One year on since the launch of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (ICPA)

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One year on since the launch of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (ICPA)

Marking a historic moment, one year ago today, Eurojust launched the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression (ICPA) – a unique judicial coordination platform dedicated to supporting national investigations into the crime of aggression related to the war in Ukraine.


Since its launch in July 2023, the ICPA has made significant progress in building a common investigative and prosecutorial strategy for cases on the crime of aggression. ICPA participants have selected relevant evidence to focus on, and have coordinated and strengthened ongoing investigative efforts at national level.


“Russia must be held accountable for its war of aggression”  said European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders. “With the ICPA we ensure that no evidence is lost, in view to prosecute those responsible for the crime of aggression in accordance with international standards. On the occasion of the first anniversary of the ICPA, I want to applaud its very important work and reiterate the commitment of the European Commission to take all the necessary measures to support Eurojust and the ICPA States, including Ukraine, to accomplish their crucial mission.”


Eurojust’s President, Ladislav Hamran, remarked: “One year after its inception, the ICPA has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the accountability landscape. The fight against impunity deserves our unwavering attention and it is crucial that it extends to one of the pillars of the modern international rule-based order: the prohibition of the use of force. Eurojust is committed to supporting the ICPA for as long as necessary.”


Commenting on the importance of the ICPA’s ongoing work, Andriy Kostin, Prosecutor General for Ukraine stated: “ICPA participants are engaged in a historic task—building a solid evidence base and developing a comprehensive prosecutorial file for the supreme international crime—the crime of aggression. This unprecedented work has never been done before. So, their goal is to collect, preserve and analyze evidence with the highest possible quality, ensuring no doubts about the legitimacy of the future tribunal. We are deeply grateful to Eurojust for enabling the operations of the ICPA and to Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and Romania for their contributions, as well as the United States and the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC.”


The ICPA’s independent prosecutors and investigators from different countries have been working together regularly at Eurojust, benefitting from the Agency’s dedicated team of legal experts and tailor-made technical, logistical and financial support. This has enabled them to exchange information and evidence quickly and efficiently, and coordinate a common investigative and prosecutorial strategy. The centre’s unique nature and multi-national composition has enabled it to utilise the expertise and services of a diverse range of national authorities in its work.


Its task has not been easy however. With no recent international judicial practice on investigating and prosecuting the crime of aggression, the ICPA has built further capacity and expertise. During the past year, ICPA participants have invited expert practitioners, legal scholars and other judicial experts to share their knowledge and experience to inform the centre’s work.


Alongside capacity building, the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence has been a major priority for the ICPA. In spite of challenges in identifying and gathering evidence, much of which is located in the Russian Federation, the number of evidence files being submitted to the Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED) managed by Eurojust, is growing. To date, 14 countries have submitted evidence amounting to more than 2 000 files.


To prove the scale and systemic nature of Russia’s crimes in Ukraine, it is crucial that prosecution strategies rely on large sets of evidence. Eurojust therefore continues to encourage national authorities to submit evidence to the CICED database to bolster collective accountability efforts.


CICED and the ICPA are part of the overall support structure Eurojust provides to the joint investigation team (JIT) on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine. The JIT, which includes prosecutors from all ICPA countries, is supported by Eurojust and benefits directly from the important work of the ICPA and CICED.


During the last 12 months, the ICPA’s work has been crucial in strengthening the national investigations into the crime of aggression currently taking place in Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.


While the war is ongoing and discussions about a possible special tribunal are still in course, the ICPA ensures that crimes are well documented and crucial evidence is not lost. The ICPA is effectively preparing and contributing to future prosecutions of the crime of aggression, irrespective of the jurisdiction before which the proceedings will be brought. For this reason, evidence is being translated, including into Ukrainian and English, to ensure that it can be used in various jurisdictions.


One year on since the ICPA’s launch, Eurojust thanks all ICPA and JIT partners for their hard work and dedication in helping ensure accountability for the atrocities committed in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the European Commission for its trust in the Agency to host this important centre.

