On the picture President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, Emir of Qatar, Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister of Qataré.
Sunday, 11 November 2018, Paris, French Republic: French President Emmanuel Macron opened the inaugural Paris Peace Forum, which seeks to promote a multilateral approach to security and governance that avoids the errors that led to the Great War’s (WWI) outbreak.
Attending global leaders included US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdoğan, German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, HH The Aga Khan IV, HH The Emir of Qatar accompanied by his Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the premiers of Canada Justin Trudeau, of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, who spoke highly of UN institutions that seek multilateral solutions to global issues.
António Guterres addresses the Paris Peace Forum.
The Paris Peace Forum was initiated at the initiative of French President Macron to revive collective governance, international cooperation, norms and institutions at a time when global challenges have never been so pressing.
Conceived as an annual gathering of all actors of global governance, from states and international organisations to civil society, it features projects and initiatives meant at improving global governance in five key domains: peace and security, environment, development, new technologies and inclusive economy.
The first edition of the Forum was inaugurated this past weekend as dozens of heads of state and government were invited to commemorate the fragile peace that followed the First World War, wherein all in all, the world failed to defend common rules and international cooperation.
Image by Paris Peace Forum – World leaders gathered in Paris.
According to the forum’s website, The Paris Peace Forum shall be a new annual event based on a simple idea: international cooperation as a key to tackling global challenges and ensuring durable peace. To support collective action, it gathers all actors of global governance under one roof for three days – states, international organisations, local governments, NGOs and foundations, companies, experts, journalists, trade unions, religious groups and citizens.
The Forum is centred on those who seek to develop solutions for today’s cross-border challenges. It is focused on their 120 governance projects and initiatives from around the world, selected from 850 applications, presented in five villages: peace and security, environment, development, new technologies and inclusive economy.
It offers these projects visibility, feedback and connections to potential implementers. Ten projects will also be elected by participants and the Selection Committee of the Forum to benefit from special support by the Paris Peace Forum until the second edition in November 2019.
For further information:
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, on the transfer of suspect, Alfred Yekatom: “The cause of justice in the Central African Republic has been strengthened by today’s surrender”.
The people of the Central African Republic have suffered and endured atrocious crimes in one of this century’s violent conflicts. I welcome today’s transfer of Mr Alfred Yekatom to the International Criminal Court to face justice for his alleged crimes.
Our independent and impartial investigation has produced evidence on the basis of which we allege Mr Yekatom is criminally responsible for several counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in the Central African Republic between 5 December 2013 and August 2014. Now, he must answer in court for his actions.
Mr Yekatom, like any other suspect before the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Any suspect or accused person appearing before the ICC is entitled to internationally recognised due process guarantees codified in the Rome Statute.
The cause of justice in the Central African Republic has been strengthened by today’s surrender.
In accordance with my Office’s mandate under the Rome Statute, we aim to shed light on the truth about the crimes committed in the Central African Republic and bring to account those who we allege bear responsibility for atrocity crimes.
To the people of the Central African Republic, I make this pledge: my Office will continue its quest for the truth and to seek justice under the Rome Statute. With firm determination, we are progressing with our investigation into the conduct of all sides.
Today, I also want to pay tribute to the courage and resolve of witnesses in the Central African Republic who continue to come forward to provide their accounts and encourage them to continue to do so. Without them, justice would not be possible.
We cannot undo the suffering that has been inflicted on victims, but we remain committed to doing our part, within our mandate and means, to advance justice and accountability in the Central African Republic.
Tudor, the bespoke Swiss brand was released an overhaul of one of their older, dressier lines, the Glamour Double Date series. The revamp comes with a new mid-case, a more contemporary dial design, and, perhaps most significant; a new in-house manufacture calibre, MT5641.
This calibre MT5641 movement, a new Manufacture Calibre developed by Tudor with a silicon balance spring, a 70-hour power reserve, and a certification by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). There are four main variations to the watch i) a silver timepiece with yellow gold-plated hour markers, ii) a black piece with rhodium-plated yellow gold-plated hour markers, iii) a champagne colour with yellow gold-plated hour markers, and lastly, iv) an opaline version with blued indices, with or without diamonds. With dials, bands and materials, there are up to 22 possible whence to select.
