The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in The Hague marked the country’s Independence Day on February 25 with a joyful celebration that filled the large Residentie Hall of the Leonardo Royal Hotel. Diplomats, Dutch officials, members of the business community, representatives of the Dominican diaspora, and friends of the Dominican Republic gathered to commemorate nearly 182 years of sovereignty.
The evening reflected the warmth and dynamism of Dominican culture. A live musical group and a traditional dance ensemble brought the rhythms of the Caribbean to The Hague, while guests enjoyed rum tastings, premium cigars, and Dominican coffee, experiencing firsthand the flavors that define the nation’s heritage.
Ambassador De la Mota during the national anthems.
In his address, H.E. Carlos de la Mota, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, delivered a speech that blended history, patriotism, and forward-looking optimism.
“It is a privilege to gather this afternoon to commemorate one of the most defining moments in the history of the Dominican Republic: the proclamation of our independence nearly 182 years ago,” Ambassador De la Mota began. “This anniversary is not simply a remembrance of the past, but a reaffirmation of the principles that continue to shape our nation and our people, wherever they may reside.”
He described Independence Day as the embodiment of courage, sacrifice, vision, and conviction — the belief that a free, sovereign, and dignified nation was not only possible, but necessary.
Recalling the historic events of February 27, 1844, the ambassador paid tribute to the Founding Fathers — Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, and Ramón Matías Mella — who proclaimed independence from Haiti at the Puerta del Conde after twenty-two years of foreign domination.
“Duarte endured years of exile across the Caribbean, including in Curaçao, carrying with him — and strengthening — the ideals that define our Republic. Sánchez gave his life before a firing squad in defense of national sovereignty. Mella devoted his existence to the cause of freedom,” he said.
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Basri, Ambassador of Morocco and Dr Christophe Bernasconi, Secretary General of the HCCH.Guests attending the Dominican Republic Independence Day celebration 2026 in The Hague.
He continued:
“Independence is the essence of our national identity. To defend it today means acting with integrity and justice, strengthening our institutions, and working collectively toward sustainable development. It means honoring their sacrifice through actions that consolidate democracy, peace, and prosperity.”
Celebrating this historic date in the Netherlands carries special meaning, he noted, given the long-standing cultural, economic, and human exchanges between the two countries.
“Thousands of Dominicans have built their lives in this special country, contributing to its diversity while upholding their roots with pride. Their perseverance and sense of community are a living testament to the Dominican spirit.”
Looking ahead, the ambassador outlined important initiatives for the coming year. The Dominican Republic will host CHEMEX-GRULAC, a multi-component chemical emergency response exercise supported by the governments of Canada, Spain, and the European Union.
He also announced the first-ever Dominican Week, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the Kingdom of Belgium and the Euro Chamber of Commerce. The initiative will showcase strategic sectors of the Dominican economy, promote trade and investment opportunities, and facilitate networking between Dutch and Dominican businesses.
Switching to Spanish, Ambassador De la Mota reflected on the present and future of his country:
“El día de independencia es un momento de reflexión; no sólo de honrar el pasado, sino de celebrar el progreso que hemos alcanzado y lo que aún nos falta por lograr. República Dominicana seguirá creciendo, innovando, abriendo nuevos caminos de oportunidades, sin olvidar la mano de sus dominicanos que, como nosotros, aportamos desde el exterior mediante el servicio y el interés de ser ejemplo de excelencia.”
Ambassador De la Mota with fellow ambassadors from various countries attending the event.H.E. Mr. Carlos de la Mota with H.E. Ms Gracita Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary of Saint Maarten.
He continued:
“Nuestra democracia se fortalece por la participación activa de su gente. Nuestra economía se supera mediante la insaciable capacidad de innovación. Nuestra cultura continúa vibrando más allá del Caribe, con las notas de nuestro ritmo, el sabor de nuestras recetas y el cálido encuentro de nuestra presencia.”
As the celebration drew to a close, glasses were raised in tribute to the nation’s legacy and future.
“May the example of our Founding Fathers inspire us to live with humility, integrity, patriotism, and service wherever we may find ourselves,” Ambassador De la Mota concluded before closing with a patriotic proclamation: “¡Que viva la República Dominicana!”
Beyond the Ballot: How an Alderman Sees Youth, Elections, and Dutch Democracy
Stepping Aside After Decades of Service
After nearly 30 years in local politics, Frank Berkhout, Alderman of Amstelveen and member of D66, has announced he will not run in the 2026 municipal elections. In an exclusive interview at the Municipality of Amstelveen, Berkhout reflected on his career, the challenges of political life, and what comes next.
“Family and personal circumstances made me reconsider my work-life balance,” he said. “You can still serve the community, just in other positions.”
The Seduction of Power
Berkhoutspoke candidly about the temptations of political influence, comparing it to “the One Ring” from The Lord of the Rings. “Even at the municipal level, politicians sometimes cling to their positions until voters remove them. Every election, you should ask yourself if you’re bringing fresh ideas or making space for new voices.”
