JAKARTA, April 23, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Indonesian government, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), believes that the 10th World Water Forum in Bali will be able to generate political consensus among participating heads of state, and achieve the agreements necessary to address the global climate challenge.
The World Water Forum (WWF) is the largest gathering in water sectors involving various stakeholders, and is co-hosted by the World Water Council and a host city. Held every three years, it has been taking place since 1997, with participants from politics, multilateral institutions, academia, civil society and the private sector.
The Government of the Republic of Indonesia will host the 10th World Water Forum in Bali from 18–25 May 2024. The National Organizing Committee (NOC) is chaired by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut B. Pandjaitan, while the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), Basuki Hadimuljono, will serve as Daily Chairperson.
This year’s Forum will be attended by numerous heads of state, with several former world leaders expressing their intention to be present, considering it necessary to attend. These include the former Presidents of Chile, Hungary, Slovenia, Malawi, Sri Lanka, and Costa Rica. The former Prime Ministers of Belgium, Korea, and Bhutan will also be present.
La soirée inaugurale du Mois de la Francophonie, sous le slogan « Francophonie sans frontières », s’est tenue à la Résidence du Canada le 1er mars 2024.
Cet événement a constitué un rendez-vous incontournable dédié à la présentation de la diversité culturelle de sept pays qui avaient organisé des espaces spécifiques : la Belgique, la Croatie, la Côte d’Ivoire, le Maroc, la Roumanie, le Sénégal et la Tunisie. Présents lors de la soirée d’inauguration du Mois de la Francophonie, notamment les ambassadeurs de la Pologne, de la France, et du Rwanda.
Dans chaque espace dédié à l’un des sept pays, il y avait de l’artisanat et d’autres expressions artistiques, des plats typiques ainsi que des desserts, des vins, thés et boissons aux fruits. La Roumanie a également offert des vins exquis qui ont égayé l’événement.
L’Ambassadeur du Canada, S.E. M. Hugh Adsett, l’Ambassadeur de Tunisie, S.E. M. Skander Denguezli, l’Ambassadeur Mamadou Bamba Hanne, Représentant Permanent de l’OIF auprès de l’Union Européenne, et l’Ambassadeur Geneviève Brisson, Déléguée Générale du Québec à Bruxelles, étaient présents pour cette occasion.
La soirée a été embellie par la présence de la violoniste Mme Murielle Lemay, qui a obtenu son baccalauréat en musique de la prestigieuse université McGill de Montréal et a approfondi ses études en violon au Conservatoire Royal de Liège, puis en composition au Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles. Le guitariste M. François Thomas Sagne, diplômé du Conservatoire régional de Chambéry et du Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles, a accompagné Murielle. Thomas Sagne explore les univers musicaux en allant du jazz à la fusion, en passant par la musique contemporaine et expérimentale.
La violoniste Mme Murielle Lemay et le guitariste M. François Thomas Sagne en plein performance.
L’Ambassadeur Brisson a eu une pensée pour le décès de l’ancien Premier Ministre du Canada Brian Mulroney et a indiqué que le drapeau sera mis en berne à la Délégation Générale du Québec.
Elle a également souligné sa satisfaction d’être présente afin de célébrer ensemble avec les partenaires du GAF l’appartenance à la Francophonie et la richesse des liens qui unissent, bien au-delà de la langue.
l’Ambassadeur de Tunisie, S.E. M. Skander Denguezli.
L’Ambassadeur de Tunisie, Skander Denguezli, a prononcé un discours chaleureux au début de l’événement.
“Rappelons que la langue française rassemble aujourd’hui plus de 321 millions de locuteurs à travers le globe, dont 225 millions en font un usage quotidien. Elle est la 5ème langue mondiale par le nombre de ses locuteurs et la seule, avec l’anglais, à être présente sur les cinq continents. La Tunisie, l’un des pays fondateurs de la Francophonie, a accueilli le 18ème Sommet de l’OIF, organisé à Djerba en novembre 2022, qui a coïncidé avec le cinquantième anniversaire de la création de la Francophonie.
