Camera Foils Bolivian Coup d’état

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Camera Foils Bolivian Coup d’état


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. Zúñiga, 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 José Zúñiga broke off the battle. Zúñiga was arrested shortly afterward on the same day. The Head of the Bolivian Navy, Vice-Adm Juan Arnez Salvador, has also been arrested.

Gen. Zúñiga, 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’état against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Following the coup d’état, Erdoğan did a FaceTime interview with CNN Türk, 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’état. 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 Gülen—a terrorist organization led by Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish businessman and a well-known Islamic scholar who lives in exile in Pennsylvania—was behind the coup (which Gülen 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’état.

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 Café 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.

Exchanging Trash for Dreams

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Exchanging Trash for Dreams

China UnionPay leverages art show to promote ecological preservation for China’s “water tower”

Using light and shadow techniques and recycled garbage, the exhibition showcases the true stories of eight eco-activists in the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve, where the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Lancang River originate.

Among them are the caravan that collects garbage along the way to protect the environment, the couple volunteers who come from afar to protect the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve in winter, the independent grassland director who insists on capturing the ecological environment through the lens, and the young volunteers who hang a string of plastic bottles on their bodies to collect tiny pieces of rubbish.

This is an environmental art exhibition jointly planned by China UnionPay and the Sanjiangyuan Ecological Protection Foundation, with strong support from China UnionPay’s Qinghai and Sichuan branches.

The two parties aim to promote environmental awareness and call for more people to participate in the protection of the Sanjiangyuan ecological region, the pristine landscapes, and China’s natural beauty.

In addition to the art exhibition, the two sides also set up an ecological trade-in supermarket in Qumalai County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

The environmental guardians of the Sanjiangyuan region can exchange and accumulate ecological credits by collecting litter, and then use these credits to redeem daily necessities, books and other materials. In this way, the litter on the ground is transformed into the fuel to help the environmental guardians pursue a better life and fulfill their dreams.

Since 2023, China UnionPay has been contributing to the ongoing conservation efforts of the Sanjiangyuan ecological region through various means.

In five years, China UnionPay will assist the Sanjiangyuan Ecological Protection Foundation in the continuous restoration of 1,000 mu of sandy land and 2,000 mu of grassland on the southern shore of Longyang Lake in the upper reaches of the Yellow River. Additionally, a 1,000-mu animal conservation area will be established.

Furthermore, through online public fundraising and the sale of themed blind boxes, China UnionPay aims to engage more consumers in participating in protecting the ecological region.

China UnionPay’s commitment to green finance is an important part of its implementation of the requirements set forth in the Central Financial Work Conference. It also plays a part in supporting the achievement of China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.

In recent years, China UnionPay has been fulfilling its corporate social responsibility through various initiatives, such as issuing green and low-carbon cards, establishing a low-carbon program, and enabling carbon account interconnection with China Construction Bank, CITIC Bank, Hangzhou Bank, and other financial institutions.

So far, the UnionPay’s low-carbon program has expanded to cover 20 scenarios including public transportation, subway, bicycles, catering, and hotels. It has driven green consumption of 2.5 billion transactions, resulting in a reduction of nearly 40,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Heineken ‘Rock The City The Full Amsterdam Experience Tour

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Heineken ‘Rock The City The Full Amsterdam Experience Tour

“The Heineken Experience”

By Roy Lie Atjam

It was a Diplomat Magazine activity: “Join us in the Heineken ‘Rock the City – The Full Amsterdam Experience’ Tour!” What was intended to be a male spouse excursion has become an eventful day for Ambassadors and diplomats. Participants in the Heineken Experience travelled by train from The Hague, while others got to the brewery by other means. It indeed was a fun day out on Saturday, 1 June 2024.

Vietnamese diplomats at the The Heineken Experience.
Kevin Doris Ejon, Ireland diplomatic spouse, Giovanni Calvano, Colombia Diplomatic spouse, H.E. Mr. Antonio Polosa, IOM Chief of Mission, H.E. Mr. Brendan Rogers, Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Casto, Ambassador of Costa Rica and spouse Beatriz Piza.
The Heineken Experience attracts visitors from around the globe who are eager to learn about how a small Amsterdam brewery evolved into one of the world’s top beer brands. As you walk through this 150-year-old brewery, you can touch the hops, taste the wort, and smell the aromas while discovering the various processes involved, from water collection to beer bottling.  

