In the picture from left to right: H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher, Alejandro Mitri, First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Argentina, during his speech on behalf of the Ambassador, H.E. Horacio Salvador and the ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Mrs. Ngo Thi Hoa.
As Diplomat Magazine organized the VI Diplomats Welcome After Summer Reception, with the aim of welcoming back to The Hague diplomats and friends after the summer vacations, the Embassy of Argentina – under the lead of H.E. Ambassador Hector Horacio Salvador – has been significantly involved in the organization of the event.
Already weeks before the event, the Embassy’s commercial team started preparing the list of wines, to be served as always with special care to the Reception’s guests. For this year’s reception, besides the Embassy’s selection, a wine tasting session was organized with three Argentinian wine importers: Belgerette wines,Verbunt-Verlinden, and San Rafael Import– who all came with their best wine selection. José Belgerette, a wine grower whose vineyards in Argentina produce organic wines, and San Rafael Import, who imports Alfredo Rocca wines from San Rafael Mendoza, had already participated at previous editions of the welcome reception for diplomats.
For Verbunt-Verlinden– who brought Bodegas Sanlentein from Uco Valley in Mendoza, and Pyros from Pedernal Valley in San Juan – the experience with the diplomatic cosmopolitan audience was a first, and it was very rewarding.
Over 200 guests attended the event, including Dutch ministers, well-known businessmen and politicians, as well as diplomats from embassies and international organizations, including: the Ambassadors of China, Malaysia, Rwanda, Indonesia, Vietnam, Iran, the Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan, the State of Palestine, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola, Tanzania, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, the Holy See, Brazil, Cuba, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, and Ecuador; the Chargés d’ Affaires a.i. of the Russian Federation, Georgia, Argentina, Panama, Suriname, and Azerbaijan; and representatives from the Embassies of the USA, Kenya, and Poland.
Alejandro Mitri from the Embassy of Argentina gave an exposé on Argentinian wines – including Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Torrontés – and thanked Diplomat Magazine for the constant support provided to the diplomatic community. After Mr. Mitri’s speech, the guests could also enjoy a Tango dance performance by long career dancers Ezequiel & Geraldine.
Ezequiel & Geraldina, tango dancers from Argentina performing during 6th Diplomats Welcome After Summer Reception at Crowne Plaza, The Hague.
To match perfectly with the Argentinian wines, the Dutch cheese firm “Kaandorp Cheese” (a 1929 Dutch family business) offered their very best selection of exported products, which are successfully sold in many countries, from China to El Salvador.
The Ambassador of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mohammed Belal and Ms. Sonia Meijer, President of El Salvador-Holland Chamber of Commerce showing a special packaged cheese for El Salvador’s market.
Mr. Humphry van Hesse, Export Director of the Dutch Cheese company, also came to share his experiences in the international market.
Ms. Elea V. Perez, Cultural Officer at the Embassy of the Philippines with Ms. Carla Bos, from Kaandorp Chese and Mr. Elias J.Balawag, Assistance to Nationals Officer, Attache at the Embassy of the Philippines at the 6th Diplomats Welcome After Summer Reception.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina On Cover Diplomat Magazine
The latest issue of Diplomat magazine featured the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the Mother of Humanity.
The launching of the special issue took place in The Hague on Thursday 12 September 2019.
The launching of the new issue with a cover story on Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, took place at Crowne Plaza in The Hague on Thursday 12 September 2019 during the VI Diplomats Welcome After Summer before hundreds of guests.
Ambassadors of China, Malaysia, Rwanda, Indonesia, Vietnam, Iran, Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan, State of Palestine, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola, Tanzania, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Holy See, Brazil, Cuba, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, and Ecuador; Charge d’ Affaires, a.i. of the Russian Federation, Georgia, Argentina, Panama, Suriname and Azerbaijan; and representatives from the Embassies of the USA, Kenya and Poland joined business people, political well known personalities, academics and members of international organizations attended the traditional VI Diplomats Welcome After Summer event.
Introductory Remarks by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands at the Diplomat Magazine Event
12 September 2019, The Hague
Dr. Mayelinne De Lara
Publisher, Diplomat Magazine
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good Evening !