La Tunisie accorde une attention constante et particulière au développement du projet francophone, vecteur d’amitié, de solidarité et de coopération entre ses membres. Le prochain Sommet, le 19ème, sera ouvert le 4 octobre 2024 à la Cité Internationale de la Langue Française à Villers-Cotterêts. Dès à présent, je souhaite à nos amis français tout le succès pour cette prochaine édition dans l’intérêt commun de tous les membres de la famille francophone.”
L’Ambassadeur a remercié tous ceux qui ont contribué à l’organisation des différentes activités du Mois de la Francophonie, notamment le groupe de travail au niveau des missions diplomatiques, la Représentation Permanente de l’OIF à Bruxelles, l’Alliance Française de La Haye, l’Institut Français et le Lycée Vincent van Gogh.
Madame Geneviève Brisson, Déléguée Générale du Québec à Bruxelles et ’Union Européenne à Bruxelles et
SEM Mamadou Bamba Hanne, Représentant Permanent de l’OIF auprès de l’Union Européenne à Bruxelles.
Le programme du Mois de la Francophonie au niveau du GAF comporte principalement les activités suivantes : la projection de courts-métrages francophones de Côte d’Ivoire, de France, du Maroc, de Suisse, du Sénégal, de Tunisie et du Québec au cinéma Filmhuis à La Haye, ouverte au Corps Diplomatique ainsi qu’au grand public ; et une réception offerte par le Bureau de l’OIF à Bruxelles.
l’Ambassadeur Mamadou Bamba Hanne, Représentante Permanente de l’OIF auprès de l’UE, est également intervenue à cette occasion avec une petite et significative allocution. L’événement a été une autre démonstration de la bonne coopération entre les pays francophones et de son importance dans le monde.
Erez Corporate Services proudly stands as one of the first entities licensed by the Dutch Central Bank under the Trust Offices Supervision Act (Wtt) in 2004. With an impressive 25 years of experience, it has evolved from a family business into a trusted name in the industry.
‘Clients aren’t just clients to us; they’re family’, they say.
Erez Corporate Services offers an international in-house team of experienced professionals and supporting auditors, tax advisors, lawyers or notary officers through their extensive network. Among the clients are both national and international holdings, finance and royalty companies and foundations as well as trading companies and special purpose entities.
Whether it is management, domiciliation, accounting or legal services, taking care of the complete administration, including tax filing for (international) customers, they act as your eyes, ears and hands in the Netherlands, bridging international legislation, tax-related and cultural gaps on your behalf.
Sustainable client relationships are the foundation of their success. ‘Expertise matters, and at Erez, it’s a cornerstone of our service’.
From EMEA countries and Asia to North and South America, clients worldwide benefited from Erez Corporate Services. Situated in Hilversum, near Amsterdam, and conveniently close to Schiphol International Airport, they are accessible, with professionals fluent in Dutch, French, English, German, Russian and Hebrew, making sure that you feel like you are in very good hands.
Erez Corporate Service has also the knowledge and experience to guide you to establish or expand your business internationally, while fully benefiting from the stability, EU membership, favorable tax rates and treaties with over one hundred countries that the Netherlands offers.
The Director of the Asia and Oceania Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Wouter Jurgens, hosted a farewell luncheon to honor the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands, Her Excellency Ms. Aruni Ranaraja. Ambassador Ranaraja, after three years of dedicated service to her country in the Netherlands, will be returning to Colombo.
The luncheon, held at Kookstudio Eric Jan Fransen, was attended by a selected group of ambassadors and officials close to Ambassador Ranaraja. Ms. Gerrie Willems, Deputy Director of the Asia and Oceania Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, graciously served as the host for the occasion.