Frank Berkhout during his interview by members of Bright Future Foundation.
Collaboration is Key
The alderman highlighted the cooperative nature of Dutch politics. “Our system relies on balance and negotiation. Decision making depends on good relationships across parties. It can seem complex, especially for young voters, but that diversity ensures more voices are heard.”
Engaging Young Voters
Berkhout highlighted that not all young people are naturally drawn to politics. “Some just want the city to function well,” he noted. To encourage early engagement, Amstelveen has set up two youth councils – one for elementary students and another for high schoolers. Children elect a youth mayor, participate in a municipal council, and take part in annual debating competitions.
“It’s essential that young people feel represented. Even if higher positions require experience, advisory and participatory roles give them a voice,” he explained.
Looking Ahead
While Berkhout is stepping down from elected office, he plans to remain active in civic life and continue supporting D66 and the municipality in other capacities. His reflections underscore the importance of self-awareness, collaboration, and continuous renewal in a healthy democracy.
“Relinquishing power can be hard,” he said, “but it’s essential to keep our political system dynamic and resilient.”
This article is produced by Alexandra Osina, Taeyun Kim, Yasmine Masmoudi, Charahja van Broekhoven, Longrui Deng, Lauren van Laarhoven-Hargreaves, Beatrise Abelkalna, participants in the Bright Future Foundation, as part of the European Union’s “Participate & Promote Democracy” Youth Participation project, in cooperation with Diplomat Magazine, Embassy of the Netherlands in Armenia and young members of the Armenian partner organization Promising Youth.
The world feels as if it is living through history in fast-forward. Long-simmering rivalries are boiling over in multiple regions at once. Wars continue in Europe and the Middle East. Great power competition has returned to the Indo-Pacific. What began as rising unease has now edged into direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel, a development that has jolted diplomats, governments and ordinary people across the globe.
In a dramatic escalation, the United States and Israel launched coordinated air strikes across Iran, targeting military and nuclear-related infrastructure. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other cities. Leaders in Jerusalem and Washington described the operation as pre-emptive, aimed at neutralising what they characterised as an imminent threat to Israeli and regional security. Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, closed its airspace and instructed civilians to seek shelter.
The strikes mark the most serious direct military clash between Israel and Iran in decades. For years, the two states have been engaged in what analysts often describe as a shadow or proxy war, backing opposing forces in Syria, Lebanon and elsewhere. This latest escalation crosses a threshold. It involves overt, large-scale military action on sovereign Iranian territory, followed by Iranian missile launches targeting Israeli territory and United States positions in the Gulf.
Iranian leaders condemned the strikes as clear violations of international law and breaches of the United Nations Charter. They invoked Article 51 of the Charter, the inherent right of self-defence, to justify retaliatory action. Israeli and American officials relied on the same legal provision to defend their own conduct. The result is a familiar but dangerous legal duel: both sides claiming defensive necessity, both accusing the other of aggression.
Casualty figures and damage assessments remain difficult to verify independently. Iranian state media reported civilian deaths in some of the affected areas. Western officials acknowledged that investigations into collateral damage were underway but rejected claims of deliberate targeting of civilians. In the fog of conflict, information travels fast, and clarity comes slowly. Conflicting narratives are already shaping public opinion far beyond the region.
The escalation has intensified concern among diplomats about the broader direction of the international system. For decades, the post-Second World War order was built around the premise that the use of force would be tightly constrained. The UN Charter prohibits military action against another state except in self-defence or with explicit Security Council authorisation. That framework was designed to prevent the kinds of spiralling conflicts that engulfed the world in the twentieth century.
Yet the credibility of that framework has been under strain for some time. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exposed the paralysis of the Security Council when a permanent member is itself a party to the conflict. Now, with major military operations unfolding in the Middle East without Council authorisation, critics argue that the rules are being interpreted ever more flexibly by powerful states.
The problem is not simply that wars are occurring. Wars have, tragically, never disappeared. The deeper concern is that adherence to international law appears increasingly selective. States invoke legal norms when they support national interests and reinterpret or sidestep them when they do not. Over time, that pattern risks hollowing out the authority of the system itself.
Still, it would be wrong to conclude that international law is irrelevant. Even amid open hostilities, governments are careful to frame their actions in legal terms. They issue formal notifications to the United Nations. They publish legal justifications. They engage in arguments over proportionality, necessity and distinction. This behaviour suggests that legitimacy still matters. Law remains the language through which power is exercised and contested.
The present moment feels particularly volatile because multiple crises are unfolding simultaneously. In Europe, the war in Ukraine continues to reshape the continent’s security architecture. In the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has already destabilised the region, and the confrontation with Iran adds another combustible layer. In the Indo-Pacific, tensions surrounding Taiwan and maritime claims in the South China Sea persist, with military exercises and diplomatic friction on the rise.