At the very outset, I would like to express our profound gratitude to the Diplomat Magazine for the cover story on “Sheikh Hasina: The Mother of Humanity” on the magazine’s June 2019 Issue.
You all might be aware that the world came to know Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the ‘Mother of Humanity’ after her bold decision to open Bangladesh-Myanmar borders for the fleeing persecuted Rohingya people from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. By doing so, Bangladesh Prime Minister demonstrated a unique example the world has ever seen.
The systematic persecution by the Myanmar security forces and local vigilantes on the Rohingya people in the Rakhine State of Myanmar has resulted fleeing of over a million Rohingya people to Bangladesh. The exodus of Rohingya people following the events of 25 August 2017 in the Rakhine State,which the world came to term as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing” led to the fastest displacement crisis in the history of mankind. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in coordination with international agencies, has been extending all sorts of humanitarian assistance including shelter, food, healthcare, water and sanitation, etc. to the persecuted Rohingya people since their entry into Bangladesh solely on humanitarian ground. It is true that the persecution of Rohingya people has generated multi-dimensional and multi-layered crisis for Bangladesh ranging from economic, security, environmental, social, and political. Despite numerous challenges to our economy, ecology and overall societal rubrics, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision to shelter the persecuted Rohingya people emanates from humanity alone.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Bangladesh has been making sincere efforts towards an early repatriation of the displaced Myanmar residents to their homeland in Rakhine with safety, dignity and basic rights in a time-bound manner for a durable solution of the problem. However, Myanmar must demonstrate political-will through decisive actions with comprehensive participation of the international community to permanently resolve the crisis, particularly in line with the recommendations of the Kofi Annan-led “Advisory Commission on Rakhine State” and Bangladesh Prime Minister’s proposal of creating a non-military and civilian ‘safe zone’ in the conflict affected areas of Myanmar in order to ensure safety and security and usual living of all civilians irrespective of their ethnic or religious identity.Myanmar should also cooperate with international community to eliminate the culture of impunity for the sake of a durable solution to the protracted problem.
Ladies and gentlemen,
If you could imagine what would have happened to the persecuted Rohingya people had Bangladesh opted the policy of closed borders and push back of refugees, the world would have witnessed the death of thousands of persecuted Rohingya people. Unique to her courage and humanitarian compassion, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to save the lives of thousands of forcibly displaced Rohingya people.
Introductory Remarks by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands at the Diplomat Magazine Event
12 September 2019, The Hague
Dr. Mayelinne De Lara
Publisher, Diplomat Magazine
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good Evening !
At the very outset, I would like to express our profound gratitude to the Diplomat Magazine for the cover story on “Sheikh Hasina: The Mother of Humanity” on the magazine’s June 2019 Issue.
You all might be aware that the world came to know Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the ‘Mother of Humanity’ after her bold decision to open Bangladesh-Myanmar borders for the fleeing persecuted Rohingya people from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. By doing so, Bangladesh Prime Minister demonstrated a unique example the world has ever seen.
The systematic persecution by the Myanmar security forces and local vigilantes on the Rohingya people in the Rakhine State of Myanmar has resulted fleeing of over a million Rohingya people to Bangladesh. The exodus of Rohingya people following the events of 25 August 2017 in the Rakhine State,which the world came to term as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing” led to the fastest displacement crisis in the history of mankind. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in coordination with international agencies, has been extending all sorts of humanitarian assistance including shelter, food, healthcare, water and sanitation, etc. to the persecuted Rohingya people since their entry into Bangladesh solely on humanitarian ground. It is true that the persecution of Rohingya people has generated multi-dimensional and multi-layered crisis for Bangladesh ranging from economic, security, environmental, social, and political. Despite numerous challenges to our economy, ecology and overall societal rubrics, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision to shelter the persecuted Rohingya people emanates from humanity alone.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Bangladesh has been making sincere efforts towards an early repatriation of the displaced Myanmar residents to their homeland in Rakhine with safety, dignity and basic rights in a time-bound manner for a durable solution of the problem. However, Myanmar must demonstrate political-will through decisive actions with comprehensive participation of the international community to permanently resolve the crisis, particularly in line with the recommendations of the Kofi Annan-led “Advisory Commission on Rakhine State” and Bangladesh Prime Minister’s proposal of creating a non-military and civilian ‘safe zone’ in the conflict affected areas of Myanmar in order to ensure safety and security and usual living of all civilians irrespective of their ethnic or religious identity.Myanmar should also cooperate with international community to eliminate the culture of impunity for the sake of a durable solution to the protracted problem.