In her remarks, Ambassador Ranaraja reflected on her tenure in the Netherlands, expressing gratitude for the fruitful and successful collaborations achieved during her time. She highlighted milestones such as the establishment of a new honorary consulate and deepening connections with the Sri Lankan community in the Netherlands.
Ms. Gerrie Willems, Deputy Director of the Asia and Oceania Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented a souvenir to the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Ms Aruni Ranaraja.
Ambassador Ranaraja took a moment to personally acknowledge each individual present at the luncheon, emphasizing the significance of their contributions to her tenure in the Netherlands in different ways.
The event was marked by warmth, camaraderie, and fond reminiscences, symbolizing the deep bonds forged during Ambassador Ranaraja’s tenure.
As Ambassador Ranaraja embarks on her journey back to her beloved country, we extend our best wishes for her continued success and prosperity.
In the grandeur of the Nieuwe Kerk of The Hague, an evening of cultural celebration unfolds. Ambassadors, special guests, and music lovers friends of Azerbaijan gather for a spectacle of Azerbaijani classical music, an homage to the nation’s rich heritage and its commitment to global cultural dialogue.
Hosted by His Excellency Mr. Rahman Mustafayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and His Excellency Mr. Seymur Fataliyev, Secretary-General of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO, this event commemorates the 30th anniversary of the establishment of National Commission of Azerbaijan for UNESCO.
Azerbaijan 30 Anniversary of UNESCO
As the audience settles into the pews of the baroque-style church, Ambassador Mustafayev welcomes them to an evening of musical enchantment. The ambiance is imbued with reverence for the centuries-old tradition of Azerbaijani classical music, a tapestry woven from the threads of history, geography, and cultural diversity. In his address, the Ambassador emphasizes the profound significance of music as a medium for storytelling, emotional expression, and cultural preservation.
Azerbaijani music, with its intricate melodies and poetic lyricism, embodies a harmonious fusion of East and West, reflecting the nation’s diverse cultural landscape.
“We are immensely proud that Mugham and the music of Ashig, as well as national musical instruments of Azerbaijan such as “Kamancha’’ and “Tar” are recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. To date, 23 cultural heritage samples of Azerbaijan were inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. This underscores the global importance and the vital role of Azerbaijani culture in fostering cultural diversity and human creativity.”
His Excellency Mr. Rahman Mustafayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Beyond the realm of music, Azerbaijan’s commitment to UNESCO’s mission is exemplified through its initiatives in education and cultural preservation. The country’s support for the UNESCO Global Education Coalition reflects a dedication to advancing access to quality education, particularly for marginalized communities. By allocating resources to initiatives that promote gender equality and connectivity, Azerbaijan exemplifies the transformative power of education in fostering social inclusion and sustainable development.
As the concert unfolds, the audience is treated to excelent performances by Azerbaijani musicians, including merited artist Jeyla Seyidova, opera singer Afag Abbasova, and Tar virtuoso Ibrahim Babayev. Their virtuosity and passion pay homage to the luminaries of Azerbaijani classical music—visionaries such as Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Gara Garayev, and Fikrat Amirov, whose compositions have left an indelible mark on the world stage.
His Excellency Mr. Rahman Mustafayev with Azerbaijanis artists. Azerbaijan 30 Anniversary of UNESCO
Through excerpts from iconic operas and ballets, the audience embarks on a musical journey that traverses the landscapes of Azerbaijani folklore and mythology. From the timeless tale of “Leyli and Majnun” to the evocative melodies of “Seven Beauties” and “Path of Thunder,” each composition is an example to the strong legacy of Azerbaijani composers and their ability to captivate audiences with their creativity and innovation.
In commemorating 30 years of collaboration with UNESCO, Azerbaijan reaffirms its role as a custodian of cultural diversity and a champion of global cultural diplomacy.
In the last fifty years, more than ever before, finances have become a powerful instrument of influence and negotiation between states. The increase in power of transnational entities and their weight in today’s world has led to the emergence of new elements that exceed state dimensions. Besides the emergence of what has been called for some time “economic hitmen,” whose results are seen in various countries around the world, from South America to Europe, a mechanism through which political pressure can be exerted on a state or regime is through economic sanctions.