During the Heineken Excursion, participants were treated to a tour of the brewery, as well as two complimentary beers. Among the attendees were Ambassadors and diplomats from Germany, Ghana, Vietnam, Italy, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ireland as well as representatives of IOM and ICJ., and others. The excursion was also graced by the presence of the Ambassadors of Costa Rica, Ghana, and Ireland.  

The Heineken Experience Tour was a success and concluded with a fabulous 45-minute canal sightseeing cruise. The tour featured iconic highlights such as Paradiso, the Amsterdam Tower, the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), and the centuries-old residences of plantation and slave owners who gathered their wealth from the colonies in the West and East Indies, on the Herengracht.                
Beatriz Piza and spouse H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica, Kevin Doris Ejon, Ireland diplomatic spouse and H.E. Mr. Francis Danti Kotia, Ambassador of Ghana.
 

Bilateral reception for Veronika Wand-Danielsson at Bundestag

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Bilateral reception for Veronika Wand-Danielsson at Bundestag

Friday, 7 June 2024, Berlin, German Federal Parliament (Bundestag), Germany: The Federal Speaker Bärbel Bas, in office since 26 October 2021, welcomed the Swedish top envoy to Germany, Veronika Wand-Danielsson for a bilateral conversation. This is not the first time Ambassador Wand-Danielsson is welcomed by Speaker Bas, for the latter hosted the Lucia Chorus of the Scandinavian Musical School in Stockhom at the premises of the Federal Parliament in the presence of Ambassador Wand-Danielsson on 15 December 2023. 

The bilateral meeting took place just a day after Ambassador Wand-Danielsson hosted a reception in honour of Sweden’s National Day on 6 June, marking the coronation on the aforementioned date in 1523 of King Gustav I Vasa; thereby ending Sweden’s membership in the Kalmar Union. The kingdom has remained independent ever since. The Chair of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee Michael Roth held an allocution to the guests that attended the reception celebrated at the Swedish Residence to Germany. 

Diplomats Biking Spree 2024 in The Hague – Scheveningen Dunes 

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Diplomats Biking Spree 2024 in The Hague – Scheveningen Dunes 

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, Saturday 15 June 2024 Diplomat Magazine organized its IX Diplomats Biking Spree an annual biking tour for diplomats – a few days on the heels of World Bicycle Day, 3rd June. June 3, is the day the United Nations celebrates the World Bicycle Day, formally adopted in 2018. The theme for the 2024 World Bicycle Day is, “Your Pedal, Your Health, Your Nature”!

The Turkmenistan Permanent Mission to the United Nations-sponsored the adoption of World Bicycle Day. Through their stewardship, 193 member states reached a consensus to sign the resolution. World Bicycle Day aims to spread awareness about the benefits of cycling. People are urged to use the cycle as a mode of transportation enabling a sustainable way of living.

Getting ready to bike.
The Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Ms Anet Pino Rivero and family.

The phenomenon of ambassadors, diplomats, and international representatives touring The Hague by bike is not new, as this is already the ninth year for the Diplomats Biking Spree. On Saturday 15 June 2024, Diplomat Magazine organized its ninth annual biking tour in The Hague.

The route spanned approximately 14 km and featured several highlights, including the statue of George Maduro at the George Maduroplein, the roundabout Scheveningen, Pompstationsweg, the clock at Waalsdorpervlakte, the Watertoren pompstationsweg, the Nationaal monument Oranje-hotel and De Tapuit, info center of the water authority Dunea.

H.E. Mr. Roseli Bin Abdul, Ambassador of Malaysia.

The route in the Scheveningen dunes had some hilly sections that required cyclists to do some climbing. Overall, it was a very enjoyable tour for all participants. Cyclists either brought their own bikes or rented a complimentary one from Gazelle.

The Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Alvaro Gonzalez Otero and Deputy Mayor Arjen Kapteijns.
Diplomats from El Salvador, Singapore, Burundi, Argentina, getting ready to bike!

The tour was attended by enthusiastic cyclists from the embassies of Argentina, Bolivia, Burundi, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Korea, Malta, Malaysia, Pakistan, Romania, the USA, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sudan, Uruguay, Venezuela and other countries.

This year, a different format was adopted for the opening of the tour program. The event started with a walk-in at Leonardo Royal Hotel The Hague, where participants enjoyed coffee and light refreshments.

Skadi Tirpak, the director of the Dutch Cycling Embassy.

Dr.  Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher and Skadi Tirpak, the director of the Dutch Cycling Embassy, delivered the welcome speeches.

