NEW YORK, June 13 (Xinhua) – The President of Xinhua News Agency, Mr. Fu Hua, met with Mr. Paul Bascobert, president of Reuters, on Wednesday to discuss promoting cooperation and topics of mutual interest.
Building upon nearly 70 years of bilateral cooperation, the two sides have experienced frequent high-level exchanges and new developments in recent years, according to Fu, who heads a delegation in the United States.
Fu expressed his hope that the two organizations reinforce mutually beneficial cooperation on the utilization of emerging technologies, international news services, and other areas.
Bascobert highlighted the World Media Summit, jointly built by the two sides, as a significant conference for the media industry. He looks forward to sharing the latest developments in artificial intelligence in the industry at the next World Media Summit.
Bascobert also emphasized the importance of working together to help guide different cultures toward mutual understanding. The two sides exchanged ideas on artificial intelligence, video services, and opportunities in tourism promotion.
On June 4th, more than 500 people gathered at the picturesque Pulchri Studio, an artist’s association and contemporary arts gallery, to celebrate the National Day of the Italian Republic. Organized by the Italian Embassy in The Hague, the event marked the 78th anniversary of the Italian Republic’s proclamation, established in 1946 following a referendum deciding between a monarchy and a constitutional republic.
Prominent representatives of the Dutch government attended the celebration, including Jan Anthonie Bruijn, Chairman of the Senate of the States General; Erik Westrate, Director of the Europe Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and House of Representatives members Ulysse Ellian and Casper Veldkamp. Heads of international organizations in The Hague, ambassadors, embassy officials, family, and friends were also present.
More than 400 people gathered at the picturesque Pulchri Studio to celebrate “il Giorno della Repubblica”
In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Giorgio Novello, who has served in the Netherlands for four years, expressed his deep appreciation for his Dutch friends and colleagues. He highlighted his positive experiences in the Netherlands, both personally and professionally, and emphasized the strong bilateral relations between Italy and the Netherlands, noting that these relations continue to uncover common ground daily. Having visited all 12 provinces of the Netherlands, he pointed out the cultural and linguistic diversity within the country, drawing a parallel with Italy.
Erik Westrate, Director of the Europe Department, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Erik Westrate also spoke, sharing a fond memory from his time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome. As a young diplomat, he enjoyed lunches at the Centro Diplomatico, recalling the warm atmosphere with Italian colleagues and jokes about different ways of getting coffee. Westrate highlighted Italy’s cultural significance to the Netherlands, noting its influence on Dutch education in architecture, music, and the classical arts. He emphasized the shared values and commitment of both countries to address global challenges, particularly climate change, stressing the need for continued collaboration.
Ambassador Novello, a skilled polyglot, delivered parts of his speech in Papiamento, to honor the Caribbean nations of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and in Esperanto, to acknowledge Dutch internationalism and the presence of the Esperanto Universal Union in Rotterdam. He also spoke in Dutch, Italian, and English. His speech conveyed a message of unity and fraternity between Italy and the Netherlands, emphasizing their fruitful collaboration and excellent bilateral relations. He praised the shared characteristic of being direct and combative when addressing important issues.
Ambassador Novello and his wife Bianca.
The Ambassador also acknowledged the event’s sponsors, highlighting their role in the economic relationship between Italy and the Netherlands. He thanked the Italian Culture Institute, the Consular Offices, the Embassy staff, and his wife, Miss Bianca.
The guests then enjoyed an Italian-style reception, where they connected over local products from various regions of Italy, spread across three rooms of the venue. Throughout the reception, the atmosphere was lively and festive, with guests engaging in animated conversations and forging new connections. The event provided a perfect blend of cultural celebration and culinary delight, embodying the spirit of Italian hospitality.
12 June 2024, Berlin, Germany, Residence of the Republic of Ireland to the Federal Republic of Germany: Elmar Conrads-Hassel, founder of the German-Irish Lawyers and Business Association, was honored with the “Ambassador of Ireland Award 2024” from the hands of the Ambassador of Ireland to Germany, H.E. Dr. Nicholas O’Brien.