Apart from the significant effects they can have on the economy and population of a state, sanctions can be considered an effective means of pressure on a recalcitrant regime or state. They can be used to induce political and other changes, potentially leading the population of the targeted state to demand and support profound changes.
The essential question is whether economic sanctions are indeed effective in achieving the political and economic objectives intended by their issuers. Their effectiveness is primarily determined by two elements: how the state(s) adopting these sanctions adhere to them, and how the targeted state manages to counteract the effects of these sanctions.
An eloquent example is the sanctions imposed on Iran in the context of its nuclear program. Despite the negative consequences on the Iranian economy, these sanctions did not lead to the cessation of the nuclear program. Furthermore, these sanctions reinforced the opinion among the Iranian population that developing nuclear weapons is the best way to ensure national sovereignty.
Another example is the case of North Korea, which, despite facing severe sanctions, continues its nuclear and ballistic development program, ignoring pressures and sanctions.
In both cases, there have been states that have helped both Iran and North Korea mitigate the negative effects of the sanctions they face.
Another example, often forgotten, more or less intentionally, is that of the sanctions imposed on Libya after the Lockerbie terrorist attack (1992 – 2003). These had a limited effect on the Kaddafi regime, both due to the countermeasures taken by the Libyan regime and due to the partial non-compliance of some states, including France, Germany, and Italy. Romania, although having significant economic interests in Libya (especially in the oil industry), amounting to many millions of dollars, fully complied with the sanctions, including by closing the direct flight between Bucharest and Tripoli. However, Romania did not know how to properly capitalize on and obtain compensation for the losses suffered in this case.
The most recent example is the sanctions imposed on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. So far, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have imposed more than 16,500 sanctions on Russia. The main targets were Russia’s funds, with financial reserves of around $350 billion being frozen (approximately half of the total reserves). Another major target was exports of oil and natural gas.
However, the sanctions did not have the intended effects, as Russia found ways to limit their impact. It is estimated that Moscow uses a fleet of about 1,000 tankers under foreign flags, managing to export around 8.3 million barrels per day, especially to India and China.
The effects of the sanctions were seen in 2022 when Russia’s economy contracted by 2.1%, but grew by 2.3% in 2023, with an estimated growth of 1.1% in 2024.
The conclusion of some important experts is that the sanctions did not make the war costly enough for Russia, which means it will be able to continue it for some time.
It can thus be concluded that economic sanctions are not a foolproof instrument, and their results can vary depending on several factors, such as the political context, the level of international support, and the resilience capacity of the target. In the end, the effectiveness of economic sanctions depends on careful planning and implementation, accompanied by as broad international support and involvement as possible, and the resolution of global crises and conflicts.
Material for MEPEI TALKS2, Bucharest, April 10, 2024
In the intricate threads of history, some facts remain hidden until a diligent scholar unravels them, shedding light on forgotten truths and rewriting the narrative of our past. “Leonardo da Vinci and Verrazzano’s Royal Discovery of New York (1524-2024): Codex Cèllere Reassessed” is one such revelation, offering a compelling reassessment of aan important moment in transatlantic exploration.
Authored by Professor Dr. Stefaan Missinne, a distinguished figure in the realms of historical discovery and exploration, this book unveils layers of history previously obscured by time. Professor Missinne’s credentials, including his status as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Laureate of the Belgian Prince Albert Society, and Honorary President of the Austrian-Belgian Society, underscore his expertise and commitment to scholarly inquiry.
Within the annals of Verrazzano Castle in Greve in Chianti, Professor Missinne, renowned for his discovery of the da Vinci Globe from 1504, unearthed a 500-year-old treasure: the travel report of Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano. This discovery set forth a captivating journey, leading from the heart of Italy to the halls of Windsor Castle, where Leonardo da Vinci’s papers revealed a world map dating back to circa 1515. This map depicted an open seaway between Florida and Newfoundland, challenging existing narratives of geographical understanding.