About the ICPA


The ICPA consists of participants from Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. Furthermore, the United States has appointed a Special Prosecutor for the Crime of Aggression to support the ICPA’s activities, and the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC has designated staff to participate in the ICPA. The Centre is funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI). In November 2023, Eurojust welcomed a financial contribution from the U.S. Department of State, via the European Commission’s FPI Service, in support of the ICPA’s work.

About the crime of aggression


The crime of aggression is a crime committed by the highest political and military leadership. Given that Russia is not a party to the Rome Statute, the ICC currently cannot prosecute the Russian leadership for the crime of aggression in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.


To close this gap, various options have been explored to ensure full accountability for the crimes committed in the context of the Russian war against Ukraine, including the crime of aggression.


The ICPA is the first step in this process to preserve evidence and prepare cases for future trials, be it before national courts, a dedicated tribunal or the International Criminal Court for crimes within its jurisdiction.


The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the setting up of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine at the 24th EU-Ukraine Summit on 2 February 2023.

Illegal trade in fake and prohibited pesticides and fertilizers halted in Romania and Italy

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Illegal trade in fake and prohibited pesticides and fertilizers halted in Romania and Italy

An illegal trading scheme in counterfeit and banned pesticides and fertilizers that were potentially dangerous to consumers’ health has been halted by the Romanian and Italian authorities. Eurojust and Europol supported the joint investigation team (JIT). During a series of actions in both countries, evidence of large-scale fraud, forgery and tax evasion was gathered and one suspect was arrested.

The substances were all banned for trade in the European Union, as they could be dangerous to users and consumers as they contained high doses of active substances. The suspects illegally imported the products from China and Singapore, but sold them as bio- or organic fertilizers and pesticides, using fake labels. The suspects also sold goods that were fake but pretended they were legitimate organic products.

Between February and May 2023, three suspect shipments arriving from outside the European Union were detected by the Romanian customs authorities. Subsequent inspections by the phytosanitary authorities confirmed it concerned fake or banned products, using falsified labels.

Further investigations and searches in Romania, showed an organised crime group (OCG) was behind the illegal activities. The OCG was composed of Romanian and Italian nationals who took over existing companies in Romania or registered new trading companies for the sale of the products in Italy. Falsified declaration forms were used for this purpose.

Police The Italian judicial authority gathered extensive evidence on the destination to the domestic market of the goods illegally introduced into Romania and identified the suspects who had promoted the illicit traffic in agricultural products from Italy.

At the request of the authorities involved, early this year Eurojust assisted with the setting up and financing of a JIT team into the OCG. The Agency organised a dedicated coordination meeting and supported the cross-border judicial response to the illegal activities.

Europol held several operational meetings in order to proceed with national investigations in a synergistic and aligned manner. Furthermore, it facilitated the exchange of information and provided constant analytical support to the investigations. During operational activities, Europol sent an expert to the field to cross-check operational information in real time and provide the experts with any guidance and technical support.

This support led to a series of coordinated actions in Romania and Italy, during which ten locations were searched across Arad, Bucharest, Verona, and Naples, gathering additional evidence of the crimes. During the course of the activities, the Romanian Judicial Authority also arrested one of the suspects.

The following authorities carried out the operations:

Romania: Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism, Constanta Territorial Office; Special Operation Directorate (DOS); Brigade for Combating Organized Crime – Sea Ports Combating Organized Crime Service; Border Customs Offices Constanta and Constanta Sud

Italy: PPO Verona; NAS Carabinieri Padua; Financial Police Unit of the Guardia di Finanza Verona

Presentation of “Əlifba: A Cultural Alphabet” by Ambassador Aghayev 

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Presentation of “Əlifba: A Cultural Alphabet” by Ambassador Aghayev 

The book “Əlifba: A Cultural Alphabet” is an Azerbaijani alphabet for adults and children, featuring colourful illustrations. Each letter of the Azerbaijani alphabet is associated with an architectural monument, work of art, historical tradition, or folklore character from our country. Behind each letter lies extensive research.