The Ambassador of Ireland Award has been awarded since 2020 to a person who is committed to promoting Ireland in Germany or who makes a lasting and outstanding contribution to German-Irish relations or the Irish community in Germany.
Presenting the award to Elmar Conrads-Hassel at the Embassy’s annual Bloomsday reception, Ambassador O’Brien said: “I am delighted to recognize Elmar Conrads-Hassel and his decades-long commitment to German-Irish relations with the Ambassador of Ireland Award 2024.”
“Thirty-six years ago, Elmar founded the German-Irish Lawyers and Business Association (DIJW/GILBA). As the Association’s president for thirty years and its first and only elected honorary president since 2018, he has enabled the development of an invaluable network of Irish and German legal and business experts and has had a lasting impact on German-Irish relations.”
Mr. Conrads-Hassel, who comes from Bonn, said: “Since our time working together in Ireland from June 1987 to October 1990, Ireland has been our “dream country” and our “second home” for my wife and me. In this respect, it is a special joy and honor for me to receive this award. Since our “love for Ireland at first sight,” I have been volunteering as honorary chairman or chairman of the board for three bilateral non-profit German-Irish organizations: the “German-Irish Lawyers and Business Association (DIJW/GILBA)”, of which I was also the founding president, “The Ireland Funds Germany e.V.” and the “German-Irish Friendship Foundation/The Ireland Funds Germany Foundation.” I regularly attend the annual conferences of the DIJW/GILBA and the “Ireland Funds worldwide”, usually together with my wife, Dr. Ursula Hassel.
With all three organizations, we support – with Membership fees and donations – social and cultural bilateral or intra-Irish (Northern and Irish) non-profit projects, initiatives and associations as well as Irish students who want to learn German or improve their language skills during or alongside their studies at one of the five major universities in Ireland.”
On the 26th of May, the Embassy of Italy in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute of Amsterdam, organized an event dedicated to the Esperanto language, titled ‘Esperanto between Italy and the Netherlands’.
The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers who highlighted various aspects of Esperanto’s historical and contemporary relevance. Prof. Marc van Oostendorp, Professor of Dutch Language and Academic Communication at Radboud University, delved into the intriguing love correspondence between an Italian and a Dutch Esperantist in the 1930s, showcasing the personal connections fostered by the language. Daniela Tasca, a researcher, presented the remarkable figure of Angelo Agosti, an Italian Esperantist who lived between Italy and the Netherlands and founded an international communist union for Esperantists.
‘Esperanto between Italy and the Netherlands’.
Prof. Davide Astori, Professor of General Linguistics at the University of Parma, discussed the history of Esperanto and its function as an instrument of peace, emphasizing its potential for fostering global understanding. Finally, Prof. Federico Gobbo, Professor of Interlinguistic and Esperanto at the University of Amsterdam, provided insights on the topic “Artificial Language or Artificial Intelligence? Esperanto and Human-Machine Communication,” exploring the language’s role in the evolving landscape of technology and communication.
Professor Federico Gobbo further discussed the role of Esperanto as a message of peace highlighting a fascinating historical episode from the 1920s when an Esperanto-speaking kibbutz was established in Israel, bringing together Palestinians and Israelis. Although it lasted only a few months, it was a beautiful experiment demonstrating the potential for Esperanto to bridge national differences while allowing each culture to maintain its identity. Prof. Gobbo noted that even L. L. Zamenhof, the creator of Esperanto, was wary of establishing Israel in Palestine due to the potential for fratricidal conflict. On the technological front, prof. Gobbo expressed concern over our excessive reliance on technology as a problem solver. He emphasized that technology, as a tool, can be used for good or ill. In contrast, Esperantists are acutely aware of the importance of moral responsibility, recognizing that machines themselves are amoral. This awareness underscores the unique human element that Esperanto brings to both intercultural communication and the ethical use of technology.
