By Roy Lie Atjam

On the 6th of September 2024, The Hague stood as a perfect setting to honour Brazil’s National Day, with the picturesque backdrop of het Mauritshuis adding to the grandeur of the occasion.

The event wasn’t just a reception but a truly spectacular affair, a spektakula in Trinidadian carnival lingo. Visualize a lively crowd of over 200 individuals coming together to commemorate Brazil’s 202 years of independence.

With the MC’s introduction, the dynamic Humberto Tan created an atmosphere of unparalleled abundance with quotations from the song, O amanhã, Como será amanhã? By Simone. Throughout the evening, jubilant songs, lively conversations, and joyous laughter filled every corner of the Mauritshuis.

The observance was also a milestone, providing a platform to reflect on the colonial past while celebrating art, Indigenous culture, and the values of gender equality and racial diversity. H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil to the Netherlands, and Dr Martine Gosselink, Director of the Mauritshuis, highlighted the importance of this occasion as a reflection on the shared history of Brazil and the Netherlands. Netherlands Government officials, foreign diplomats, private sector leaders, cultural icons, and esteemed members of the Brazilian community attended the festivities.

Mr Felipe Marques, the Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Brazil in The Hague, hosted the event. Guest speaker Humberto Tan, a distinguished Dutch television figure, photographer, writer, and social activist, provided insights into the cultural and historical connections between Brazil and the Netherlands.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a performance of Brazil and the Netherlands national anthems by Brazilian singer Carla Maffioletti and Dutch singer Femke Smit, accompanied by musicians from Roda da Holanda.

One of the event’s highlights was the unveiling of a mural by the celebrated Indigenous Brazilian artist Daiara Tukano, who also offered thought-provoking words to the audience. Her mural stands as a powerful representation of Brazil’s rich Indigenous heritage and cultural diversity. The celebration concluded with a lively performance by Roda da Holanda, which resonated with the spirit and joy of samba.

The following is a resume of the welcome remarks by the Ambassador of Brazil H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhãe “It is an honor to welcome you all to this event, as we celebrate the 202nd anniversary of Brazil’s independence. This year’s celebration here at the Mauritshuis holds special significance as we reflect on our shared history with the Netherlands, highlighting the importance of art, Indigenous culture, gender equality, and racial diversity. Our thoughts tonight are part of a broader effort to foster a more equitable, just, and sustainable future, where both Brazil and the Netherlands play vital roles.

Standing here in this historic museum, a symbol of Dutch cultural heritage, we are reminded of how art connects people. I extend my gratitude to Dr. Martine Gosselink, Director of the Mauritshuis, for her commitment to democratizing art and promoting thoughtful discussions about our shared past. The museum’s collection evokes strong emotions, particularly for Brazilians, given its connection to Johan Maurits, who governed Dutch Brazil in the 17th century.

Today, we are honored to unveil a new chapter in cultural diplomacy: a mural by the renowned Brazilian Indigenous artist Daiara Tukano. Her work represents the resilience and magic of Brazil’s Indigenous heritage and will serve as a lasting symbol of our culture in the Netherlands. We are also pleased that filmmaker Ida Does is capturing this moment in a documentary, expanding the mural’s reach to a wider audience.

This evening, we were privileged to hear from Humberto Tan, known for his contributions to television, writing, and photography. We also enjoyed a performance by acclaimed singer Carla Maffioletti, who has performed with André Rieu, and later we will experience the lively rhythms of Roda de Samba da Holanda, a Brazilian-Dutch group.

I’d also like to acknowledge the presence of Rosângela Rennó, a Brazilian photographer whose exhibition will open next week at the BredaPhoto Festival.

Tonight’s event celebrates the strong bonds between Brazil and the Netherlands, a partnership grounded in shared values and a rich history. Our cooperation today extends across many fields. For example, in response to recent floods in Rio Grande do Sul, the Netherlands, through its Disaster Risk Reduction initiative, is helping us develop sustainable water management solutions.

Our collaboration in science, technology, and innovation is particularly strong, with both countries boasting dynamic startup ecosystems. A recent highlight of our bilateral cooperation is the contract between the Dutch Ministry of Defense and Embraer for the delivery of five C-390 Millennium military aircrafts, enhancing the Netherlands’ capabilities in humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

Brazil and the Netherlands also recognize the urgent need for global energy transition. Both nations prioritize biofuels, low-carbon hydrogen, and renewable energy as key areas for collaboration. Brazil will host COP30 in the Amazon in 2025, demonstrating our shared commitment to fighting climate change.

Food security is another priority. As part of Brazil’s G20 presidency, we proposed the creation of a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, and Prime Minister Rutte has been invited to support this initiative. Brazil will also host a historic meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers at the United Nations Headquarters in New York later this month, marking the first time that the G20 will convene at the UN. This meeting symbolizes the importance of inclusiveness and multilateralism and will culminate in a call for reforming global governance, a proposal championed by President Lula and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Brazil’s foreign relations are guided by principles such as national independence, human rights, and peaceful conflict resolution. These values are reflected in our involvement with international institutions like the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Our cooperation with the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Conference on Private International Law, and EUROPOL further illustrates our commitment to these principles.

As we commemorated 202 years of Brazilian Independence, the celebration not only honoured our past but also looked to the future with a commitment to inclusivity, cultural diplomacy, and strengthening the ties between Brazil and the Netherlands.“