But the intrigue deepens. Did Verrazzano’s encounter with Magellan in Seville in 1517 foreshadow his historic voyage? And what of Leonardo da Vinci, who resided in France from 1516 to 1519—did he, in his ingenious way, influence Verrazzano and his royal patron? Astonishingly, the ties between the Verrazzano and da Vinci families stretch back to Florence, where they were once neighbors, adding layers of complexity to this enthralling narrative.
In this reassessment, Professor Missinne presents new evidence, weaving together the threads of history to unveil the intertwined fates of Leonardo and Verrazzano. The Codex Cèllere, housed at the Pierpont Morgan Library, emerges as New York’s literary birth certificate, marking a seminal moment in the city’s storied history.
“Leonardo da Vinci and Verrazzano’s Royal Discovery of New York” invites readers on a journey through time, where the past comes alive with newfound clarity and intrigue. This volume contains new historic findings which are of relevance to the French-Italian-American-Dutch diplomacy.
The seventeenth century painting ‘A Rocky Coast, with Soldiers Studying a Plan’ has been safely returned to the United Kingdom from Romania with the support of Eurojust. The Italian Baroque landscape by Salvator Rosa was stolen from the Christ Church Picture Gallery in Oxford in March 2020. The Agency supported the investigation and played a key role in facilitating cross-border judicial cooperation between the national authorities involved.
The handover of the painting took place on 26 March 2024 at the National Museum of Art, Bucharest, between Thames Valley Police, Romanian Police, Christ Church College and the Romanian Ministry of Culture. This was assisted by the National Crime Agency’s International Liaison Network.
The UK authorities are appealing for information about two other paintings stolen in the same raid: ‘A Soldier on Horseback’ by Anthony van Dyck, dating from around 1616, and ‘A Boy Drinking’ by Annibale Carracci, dating from around 1580.
The Romanian police were contacted by a man in possession of the Rosa painting, who had sold on the other two artworks, which are understood to be somewhere in Europe. He chose to return the Rosa painting to the authorities. The man is being treated as a witness by the Romanian authorities and has not been arrested.
The three works had an estimated value of GBP 10 million (EUR 11.7 million)
The case was opened at Eurojust at the request of the United Kingdom. The Agency helped the national authorities involved to coordinate their investigations and to resolve the legal problems related to the different national laws. Eurojust assisted the UK authorities in drafting a letter of restitution for the Romanian authorities so that the painting could be returned promptly to Oxford Christ Church.
This investigation was also supported by Europol
The following authorities took part in this investigation:
Romania: Public Prosecutor’s Office attached to Ilfov Tribunal (PPO), Romanian Police Directorate for Investigating Economic Crime (IGPR – DICE)
United Kingdom: Thames Valley Police, National Crime Agency International Liaison Network
Founded in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration, with 175 member states and a presence in over 100 countries. The International Organization for Migration started its activities in the Netherlands in 1991, with projects including facilitating voluntary return and reintegration, supporting refugees accepted for resettlement and family reunification, services aimed at inclusion and labor and skills mobility. IOM Netherlands assists migrants who wish to return voluntarily to their country of origin and support their sustainable reintegration by offering information and counseling services, procuring travel documents, arranging safe travel and providing reintegration support.
Voluntary return assistance is available to most migrants. Anyone returning with IOM assistance can benefit from an extra package for reintegration. The reintegration budget consists of a maximum of 1800 EUR for adults, 2800 EUR for minor children returning with their families and 2800 EUR for unaccompanied minor children. The amount can be used for an income generating activity (such as a small business), education and, if necessary, on accommodation. Before departure from the Netherlands, a reintegration plan will be drafted with the help of IOM counselors, explaining how the budget will be used. Once back in the home country, the budget will be received. A maximum of 300 EUR of the total budget can be received in cash, upon departure from Schiphol airport.