Ladies and gentlemen,
If you could imagine what would have happened to the persecuted Rohingya people had Bangladesh opted the policy of closed borders and push back of refugees, the world would have witnessed the death of thousands of persecuted Rohingya people. Unique to her courage and humanitarian compassion, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to save the lives of thousands of forcibly displaced Rohingya people.
Introductory Remarks by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands at the Diplomat Magazine Event
Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher, Diplomat Magazine
Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,
At the very outset, I would like to express our profound gratitude to the Diplomat Magazine for the cover story on “Sheikh Hasina: The Mother of Humanity” on the magazine’s June 2019 Issue.
You all might be aware that the world came to know Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the ‘Mother of Humanity’ after her bold decision to open Bangladesh-Myanmar borders for the fleeing persecuted Rohingya people from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. By doing so, Bangladesh Prime Minister demonstrated a unique example the world has ever seen.
The systematic persecution by the Myanmar security forces and local vigilantes on the Rohingya people in the Rakhine State of Myanmar has resulted fleeing of over a million Rohingya people to Bangladesh. The exodus of Rohingya people following the events of 25 August 2017 in the Rakhine State,which the world came to term as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing” led to the fastest displacement crisis in the history of mankind.
The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in coordination with international agencies, has been extending all sorts of humanitarian assistance including shelter, food, healthcare, water and sanitation, etc. to the persecuted Rohingya people since their entry into Bangladesh solely on humanitarian ground. It is true that the persecution of Rohingya people has generated multi-dimensional and multi-layered crisis for Bangladesh ranging from economic, security, environmental, social, and political.
Despite numerous challenges to our economy, ecology and overall societal rubrics, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision to shelter the persecuted Rohingya people emanates from humanity alone.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Bangladesh has been making sincere efforts towards an early repatriation of the displaced Myanmar residents to their homeland in Rakhine with safety, dignity and basic rights in a time-bound manner for a durable solution of the problem.
However, Myanmar must demonstrate political-will through decisive actions with comprehensive participation of the international community to permanently resolve the crisis, particularly in line with the recommendations of the Kofi Annan-led “Advisory Commission on Rakhine State” and Bangladesh Prime Minister’s proposal of creating a non-military and civilian ‘safe zone’ in the conflict affected areas of Myanmar in order to ensure safety and security and usual living of all civilians irrespective of their ethnic or religious identity.
Myanmar should also cooperate with international community to eliminate the culture of impunity for the sake of a durable solution to the protracted problem.
If you could imagine what would have happened to the persecuted Rohingya people had Bangladesh opted the policy of closed borders and push back of refugees, the world would have witnessed the death of thousands of persecuted Rohingya people. Unique to her courage and humanitarian compassion, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to save the lives of thousands of forcibly displaced Rohingya people.
I thank you all.
Please open the digital version of Diplomat Magazine’s new edition Here:
H.E. Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa delivered her welcome address on the occasion of the 74thNational Day of The Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The Ambassador paid homage to President Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people. The Ambassador stated the following: On behalf of the Embassy of Vietnam in the Hague, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you to the reception celebrating the 74th National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
More than seven decades ago, on September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people, proclaimed the Declaration of Independence in Hanoi, announcing the birth of the then Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. From this historic moment, a chapter of Independence – Freedom – Happiness has opened in the history of our nation.
Viet Nam National Day
Under a red field and gold star banner, our people have joined hands, overcome hardships and marched forward, striving for national development, prosperity and happiness for all, while contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
After more than 30 years since the launch of the “Doi Moi” or “Renovation” policy, Vietnam has been pursuing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, cooperation and development, diversification and multilization of external relations, proactive and active international integration. The Government has also been stepping up economic reforms, improving the business environment, promoting the development of all economic stakeholders, and investing into education and human resources development.
