By Ron Ton, Director of Clingendael Academy
Who said negotiations in diplomacy is easy? Negotiating in bilateral relations, within international organisations, in trade and investment, with conflicting parties, lobby groups or NGO’s or at global international conferences, it all should be in the negotiation skills set of a diplomat. It’s not only the variety in the context which makes negotiations complex for diplomats. Also, changing policy concerns entered the diplomatic negotiation arena, in the field of sustainable development issues, refugee crises, cyber security or the digital agenda. At the same time the number of non-state actors trying to influence international negotiations has expanded dramatically: NGO’s, interest groups, citizens movements, private sector stakeholders, the media etc.
To me, negotiations can be best subscribed as the management of complexity. It starts with the complexity of finding an acceptable deal for two of more parties. Having an agenda of 20 issues with 10 parties or more behind the table means that the number of exchanges in interests are huge. Delegations are often faced with the paradox of trying to maximalise their individual interest and at the same time know a deal can only me found collectively. The road to a good package deal in itself can be very bumpy: a complex agenda, poor negotiation behaviour, a hostile atmosphere, time pressures, emotions, misperceptions or political concerns can block successful negotiations.
What are critical factors to be successful in negotiations?
It all begins with a thorough preparation and planning. Basically, knowing what you want and to anticipate tactically on the position of the other party or parties. Vital interests and possible concessions needs to be well defined and supported by a constituency. In the end success starts at home, in the way you are provided with a strong mandate and with mutual understanding between you and your constituency.
Good negotiators make sure to have a strategic plan.Designing a strategy sheet can help to have a better grip on the negotiations by identifying a so-called PIN analysis on position, interest and needs of your delegation and your opponent(s), as well identifying your “Best alternative to a Negotiated Agreement” (BATNA), opening strategy and tactics. A well-defined BATNA can give you situational power: if the outcome is better than your BATNA you could accept the offer; if not you have to consider re-negotiations or withdrawal of the negotiations.
In my view, analysing beforehand the interests and needs behind positions is of vital importance to be successful in negotiations. How often do parties just stick to their position and lack insights to understand the interests or needs motivating the position of a party? A position is open and publicly expressed to let other parties know how you would like solve a conflict or dispute. The interests expresses what you really want and are the arguments behind your position. Needs are hidden and generally non-negotiable and express why you want something. Needs refer to deeply rooted beliefs like identity, recognition or moral values or can refer to basic human needs like safety, subsistence or protection.
In negotiation it is also good to understand the concepts of distributive and integrative negotiations. Distributive negotiations are very competitive, one issue dominated bilateral negotiations, for example in territorial dispute or price negotiations. Parties tend to fight for their gain at the loss of the other, the so called win-lose negotiations. In integrative negotiations parties recognise collaboration and cooperation to get to a deal which makes both better off. There is a level of trust and multiple issues can be exchanged, for example in trade negotiations as we have seen lately in the EU-Japan trade deal.
Negotiators should know also to handle themselves in stressful situations. A basic rule to differentiate the person from the issue can provide assurance not taking attacks or emotions too personal. Negotiators are sitting behind the negotiation table as professionals representing a country or party and not as a private person. There is nothing wrong by showing emotions, after all we are all human beings. However, if emotions lead to irrational behaviour it can lead to take wrong decisions.
So, how to stay in control of the complexity of negotiations?
For this purpose I have designed a four dimension competence negotiation method. The dimensions arecontent, process, behaviour andprocedures. Each dimension is backed up by competences, qualifications to be a successful negotiator. If, for example, you get stuck in negotiations you always have to wonder is it because there is a lack of exploration on the interests (content) or did we forget to investin the relationship (process)? Or did we for example misunderstand the rules for decision making (procedures) or couldn’t we handle pressure (behaviour)? Perceiving negotiations as a four dimensions process can provide you with insights how to take negotiations forward. In my view, a successful negotiator is the one who can navigate best between the content, process, behaviour and procedures of negotiation.
Good luck in your next negotiations!