None of these theatres has yet coalesced into a single, unified global war. There is no formal mobilisation of opposing global alliances comparable to 1914 or 1939. That distinction is important. However, the risk lies in overlap. Regional wars can intersect. Miscalculations can multiply. An incident at sea, a misidentified missile, or an attack on a third country’s assets could draw additional actors into the fray.
Nuclear deterrence continues to cast a long shadow over strategic decision-making. The catastrophic consequences of confrontation between nuclear-armed states remain a powerful restraint. That reality has, so far, prevented the escalation of proxy or regional conflicts into full-scale great-power war. Yet deterrence is not foolproof. It relies on rational calculation, accurate information and functioning communication channels, all of which can be strained in moments of crisis.
There is also the human dimension, often absent from geopolitical analysis. For families in Tehran listening to air-raid sirens, for Israelis rushing to shelters, for communities already exhausted by years of regional instability, the debate about international law is not abstract. It is about survival. It is about whether the next night will bring more explosions or a fragile ceasefire.
Public discourse, amplified by social media and 24-hour news cycles, can magnify worst-case scenarios. The phrase “Third World War” travels quickly because it captures fear. But fear does not automatically equal inevitability. Diplomacy, though less visible than air strikes, continues behind closed doors. Emergency meetings at the United Nations, regional mediation efforts and quiet back-channel communications are all part of the machinery designed to prevent further escalation.
The credibility of international law will depend on whether states choose to reinforce it during this period of strain. That may involve renewed commitment to accountability mechanisms, clearer standards for the use of force in pre-emptive contexts, or reforms to strengthen multilateral institutions. None of these steps is easy. All require political will that is often in short supply during crises.
Is the world heading towards a third world war? The honest answer is that the risk environment has grown more dangerous, but a global conflagration is not yet a defined or unavoidable reality. What we are witnessing is systemic stress, a period in which power balances are shifting, technological change is complicating deterrence, and trust between major actors is thin.
History shows that global wars are rarely inevitable. They emerge from accumulated misjudgements, rigid positions and failures of communication. The same history also shows that restraint, even at moments of intense rivalry, can prevent catastrophe.
The recent confrontation between Iran and Israel is a stark reminder of how quickly escalation can occur. It underscores the fragility of the current order and the urgent need for diplomacy anchored in credible legal norms. International law cannot stop missiles in flight. But it provides a framework that can reduce uncertainty, structure negotiations, and define limits.
Whether the coming years are remembered as a prelude to wider war or as a turbulent but contained chapter will depend on decisions being taken now, in Washington, Tehran, Jerusalem, Moscow, Beijing and beyond. The tools to prevent global conflict still exist. The question is whether there is enough collective resolve to use them.
About the author:
Ayesha Asim
Ayesha Asim, is a PhD Scholar in law and LLM International Law, Legal Analyst, lecturer, and with extensive experience in legal research, advisory, policy analysis and teaching. Columbia university.edu
Escalating U.S.–Israel–Iran Tensions, Commodity Inequality, and the Quiet Cost of Geopolitics
By Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director, Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), Amsterdam
As I write, the world is witnessing a dangerous escalation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, raising fears of a wider regional conflict across the Gulf. Energy markets have reacted immediately. Oil prices have surged, shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified, and global markets are bracing for disruption to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors — a passage through which nearly one-fifth of globally traded oil normally flows.
For many observers, the immediate concern is whether oil prices will again cross the threshold of USD 100 per barrel, reigniting inflation and slowing economic recovery in advanced economies. Financial markets debate growth forecasts, central banks reassess policy paths, and governments calculate strategic risks.
But from the perspective of commodity-dependent developing countries — and from where I sit at the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) — a different and far more human question emerges:
What happens to the world’s poorest producers when global powers go to war?
Here in The Hague, a city built upon the ideals of international law and peaceful dispute resolution, it is worth recalling that modern wars rarely remain regional events. Their consequences travel silently through supply chains, freight costs, fertilizer prices, insurance premiums, and financing conditions. Long before diplomacy finds resolution, economic shockwaves reach rural economies thousands of kilometres away.
When Stability Itself Feels Fragile
For many of us engaged in international cooperation, the current escalation carries an additional emotional dimension. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait — valued Member States of the Common Fund for Commodities — together with close regional partners such as Qatar, Oman and Bahrain, have long served as anchors of stability, economic cooperation, and humanitarian engagement within the global system. All have been struck by missiles or drones, even though none of these countries had launched attacks on Iran from their territory.
For decades, these nations have functioned as safe crossroads of trade, energy security, and development partnerships linking continents. To witness tensions surrounding a region that has helped sustain global economic stability evokes a profound sense of concern among those committed to multilateral cooperation. When regions long regarded as pillars of stability come under threat, confidence in the broader international economic order itself begins to tremble.
A Lesson the World Has Already Learned
The current crisis echoes an earlier moment many developing countries remember vividly. The Iraq War reshaped not only geopolitics but global economic conditions, and its effects reached the farm gate with striking speed.