Danielle van Mulukom, Head of International Enterprise at Ministry of Foreign Affairs during her presentation.

A short speech was also given by Danielle van Mulukom, Head of International Enterprise at Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her presentation, she shared some statistics and emphasized that the tour not only highlights the joy of cycling as a means of bringing people together but also underscores its role in promoting sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life. Van Mulukom continued by stating that cycling holds significant economic potential for the Netherlands, which explains her role as the head of the International Enterprise Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands.

She expressed excitement about having everyone present and looked forward to a day filled with camaraderie, shared experiences, and the strengthening of international bonds through the simple yet powerful act of cycling.

There was also a warm welcome from Deputy Mayor Arjen Kapteijns, who is The Hague’s alderman for the Energy Transition, Mobility, Raw Materials, and the Centrum city district. His involvement highlights the city’s commitment to advancing mobility and sustainable practices.

“The Hague has been actively supporting initiatives to improve mobility and encourage the use of bicycles. The city’s comprehensive traffic control system efficiently coordinates cars, bikes, trams, buses, and pedestrians. Moreover, we are expanding biking programs designed to assist families in buying bikes for their children, encouraging a culture of cycling from a young age.”

The presentation and Q&A session titled “Cycling in The Netherlands: development, lessons learnt, and pedalling – with everybody – beyond our borders” was conducted by Emma Stubbe from the DCE. Introductions of experts, guides, and bike suppliers were made, along with safety hints and cycling tips.

Emma Stubbe guiding part of the group.
IX Diplomats BIking Spree

The Hague and its surrounding areas are ideal for biking, with lush green cycling paths. The Hague is possibly Europe’s greenest city. It’s important to learn the dos and don’ts of cycling in the city, especially taking into account the phenomenon of tram rails.

Emma Stubbe guiding part of the group.
IX Diplomats Biking Spree

One ambassador once observed that it was good to be with fellow diplomats and ambassadors while biking. He highly recommended biking during their tenure in The Hague.

Up to the jubilee, tenth annual biking tour in 2025.

Nomer Ado, First Secretary from the Philippines.

Projects from Armenia and Georgia are among winners of European Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards

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Projects from Armenia and Georgia are among winners of European Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards

04.06.2024 (Caucasian Journal). On 30 May, the European Commission and Europa Nostra announced the 2024 winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. This year, Europe’s most prestigious awards for heritage go to 26 winners from 18 countries across the continent, including from Armenia and Georgia.

The ‘Teryan Cultural Centre – Empowering Armenian Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh’ project from Armenia is one of five winners in the category ‘Education, Training and Skills’.

Since 2002, the Teryan Cultural Center has been committed to the study and preservation of Armenian culture, undertaking extensive research and hosting exhibitions about this culture. Since 2016, it has partnered with the Smithsonian Institute to take part in the ‘My Armenia’ project, training 55 Armenian artisans from the region of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, and enabling them to share their crafts with local and international audiences. 

Following the armed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2020, the Center swiftly transformed itself into a beacon of hope, offering humanitarian aid to Armenian refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. In the face of the extreme adversity that these displaced people face, culture and heritage have been utilised to foster pride and create a sense of hope for the future.

The ‘Citizens’ Rehabilitation of the Tsiskarauli Tower’ (Akhieli, Georgia) project is among seven winners in the ‘Citizens’ Engagement and Awareness-raising’ category.

Rehabilitation of the Tsiskarauli Tower was supported by a grant from ALIPH – the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas. Georgia benefitted with an amount of US$ 157,290, of which about US$ 34,000 went directly to the local community, actively involved in the project activities.

The medieval tower in Khevsureti was severely damaged by a Russian missile in 2001, during the Second Chechen war. In 2021-2023, the National Trust of Georgia set up a collaborative European project to restore the tower in a remote high-mountain region of Georgia. The complex project was successfully implemented thanks to the high commitment and excellent collaboration of British, French, Polish and Georgian partners, an experienced team of professionals, technical experts, local villagers, traditional craftspeople, and the tireless effort of 46 young Georgian and European volunteers.  

The Awards identify and promote best practices in the conservation and enhancement of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, stimulate the trans-frontier exchange of knowledge throughout Europe, increase public awareness and appreciation of Europe’s cultural heritage, and encourage further excellent initiatives through the power of example.

The Call for Entries for the 2025 edition of the Awards will open in Autumn 2024.

Published by Caucasian Journal

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