Today, Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing and most open economies in Southeast Asia. Our GDP growth was nearly 7.1% in 2018, among the fastest-growing economies in the world. The countryenjoys free trading relations with nearly 60 major countries and partners in the world as a result of its membership of 16 Free Trade Agreements or FTAs. Most recently, Vietnam and the European Union (EU) signed the EVFTA in Ha Noi on June 30, which is expected to boost EU exports to Vietnam by 15.3% and those from Vietnam to the EU by 20.0% by 2020.
The bright future of Vietnam is closely linked to peace, stability and shared prosperity with the region and the world. Vietnam has always strived to integrate with the international community and has worked with the international community on the basis of respect for other countries’ independence and sovereignty, equality, mutual benefits, as well as international law. We view these principles as the foundation and most effective means to ensuring the legitimate interests of all countries.
H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony, Ambassador of India with the ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Mrs. Ngo Thi Hoa.
In relation to this, Vietnam has actively participated in the United Nations (UN), the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Mekong sub-regional mechanisms, among others. The country successfully hosted the 2017 APEC Year, the 132thInter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly, the 2018 World Economic Forum on ASEAN, and will be assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020 as well as the non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the term 2020-2021.
Vietnam is currently working with fellow member states to implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, to build a united, strong, developed and prosperous community, and strengthen the role of ASEAN’s centrality in the regional framework.
This year, Vietnam and the Netherlands have celebrated the 46thanniversary of diplomatic relation establishment (9/4/1973-9/4/2019). Over the past years, the friendship and cooperation relationship between the two countries have been developing positively and effectively on all fields, especially in the economic sector as the Netherlands is now the second largest European trading partner of Viet Nam, with bilateral turnover in 2018 reaching 7.8 billion USD and the largest European investor in Viet Nam, with total registered FDI amounting to 9.55 billion USD. Our Strategic Partnership on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management and on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security have been implemented by specific programmes and projects and will be the continued focus of bilateral cooperation in the future.
The Ambassador of Korea, H.E. Mr. Yun-young Lee and Mr. H.E. Ms. Ngo Thi Hoa.
During the official visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Mark Rutte in April 2019, the two Governments agreed to upgrade the Viet Nam-Netherlands relation to a comprehensive partnership. This constitutes a significant milestone to further strengthen the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries in an efficient and sustainable manner, thereby meeting common needs and interests of both sides. This also reflects the overall positive trend of cooperation between Vietnam and Europe in general.
On this occasion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Government, Ministries, the business community and people of the Netherlands as well as our international partners and friends who have cooperated with Vietnam over the years and I thank you for your warm affection and support. I would also like to thank the Vietnamese community in the Netherlands for your continuous contribution in strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and the Netherlands.
In this cordial atmosphere, as we share the joy with the Vietnamese people on this National Day, let us raise our glasses:
To the fruitful friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands!
A reception and dinner-buffet concluded the festive afternoon on the premises of the Embassy in The Hague
Ambassadors at the Des Indes Embassy Festival’s opening reception
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The seventh Embassy Festival took place in The Hague on 7th and 8th September 2019.
The participation in the festival this year involved about 70 Diplomatic missions accredited to the Netherlands. This Festival is rather unique in the Netherlands. It was indeed a pleasure to meet attendees from other parts of Europe who were just as eager as myself to share and savor the essence of this year’s festival.
H.E. Laurence Lenayapa, Ambassador of Kenya, H.E. Ms. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Mrs. Ngo Thi Hoa, Ambassador of Viet Nam, Mrs. Jamilah Al-Otaibi spouse of the Ambassador of Kuwait, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen and H.E. Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait.
The participating embassies all showcased the various aspects of their respective cultures. As the theme of the festival emphasized, the Embassy Festival is about the uplifting of global cultureand uniting people from across the world in order to foster mutual tolerance, multiculturalism and diversity. The cultural extravaganza included an authentic Reyog Ponorogo Parade from Indonesia. The parade featured brilliantly designed traditional costumes that truly emphasized the vibrant culture and people of Indonesia.
H.E. Mr. Elyes Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia.
The Mexico Fundación Xochiquetzal, enthralled spectators at the festival with traditional Mexican dance from different regions of the country such as Veracruz and San Luis Potosi.
The festival was officially opened by Madame Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Mrs. Saskia Bruines. H.E. Mrs. Rawan Suliaman, Head of Mission, State of Palestine, spoke at the welcome reception. Mrs. Suliaman lauded the efforts that festival had set out to accomplish, which is to promote the message that culture has the power to inspire as well as unite.