Between 2003 and 2008, global oil prices surged from roughly USD 25–30 per barrel to nearly USD 147 per barrel,[1] triggering sharp increases in fuel and agricultural input costs worldwide. Fertilizer prices followed quickly: urea—the world’s most widely used nitrogen fertilizer—rose from about USD 280 per ton in early 2007 to roughly USD 815 per ton at its 2008 peak (about a 191% increase).[2] DAP climbed from around USD 200 per ton in 2007 to over USD 1,200 per ton by 2008.[3]
As former Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, observed, “sharp increases in oil prices act like a tax on consumers and businesses worldwide.”[4] For developing economies dependent on energy imports, that tax proved even heavier.
For farmers across Africa, Asia, and other commodity-dependent regions, higher energy prices translated directly into rising planting costs, reduced fertilizer use, and declining productivity. What began as a geopolitical conflict ultimately appeared at the farm gate through higher food prices and growing economic pressure on already vulnerable economies.
Conflict, in effect, became a global economic tax — paid disproportionately by countries that neither initiated nor influenced the war. Today, the risk of repeating that pattern is real.
Already Marginalized Before Crisis Begins
Even in stable times, commodity-producing countries operate from structurally disadvantaged positions within global trade.
Across agricultural value chains, primary producers often receive as little as 1 percent,[5] reflecting a troubling long-term trend in which the incomes of smallholders have steadily declined rather than improved, even as their production costs continue to rise. Over the years, farmers have faced increasing expenses for fuel, fertilizer, compliance, transport, and climate adaptation, while a growing share of value has shifted downstream to processing, branding, logistics, finance, and retail activities largely concentrated outside producing economies.
Globally, more than 3 billion people depend on agrifood systems for their livelihoods,[6] spanning farmers, fishers, processors, transporters, traders, and small enterprises across commodity value chains. For many developing countries, these systems are not only sources of income but the foundation of food security, employment, and social stability.
Yet producers remain positioned at the most vulnerable end of global markets — exposed to price volatility, climate risks, and rising input costs while capturing only a small share of the value generated. When geopolitical shocks disrupt energy and trade flows, these already fragile livelihoods become the first to feel the strain.
When Geography Becomes Destiny: Landlocked Economies
The consequences are particularly severe for landlocked developing countries.
Consider Uganda, a major coffee exporter. Every increase in fuel prices raises inland transport costs from farms to ports in Kenya or Tanzania. When oil prices surge because of distant conflict, logistics absorb a growing share of export value, leaving farmers poorer even when global prices rise.
In Niger and Chad, livestock and agricultural exports depend on long overland trade corridors crossing multiple borders. Higher fuel prices increase trucking costs, border transit expenses, and food inflation simultaneously. Export competitiveness declines while domestic prices rise — a double economic shock.
In the Central African Republic, already among the world’s most geographically disadvantaged economies, transport costs can determine whether exports remain viable at all. Energy shocks linked to distant wars can effectively isolate producers from global markets.
For these countries, geography already imposes an economic penalty. Conflict elsewhere magnifies it.
The View from the Common Fund for Commodities
At the Common Fund for Commodities, we already face a long and growing queue at our doorstep. SMEs (small and medium enterprises), cooperatives, and developing countries seek concessional finance to stabilize livelihoods, invest in value addition, and remain competitive in volatile markets.
The question we increasingly confront is deeply practical:
Where will these countries go now?
Demand for concessional and catalytic finance rises precisely when global resources risk being redirected toward security expenditures and geopolitical competition. Development institutions cannot indefinitely compensate for a world investing more in confrontation than cooperation.
Development at Risk: The SDG Setback
At a time when the international community is already struggling to keep the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on track, a widening conflict risks pushing global progress even further off course. United Nations assessments show that most Sustainable Development Goals are already significantly behind schedule, with poverty reduction slowing and hunger rising again after years of progress.
A prolonged energy and trade shock would compound these setbacks — increasing food prices, tightening development finance, and forcing vulnerable governments to divert scarce resources away from education, health, climate adaptation, and rural investment toward immediate crisis management.
For commodity-dependent economies, this could mean millions more people falling into poverty and food insecurity, not because development policies have failed, but because global instability repeatedly erodes gains faster than they can be rebuilt.
Peace as an Economic Public Good
Commodity-producing countries supply the raw materials that sustain global prosperity — food, fibers, and natural resources essential to modern economies. Yet they remain the most exposed when geopolitical instability disrupts markets.
Peace, therefore, must be understood not only as a diplomatic aspiration but as an economic necessity.
When diplomacy weakens, markets destabilize.
When markets destabilize, inequality deepens.
And when inequality deepens across vulnerable economies, global instability ultimately returns in new and unpredictable forms.
A Final Reflection from The Hague
In the end, the true cost of war is rarely confined to the nations engaged in it. It is borne quietly by farmers deciding whether they can afford fertilizer for the next planting season, by traders navigating longer and more expensive transport routes, and by families already living at the edge of food insecurity.