13 November 2018, Beijing, PRC: Following its launch in Rome, Bulgari’s new Wild Pop High Jewellery Collection carries over the fever of the 80’s to Beijing, as per an official communiqué by the Roman-based company.
The new High Jewellery Collection draws from the exuberant spirit of the 80’s and the Pop Art movement, reflecting the excitement of this roaring decade and larger-than-life Italian extravagance. Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, alongside brand ambassadors Shu Qi, Jolin Tsai, and Lady Kitty Spencer attended the gala..
Lin Li-hui, Taiwanese-Hong Kong actress and model, is popularly known as Shu Qi. She is also believed to be among the highest paid actresses in China. She accessorised her look with Bvlgari High Jewellery necklace with emeralds and diamonds, matching with a ring in rose gold set with colourful gemstones as well as a Serpenti Forever shoulder bag. Jolin Tsai wore the High Jewellery necklace, earrings and bracelet in rose gold with colourful gemstones. Lady Kitty Spencer opted for Bulgari High Jewellery earrings and ring in 18K white gold set with rubies and diamonds, matching with ring in platinum set with diamonds.
Celebrities Joe Chen, Chen Xiaoyun, Sienna Chen, model Bonnie Chen, socialite Sun Yunyun and Wan Baobao attended the gala. Models with bewitching pieces from the High Jewellery Collection demonstrated the striking glamour of Bvlgari and the hedonistic Roman lifestyle, as per the press release.
“The new Wild Pop collection is a tribute to an era marked by an insatiable appetite for more of everything, all at once, and also pays homage to the special bond between Bvlgari and Pop artist Andy Warhol. But this inspiration is merely a starting point, as Wild Pop is a distinctly modern rule-breaker, a cutting-edge collection that illuminates the multi-faceted sensibilities of today — and tomorrow,” says the release.
For further information:https://www.bulgari.com/en-gb/wild-pop
On the picture His Excellency Hector Horacio Salvador.
By Wei Hung and Thomas Fleischer.
Recently the Embassy of the Argentine Republic to the Netherlands used the lovely facilities at the Haagse Hogeschool to launch the official opening to the network of the Argentine Scientists and Researchers in the Netherlands.
The event begins with a simple (and apt), yet to the point, introduction by His Excellency Hector Horacio Salvador on how the network came to fruition. He recounted the countless late-night meetings where colleagues from different expertise came together for a common goal; the establishment of a scientific platform that combines academics between the two countries. Furthermore, the ambassador explained the necessity of a bilateral cooperation with the Netherlands in advancing research across a wide array of scientific research. In his view, the Network has become a milestone for both countries.
His excellency then introduced Mr. Patricio Dalton, the coordinator of social sciences of the Network, to give a little insight into the work that the Network does, and its connection to dutch academia. The Network goals or vision/ developments so far.
The event then continued with 7 separate lectures on a wide range of topics including:
Searching for traces of life with the ExoMars Rover
Nanoantennas for single-molecule detection
Emerging technologies: video games, virtual realities, and augmented realities
Magnetic resonance applied for innovation of multiphase flow of measurement
The impact of education and technical assistance of the port, transport and logistic sectors in Latin America
Riverbank restoration: measuring and understanding erosion patterns
Transparency and fight against corruption: build trust for growth in the Latin American Context
The presentations were accompanied by experts from their respective fields. The invited experts offered an in-depth analysis of the topics given, illustrating future possibilities and where the projects are heading.
After the last lecture, the Argentine embassy hosted a reception in the Haagse Hogeschool, where wine, cheeses and meats were served a plenty, creating a comfortable and conducive environment to meet the members of the Network, catch up with old friends and learn something new and interesting.