The Hague International Center launched a new website: www.thehagueinternationalcentre.nl. From arranging your formalities to interesting news articles and from exciting events to information about international schools: you will find it all on the new website.
Information, news and events
The website offers information on everything you need to know when working and/or living in The Hague region. Think of topics such as healthcare, education, residence permits and municipal services. And if you want to blend in with the locals and feel more at home in The Hague region, you are also at the right spot. The website covers topics such as fun activities for children, celebrating Sinterklaas as a parent, where to learn Dutch and international clubs and networks in The Hague region. If you want to stay updated on news and events for internationals in The Hague region, you can subscribe to The Hague International Centre’s newsletter on the website as well.
Formalities and services
The Hague International Centre’s website is also your starting point to arrange formalities. If you want to register with the municipality or pick up your residence permit at the IND, you can make an appointment through the website to do so. By selecting your own date and time, you can make sure the appointment suits your schedule.
The Hague International Centre
We are the point of contact for international staff of organisations and companies in The Hague, Delft, Leidschendam-Voorburg and Rijswijk. By providing you with all the information and guidance you need, we offer you a soft landing in The Hague region. We do this in collaboration with ACCESS (a not-for-profit organisation serving the international community) and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
The Hague International Centre: connecting internationals to The Hague region!
Congratulations to H.E. Andras Kocsis, Ambassador of Hungary to the Netherlands, Go Short 2019 will focus on Hungarian short films.
Go Short – International Short Film Festival Nijmegen has been the international stage for short film and young talent in the Netherlands for over ten years.
The 11th edition of the Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying film festival will take place from 3 to 7 April 2019, and presents the best recent European short films. This year special focus will be given to the Hungarian short film.
Hungary has a rich film history and is known today as an innovative and acclaimed film country, with several international successes, including the recent Oscar-winning short film Mindenki by Kristóf Deák. With three programs, Go Short dives into the present and the past of the Hungarian film culture.
With the support of the Embassy of Hungary in the Netherlands, many Hungarian filmmakers will be invited to present themselves to the public in short interviews. They are also given the opportunity to make new connections with Dutch and international film professionals.
On the picture Ernesto AraĂşjo – Picture by Valter Campanato, AgĂŞncia Brasil.
1 January 2019, Brasilia, Federative Republic of Brazil: Brazilian new Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo explained before the press that his country would revert to its former, less globalist policies and support those fighting against “tyranny” in Venezuela.
“At the United Nations, Brazil would no longer serve the interests of international non-governmental organizations”, he uttered in an allocution made after being sworn in office.
Araujo’s thoughts on international relations mark an abrupt break from Brazil’s traditional conciliatory stances. Araújo said it was time for Brazilians to focus on patriotism and be less concerned with the global order.
Ernesto Araújo assumed office on 1 January 2019 after having been selected for the position on 14 November 2018 by President Jair Bolsonaro. He is a career diplomat previously having served as director to the department heeding affairs vis-à -vis the USA and Canada.
On the picture the Ambassador of Albania, H.E. Ms. Adia Sakiqi during the opening,Â
On Wednesday 7th November 2018, the Albanian Embassy in the Netherlands opened the exhibition “Images of Memories” by the well-known Albanian artist Orion Shima.
The exhibition was held in the premises of the Albanian Embassy Art Gallery. The artist was present at the opening reception from 17:00 to 19:00.
This particular exhibition, “Images of Memories”, is a cycle of paintings, an epitome of the artist’s individual memories, an attempt to trick his way into the collective memory. His experimentation is very personal: an archaeology of memories and impressions of no particular time and place. The paintings are not considered to be “realistic” nor “surreal”; they are an attempt of translating the process of involuntary memory into images as an act of knowledge. The paintings are an encounter between past and present.
Mr. Shima was born in 1969 in Tirana, Albania and graduated from the Arts Academy, Painting Department. His first solo exhibition “Angels” was held in 1994 in Ioannina, Greece. Mr. Shima counts many solo and groups exhibitions in Albania, Greece, Italy, Germany, France and USA.
“Images of Memories” exhibition will remain open until 15 January 2018.
Gallery hours are Monday – Friday during opening hours of the Embassy, and other times upon appointment.