Ulviyya Mahmud, Editor-in-Chief of NARGIS Magazine and author of many unique art projects, is the ideological inspirer and author of the project. Her main goal is to promote Azerbaijani culture worldwide.

The book is presented in four languages: German, English, Spanish, and Italian. Its primary aim is to promote the history, cultural heritage, and language of Azerbaijan.

Nasimi Aghayev, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Germany, and Ulviyya Mahmud, Editor-in-Chief of NARGIS Magazine, welcomed the guests and invited them to watch the film “History in Letters.” This documentary animation drama introduces viewers to Azerbaijani culture and history through the prism of the alphabet. It is not just a documentary animation film but a philosophical quest that immerses the viewer in an exploration of truth and the power of love for art.

The film was directed by Meran Ismailsoy, written by Agamehdi Abidov, and animated by Kanan Sheikhzamanly. This animated film was sponsored by BP.

The uniqueness of the project lies in the fact that it was entirely created by Azerbaijanis. Guests enjoyed exquisite Azerbaijani cuisine accompanied by a musical programme featuring the People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, khanende Alim Qasimov, and Honoured Artist of Azerbaijan, pianist Isfar Sarabski. They presented a unique composition that synthesised mugham and electronic rhythms. Additionally, attendees enjoyed a recording by the young and talented Azerbaijani artist Elrein.

Sculptor Teymur Garibov created a special stand for the book in the shape of a crystal, and the illustrations were done by artist Orkhan Huseynov.

After the event, each guest received a unique edition of the book as a gift, along with a specially recorded music album featuring a composition by khanende Alim Qasimov and pianist Isfar Sarabski. Additionally, they received the June issue of NARGIS Magazine, a poster, postcards, and a map.

The project “Əlifba. A Cultural Alphabet” was launched in 2019, with its first presentation held in Istanbul. The information in the book is available in four languages: Azerbaijani, Turkish, English, and Russian.

For further information

Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany: https://berlin.mfa.gov.az/en/news/4069/berlinde-yerlesen-azerbaycan-medeniyyet-merkezinde-elifba-a-cultural-alphabet-kitabinin-teqdimat-merasimi-kecirilib

When a Friend Moves On

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When a Friend Moves On

Oscar Izquierdo, an experienced and charismatic diplomat, and Minister Counsellor of Ecuador, has been designated as the Consul General in Genoa, Italy. To bid him farewell, his colleagues from GRULAC organized a luncheon.

Greeting Oscar Izquierdo in The Hague during the lunch were:

  • – Manuel Ignacio Morales Ovares, Consul General, Embassy of Costa Rica
  • – Juliano Rojas Maia, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Brazil
  • – Oscar Wilfredo Paredes Loza, Minister, Embassy of Peru
  • – Maria Fernanda Vila, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Chile
  • – Dayana Perez Fernandez, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Dominican Republic
  • – Renato Antonio Famiglietti Moreno, Second Secretary, Embassy of Panama
  • – Diego Emilio Sadofschi, Minister, Embassy of Argentina
  • – Pablo Daniel Bayarres FernĂĄndez, Counsellor, Embassy of Uruguay

They all praised Oscar’s human and professional qualities and reminisced about special moments shared during their time in The Hague.

The Minister of the Ecuadorian Foreign Service, Oscar Izquierdo, has developed his diplomatic career for more than 30 years. He has served in the Ecuadorian embassies in Germany, the Russian Federation, Canada, Chile, the Netherlands, and now is currently assigned to Genoa, Italy. He has served in different diplomatic ranks in Commercial Offices, Consular Sections, and in bilateral and multilateral functions, covering areas such as Technical Cooperation, Europe, Regional Integration, Protocol, Cultural Heritage, Tourism Affairs, Neighbourhood Relations, and Sovereignty. He was the Director of International Relations of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defence and has also served in several positions in his Chancellery in Quito.

Oscar Izquierdo graduated from the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador and the United Kingdom Diplomatic Academy in International Law and Diplomacy. He has completed diplomatic training courses in Ecuador, the UK, Germany, Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

Diplomat Magazine wishes him a brilliant future in Genoa.