In his opening speech, the Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Mr. Giorgio Novello reflected on his long-standing commitment to Esperanto, which began in 1976 after reading “Invented Languages” by Alessandro Bausani. Ambassador Novello, currently a member of the Honorary Committee of the World Esperantist Union, shared insightful thoughts on the significance of Esperanto as a language that promotes peace and serves as a diplomatic tool. He also discussed various initiatives aimed at expanding the reach and influence of Esperanto.
The concept of Esperanto as a diplomatic language date back to the League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations, when Nitobe Inazo proposed making Esperanto the League’s official language. However, this initiative was thwarted by French opposition, as French was the dominant international language at the time. While the historical efforts to establish Esperanto as Europe’s diplomatic language are noteworthy, the ambassador believes that considering Esperanto today as a tool for political and diplomatic communication might still be premature. At the same time, Esperanto has the potential to contribute to international relations, as demonstrated by recent progress.
The Universal Esperanto Association, of which the ambassador is an honorary patron, has an official working relationship with UNESCO, which also publishes its quarterly magazine in Esperanto. Furthermore, the language has had significant interfaces with diplomatic authorities. For example, former President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, participated in the Esperanto Congress in Florence twenty years ago, and the Italian Esperanto Congress in San Marino was held under the patronage of the Italian ambassador there.
Academic environments have also embraced Esperanto; the 2023 University Congress in Turin hosted the Esperanto Union as an honorary committee, with the President of the Province of Turin and the President of the Piemonte Region participating. Therefore, Esperanto is making notable progress, contributing to international understanding at both the political and diplomatic levels.
H.E. the Ambassador of Italy, emphasized the powerful role of Esperanto in building bridges and strengthening the relations between Italy and the Netherlands, underscoring the political relevance of such initiatives. The event successfully brought together Dutch and Italian Esperantists, as well as curious newcomers to the subject, fostering a warm atmosphere of shared curiosity and passion for the language. This gathering not only highlighted the cultural and diplomatic significance of Esperanto but also demonstrated its capacity to unite diverse groups in pursuit of common understanding and collaboration.
A fraudulent pyramid scheme was taken down by authorities from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czechia, Lithuania and Liechtenstein, with the support of Eurojust and Europol. The organised crime group (OCG) used an investment model that focused on the leasing and subleasing of cryptocurrency machines, such as exchange machines and hardware for mining. The suspects were able to target thousands of victims, causing losses of up to EUR 113 million. During an action day on 11 June, six arrests were made, 29 searches were conducted and the suspects’ assets were frozen.
The advertised investment concept involved the leasing of cryptocurrency products, such as investments in server storage for internet cloud services and the subleasing of crypto exchange machines. The suspects promised returns of 70% before tax to those joining the scheme. Investigations by German authorities showed that the promised returns were not only unrealistic, but also impossible, as the leased equipment and systems allegedly did not exist.
As the promised investment scheme did not exist as advertised, the suspects created a pyramid scheme, where most of the revenue for earlier investors came from more recent investors. The funds collected were not used for the promised investments, but mainly for the suspects’ living expenses. Throughout the scheme, the suspects concluded thousands of contracts, earning up to EUR 113 million.
As soon as the fraudulent scheme was discovered by German authorities, two coordination meetings were held at Eurojust to exchange information and evidence with authorities from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czechia, Lithuania and Liechtenstein. To ensure a continued smooth cooperation, a joint investigation team (JIT) between German and Swiss authorities was set up with the support of Eurojust.
The cooperation between authorities resulted in an action day on 11 June, with the involvement of over 280 officers on the ground. The actions resulted in six arrests, 29 searches, the seizing of evidence, and the freezing of several assets. Due to the coordination between the authorities, and the use of Eurojust’s facilities, simultaneous actions were carried out in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czechia, Lithuania and Liechtenstein.