Permanent Representative of Poland to the OPCW, H.E. Mr Marcin Czepelak, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias.
The Hague, Netherlands —14 November 2018 — The Government of Poland will contribute €100,000 to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the upgrade the current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store through the construction of a new Centre for Chemistry and Technology.
The donation was formalised with a transfer of a letter by the Permanent Representative of Poland to the OPCW, H.E. Mr Marcin Czepelak, to OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, on 14 November at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.
On accepting the document, the Director-General stated: “I thank the Government of Poland for this generous contribution to the new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology. This new and modern facility will address States Parties’ needs for enhanced verification and capacity-building activities, and will ensure the OPCW keeps pace with developments in science and technology and new chemical weapons threats.”
H.E. Dr. Marcin Czepelak, Ambassador of Poland.
Ambassador Czepelak remarked: “This decision is a clear illustration of Poland’s support to the OPCW Technical Secretariat’s efforts in this challenging time, an unequivocal sign of trust and confidence in its dedication, professionalism, and expertise. In a broader sense, this step visibly confirms Poland’s utmost attachment to the idea of the world free of chemical weapons, now and in the future.”
The Director-General further encouraged other OPCW Member States to make voluntary contributions. He reiterated, “The new Centre will benefit all OPCW Member States and all assistance to realise this project is greatly appreciated”.
First ever Access to Seeds Index for South and Southeast Asia evaluated 24 leading seed companies in the region on support for Sustainable Development Goals
Manila, The Philippines- Thailand-based East-West Seed outperformed global giants Bayer and Syngenta in the first-ever Access to Seeds Index for South and Southeast Asia, which evaluated the efforts of 24 leading seed companies in the region to support growth in the productivity of smallholder farmers, one of the main targets of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In South and Southeast Asia about 350 million people are undernourished, a number that has barely changed in the past two years, according to a recent United Nations report.[1]Â Around 30% of the children in the region are malnourished. Smallholders provide up to 80% of the food supply, so helping the 170 million smallholder farmers of South and Southeast Asia to grow more and more nutritious food is key to achieving food and nutrition security.
The Access to Seeds Index found that leading seed companies have seed sales activities in all countries in South and Southeast Asia. However,
investments in seed production or breeding tend to be concentrated in a select number of countries, most notably India and Thailand. As a result, the development of local seed industries in Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia run the risk of lagging further behind as few leading seed companies invest in these countries. Ultimately, 80% of smallholder farmers in South and Southeast Asia have yet to be reached.
“Increasing yields, tackling climate change challenges and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture, it all starts with the seed farmers use,” says Ido Verhagen, executive director of the Access to Seeds Index. “The seed industry plays a key role in improving the accessibility and affordability of quality seeds for smallholder farmers.”
East-West Seed leads the industry with a business model built around smallholders, including breeding for their specific needs, selling seeds in small packages and providing training. Its client base is made up almost entirely of smallholders (98%), indicating that successful business models that work for both small-scale farmers and a company itself are possible. The top 10 of the index further includes three seed companies from India and six global seed companies from outside the region.
The five highest-scoring companies are all globally active. Besides East-West Seed (#1), Advanta (#4) has its roots in the region. The others, Bayer (#2), Syngenta (#3) and Corteva Agriscience[2] (#5), have all had breeding, production and distribution activities in the region for a long time. Bayer’s clientele in the region comprises about 95% smallholder farmers.
“The picture that emerges from our data is that of a highly competitive, research-driven seed industry. Companies from the region itself play an important role, especially on research and development, with breeding programs specifically focusing on the needs of smallholders,” Verhagen adds. “Global companies like Bayer and Syngenta placed high in our ranking, indicating that they have become well-rooted in the region.” The Access to Seeds Index research notes that the companies strictly adhere to national laws and/or international treaties concerning genetic resources but could do more to support the conservation and use of agrobiodiversity in the region.
On intellectual property, half of the companies explicitly state that they do not limit the use of their varieties for further breeding or the use of farm-saved seeds. The research adds that few companies have tailored pricing strategies for their patent-protected material in order to ensure affordability for smallholder farmers.