Reception at NRW’s State Chancellery for Ambassador Delattre 

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Reception at NRW’s State Chancellery for Ambassador Delattre 

Monday, 24 June 2024, DĂŒsseldorf, NRW, Germany: NRW Premier Hendrik WĂŒst received the Ambassador of the French Republic to the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. François Delattre, for talks in the State Chancellery on Monday. The Minister for European Affairs Nathanael Liminski and the French General Consul in NRW, Ă‰tienne Sur, also partook in the talks.

Premier Hendrik WĂŒst: “France and Germany share responsibility for ensuring that Europe is strong. After the European elections, it is even more important than before to consolidate this strength through concrete action. Increasing our own defense capabilities, becoming more competitive, countering threats to democracy within – only a vibrant and strong Europe can maintain stability and peace. Nationalists and populists want to shake it. We must not allow that. The upcoming French National Council elections are of considerable importance not only for France, but for our entire European Union.”

Premier Hendrik WĂŒst last met French President Emmanuel Macron at the end of May during his state visit to Germany. In MĂŒnster, Macron was awarded the Peace of Westphalia Prize. “President Macron is committed like no other to ensuring that our Europe thrives,” said Premier WĂŒst. “Europe must live. That is what President Macron stands for. He demonstrated this impressively in his speeches in MĂŒnster and Dresden. We should take his words to heart more than ever: Europe is not the goal, but the compass.”

In their conversation, Premier WĂŒst and Ambassador Delattre also discussed bilateral relations, the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in France as well as the anniversary of the regional partnership between North Rhine-Westphalia and the French region of Hauts-de-France.

For further information 

State Chancellery of NRW: https://www.land.nrw/pressemitteilung/ministerpraesident-hendrik-wuest-empfaengt-den-botschafter-der-franzoesischen

Consulate General of France in NRW: https://de.ambafrance.org/Der-Generalkonsul-8883

——

Picture by Land NRW/Joshua Dunst 

Camera Foils Bolivian Coup d’Ă©tat

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Camera Foils Bolivian Coup d’Ă©tat


By Sazzad Haider

The most short-lived military coup attempt in Bolivian history failed on 26 June in just three hours. Electronic media played a major role in countering this subversive effort. The stricken President Luis Arce was able to speak live on television from his palace. The telecasted footage, filmed inside the presidential palace, unfolded the coup attempt. President Arce confronted Gen. ZĂșñiga, ordering him to stand down and asking him to vacate his role.

In addition to Bolivia, it caused a wide reaction throughout the world. The Bolivian people took to the streets in protest against the attempted coup. As the situation worsened, the army Chief General Juan JosĂ© ZĂșñiga broke off the battle. ZĂșñiga was arrested shortly afterward on the same day. The Head of the Bolivian Navy, Vice-Adm Juan Arnez Salvador, has also been arrested.

Gen. ZĂșñiga, who was first appointed commander of the Bolivian Army in 2022, two days before his coup attempt, vowed to arrest the country’s former president Evo Morales if Morales ran for office again next year. Both Mr. Arce and his predecessor Evo Morales belong to the same political party. The political feuds come after Morales tried to bypass the constitution and seek a fourth term in 2019. Mr. Morales went on to win the vote, but he was forced out of office by military chiefs and fled the country, being exiled in Mexico.

The centre-right Jeanine Áñez was the country’s interim leader between 2019-20. The incumbent president, Mr. Arce, went on to win a re-run vote in 2020. The USA-supported Jeanine was sentenced to 10 years in jail for a coup against her predecessor Mr. Morales.

The left-wing governments in Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia, and the centre-right president of Paraguay, were quick to condemn the coup attempt. Washington did not condemn directly, saying, “The United States is closely monitoring the situation in Bolivia and urges calm and restraint.”