The world’s smallholders and commodity-producing nations do not sit at negotiating tables where conflicts begin, yet they repeatedly absorb their economic consequences.
Standing in The Hague — a city that symbolizes humanity’s commitment to law, dialogue, and peaceful resolution — this moment should remind us that safeguarding peace is inseparable from safeguarding development itself.
Because when war raises prices, the Global South ultimately pays the bill.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author in his personal capacity and do not necessarily reflect the official view or positions of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), its Governing Bodies, or its Member States.
International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC). (2008, December 16). World fertilizer prices drop dramatically after soaring to all-time highs. EurekAlert!https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/879968
Interview with Boyd Angenent, Young Socialists in the PvdA
From Awareness to Action: Youth Participation in Dutch Political Life
Youth participation in politics is no longer a distant concept – it is an urgent, tangible force shaping the Netherlands’ democratic future. We spoke with Boyd Angenent, political activist and current chairman of the Young Socialists (AS), the youth wing of the Dutch Labour Party (PvDA), to explore how young people are engaging with politics, the challenges they face, and the opportunities for meaningful action.
Drawing on his experience from leading the local chapter in Den Haag to serving on the national board, Angenent emphasized how youth wings cultivate political skills, foster community, encourage networking, and amplify young voices in national debates and activism. “Youth wings are the bridge between young citizens and formal politics,” he explains, “providing a safe space to experiment, learn, and act politically.”
Today’s young people have unprecedented access to information and initiatives that make democracy tangible. Social media exposes them to political debates, campaigns, and civic initiatives like never before, helping build skills, confidence, and interest in political engagement. Yet this accessibility comes with challenges. Rising online misinformation and unequal educational opportunities create barriers to informed participation and risk leaving segments of youth disconnected from formal politics. Angenent highlights, that these challenges can be addressed through meaningful representation, practical civic education, and opportunities for active participation, turning youth engagement into a driving force for a resilient democracy.
Youth wings, organized with autonomous local branches under a national board, function as micro-communities, where members learn the inner workings of politics, develop leadership skills, and actively participate in campaigns. These experiences not only equip young people for political careers but also teach them how to engage thoughtfully with policy, advocacy, and social issues.
Despite growing political awareness, long-term engagement remains a challenge. Many young Dutch citizens are informed about political issues, but do not sustain participation in youth organizations. Angenent highlights a gap in the educational system: civic education introduces students to political concepts, but schools often struggle to translate this knowledge into practical understanding. For many students, democracy remains abstract, and the practical roles of institutions, like parliament, are poorly understood. Bridging this gap requires connecting democratic education to tangible experiences, that feel relevant to young people’s lives.
Issues that directly impact youth – such as the housing crisis and climate change – often create anxiety and a sense of fatalism. Many young people feel ignored by policymakers, deepening disengagement among populations already underrepresented. Initiatives, such as ProDemos, the “House for Democracy and the Rule of Law,” aim to counter this by offering experiences like parliamentary visits, showing that political education becomes meaningful, when it is hands-on and concrete.
Angenent described how the Young Socialists actively engage their members through initiatives, such as parliamentary group meetings, campaigns, and practical projects. “These activities allow young people to take concrete actions, experiment with political decision-making, and gain early exposure to political life,” he notes. By moving beyond passive observation, these programs make politics tangible and accessible.
The interview with Boyd Angenent underscores a critical point: youth participation in the Netherlands is at a crossroads. While young people today have greater access than ever to information and platforms for expression, this visibility does not always translate into sustained engagement. Strengthening connections between education, hands-on experiences, and meaningful representation is key to ensuring, that Dutch youth do not just observe democracy – they actively shape it.
The Hague, the Netherlands — The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. L. Amrih Jinangkung, officially presented his Letters of Credence to King Willem-Alexander at Noordeinde Palace, The Hague, on Wednesday February 25, 2026.
The ceremony was conducted solemnly in accordance with the state protocol of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Ambassador arrived at Noordeinde Palace by state coach, escorted by horsemen of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee Mounted Brigade. The proceedings began with an official welcome in the palace courtyard. The Indonesian national anthem “Indonesia Raya” was played with full honors, after which the Ambassador inspected by the guard of honor.
The ambassador of Indonesia arriving to Noordeinde Palace for his presentation of credentials. The Hague, on Wednesday February 15, 2026.
Following the welcoming ceremony, the Ambassador entered the credential room to present his Letters of Credence directly to King Willem-Alexander. The presentation marked the formal recognition by the receiving Head of State of the Ambassador’s mandate as the official representative of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia.
During a meeting after the ceremony, the Ambassador conveyed warm greetings from the President of the Republic of Indonesia and reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The discussion was held in a cordial atmosphere, and the credential ceremony proceeded smoothly. This reflects the increasingly mature bilateral relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
“The presentation of the Letters of Credence marks my official mission to advance a more concrete and impactful partnership. Indonesia is ready to strengthen sustainable economic collaboration, innovation, and other strategic cooperation with the Netherlands,” stated Ambassador L. Amrih Jinangkung. The strong, equal, mutually respectful, and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship has been outlined in the Joint Declaration on a Comprehensive Partnership. Both countries have also agreed on a Plan of Action as a guideline for implementing the Joint Declaration on a Comprehensive Partnership declaration.