The following authorities were involved in the operation:
Germany: Public Prosecutor`s Office Erfurt, Criminal State Investigation Office Thuringia
Switzerland: Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Zurich
Austria: Central Public Prosecutor`s Office for Combating Economic Crimes and Corruption
Czechia: Municipal Public Prosecutor´s Office in Prague; Regional Directorate of Police of the Capital City of Prague
Lithuania: Vilnius Regional Prosecutor’s Office
Liechtenstein: Princely Court of Justice of Liechtenstein
The Ambassador of the Philippines in the Netherlands, H.E. Ambassador Mr Jose Eduardo E. Malaya III, partnered with the Permanent Court of Arbitration and Diplomat Magazine to present a concert featuring the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) at Diligentia Theatre, in The Hague on June 6, 2024.
The event was held to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Professor Janet Sabas-Aracama, director of the Philippines Concert Chorus.The Philippines Concert Chorus during performance at Diligentia Theatre, in The Hague.
The concert, titled “A Celebration of Peace and Justice,” took place at the Diligentia Theatre and was attended by hundreds of guests, including members of the Diplomatic Corps, academics, the Dutch business community, International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Filipino community.
The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus, also known as Korus, presented its mesmerizing talent and cultural heritage through a diverse repertoire of songs, including “Cantate Domino,” “Abba Medley,” and “Let It Be.”
Dr Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General, Permanent Court of Arbitration and spouse Jadwiga Czepelak welcome the hundreds of guests together with the Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Mr. J. Eduardo Malaya and spouse Dr. Cristina Malaya.
The program began with welcome remarks by H.E. Ambassador Mr Jose Eduardo E. Malaya III, the Philippine Ambassador in the Netherlands, and President of the Administrative Council of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, accompanied by his spouse Dr Cristina Malaya.
“It has been an honour for me to serve as acting President of the Administrative Council of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at a time when we commemorate the 125th anniversary of the PCA. June 12 also marks the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, thus these occasions are doubly special for many of us.
The role of the PCA in the peaceful settlement of international disputes and the promotion of peace and justice, was underscored by the UN General Assembly of a resolution in August last year welcoming the PCA 125th anniversary which acknowledged its “important contribution … to the peaceful settlement of disputes.” It has been my honour and of Secretary General Czepelak to have initiated, and worked with a core group of countries on the adoption of the UNGA resolution, the first-ever such resolution by the UN on the PCA.
Dr Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General, Permanent Court of Arbitration.
The Philippines is relatively a newcomer to the century-old institution, having joined it in 2010. However, it had been involved early on in the PCA dispute settlement processes. The celebrated 1928 case “Island of Palmas” between the U.S. and the Netherlands pertained to the issue of sovereignty over an island just below the Philippines’ Mindanao and above North Sulawesi of the then Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia.
This case underscores the fact that seemingly intractable disputes, including territorial disputes between neighbours, are capable of resolution – with good faith, patience, and mutual desire for its settlement — peacefully and on the basis of law. And then as now, the facilities of the PCA are open and available to facilitate the process of settlement.
Ambassador Malaya during his performance with the Philippines Concert Chorus.
I am also pleased to note the significant strides in Philippine-Netherlands relations. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot had a productive visit to Manila in October last year. We applauded the Netherlands’ adoption of its Indo-Pacific Strategy, and its new status as a Development Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Last May 21-24, H.M. Queen Maxima visited the Philippines in her capacity as the UN Secretary General’s Special Advocate for Financial Inclusion for Development, and was received warmly by President Marcos Jr and the Filipino people.
Music has the capacity to inspire, to connect and to bring people together. It has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between and among people. We may come from different countries and cultures, but through music we all speak the same language.“
Ambassador for International Organizations of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr Paul van den Ijssel.
Dr Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General, Permanent Court of Arbitration and Ambassador for International Organizations of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Paul van den Ijssel also deliver their remarks.