H.E. Mrs. Rawan Suliaman, Head of Mission, State of Palestine.
Mrs. Suliaman gave a few examples of the rich Palestinian culture and history that can serve as a catalyst in promoting mutual understanding. An example of this is the newly instituted Palestinian Museum as well as the Lufta Rabbani Foundation which was founded by refugee Mahmoud Rabbani that promotes Euro-Arab dialogue through education and cultural scholarships. Mrs. Suliaman concluded saying that different cultures can learn from each other and when cultures converge, the result can be beautiful harmony.
Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Mrs. Saskia Bruines.
The success of this year’s festival no doubt has whetted the appetite of the attendees for the embassy festival 2020.
This rich cultural showcase was indeed a triumph as a result of the welcomed participation of the partners and sponsors.
H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen.
It is without a doubt that the Embassy Festival 2020 will be even a greater sensation with continued involvement of the partners and sponsors next year.
Thursday, 12 September 2019, Auckland, Realm of New Zealand: Tongan Prime Minister and Foreign Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva passed away aged 79 whilst in hospitalisation.
He had served as the Kingdom of Tonga’s second elected head of government since 30 December 2014, and only fourth commoner to hold the office. Moreover he was the country’s longest serving MP. Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva born on 7 April 1941, had distinguished himself for being a fervent defender of democracy to the detriment of regal power, and the privileges of the nobles. Indeed he was imprisoned in 1996 for “contempt of parliament”.
Politician Semisi Sika serves as Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs before elections are held, or parliament votes for a new head of government.
His remains are due to arrive in Tonga on Tuesday, 17 September, via a Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft, and shall lie-in-state at the St George Building in the country’s capital Nuku’alofa, so the Tongan people and foreign delegations may pay their respects.
A state funeral and memorial service will take place on Thursday, 19 September at the Free Wesleyan Centenary Church. The date has been declared a public holiday, and a national day of mourning.
Diplomat Magazine unveils its cover story edition on Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the Mother of Humanity.
The launching of the special issue took place in The Hague on Thursday 12 September 2019.
Diplomat Magazine unveiled its latest cover story “Sheikh Hasina: The Mother of Humanity” on 12 September 2019 in The Hague. The new edition was introduced to members of The Hague-based diplomatic corps, international media, think-tanks, business and political personalities, in a simple ceremony at Crowne Plaza Promenade.
Diplomat Magazine launches new edition with PM Sheikh Hasina, over 30 ambassadors attended.
Ambassadors of China, Malaysia, Rwanda, Indonesia, Vietnam, Iran, Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan, State of Palestine, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola, Tanzania, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Holy See, Brazil, Cuba, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, and Ecuador; Charge d’ Affaires, a.i. of the Russian Federation, Georgia, Argentina, Panama, Suriname and Azerbaijan; and representatives from the Embassies of the USA, Kenya and Poland joined the occasion.
Publisher of the Diplomat Magazine, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara and Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal along with the participating Ambassadors introduced the edition to the audience.
Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, while thanking the Diplomat Magazine for their cover story on Hon’ble Prime Minister’s unique face dedicated to humanity, highlighted to the audience how the world came to know Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the ‘Mother of Humanity’ after her bold decision to open Bangladesh-Myanmar borders for the fleeing persecuted Rohingya people from Myanmar’s Rakhine State and thereby saving thousands of lives.
H.E. Sheik Mohammed Belal, with Diplomat Magazine new issue. The cover page featuring Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Honorable Sheikh Hasina.
The Ambassador also explained how Bangladesh government has been extending all sorts of humanitarian assistance including shelter, food, healthcare, water and sanitation, etc. to the persecuted Rohingya people solely on humanitarian ground despite numerous challenges to the economy, ecology and security of Bangladesh.
The Ambassador appealed to the international community to come forward to facilitate early repatriation of the displaced Myanmar residents to their homeland in Rakhine with safety, dignity and basic rights in a time-bound manner and also to eliminate the culture of impunity for the sake of a durable solution to the protracted Rohingya problem.