The ambassador of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. L. Amrih Jinangkung and H. M. King Willem-Alexander.
The Netherlands is one of Indonesia’s key partners in Europe. The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague will follow up on this momentum through high level meetings and cooperation in the fields of economy, development, education, culture, and consular affairs. These efforts aim to deliver tangible benefits for national interests and the people of both countries.
Source: Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in the Hague
The 18th anniversary marks a “coming of age” for the youngest state in Europe, Kosovo, emphasizing resilience, democracy, and strong ties with the Netherlands. On February 17, 2026, the Embassy of Kosovo in The Hague hosted a concert and reception at the emblematic Nieuwe Kerk to mark the 18th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kosovo. The celebration was graced by Mr. Glauk Konjufca, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo.
In his speech, the Minister highlighted Kosovo s new government’s foreign policy. ”As Europe’s youngest country, Kosova is a dynamic society, well-positioned to tackle today’s challenges. Our youthful population reflects our strong support for the European Union, consistently ranking among the highest in EU-aspiring nations. I am honoured that my first visit as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs is to The Hague, a symbol of peace and justice. It reassures me that the truth will prevail. Our relations with the Netherlands are strong and longstanding, rooted in democracy, the rule of law, and Euro-Atlantic integration. The Netherlands has been a loyal partner, and our collaboration in various fields, aided by our active diaspora, continues to deepen.”
H.E. Mr Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General of PCA and the Ambassador of Canada, H.E. Mr. Hugh Adsett,.
Furthermore, at the concert-reception were various Ambassadors and foreign mission representatives stationed in the Netherlands, Dutch KFOR veterans, representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a sizeable number of guests including the diaspora.
H.E. Dr Dren Doli, Ambassador of Kosovo.
Ambassador Dr Dren Doli, delivered the opening speech, emphasizing Kosovo’s goals of NATO membership and European Union accession, stating that these goals were part of his country’s natural orientation and vision for the future. He also expressed his gratitude to the Kosovar diaspora in the Netherlands, recognizing the pivotal role they play in the Dutch Kosovo relation. Here is a resume of Ambassador Doli’s speech, “The lesson of hope has carried us through the darkest moments in our history, shaping our resilience and keeping our dreams alive. It urged us to imagine a future of prosperity and peace for our children, fostering belief in the triumph of humanity. Hope led us to build strong alliances with friends and partners, many of whom stand with us today. We are now a democratic, sovereign Republic that has risen from the ashes of war to uphold the values of peace, multilateralism, and human rights.
Our achievements are not an endpoint but a continuation of what previous generations envisioned. They honour the legacy of our fallen heroes and martyrs. In the past year, we conducted free and fair elections, illustrating the institutionalization of democracy despite challenges. With a GDP growth of 4.5%, among the highest in the EU and the Western Balkans, we remain committed to peace, stability, cooperation, and good-neighbourly relations in South-East Europe and beyond.
Mr. Glauk Konjufca, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo, H.E. Dr Dren Doli, Ambassador of Kosovo to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and his spouse Dr Shqipe Doli.
Last year alone, in less than ten months, we held two rounds of general elections and two rounds of local elections, of course, all of them free, competitive, and fair. I would also like to use this opportunity and express our deepest gratitude to the Netherlands, whose cooperation, political, economic, and diplomatic alike, has been, and continues to be, fundamental in shaping our strategic partnership.
The deep bond and friendship between the Netherlands and Kosova originate in our war of liberation, when many Dutch soldiers, operating under the auspices of NATO, came to support a population whose hope for liberty kept them alive.
Let me return to our lesson: Hope. It is the power of hope that motivates Kosova to continue working diligently to secure membership in NATO and the EU.
Kosovo National Day 20026
It is hope that gave us the “bad habit” of knocking on every door, even when those doors seem already open. We will knock, because hope never dies; it only transforms.
Finally, allow me to publicly address some acknowledgments.
To my wife, Shqipe, you are the backbone of our family, my best companion in life, and my greatest supporter. Thank you for everything.
Last but not least, I thank my small but dedicated staff, whose invaluable work and commitment made this event and many of our achievements at the Embassy possible.
Let us honour those who sacrificed and gave their lives for our independence, and let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for Kosova and for all our countries, for generations to come.”
Petrit Çarkaxhiu Band at Kosovo National Day 2026.
Subsequently, there was a dazzling concert by the sublime Petrit Çarkaxhiu Band, composed of Dalvin Mamusha on violin, Tanju Süleyman on percussion, and Adem Gülşen on piano.
The band surely entertained the audience with their peculiar style of music and the messages they tried to convey.
Petrit Çarkaxhiu once said his life quote is Shnet – may you have health.