The Access to Seeds Index for South and Southeast Asia is one of the first SDG benchmarks published by the World Benchmarking Alliance. The initiative was launched last September during the UN General Assembly in New York. By measuring and comparing corporate performance on the SDGs it aims to encourage the private sector to step up their efforts towards achieving the SDGs. The Access to Seeds Index was developed with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Government of The Netherlands.
By Narmina Madanova.
Obviously, football is a team sport. How many followers Promotes teamwork, discipline and peace!
Refugees ‘and IDPs’ kids and grandkids who have lost their grandpas, fathers and so on during war are united around the sport supporting peace and the local team from Aghdam Karabakh who played against Sporting Portugal in UEFA.
They might have lost their very close and distant relatives during Armenian aggression, but they have not lost the hope that one day their football team, Karabakh will be bootable to play in their local city Aghdam.
These kids are like any other kids from Portugal, France, England, Germany or Italy, but without the right to a home country-which is Aghdam and under occupation for 25 years.
Karabakh Kids Football Team.
By Tereza Neuwirthova.
On December 13, 2018, the Austrian Residence in The Netherlands hosted a panel discussion titled “The Eastern Partnership of the EU: Interim Results, Status Quo and Future Trends”. The main aspects dealt with during the panel discussion were the “20 Deliverables for 2020”, with a focus on the implementation of the EU Eastern Partnership work plan and strategic communication about its tangible results for citizens. What to expect in the future and the challenges the Eastern Partnership faces were addressed in the discussion as well.
The discussion was introduced by H.E. Ms. Heidemaria GĂĽrer, Austrian Ambassador to the Netherlands, who outlined the main goals of the debate, as well as explained the connection between the main aspect of the debate, the Eastern Partnership, and her country Austria. In the second half of the year 2018, Austria holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, which means a number of subject matters to engage with is on its agenda for this period, and among other matters is the Eastern Partnership of the EU.
The discussion was moderated by Ms. Luiza Bialasiewicz, Professor of European Governance and Co-Director from the Amsterdam Centre for European Studies.
The first guest to present his country’s agenda, as well as contribution and integration in the European Union, was H.E. Mr. Mikalai M. Barysevich, Ambassador of Belarus to the Netherlands, who mentioned the non-confrontational nature of the European Partnership. Moreover, support for the dialogue between the European Union and Eurasia, as well as the importance of internal factors for the stability of both the EU and the Eastern Partnership were voiced in his speech.
As next spoke H.E. Ms. Tatiana Pârvu, Ambassador of Moldova to the Netherlands, who introduced the main points on the agenda of the Eastern Partnership and stressed its flexibility and ability to accommodate multilateral relationships. Areas that need cooperation between the EU and Eastern Partnership are mainly from within the digital setting, including e-governance, e-learning, connectivity, sustainable transportation system, trade and tourism. Her Excellency the Ambassador, also mentioned security and cybersecurity as the key dimensions.
According to Ambassador Pârvu, marking the anniversary of the Eastern Partnership in 2019 should be visible, show tangible and deliverable outcomes as well as bring symbolic and substantial conclusions. The priorities on the bilateral agenda, as voiced in Ms. Ambassador’s speech are the return of the justice sector, good governing structure, economic development, strategic communication, as well as free and transparent elections. Meddling in internal processes and corruption cases were mentioned as the challenges which Moldova might face in the future.
 H.E. Mr. Vsevolod Chentsov, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Netherlands started his speech by stressing the shared priorities with Moldova, as well as by comparing the legal frameworks of Belarus and Ukraine, which are, according to the ambassador, almost identical.
The turbulent environment inside and outside of the European Union, as well as digital security, were voiced as common issues that need to be addressed both in the agenda of the EU and also the Eastern Partnership. These can be seen as one space, in the words of H.E. Vsevolod Chentsov.
Another point in Mr. Ambassador’s speech was the proximity of the countries of Eastern Partnership, which need to show that they are one market and thereby gain significant benefits.