The concert also featured Ambassador Malaya, a virtuoso piano player. The UPCC, under the direction of Professor Janet Sabas-Aracama, is notable for its artistry and high-caliber singing. Known as “Jai” to intimates, Professor Sabas-Aracama served as the Conductor and Artistic Director for the concert.
Ambassador Malaya and Antonio Polosa, UN IOM Chief of Mission together with the Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Álvaro González Otero, the Managing Director of CFC, Ambassador Sheikh Mohamed Belal, Professor Janet Sabas-Aracama and members of Korus afther their performance at Diligentia Theatre. June 10, 2024 The Hague.
The event was a captivating cultural experience, immersing the audience in an unforgettable showcase of Filipino musicality. The UPCC has a rich legacy of impressive stage performances, vivid choreography, dramatic expressions, captivating costumes, and a distinct Filipino charm.
After the show, the performers mingled with the audience, which was highly appreciated. From The Hague, the UPCC will proceed to Amsterdam, Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Brno, Prague, Cascine (Italy), Zurich, and Gambach (Germany).
6 June 2024, Berlin-Tiergarten, Germany: The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany organized a large event at the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Berlin in connection with Independence Day. The event was attended by numerous Bundestag deputies, high-ranking officials of German state institutions, ambassadors from foreign countries, representatives of the media, scientists and cultural figures, as well as members of the Azerbaijani, Turkish, and other communities living in Germany, totaling more than 500 guests. The doyen of the diplomatic corps accredited to Germany, Archbishop Dr. Nikola Eterović, was amongst the guests at the function.
At the event, Azerbaijani children participating in the language course at the “Khari Bulbul” Azerbaijan Culture House sang the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Germany. Guests subsequently watched a short film prepared in connection with COP29, which this year is being hosted by Azerbaijan.
The Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Germany, Nasimi Aghayev, noted that 106 years ago, the Azerbaijani people created the first secular republic in the Muslim world. The ambassador highlighted many successes of the republic, particularly emphasizing the recognition of women’s voting rights. He mentioned that the republic, which ended in 1920, was restored with the declaration of independence in 1991. The ambassador spoke of the unparalleled services of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the establishment of modern Azerbaijani statehood, the rapid development path of Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, and also discussed the importance of the restoration of our country’s territorial integrity as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War from the perspective of statehood.
At the event, Matthias Lüttenberg, the representative for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia of the German Federal Foreign Office, delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of the German government for Independence Day. In his speech, he expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of Azerbaijan-Germany relations.
Our fellow musician living in Germany, Tural Ismayilov, led the “Caucasian Consort” group, which performed Azerbaijani and international jazz music samples to the delight of the guests.
From 3 to 7 June 2024, the Registrar of the International Criminal Court, Osvaldo Zavala Giler, paid an official visit to Poland and Ukraine, and met with national authorities, United Nations and European Union representatives , members of the diplomatic community, as well as with representatives of Ukrainian NGOs.
During his visit to Poland, Registrar Zavala Giler met with the Minister of Justice of Poland, HE Adam Bodnar, discussing the ICC’s role as a pillar of international rule of law and the need to uphold the values underpinning it.
While in Warsaw, the Registrar also met the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Henryka Mościcka-Dendys. The Registrar underlined that “Poland’s strong political and operational support for the mandate and work of the Court is invaluable”.
The purpose of the ICC Registrar’s visit to Ukraine was to oversee the functioning of the Court’s Country Office in Kyiv, to advance dialogue on cooperation between the ICC and Ukrainian authorities and the ratification by Ukraine of the Rome Statute, as well as to enhance support for the integrity and legitimacy of the Court in all its activities.
In Ukraine, the ICC Registrar was joined by the Executive Director of the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), Deborah Ruiz Verduzco. The Executive Director’s mission follows the pledge by the TFV Board of Directors last November 2023 to initiate consultations on the feasibility of starting programs in Ukraine, one of the situations under the jurisdiction of the Court where the TFV does not yet have presence.