Please read here below theIntroductory Remarks by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands at the Diplomat Magazine Event
“Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher, Diplomat Magazine
Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,
At the very outset, I would like to express our profound gratitude to the Diplomat Magazine for the cover story on “Sheikh Hasina: The Mother of Humanity” on the magazine’s September 2019 Issue.
You all might be aware that the world came to know Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the ‘Mother of Humanity’ after her bold decision to open Bangladesh-Myanmar borders for the fleeing persecuted Rohingya people from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. By doing so, Bangladesh Prime Minister demonstrated a unique example the world has ever seen.
The systematic persecution by the Myanmar security forces and local vigilantes on the Rohingya people in the Rakhine State of Myanmar has resulted fleeing of over a million Rohingya people to Bangladesh. The exodus of Rohingya people following the events of 25 August 2017 in the Rakhine State,which the world came to term as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing” led to the fastest displacement crisis in the history of mankind.
The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in coordination with international agencies, has been extending all sorts of humanitarian assistance including shelter, food, healthcare, water and sanitation, etc. to the persecuted Rohingya people since their entry into Bangladesh solely on humanitarian ground.
It is true that the persecution of Rohingya people has generated multi-dimensional and multi-layered crisis for Bangladesh ranging from economic, security, environmental, social, and political. Despite numerous challenges to our economy, ecology and overall societal rubrics, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision to shelter the persecuted Rohingya people emanates from humanity alone.
Ambassador Belal and Dr De Lara showing PM Hasina cover page.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Bangladesh has been making sincere efforts towards an early repatriation of the displaced Myanmar residents to their homeland in Rakhine with safety, dignity and basic rights in a time-bound manner for a durable solution of the problem.
However, Myanmar must demonstrate political-will through decisive actions with comprehensive participation of the international community to permanently resolve the crisis, particularly in line with the recommendations of the Kofi Annan-led “Advisory Commission on Rakhine State” and Bangladesh Prime Minister’s proposal of creating a non-military and civilian ‘safe zone’ in the conflict affected areas of Myanmar in order to ensure safety and security and usual living of all civilians irrespective of their ethnic or religious identity. Myanmar should also cooperate with international community to eliminate the culture of impunity for the sake of a durable solution to the protracted problem.
Ladies and gentlemen,
If you could imagine what would have happened to the persecuted Rohingya people had Bangladesh opted the policy of closed borders and push back of refugees, the world would have witnessed the death of thousands of persecuted Rohingya people. Unique to her courage and humanitarian compassion, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to save the lives of thousands of forcibly displaced Rohingya people.
Published by Dhaka Tribune https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2019/09/15/netherlands-based-diplomat-magazine-runs-cover-story-featuring-hasina
Do you know what lack of access to clean water and proper washroom facilities do to kids in some parts of the developing world?
Overview of CAJPHR
The Centre for African Justice, Peace and Human rights (otherwise called CAJPHR) is a Non-Profit Foundation that promotes justice, peace and human rights through education, awareness, campaign, training, outreach and capacity building in Africa. The “Right to Quality Education” department, provides essential school facilities in developing parts of Africa.
CAJPHR aims to offer students in the African continent the opportunity to learn in a safe and conducive environment, away from disease and other factors that might be obstacles to their development.
The combined partnership, with Dutch organizations, has enabled us to work toward achieving this goal – providing aid to schools.
The children of the school, Mrs Margret Ayogu, director of schools, Ministry of Education Enugu state, and Mrs Veronica Ugwu (MIHNR), Head Teacher of Independence Layout Primary School celebrating the main achievement : The provision of access to clean water and toilet facilities for 700 students and 25 teachers/staff members at a public school called “Independence Layout Primary School 2” in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Our main acheivement: The provision of access to clean water and toilet facilities for 700 students and 25 teachers/staff members at a public school called “Independence Layout Primary School 2” in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Some of the challenges faced by the school as a result of lack of access to clean water and toilet facilities are demonstrated below;
Missed classes
Females faced extra strain and missed classes during their monthly menstruation.
A petri dish for diseases.
The lack of/poor toilet facilities had led to the development of both chronic and acute diseases of the students and the staff. According to the statistics provided by the school board close to 80% of the students are affected by diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever or dysentery.
Vulnerability.
In search of water or toilet facilities children leave the premises, leading to late or no return to classes, road accidents or abductions by criminal organizations.