On the picture H.E. Mr. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, the ambassador of Rwanda to the Netherlands with Rwanda’s participants during the International Floriculture Trade Fair 2018. From left to right: Mr. Victor Omuga, Marketing Manager of Bella Flowers, Madam Sadrine Urujeni, Deputy CEO for the National Agricultural Export Development Board of Rwanda, H.E. Mr. Jean Pierre Karabaranga and Mr. Shungo Harada, Managing Director of Bloom Hills. The International Floriculture Fair opened its doors from 7th to 9th of November. With a new record high number of exhibitors this year, the IFTF exhibition grew 15% in size and living up to its name of being world’s biggest and most important trade exhibition for international flower growers and buyers that participate from all over the world, including Rwanda.
International Floriculture Forum (IFF)
IFTF hosted the 2nd edition of the International Floriculture Forum (IFF) on the eve of the fair. High level key-note speakers shared their views with the audience on major ongoing and upcoming changes in the international trade, logistics and product innovations. Over 200 people attended the Forum and participated actively in the discussions. A very interesting start of a Floral Trade Week.
Bella Flowers, Bloom Hills and Floramatt are the main growers in Rwanda participating this year IFTF and are facilitated by a collaboration of the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the Netherlands and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
The Hague, Netherlands — 8 November 2018 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, met with the Ambassadors and senior diplomats to the OPCW based outside of The Hague and the Vice-President/High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security, H.E. Ms. Federica Mogherini, during his visit to Brussels, Belgium.
During the Director-General’s meeting with the Permanent Representatives to the OPCW based outside of The Hague, the Director-General discussed issues pertaining to the upcoming Twenty-Third Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-23) and the Fourth Review Conference of the States Parties (RC-4). The Director-General expressed his appreciation to the Member States for “their on-going commitment and strong support of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the work of the Technical Secretariat”.
The Director-General covered a range of topics including: the shift of the Organisation’s activities from destruction of declared chemical weapons to preventing their re-emergence; strengthening assistance and international cooperation related activities; efforts to counter the use of chemical weapons by non-State actors (i.e., terrorists); and planned construction of a new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology. He highlighted activities related to the decision on addressing the threat from chemical weapons use; the Fact-Finding Mission in Syria; and recent incidents involving chemical weapons in the United Kingdom and Malaysia.
Additional briefings were provided by: the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Jana Rainisová, who spoke about the activities of the Executive Council; the Director of the External Relations Division, Mr. Kai Chen, who addressed efforts to universalise the Chemical Weapons Convention; and the Director of International Cooperation and Assistance Division, Mr. Hamza Khelif, who informed the attendees about the OPCW capacity-building portfolio. The participants shared their views and concerns during question and answer sessions. The briefing was attended by 40 officials of 29 OPCW Member States, including 16 Ambassadors.
The Director-General met with the Vice President/High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security and briefed her on the activities related to implementing the decision adopted this past June by the Special Session of the CSP addressing the threat from chemical weapons use, and other key developments ahead of the upcoming CSP-23 and RC-4.
Ms. Mogherini stressed the EU’s appreciation of OPCW’s efforts to uphold the global ban against chemical weapons, and the EU’s support for the goals of the Convention and its substantive financial contributions to the Organisation’s activities.
Friday, 2 November 2018, Mbabane, Kingdom of eSwatini: A new has been appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III of eSwantini. The country’s Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini accordingly released the names of the appointed cabinet members to the 11th cabinet. They are:
– Ambrose Dlamini (Prime Minister)
– Themba Masuku (Deputy Prime Minister)
– Neil Reikenburg (Finance)
– Manqoba Khumalo (Commerce, Industry and Trade)
– Pholile Dlamini (Justice and Constitutional Affairs)
– Princess Sikhanyiso (Information, Communication and Technology)
– Peter Bhembe (Natural Resources and Energy)
– Princess Lindiwe (Home Affairs)
– Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe (Public Works and Transport)
– Prince Simelane (Housing and Urban Development)
– Thuli Dladla (Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
– Lizzy Nkosi (Health)
– Harries Madze Bulunga (Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs)
– Moses Vilakati (Tourism and Environmental Affairs)
– Jabulani Mabuza (Agriculture)
– David Ngcane (Tinkundhla Administration and Development)
H.E. Dr. Hisham Al-Alawi, Ambassador of Iraq.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague, 1 November 2018. Building a Stable & Prosperous Democracy in Iraq. Food Security, Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
Such was the theme of a one day conference organized by the Clingendael Institute and The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the Netherlands. The venue was the Clingendael Institute and the Chancellery of Iraq for the afternoon session.