Since 1946, Bolivia has experienced almost 40 attempted or successful coups. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the USA has been accused of involvement in every coup attempt in Bolivia. Now, the United States does not have good relations with Bolivia’s current leftist government. The US has stated that it is monitoring the situation of the ongoing failed coup attempt but has not condemned it like its European allies. It would not be surprising if, in the near future, Bolivian leaders, especially Evo Morales, blame the United States for attempting to overthrow the democratic government.

One of the biggest developments of this century is the political importance of social media—the latest reflection of which is the recent failed coup in Bolivia. Since the second decade of this century, the revolution of social media and cell phones has been seen. In 2010, Arab youth launched the Arab Spring through cell phones. Mass movements erupted in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Syria, and Bahrain against corruption, economic woes, and dictatorships. This movement started through mobile phones and social media. As a consequence of the Arab Spring, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia in 2011, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya in 2011, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt in 2011, and Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen in 2012 were deposed.

Another occurrence was staged in Turkey on 15 July 2016. A faction within the Turkish Armed Forces, organized as the Peace at Home Council, attempted a coup d’Ă©tat against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Following the coup d’Ă©tat, Erdoğan did a FaceTime interview with CNN TĂŒrk, in which he called upon his supporters to take to the streets in defiance of the military-imposed curfew, saying, “There is no power higher than the power of the people. Let them do what they will at the public squares and airports.” Millions of supporters of Erdoğan contacted each other over cell phones, organized themselves, gathered at public squares, and opposed the coup d’Ă©tat. The civil resistance thwarted the coup, and the coup attempt failed because the plotters failed to secure control of the media. The Turkish government alleged that GĂŒlen—a terrorist organization led by Fethullah GĂŒlen, a Turkish businessman and a well-known Islamic scholar who lives in exile in Pennsylvania—was behind the coup (which GĂŒlen denied) and that the United States was harboring him.

In recent years, there have been military coups in African countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali. Electronic media was used in all those countries during the uprising. But all those campaigns went in favor of the insurgents because the majority of the people were on the side of the rebels and the ousted statesmen in those countries were not democratically elected. After Bolivia and Turkey, it has been proved that coup attempts cannot be successful if people support and electronic media are not combined. Therefore, nowadays, cameras can foil the infamous coup d’Ă©tat.

Nemiranda Art Exhibition Opens In The Hague

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Nemiranda Art Exhibition Opens In The Hague

The Embassy of the Philippines in collaboration with the Knights of Rizal The Hague Chapter and the Euro intermedia International has the honor to extend an invitation to the opening night of Nemiranda Art Exhibit.

The Filipino migrants experience was highlighted at the art exhibition featuring the works of Mr. Nemesio “Nemiranda” Miranda (Nemi Miranda), which opened at the Embassy’s Kalayaan Hall on 25 June 2024.

The art exhibition, which can be viewed by the public from 26 to 28 June, is part of the Embassy’s commemorative activities for the Philippine Independence month.

Nemiranda Art Exhibition opens at the Embassy of the Philippines.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya noted Nemiranda’s significant contributions to Philippine arts, notably through the “imaginative figurism” which he pioneered. “We are honoured to host this exhibit as we are featuring one of the Philippines most treasured artists, whose art has captivated audiences the world with its exquisite execution, intricate details, and profound storytelling. Through his paintings, he has successfully captured the essence of Filipino culture, traditions, and spirit,” the Ambassador said. “Nemiranda does not only record and inform, but also inspire and enlighten. We can thus consider him as a visual arts chronicler of contemporary Philippine history and of our times.”

Mr. Nemiranda has received numerous awards, including the “Gantimpalang Lampara ng Sining at Kultura” from the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts. He is the founder of the Angono Ateliers Association, which initiated the Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal, the art capital of the Philippines. He also established the Nemiranda Arthouse and Museum, the Angono School for the Arts, and the Nemiranda Art CafĂ© in Angono.

Nemesio “Nemiranda” Miranda

“I have painted the EDSA Revolution and the many dramatic episodes and people’s experiences in our country. I tried to capture those in my canvas in my 54 years as an artist and visual historian,” Mr. Nemiranda said.