During a meeting with the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, HE Mr Andriy Kostin, ICC Registrar Zavala Giler and TFV Executive Director Ruiz Verduzco discussed ICC’s victim-centered approach and the TFV mandate of assistance and the opportunities in this regard with respect to Ukraine situation.
They also met with the Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine, HE Oleksandr Banchuk, and exchanged views on the central role of the ICC in the justice and accountability efforts in Ukraine.
Meeting with the Chairman of the Committee of the Foreign Affairs and Interparliamentary Ties of the Parliament of Ukraine, HE Oleksandr Merezhko, ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler highlighted “the importance of Ukraine ratifying the Rome Statute and joining the ICC family”.
The ICC Registrar and the Executive Director of the TFV also met with the United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Ms Denise Brown, and gratitude was expressed for the support the ICC receives from the UN. The collaboration between the Trust Fund for Victims and other UN agencies and programs advancing responses to victims needs was highlighted.
While in Kyiv, Ukraine, the ICC Registrar and the TFV Executive Director also engaged with staff of the ICC country office, representatives of the European Union and other members of the diplomatic community, as well as with members of civil society.
Tueday, 14 May 2024, Erfurt, Free State of Thuringia, Germany: Premier Bodo Ramelow received the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Amy Gutmann, for her inaugural visit to the Thuringian State Chancellery. The ambassador was accompanied by John R. Crosby, US Consul General responsible for the State of Thuringia but with seat in Leipzig, Saxony.
As part of her official program in Erfurt, Ambassador Gutmann partook at an event held at the University of Erfurt, wherein she discussed current topics with students enrolled at Willy Brandt School of Public Policy.
Amy Gutmann has been the United States Ambassador to Germany since 17 February 2022. From 1989 to 2004, the political scientist was a professor at Princeton University and from 2004 to February 2022 she was president and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. She will return to the USA in the summer of 2024, thus ending her ambassadorship ahead of time owing to personal grounds.
By H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
A healthy ocean is vital for human survival, producing 50% of the oxygen we breathe, regulating climate and global temperatures, and acting as the largest carbon dioxide sink. The diverse ecosystems and abundant resources provided by the ocean are essential for our planet.
On 7 and 8 June, 2024, Costa Rica hosted the “Immersed in Change” High-Level Event, as a major milestone on the road to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), that will take place in Nice, France, in June 2025, and will be co-hosted by Costa Rica and France. This Event was conceived as a platform for the exchange of best practices and successful experiences related to the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.
Li Junhua, Secretary-General of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference / High Level Event on Ocean Action – 7 Jun 2024 Photo by IISD/ENB – Diego Noguera
Indeed, one of the aims of the High-Level Event was to promote alliances between financial entities such as donors, partners, and multilateral agencies, with community leaders, local and national organizations, governmental entities, the private sector and academia to ensure technical and financial support for project proposals that seek to replicate these success stories. This was called the “matchmaking for initiatives addressing marine and coastal challenges”. This pilot initiative prioritized 11 projects in the Latin American and Caribbean region which propose marine-coastal solutions. As a specific outcome during the event, the formalization of financial support for two specific initiatives and the commitment of technical support for three initiatives was confirmed.
The High-Level Event
During the High-Level Event, authorities, experts, and a wide participation of members of civil society from different parts of the world engaged in solution-oriented discussions aimed at addressing the Ocean crisis. During a series of high level dialogues, government representatives reflected on recent progress in global ocean-related negotiations, in particular the actions needed to ensure the prompt ratification of the UN agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). There was a strong call to maintain momentum for adopting an ambitious global plastics treaty by the end of the year to combat marine plastics pollution.
