young man with a keen sense of humor and always wears a friendly smile. This bright 17-year-old studies Arts-Humanities at the Abdul Hai City College in his hometown of Narail in south-western Bangladesh, where he has embarked on the initiative to tackle the emerging problem of cyberbullying in Bangladeshi society. Sadat is very pleased that he was able to make a small indirect contribution to the Bangladesh Vision 2021 – Digital Bangladesh. He even had the opportunity to meet the Hon.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina some time ago. Prime Minister Hasina’s ICT advisor, Sajeeb Wazed referred to Rahman as one of the country’s silent young changemakers.

Sadat’s philosophy is that one should “believe in yourself and not to wait for anyone, not even the government to assist you” Take the initiative and get moving, kindred spirits will automatically join. When asked where he gets his inspiration from, he responded with a smile and said “the creator gave me a brain and I am making good use of it.”

Sadat Rahman receives a lot of co-operation from the local police superintendent. He mentioned that whenever he would approach the police with evidence of wrongdoing, the police  is willing listen and takes the necessary action. Sadat also noted that when teenagers are facing problems, they hesitate to approach parents, the police or other adults. They would rather prefer to approach their peers. However, teenagers need emotional assistance and mental support. When Cyber Teens is unable to offer the needed assistance, these teenagers are referred to the professionals. Sadat added that it is often sufficient to lend a listening ear that would allow them feel safe so that they will confide in you.

The police may not always have the time to do this and there is also the element of shame among those suffering from cyberbullying. As for the phenomena of Cyberbullying, parents and police are not trained to deal with such problems, and at the moment, The Criminal Investigation Department of the Dhaka Police(CID) is the only institution that investigates Cybercrime. Cyberbullying starts with parents buying their children fancy mobile phones, games and PCs but they are not always aware of the capabilities of these devices. Therefore, a balanced approach is required when considering what type of device that a parent should get for their child.

As a result of parents lacking the needed insight, they are unable to monitor their children’s activities and are unable to guide, instruct and protect them from the potential dangers in cyberspace. Cyber teens seek to fill that void. According to Sadat Rahman, there are four cardinal agents that ought to be considered in helping to prevent teenagers from falling prey to cyberbullying. These are Awareness, Empathy, Counselling and Action. These are the main drivers.

Ms. Rouma, Sadat R (in Cyberbully Tshirt) Mr Biswajit Roy.

Cyberbullying needs to be combated, according to Sadat Rahman, “it is a war and I am a warrior.” To date, the Cyber Teens app has reached about 450,000 teenagers and brought 300+ cases of cyberbullying before the police of which eight cases have been arrested. Evidence has thus proven that the cyber teen approach is effective. Furthermore, Sadat Rahman has been promised support from international organizations, including Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency.

Sadat Rahman, the man, can be characterized as energetic, unfazed, dedicated, genuine, good-humored, cheerful, jovial and charming. Sadat Rahman concluded his discourse at the prize remittance ceremony by stating: “I feel proud to represent Bangladesh to the world with my work, my ultimate success would be when one day, no one will need to use my app and there will be no cyberbullying anymore.”

It has been an enormous pleasure working briefly with Sadat Rahman. We wish him every success with his present and future projects.

Roy Lie Tjam presenting Diplomat Magazine to Sadat. Here in the picture with a special issue on Bangladesh with the Honorable Sheik Hassina on the cover page.

Omani leadership addresses Omani youth

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Omani leadership addresses Omani youth

HM Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said – Picture by Ministry of Information, Sultanate of Oman.

Wednesday, 18 November 2020, Sultanate of Oman: To mark the Sultanate’s 50th National Day, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said took the opportunity to address directly the country’s youth by describing them as ‘the inexhaustible wealth of nations’. He voiced his sincerest desire to listen to the youth, explore their interests, address their concerns and aid them to achieve their aspirations.  

Sultan Haitham has pledged, as he renews the Renaissance, that he shall elevate Oman, in the coming age, to the level of aspirations of its people in all spheres.  

HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said – Picture by Ministry of Information, Sultanate of Oman.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, took the opportunity of the National Day to address the youth in an allocution wherein he stated that ‘Omani youth have shown that they are highly capable of shouldering their national responsibility. This confidence stems from their full awareness about their cause, and how to serve it by espousing means of advancement, coupled with a clear vision and firm resolution to participating in the rejuvenation Renaissance in Oman. They are open to the culture of co-existence, love and peace.  

Oman marks annually on 26 October an ‘Omani Youth Day’, which reaffirms the Royal Government’s commitment towards this segment of society and its determination to provide them with all means that facilitate their march forward as they contribute to their country’s progress.  

Oman’s National Day marks the birthday of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur Al Said (18 November 1940 – 10 January 2020), and it is fêted since the latter’s throne accession in 1970. Likewise, it reminisces the rebellion led in Muscat by Imam Sultan bin Saif of the House of Yaruba, back on 18 November 1650 that drew the Portuguese away from Omani lands.  

For further information  

His Omani Majesty’s allocution on the occasion of the Sultanate’s 50th National Day: https://omaninfo.om/topics/85/show/10175 

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