Mr. Nemiranda presented to the Embassy a painting depicting the love of a mother to her child and the book “Nemiranda: The Art of Philosophy of Imaginative Figurism,” as mementos and gestures of his appreciation to the Embassy.

Organized in collaboration with the Knights of Rizal The Hague Chapter and other partner organizations, the opening night was attended by the members of the diplomatic corps, creative professionals, media and art enthusiasts and community members.

The exhibition ran from 26 to 28 June 2024 at the Embassy’s Kalayaan Hall.

ICC Trust Fund for Victims Issues Urgent Appeal for Reparations Contributions

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ICC Trust Fund for Victims Issues Urgent Appeal for Reparations Contributions

ICC Trust Fund for Victims issues its First Urgent Funding Appeal of EUR 5 million to launch a reparations program for victims of Dominic Ongwen

The Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has urgently called on States, organizations, corporations, members, and private individuals to contribute EUR 5 million to initiate the delivery of reparations, in accordance with the ICC judges’ decision in the Reparations Order. This appeal is crucial for providing immediate voluntary contributions to support victims of sexual and gender-based violence, former child soldiers, and those affected by attacks on four internally displaced persons camps in the case of *The Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen*.

The TFV Board of Directors launched its First Ongwen Funding Appeal during its 26th meeting held in The Hague from 19 to 21 June 2024. At this meeting, the Board deliberated on a fundraising strategy to implement the Trial Chamber’s EUR 52.4 million Reparations Order, issued on 28 February 2024, which aims to benefit over 40,000 victims.

The EUR 5 million appeal is intended to address the urgent needs and vulnerabilities of the victims, as prioritized in the Reparations Order. The reparations include symbolic payments, rehabilitation measures, and other symbolic and satisfaction measures. Once this initial funding appeal is met, the TFV plans to mobilize at least EUR 5 million annually to progressively implement the Ongwen Reparations Order. Future appeals from the Board of Directors will focus on activities to be approved by the Chamber.

Currently, the TFV Secretariat is in its fifth week of victim-centered, participatory consultations with over 2,000 potentially eligible victims from the attacks on camps in Abok, Lukodi, Odek, and Pajule, as well as victims of sexual and gender-based violence and former child soldiers abducted from across northern Uganda.

These consultations, conducted in collaboration with local communities, civil society groups, and other stakeholders, are crucial in ensuring that the needs and concerns of the victims and survivors are at the heart of the Draft Implementation Plan for the Ongwen Reparations Programme. This plan is scheduled for submission to the Chamber for approval on 3 September 2024.

Survivors participating in the consultations have welcomed the Court’s recognition of their suffering and have emphasized the significant impact that reparations will have on their health, livelihood, overall well-being, and healing.

Over 2000 Olive Trees Planted At Mardouw

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Over 2000 Olive Trees Planted At Mardouw

A Tree For Every Verder Group Employee

Mardouw Olive Estate, the producer of the most award-winning olive oils in South Africa, hosted a ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, with the Verder Group. Richard Hattersley, the Managing Director of Verder Scientific SA, did the opening ceremony on behalf of the Verder Group, together with the CEO of Mardouw, Gerbrand Nijman. Mayor Schalk van Eden was also present at the ceremony. Nina Verder was also present on behalf of the Verder family.

The Verder Group is a global technology leader in special niche markets, with its own presence in approximately 25 countries. The Verder Group also has a presence in South Africa with a company providing leading-edge research and quality control equipment and one providing advanced hygienic and industrial pumping solutions. The Verder Group has placed a strong emphasis on embracing its environmental and social responsibilities and has chosen to manifest this also in South Africa. Mardouw, South Africa’s producer of the most award-winning olive oils in the country, is proud to be chosen as Verder’s partner. In today’s event, we celebrate that Mardouw was assigned to plant over 2,000 olive trees for every employee of the Verder Group.