The celebratory evening concluded with a reception featuring Kosovar cuisine and wines, allowing guests to experience the rich culinary heritage of Kosovo. Guests were also given the opportunity to visit a kiosk showing Kosovo’s investment opportunities and tourism.
All in all, a successful 18th anniversary deceleration.
In her opening statement at the commencement of the Thaçi et al. administration-of-justice trial today, Specialist Prosecutor Kimberly West said that former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and his co-accused had “violated judicial decisions designed to ensure witnesses and victims could testify freely” and that such conduct “strikes at the rule of law”.
Former President Thaçi is charged with repeatedly and systematically attempting to interfere with witness testimony, by providing instructions on how witnesses in the separate war-crimes case against him should testify, and with violating multiple court orders aimed at protecting confidential witness information. His co-accused – Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu and Hajredin Kuçi – are charged with unlawfully participating in one or more of these crimes.
The accused “deliberately violated judicial decisions that were designed to ensure witnesses and victims could testify freely, without fear or influence, and could trust that their identities and words would remain confidential to the court and its parties,” the Specialist Prosecutor said.
“This conduct represents a clear and present danger to the rule of law, which requires that witnesses must be able to come to court and tell their stories free of pressure, influence or interference of any kind,” Ms West continued. “It is important for the legacy of this institution that these facts are adjudicated and aired publicly so that a true and credible record is created.”
“Upholding the rule of law means that no one is above the law. The law applies equally and everyone is accountable,” the Specialist Prosecutor said.
In addition to judicially authorised audio recordings of the accused discussing their plan to interfere with witness testimony, evidence that the SPO will present to the court in the trial includes (i) electronic evidence, including from seized mobile phones, which corroborates the recorded conversations of the accused, and (ii) physical evidence, including documents related to the targeting of witnesses for interference which were seized from the residences of certain of his co-accused.
Three prosecution witnesses are scheduled to testify at trial, including expert testimony pertaining to the origin of seized documents and a witness providing evidence regarding the examination of the electronic devices seized in the course of this investigation.
Mardouw Olive Estate Shatters Records at #24 Worldwide
Swellendam, Western Cape, South Africa – 25 February 2026
In an unprecedented milestone for South African agriculture, Mardouw Olive Estate has been ranked #24 in the 2025 EVOO World Rankings, becoming the highest-ranked South African producer ever. The achievement places South Africa at #12 globally among olive oil-producing nations, firmly positioning the country within the world’s premium extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) elite.
The accomplishment is all the more remarkable considering that South Africa produces approximately 1.6 million litres of olive oil annually—less than 1% of global production—while competing against Mediterranean giants such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, which together dominate roughly 95% of the world market. For a Southern Hemisphere producer to break into the Top 25 worldwide represents a significant shift in the traditional geography of olive oil excellence.
CEO of Mardouw, Gerbrand Nijman during the planing of Olive Trees at Mardouw.
A 25-Year Vision Realised
“We had this dream 25 years ago to produce world-class Extra Virgin Olive Oil and show the world what South Africa can do,” said André and Marijke Verder, Founders and Owners of Mardouw Olive Estate. “This ranking proves that a consistent, quality-first approach can overcome any disadvantage of scale. We’re competing with centuries-old Mediterranean estates, and we’re winning.”
Their vision began in the fertile soils of the Western Cape, where climate, terroir, and careful cultivation combine to create ideal conditions for premium olive production. Over the years, Mardouw has invested heavily in orchard management, harvesting precision, and processing excellence—laying the foundation for today’s global recognition.
2025: A Record-Breaking Year
Mardouw’s global #24 ranking crowns an extraordinary year of international success. Throughout 2025, the estate achieved a remarkable sweep at prestigious competitions across Europe and beyond. Among its most celebrated accomplishments was its triumph in Rome, where it secured multiple gold awards and the distinguished Best International Award (Southern Hemisphere).
“This global #24 position is a testimony to our dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation,” said Gerbrand Nijman, CEO of Mardouw Olive Estate. “We own our olive press, which ensures complete control from tree to bottle. Our same-day pressing protocol preserves volatile aroma compounds and antioxidants—particularly polyphenols—that give our oil its superior technical integrity.”
This vertical integration, combined with immediate cold extraction after harvest, ensures maximum freshness and chemical stability—key performance indicators in international EVOO competitions where sensory profile, acidity levels, and polyphenol content are rigorously evaluated.
Introducing Mardouw Olive Oil products. In the picture: Two diplomats members of the commercial team of the South African Embassy, Dr Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, Ambassador Madonsela and Gerbrand Nijman, CEO of Mardouw Olive Estate.
National Recognition and Government Support
During Mardouw’s official celebration function, Minister Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, expressed his pride in the estate’s achievement and highlighted its contribution to the growing export profile of South African agricultural products.
The recognition underscores the strategic importance of premium olive oil within South Africa’s high-value agricultural exports and reflects the broader ambition to diversify and elevate the country’s global agri-food reputation.