The conference considered reconstructing a prosperous Iraq after an epoch of conflict and how Dutch – government and private sector could assist and support Iraq to build a prosperous and stable future.
What is more, the conference paid special attention to the political, economic and security situation as well as specific needs such as water, agriculture and education.
Speakers at the conference were:
H.E. Dr. Hisham Al-Alawi, Ambassador of Iraq
Ms. Nancy Ezzeddne (Clingendael)
Dr. Louise van Schaik Head of Sustainability Research (Clingendael)
Mr. Tobias von Lossow (Clingendael)
Ms. Simone van der Post (Dutch MFA)
Mr. Wibo Schepel (BGC Shell)
Mr. Nick Reijmers (Boskalis) and other speakers.
Their contribution certainly contributed to the success of the conference. The conference was an assessment of the situation, further exploration will be imperative before embarking on any cooperation scheme between the Netherlands and Iraq.
By Roy Lie Atjam.The objective of the 12th Asia-Europe (ASEM) Meeting: to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Asia on a wide range of areas.
After a brief introduction by H.E. Heidemaria Gürer, Austrian Ambassador to the Netherlands, a panel made up of the following persons:
George Cunningham, Senior Adviser Asia and Pacific Department, European External Action Service
H.E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to The Netherlands
H.E. Mr. Matthew Neuhaus, Ambassador of Australia to The Netherlands
Mr. Kazi Russel Pervez, Counsellor, Embassy of Bangladesh in The Netherlands
H.E. Ms. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Ambassador of Thailand to The Netherlands
Moderation: Ms. Maaike Okano-Heijmans, Senior Research Fellow at the Clingendael Institute, reviewed the 12th ASEM summit, organized by the EU and chaired by the President of the European Council, Mr Donald Tusk.
The summit was attended by the Heads of State and Government of 51 Asian and European countries, the President of the European Commission and the Secretary-General of ASEAN. The 12th ASEM summit was held on 18-19 October 2018 in Brussels.
However, the review panel met at the residence of the Austrian Ambassador Heidemaria Gürer in The Hague on 6th November 2018. The EU, as well as Austria, recently adopted a new Asia-strategy.
The panel focus on the outcome of the summit, as well as on the future relationship between Europe and Asia. The panel came to the conclusion that the added value of ASEM is connectivity in all its dimension, ASEM works as a catalyst. Members of the panel touched on scores of subjects of which some are listed hereunder.
Infrastructure is an important item within ASEM
ASEM should become a forum for bilateral meetings
Furthermore, justice should be done to relatives of the MH 17 victims
Call for the resumption of the FTA talks
Sustainable development beneficial to both parties
There should be collaboration on the phenomenon of ageing society
2019 is an election year
Brexit and beyond
Multilateralism policy
The post Cotonou Agreement
A vivid reception with Austrian and ASEM treats concluded the afternoon which also attracted representatives of none EU-ASEM countries, International institutions and students of various universities.
The conference considered reconstructing a prosperous Iraq after an epoch of conflict and how Dutch – government and private sector could assist and support Iraq to build a prosperous and stable future.
What is more, the conference paid special attention to the political, economic and security situation as well as specific needs such as water, agriculture and education.
Speakers at the conference were:
Their contribution certainly contributed to the success of the conference. The conference was an assessment of the situation, further exploration will be imperative before embarking on any cooperation scheme between the Netherlands and Iraq.
The conference considered reconstructing a prosperous Iraq after an epoch of conflict and how Dutch – government and private sector could assist and support Iraq to build a prosperous and stable future.
What is more, the conference paid special attention to the political, economic and security situation as well as specific needs such as water, agriculture and education.
Speakers at the conference were:
Their contribution certainly contributed to the success of the conference. The conference was an assessment of the situation, further exploration will be imperative before embarking on any cooperation scheme between the Netherlands and Iraq.