Olive Trees Planted At Mardouw

Richard: “In partnership with Mardouw Olive Estate, South Africa’s premier producer of olive oils, we’ve undertaken a project that symbolizes our dedication to reducing our ecological footprint. We’ve planted an olive tree for each and every one of our employees. Today, we have 2,000 employees, but we have already planted some extra as the Verder Group is a successful and expanding group of companies. This gesture not only reflects our commitment to sustainability but also our belief in collective action for the greater good. Together, we are taking small but meaningful steps towards making the world a healthier, safer, and more sustainable place for future generations. That is what we call “enabling progress” at the Verder Group.”

Gerbrand: “At Mardouw, we have high standards of quality. This has been recognized around the world with platinum and gold awards in Europe, the USA, and South America. We have been the proud winner of the most SA Olive awards for the last two years. It is an honor to support the Verder Group and work together for a better world. We welcome these more than 2,000 trees, and they are now part of our fantastic farm. We will take good care of them so we will be able to make superior quality olive oils from these trees as well as contribute to the environment.”

Shenzhen’s Nanshan Injects New Vitality into China-France Cultural Cooperation

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Shenzhen’s Nanshan Injects New Vitality into China-France Cultural Cooperation

Shenzhen, China, June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On June 17 and 18, an economic and trade delegation from Nanshan District Government of Shenzhen traveled to France and visited Ateliers Jean Nouvel, ISAL Paris, and other institutions. The delegation also hosted a fashion and creativity symposium between Shenzhen (Nanshan), China, and Paris, France, setting another example of the Chinese and French civilizations appealing to, exchanging with, and learning from each other.

Cultural exchanges are an vital founding element and inexhaustible driving force for China-France relations. Characterized by intertwining mountains and seas, a colorful culture, and the spirit of openness and inclusion, Nanshan, one of the pioneers of reform and opening up, presents a diverse cultural ecology and unique urban temperament.

Across mountains and seas, Nanshan and France, a land of cultural treasures, reach out to each other. In the Dongjiaotou area in Nanshan District’s Shekou, Shenzhen Opera House, hailed as No. 1 among Shenzhen’s “top ten cultural venues in the new era,” is under construction. It is worth noting that it is designed by the famous French architect Jean Nouvel’s team.

In a dialogue with the Nanshan delegation, Jean Nouvel said that Shenzhen is the forefront and trend-setter of China’s reform and opening up. Designed in a perfect combination with the landscape, the opera house will be the best building in the best place in China, shining with vitality and vibrance. The Ateliers will continue to communicate with Nanshan on the design of the Shekou Bay Art Zone, further facilitating the introduction of French opera and performances to Shenzhen.

On June 17, a fashion and creativity symposium between Shenzhen (Nanshan), China, and Paris, France, was held at Palais du Luxembourg in Paris. Representatives from the government, colleges, and businesses had in-depth exchanges with the delegation in culture, tourism, medical care, science and technology, and education, seeking cooperation in tourism management, exhibitions and performances, insurance, red wine, fashion, bags, and other industries.

At the symposium, the Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports of Nanshan District signed a contract with ISAL Paris. The relevant director of ISAL Paris said that the institute is scheduled to set up an instruction station in Nanshan and launch targeted matching and cooperation with the district for its graduates starting their own businesses in Shenzhen.

In July last year, a video featuring “Chinese Red” dancing on the streets of Paris went viral on social media. In the video, a Chinese dancer wearing a horse-faced skirt danced against the music of Zheng (a traditional Chinese string instrument) under the Eiffel Tower, catching the attention of internet users in China and France. It is one of a short video series, “Dancing Across Borders and Through Time,” created by SRX Internet Culture and Media from Nanshan. In the district, more and more culture companies like SRX are promoting “Chinese aesthetics” around the world by developing movies, TV shows, games, and other cultural products.

Cultural and artistic exchanges and cooperation are an essential part of the relationship between the two sides, which enhance the friendship of the people of the two countries and their understanding of each other’s culture. Nanshan, a district of creativity, dynamism, vitality, and charm, is injecting impetus to the mutual understanding and trust between the people of Shenzhen and Paris, as well as to the exchanges and cooperation between China and France in culture and tourism.

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