Ms. Johanneke de Hoogh, Special Representative for Eastern Partnership from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the next speaker who focused on the approach towards the Eastern Partnership in the Netherlands. According to Ms. de Hoogh, the general public, as well as the Dutch politicians, need to be shown that the Eastern Partnership is beneficial for the European Union as a whole.
A key factor in the development and stability of the countries of Eastern Partnership is the contribution of their youth, which is largely dependent on the creative and people-to-people context of the partnership, which if executed properly will bring economic growth to the countries. Another point Ms. Johanneke de Hoogh mentioned in the speech was the trade figures, which show a positive result for the Eastern Partnership countries since the Dutch imports from the region have been steadily increasing since 2014. The 2020 deliverables that are, in the words of Ms. de Hoogh, essential to citizens are most importantly the freedom of speech, human rights, free trade, and the rule of law.
Mr. Thomas Buchsbaum, Austrian Special Envoy on Eastern Partnership from MFA, Vienna introduced the goal of the Eastern Partnership countries, which is to create a stable and prosperous neighbourhood for the European Union. Mr. Buchsbaum mentioned that the European Union member states have accepted the coherent action by the Eastern Partnership countries, which are very diverse but share a markedly European course. Another fact voiced in the speech was that the Eastern Partnership has started to deliver, which has been met with a high consensus in Brussels.
Nevertheless, the Eastern Partnership faces many challenges, which according to Mr. Buchsbaum include maintaining a pro-EU attitude, attainable through the experience of benefits such as security, prosperity, or inclusive society. Balancing the inclusivity and differentiation of the European Union is primarily value-based, with each country espousing its own merits. A key principle in keeping the European Union member states interested is according to Mr. Buchsbaum the communication strategy, which needs independent and pluralistic media that would explain the nature of Eastern Partnership.
The last contributor to the discussion was Ms. Antoaneta Dimitrova, Professor of Comparative Governance from Leiden University, who emphasised that the constructive ambiguity of the Eastern Partnership works well and thus renders the bilateral relationships promising. Ukraine’s gas independence is, in the words of Ms. Dimitrova, a vital economic result which strengthened the Eastern Partnership’s result-oriented EU approach.
Ms. Dimitrova also voiced in her speech various challenges for the Eastern Partnership, among others the focus of the prospect of EU enlargement that needs to shift its focus from future to the realistic goals of today. Other challenges are strategic communications, which are relatively weak outside of the capitals, as well as campaigns in the countries that lack accessibility.
After the contributions of the guest speakers, the moderator of the discussion Ms. Luiza Bialasiewicz encouraged the audience to ask questions as well as voice their opinions. After a short but enriching questions-and-answers part, both the guest speakers and the audience were invited by H.E. Heidemaria Gürer for drinks and refreshments in the adjacent rooms of the Austrian Residence. The evening ended on a pleasant note, with all of the attendees chatting and sharing valuable ideas among themselves.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are due to launch in February 2019 a “Silk Visa” general scheme as announced by the Acting First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism of Uzbekistan, Ulugbek Kasimkhodzhaev.
Kasimkhodzhaev noted that other countries in the region are also showing interest in this project, amongst them neighbouring Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. At the same time, Kazakhstan has tabled to connect Azerbaijan and Turkey to this project.
Central Asia, as it is defined today, is comprised of five former Soviet republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. All in all, Central Asian countries constitute a large region with a population of about 70 million people.
According to the UN, over the past 10 years, the average GDP growth in Central Asian countries as a whole was 6.2 per cent, when the whole world developed at a rate of 2.6 per cent. There has also been a sharp increase in trade, which has doubled in 10 years, from $ 1.6 billion to $ 3.1 billion.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are the region’s leading economies.
Mr. Shima was born in 1969 in Tirana, Albania and graduated from the Arts Academy, Painting Department. His first solo exhibition “Angels” was held in 1994 in Ioannina, Greece. Mr. Shima counts many solo and groups exhibitions in Albania, Greece, Italy, Germany, France and USA.
“Images of Memories” exhibition will remain open until 15 January 2018.