A Turning Point for South African Olive Oil
Mardouw’s historic ranking reflects a broader upward trajectory for South African EVOO producers. In 2025, several South African estates achieved top 10 placements globally, demonstrating that the country consistently outperforms its modest production volume on the international stage.
“This ranking puts South Africa on the map as a serious player in the premium EVOO market,” Nijman added. “We are proving that excellence is not defined by volume, but by dedication, innovation, and respect for the product.”
As global consumers increasingly seek traceability, sustainability, and superior sensory quality, South African producers are carving out a distinctive identity: boutique scale, technical precision, and uncompromising standards.
For Mardouw Olive Estate, the #24 global ranking represents the culmination of a 25-year journey and the beginning of a new chapter—one in which South African olive oil stands confidently among the world’s finest.
Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Rector of the United Nations University, and Balázs Hankó, Hungary’s Minister of Culture and Innovation, officially opened the 8th UNESCO MOST Winter School on 23 February.
This year’s week-long Winter School unfolded against a backdrop of historic progress: Kőszeg was selected as the site of the first United Nations University institute in the former Eastern Bloc. The new academic centre will be established through a landmark agreement between the Government of Hungary and the United Nations University, in partnership with the Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg (iASK). The institute will advance interdisciplinary research into the root causes of conflict, human security, and transformative technologies reshaping societies worldwide.
Sándor-palota – Dr. Sulyok Tamás köztársasági elnök
“We are a small town, but we are thinking big. What we began years ago as a conversation about a future university in Central and Eastern Europe has now become reality. With the United Nations University and our growing network of partners, we are building something that connects this region to a global vision.” — Professor Ferenc Miszlivetz, Director-General of iASK
This year’s UNESCO MOST Winter School centred on the themes of lasting peace and human security — concepts that framed every panel, keynote and strategic discussion. From geopolitical alternatives and regional cooperation to transformative technologies and digital governance, the programme explored how peace must be understood as an active, long-term process grounded in social resilience, ethical responsibility and interdisciplinary knowledge.
János Bogárdi, Xiaomeng Shen, Ferenc Miszlivetz, Balázs Hankó, Tshilidzi Marwala
The convergence of this thematic focus with the official establishment of the new UNU institute was no coincidence. Its mission aligns directly with the goals articulated throughout the week: generating policy-relevant knowledge to strengthen multilateral governance and safeguard human dignity in a rapidly transforming world.
In his opening address, Minister Hankó marked the occasion with a clear statement of intent. Hungary, he said, is among the safest countries in the world and intends to remain so through excellence and innovation. The ambition is to place Hungary among the global top ten in innovation by 2030. The new UNU institute will operate at the intersection of peace, human security, science and social transformation, drawing on disciplines often underrepresented in technological debates — including the humanities, social sciences and cultural heritage studies.
“The best way of predicting the future is to shape it. This UNU will generate the knowledge needed to improve multilateral governance and help build a global society capable of meeting its obligations in peace, security and shared prosperity.” — Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and United Nations Under-Secretary-General
The announcement resonated deeply in a room filled with those who have witnessed the idea evolve from conversation to commitment. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, President of the UNESCO National Commission of Hungary, President of the UN Association of Hungary, and Founder of Women4Diplomacy International, recalled the early discussions she shared with Ferenc Miszlivetz, Jody Jensen and the late Professor Hankiss.
“It is wonderful to see a vision create reality. Kőszeg is the perfect embodiment of what the MOST programme stands for: building bridges between research, policy and social transformation.” — Ambassador Katalin Bogyay
H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay.
International partners echoed this sentiment. Xiaomeng Shen, Vice-Rector in Europe and Director of UNU-EHS, highlighted the sustained cooperation that made the institute possible. Philippe De Lombaerde, Director of UNU-CRIS, praised the spirit of Kőszeg and the remarkable institutional development achieved in recent years.
A defining milestone of the Winter School was the reception of the United Nations University and iASK delegation by President Tamás Sulyok at Sándor Palace. During the meeting, Professor Marwala and the President engaged in a forward-looking strategic dialogue on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. The discussion focused not only on innovation but also on responsibility — examining how governance systems, ethical standards and multilateral cooperation must evolve alongside emerging technologies. The exchange underscored Hungary’s growing role in shaping global AI governance and reinforced a shared commitment to ensuring that technological advancement serves humanity.
8th UNESCO MOST Winter School.
This year’s Winter School demonstrated remarkable international reach. Students from 23 countries participated, bringing diverse academic and cultural perspectives to the dialogue. Panelists and keynote speakers represented 16 countries, reflecting a truly global exchange of ideas spanning Europe and the Balkans to Africa and North America. The breadth of participation reinforced one central message: peace and human security are shared responsibilities that transcend borders.
As the 8th UNESCO MOST Winter School concluded, one message was clear: Kőszeg is not only hosting global dialogue — it is helping to shape global governance. With the establishment of a United Nations University institute in the town, vision has become reality, and the future of peace and human security has gained a permanent institutional home in Hungary.