The data provided regularly by IOM can bring valuable insights into trends and patterns in voluntary return support from IOM Netherlands. By analyzing data on the number of people receiving assistance, their country of origin and their reasons for returning, IOM can better understand the needs of migrants and improve its services.
Between January and March IOM Netherlands spoke to a total of 961 people about the assistance that IOM can provide for voluntary return. 75.5% of this group decided to submit an application to IOM and prepare for their departure from the Netherlands. This (eventually) led to the departure of 482 people in the first three months of the year. 70% of them were males.
Among the top areas of destination were Brazil, Indonesia, Turkiye and Republic of Moldova.
About two-thirds of the migrants who left in the first quarter can claim a reintegration budget after their return and thus develop an activity that helps to provide for their livelihood after their return. 10% of the people IOM supported received additional medical support. This can vary from a medical escort to the provision of crutches or a wheelchair during the trip and an extra budget for medical expenses after return.
The collaboration between return migrants and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Netherlands highlights the transformative power of support systems in facilitating successful reintegration. By offering tailored assistance, IOM Netherlands empowers returnees to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience.
On April 11, members of the Diplomatic Spouses Association in The Hague were invited to join a special event at the Irish Ambassador’s residence, hosted by his lovely wife, Mrs. Kevin Doris Ejon.
Diplomatic spouses, Getting to know Ireland
Under the theme ‘Getting to know Ireland’ the event provided a comprehensive overview, including a presentation on Irish dance by a former World Dancing Champion based in New York, as well as discussions on Irish food and Irish tourism, followed by a tasteful luncheon.
Throughout the event, Mrs. Ejon’s dedication, natural openness and big friendly smile made the gathering truly extraordinary. As a journalist who worked for Norwegian broadcasting and the BBC, presented her own radio program at one point and have also worked in film and documentary industry, she certainly has the experience in dealing with such occasions.
During the lunch Kevin presented a Q&A section.
‘Music, dance, poetry and conversation are in the Irish DNA. Irish dancing has been evolving and been popular for centuries. But in 1994 it went global. During the Eurovision song contest in Ireland in 1994 the interim act was called Riverdance. It lasted for 7 minutes and took the world by storm. The rest is history as is said! Irish dancing became a world phenomenon and today there are schools across the world. Irish dance plays a major role in promoting Ireland and indeed many millions have been introduced to Ireland through dance.’ (Kevin Doris Ejon)
Niall O’Leary, former World Irish Dancing Champion spoke on the history of dance and also performed some Irish dances for the enchanted audience. The former World Dancing Champion delivered an outstanding presentation on how Irish dance became famous worldwide, showcasing his extensive career in promoting dancing. Guests absolutely enjoyed his exclusive and energetic performance.
Niall O’Leary, former World Irish Dancing Champion.
Laura Crowley, from the Irish Food Board, then discussed the private-public partnership promoting the quality of Ireland’s food exports to Europe. Guests savored wonderful fresh oysters, sampled various Irish products available in Dutch supermarkets and indulged in a delicious lunch made entirely from Irish products.
Next, Jackie Keogh, a representative from Tourism Ireland for over 20 years, delivered a fantastic presentation packed with numerous tips, convincing everyone that their next trip should be to Ireland.
Nela Colin, the spouse from Bosnia & Herzegovina Ambassador, presenting an Irish products basket.
Mrs. Ejon told us: ‘someone visiting Ireland should know that it is one of the friendliest countries in the world, also one of the most beautiful, full of cultural and historical opportunities. I love the people most. I was getting on the bus at Dublin Airport recently and the bus driver said to me “welcome home missus” and I thought “Yes this is a place I love”.’
It was a lovely event which for sure made us all curious and eager to put Ireland on our traveling list.
Thank you, Ireland and to our lovely host of the day!