An unsafe environment.
The continued depositing of human feces around the school premises creates a toxic environment for children to be or play in.
School Children in Class.
Therefore, this project executed the follows:
First: equipped the school with clean water. Achieved through adding a water well/pump and digging a reservoir on school grounds.
Second: to improve and increase toilet facilities. Achieved through the construction of two additional toilets and renovation of the existing four toilet rooms.
Our Funding Parties and Contributors
There were multiple funders for the project, both locally (in Enugu) and from the Netherlands. This project would not have been possible without them, so we extend our many thanks for their support throughout this project.
A special thanks goes to the following:
The Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) of the school who funded 20% of the project.
ETWA (The Europe Third World Association) was the main funder of the project.
The School-Based Management (SBM) and the PTA who were responsible for the maintenance and sustainability of the project.
The school’s Head Teacher who led the supervision of the project during construction.
An additional thanks goes to:
The male parents of the children worked as non-skilled laborers during the execution of the project.
The PTA who helped on site at the school
Dorona Enterprise Ltd who are the building contractors for the project.
Children using the new water facilities
The impact of the project
The benefits post-completion of the project varies. However, some of the key achievements are the following described by the beneficiary themselves:
Increased health
The projects have been greatly appreciated by both students and staff, as they have improved the general and personal hygiene status of all in the school. The students and staff alike have testified that since the project establishment, they have experienced little or no contamination levels that have led to health issues. Omeje Vincent Chigbogu Chairman, School Based Management Committee
Increased community health
The new construction has created a more peaceful non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environment, the pupils don’t urinate or pass faces in the ground. It has reduced the unpleasant smell in the compound. School Based Management Committee
Increased Safety
The water project has reduced the risk of road accidents to children who go out to fetch water.
By not going to the bushes to use the toilet, the children are safe from the dangers of serpents and scorpions, and from kidnappings or rapes. Okpala Adaeze Stella, ~PTA Chairman
Increased attendance
“The number of our learners has increased drastically and more are still coming”. PTA Chairman
————————————
Photography by Mrs Veronica Ugwu (MIHNR), Head Teacher of Independence Layout Primary School.
By Arvind Bundhun, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.
Mauritius is reputed as a luxury vacation destination, with many leading and world class hotels around the island’s coasts. There is no doubt whatsoever that it suits perfectly to the taste of visitors who like to enjoy such a destination like ours. Luxury hotels in Mauritius are affordable and offer some of the best value deals in the Indian Ocean.
Sea, sun and sand have always been the core tourism product but lately we have made inroads into other niche products such as golf, wellness, shopping, sports tourism amongst others to improve our attractiveness vis a vis competing island destinations. Moreover, the tourism experience includes wildlife, vibrant heritage, unique local assets, local cuisine, adventure sports, and other cultural as well as sports events for the promotion of Mauritius as a festive and vibrant destination in the Indian ocean.
We offer a cultural mosaic. It is the worldliness that our tiny island can offer to all which is a fascinating discovery. For the visitors we are surprisingly and pleasantly multicultural and this adds vivid colours to the trip. This cultural melting pot permeates in the local food, music and architecture and makes the destination rich. We have inherited this kaleidoscope of cultures from our history of people settlement from different parts of the world. Our descendants are made of a mix of Indian, African, French and Chinese heritage. The nation’s diversity constitutes the gem of our heritage.
Environment is the nucleus of our tourism product. The sustainability of tourism is intrinsically linked with the preservation of the environment. Mauritius is the second country in the world where the air is purest according to the world Health Organisation Mauritius is one of the safest destinations where visitors can discover the multi facets of the country without any hindrance or apprehension. We have during the past years improved connectivity with a large network of international airlines serving the destination from major aviation hubs around the world.
We are sure that the tourists who live a first-hand experience of the country will always talk and report about the treasure of this destination.
The Principality of Andorra is the newest and smallest member of the Ibero-American Conference. With a history and a culture bridging between the south and north of the Pyrenees, its institutions, old and original, have allowed it to consolidate itself in the modernity. Andorra promotes multilingualism and diversity as values related to his own identity.
By assuming the pro temporechairmanship in the secretariat of the Ibero-American Conference (SPT) until the end of its term of office, the XXVII Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government shall take place in November 2020 in the micro-state.