Hervé Berville, Minister of State for Marine Affairs, France. Photo by IISD/ENB – Diego Noguera. jpg
Costa Rica’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Arnoldo André, highlighted the Peace for Ocean Declaration, urging participants to commit to joint solutions for a sustainable future. Hervé Berville, France’s Minister of State for Marine Affairs, emphasized that protecting the Ocean is crucial for tackling the triple planetary crisis: biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, stressed the importance of the Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity from the Fourth International Conference on Small Island States, making ocean protection imperative.
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves underlined the necessity of rescuing the Ocean to secure the planet’s future, urging actionable commitments to ocean conservation. In a video message, French President Emmanuel Macron praised Costa Rica’s inspirational efforts and highlighted the Peace for Ocean Declaration’s role in intensifying collective ocean action, setting the stage for the Third UN Ocean Conference.
Arnoldo Andre Tinoco, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Costa Rica. High-Level Event on Ocean Action – 7 Jun 2024 / Photo by IISD/ENB – Diego Noguera.
Throughout the first day, delegates participated in interactive panels showcasing replicable success stories. Panels covered topics such as satellite technology for conservation and sustainable use, the sustainable blue economy, sustainable use of fishing resources, and scientific developments to address marine pollution. A high-level segment on ocean action saw 25 government representatives reaffirming their commitments to ocean conservation and showcasing initiatives for implementing the BBNJ Agreement and GBF.
On 8 June 2024, World Ocean Day, the High-Level Event emphasized the Ocean’s intrinsic value in sustaining life, providing oxygen, food, medicine, identity, and culture. Panels addressed issues such as ghost fishing gear, blue financial mechanisms to close the finance gap for the Ocean, ocean-cleaning technologies, and the implementation of international ocean governance agreements to transform them into actionable outcomes.
Ambassador Gina Guillén, Costa Rica, Director General of Foreign Policy. Costa Rica Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo by IISD/ENB – Diego Noguera
During the closing ceremony, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves was presented with the Peace for the Ocean Declaration, which summarizes efforts and commitments towards ocean conservation. In his closing remarks, he emphasized the need for knowledge, moral integrity, and courage to implement ocean policies. This declaration aims be a global call to raise awareness about the role of the ocean in the planet and promote concrete actions to change the paradigm in the relationship of human beings with the ocean, in order to ensure a balance between conservation and sustainable use. The Ocean Declaration has been initially supported by 26 countries, along with some civil society organizations and will stay open for endorsement until UNOC 3 in 2025.
Local youth show their paintings to Rodrigo Chaves Robles, President of Costa Rica, and Signe Zeikate, First Lady of Costa Rica. Photo by IISD/ENB – Diego Noguera
Preparations in The Hague
In preparation for the Event in Costa Rica a precursor encounter took place in The Hague on May 14th, 2024. The Embassies of Costa Rica and France convened a ‘Blue Talk’ themed “Increasing Ambitions and Efforts to Protect the Ocean.” This event featured opening remarks from H.E. François Alabrune, the French Ambassador, and myself in my capacity as the Costa Rican Ambassador. The ‘Blue Talk’ attracted a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Infrastructure and Water Management, Defense, and Agriculture. Research institutions like the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) were also present. Contributions from Wageningen Marine Research and Deltares, an independent institute for applied research, enriched the discussions. Non-governmental organizations such as The Ocean Cleanup and Clear Rivers, along with Primo Marine, a society of independent technical advisors, further enhanced the dialogue.
Discussions at this ‘Blue Talk’ focused on four pivotal topics: implementing global agreements for ocean governance, mobilizing financial resources, combating marine plastic pollution and ghost fishing, and exploring the sustainable blue economy and technological advancements for ocean protection. This gathering allowed a rich discussion on some of the main challenges faced by humanity in relation to the Ocean, as well as an exchange of best practices and experiences related to ocean governance and health.
Panel on The Blue Economy as an Engine for Prosperity moderated by Valerie Hickey, Global Director, Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy, World Bank / High Level Event on Ocean Action 7 Jun 2024 / Photo by IISD/ENB Diego Noguera