Gallery hours are Monday – Friday during opening hours of the Embassy, and other times upon appointment. 
Mr. Shima was born in 1969 in Tirana, Albania and graduated from the Arts Academy, Painting Department. His first solo exhibition “Angels” was held in 1994 in Ioannina, Greece. Mr. Shima counts many solo and groups exhibitions in Albania, Greece, Italy, Germany, France and USA.
“Images of Memories” exhibition will remain open until 15 January 2018.
Gallery hours are Monday – Friday during opening hours of the Embassy, and other times upon appointment. 
The Access to Seeds Index found that leading seed companies have seed sales activities in all countries in South and Southeast Asia. However,
investments in seed production or breeding tend to be concentrated in a select number of countries, most notably India and Thailand. As a result, the development of local seed industries in Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia run the risk of lagging further behind as few leading seed companies invest in these countries. Ultimately, 80% of smallholder farmers in South and Southeast Asia have yet to be reached.
“Increasing yields, tackling climate change challenges and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture, it all starts with the seed farmers use,” says Ido Verhagen, executive director of the Access to Seeds Index. “The seed industry plays a key role in improving the accessibility and affordability of quality seeds for smallholder farmers.”
East-West Seed leads the industry with a business model built around smallholders, including breeding for their specific needs, selling seeds in small packages and providing training. Its client base is made up almost entirely of smallholders (98%), indicating that successful business models that work for both small-scale farmers and a company itself are possible. The top 10 of the index further includes three seed companies from India and six global seed companies from outside the region.
The five highest-scoring companies are all globally active. Besides East-West Seed (#1), Advanta (#4) has its roots in the region. The others, Bayer (#2), Syngenta (#3) and Corteva Agriscience[2] (#5), have all had breeding, production and distribution activities in the region for a long time. Bayer’s clientele in the region comprises about 95% smallholder farmers.
“The picture that emerges from our data is that of a highly competitive, research-driven seed industry. Companies from the region itself play an important role, especially on research and development, with breeding programs specifically focusing on the needs of smallholders,” Verhagen adds. “Global companies like Bayer and Syngenta placed high in our ranking, indicating that they have become well-rooted in the region.” The Access to Seeds Index research notes that the companies strictly adhere to national laws and/or international treaties concerning genetic resources but could do more to support the conservation and use of agrobiodiversity in the region.
The Access to Seeds Index found that leading seed companies have seed sales activities in all countries in South and Southeast Asia. However,
investments in seed production or breeding tend to be concentrated in a select number of countries, most notably India and Thailand. As a result, the development of local seed industries in Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia run the risk of lagging further behind as few leading seed companies invest in these countries. Ultimately, 80% of smallholder farmers in South and Southeast Asia have yet to be reached.
“Increasing yields, tackling climate change challenges and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture, it all starts with the seed farmers use,” says Ido Verhagen, executive director of the Access to Seeds Index. “The seed industry plays a key role in improving the accessibility and affordability of quality seeds for smallholder farmers.”
East-West Seed leads the industry with a business model built around smallholders, including breeding for their specific needs, selling seeds in small packages and providing training. Its client base is made up almost entirely of smallholders (98%), indicating that successful business models that work for both small-scale farmers and a company itself are possible. The top 10 of the index further includes three seed companies from India and six global seed companies from outside the region.
The five highest-scoring companies are all globally active. Besides East-West Seed (#1), Advanta (#4) has its roots in the region. The others, Bayer (#2), Syngenta (#3) and Corteva Agriscience[2] (#5), have all had breeding, production and distribution activities in the region for a long time. Bayer’s clientele in the region comprises about 95% smallholder farmers.
“The picture that emerges from our data is that of a highly competitive, research-driven seed industry. Companies from the region itself play an important role, especially on research and development, with breeding programs specifically focusing on the needs of smallholders,” Verhagen adds. “Global companies like Bayer and Syngenta placed high in our ranking, indicating that they have become well-rooted in the region.” The Access to Seeds Index research notes that the companies strictly adhere to national laws and/or international treaties concerning genetic resources but could do more to support the conservation and use of agrobiodiversity in the region.