By 2020, Andorra wishes to strengthen its commitment to the links that bind it to the region. At the same time, it wants to contribute to consolidating the Ibero-American acquisand implementing the mandates of the different summits, identifying the common challenges of the region and the potential opportunities to take on those challenges.
With these arguments Andorra has chosen as the slogan for the XXVII Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government: “Innovation for Sustainable Development – Target 2030”. Andorra is a country committed to the values and principles of the Agenda 2030, as well as to what is expected of it. Both, the private sector, and other public and private institutions that have made a significant contribution to the the Sustainable Development Goals.
In April 2019, the Government of Andorra approved its National Strategic Plan for the Implementation of Agenda 2030, in a further step to to make this road-map a national priority and a state project. For this reason, the SPT of Andorra welcomes the witness of the SPT of Guatemala and proposes to continue situating the Agenda 2030 at the heart of the action, in particular its fundamental principle of leaving no one behind.
Sustainable development can be understood as that which is “capable of satisfying the needs of the world” without compromising the ability of future generations to respond to their own needs. The latter requires concerted efforts to build an inclusive future, sustainable and resilient for people and the planet”. In order to achieve sustainable development, it is essential to harmonise the three necessary dimensions: the economic impulse, social inclusion, and the environment. These elements are interdependent and must serve to promote the well-being of individuals and societies. Andorra’s pursuit, hosting the summit, is none other than to promote innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean, to put it at the service of the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Objectives, with the intention to bring about those changes, not only technological ones, that generate a reaction, both in the public sector as well as in the whole of our societies, and an accelerating effect in the achievement of the 169 goals, considering sustainable development from the dimensions social, cultural, educational, environmental and economic.
Minister Dr. Stephan Holthoff-Pförtner. Picture by Land NRW R. Sondermann.
Monday, 2 September 2019, Helsinki, Republic of Finland: Dr. Stephan Holthoff-Pförtner, Minister for European Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, was in Helsinki on the occasion of the Finnish Presidency of the EU Council for talks vis-à-vis representatives of government, parliament and society. The exchange focused on topics relating to the Council Presidency, the rule of law and climate protection, as well as digitisation and an information trip to the city of Espoo, the largest innovation hub in Northern Europe.
Minister Dr. Holthoff-Pförtner meets in Helsinki Jari Luoto, Undersecretary of State for European Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Office. The Minister said: “I warmly welcome Finland’s plans to reorganise the dialogue on the rule of law. The rule of law is not negotiable in the EU. But instead of talking about each other we have to talk to each other.
The regional government supports a dialogue between the Commission and the member states to promote a common culture of the rule of law. North Rhine-Westphalia moreover supports the Finnish Presidency’s negotiations to link EU financial support to compliance with the rule of law. This must take place in a balanced and efficient system. In addition, the instrument of Article 7 procedure should be continued.”
With Hannele Pokka, State Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, the Minister Dr. Holthoff-Pförtner spoke, among other things, on the subject of climate protection: “In the important negotiations on the long-term EU climate protection strategy, we welcome Finland’s efforts to reach a timely political agreement in the European Council. Cross-border challenges require cross-border initiatives and solutions”, he said as per statement below.
The Minister held further talks with Mikko Kosonen, State Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, on the subject of digitisation, and with Elina Lepomäki, Member of Parliament and Chairwoman of the German-Finnish Friendship Group in Parliament.
As the Minister in charge of the Ruhr Conference, he informed himself in the city of Espoo about examples of successful regional development. Espoo, Finland’s second largest city about 20 km west of Helsinki, is Finland’s “research heart”. The Minister: “Science, innovation and research can make an important contribution to the development of a region. Several project proposals from the Ruhr Conference also build on this. Espoo shows what effect it has to set the right impulses in this area”.
The “Espoo Innovation Garden” networks the knowledge of the renowned Aalto University with the ideas of start-ups and the market experience of leading companies: Around 5,000 scientists, 25 research and development facilities, 16,000 students and numerous Finnish and international companies work there. The aim of the Espoo Innovation Garden is to bring together players in the region in order to strengthen cooperation. The cooperation of companies, communities and inhabitants is intended to create a breeding ground for the creation of new jobs and the strengthening of a good living environment.
