On the picture, Dutch delegation at the 6th ERA of Knights of Rizal.By Anton Lutter.
From the 25th to the 27th of august the 6th European Regional Assembly of the Order of the Knights of Rizal – the sole order of knighthood in The Philippines – has taken place in Brussels. The Order of Knights of Rizal was founded in 1911 to to honor and uphold the ideals of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal.
In 1951 it was granted a legislative charter by a law, which signed by president Elpidio Quirino becoming Republic Act 646.
Sitting next to Sir Olaf baron van Boetzelaer is Alan Deniega, charge d’affaires at The Philippines Embassay at Brussels.
The assembly -which theme was the “KOR Europe in solidarity of Rizal’s vision” was visited by more than 200 knights and ladies, from all over Europe: Czech Republic, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom, under the leadership of the European Regional Commander the Honorable cónsul Sir Antonio Guansing, KGOR. But also knights from the United States and Canada attended the assembly.
The guest of honour was without doubt the Supreme Commander of Knights of Rizal and former Chief Justice of The Philippines Sir Reynato Puno, KGCR, who attended with several other members of the Supreme Council from Manila. The Dutch delegation was led by Sir Anton Lutter, KCR, chapter commander of The Hague Chapter. The first day commenced at The Philippines Embassy in Brussels hosted by the chargé d’affaires Alan L. Deniega.
As guest speaker of the evening Sir Olaf baron van Boetzelaer, KR held a very interesting speech titled Dr. Jose Rizal : A Philippine Patriot who knew Europe. Some excerpts: “As the intellectual patriot he was, he stays as a beacon of light to his countryman: then, now and for the generations to come. But what strikes, this patriot, with the Philippines never out of his mind was also a cosmopolitan“.Sir Reynato Puno, KGCR.
We can say, here in our European assembly that he knew different European countries. He worked in Paris and was also a member of the Berlin Anthropological Society. He has lived here in Brussels and his famous book El Filibusterismo was printed in Gent. Dr. Rizal was driven by universal ethical values: succinctly: human dignity at home and if possible also abroad. Therefore he belongs to the Pantheon of great men – and women – of our world who want to further human dignity, human rights, without naiveté.
As said, he visited studied and worked in several European countries. We can say he “knew” parts of our continent. He had contacts, friendship even, with European scholars. An outstanding example of course was his friendship and exchange of ideas with the German scholar Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt. What has all this to say to us, in our present time? Well, his example as an outward looking patriot and at the same time as a fatherland loving internationalist is still relevant and inspiring, especially in our world where on the one hand people are sometimes afraid of losing their national or regional identity and traditions and where on the other hand, we witness more and more globalization.
Both aspects should be complementary not contradictory. Dr. Rizal always saw his fatherland as part of the global world, the family of nations. In this aspect he is also inspiring in 2017, now that The Philippines has the chair of ASEAN. The “homo universalis” he was, would have seen with a benign eye the contacts and cooperation between the European Union and ASEAN.
Regarding the status of the EU-ASEAN relations, I can quote the then High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Baroness Ashton, who stated: “The EU wants to be an active and constructive player in Asian regionalism. “The appointment of an EU Ambassador to ASEAN in August 2015, is an important step in that direction”. Van Boetzelaer concluded “Well, look to us here today. Dr. Rizal still brings nations and people together: brothers and knights from so many European nations, in brotherly solidarity. Also an example for international relations. And we all have also a special bonding with the country where it originated: The Philippines”.
The second day found important speeches by the Rev. Fr. Paul John Camiring, chaplain at SHAPE (NATO), titled “Knights of Rizal Europe in Solidarity with Rizal’s Vision” and the keynote speech from the Supreme Commander which was on Federalism in The Philippines.The ceremonial part of the assembly consisted of the dubbing and elevation to higher ranks as well as awarding individuals for outstanding services rendered.
Sir Olaf an Boetzelaer, KR between Sir Dominiek Segaert, KGOR and Sir Lino Paras, KGCR.
From The Netherlands elevated to Officer in the Order of Knights of Rizal were Sir Olaf baron van Boetzelaer, KR and Sir Steef Klarenbeek, KR, respectively pursuivant and exchequer of The Hague Chapter.
The visting supreme commander Sir Reynato Puno, KGCR led the official ceremonies of the three days assisted by members of the supreme council and Masters of Ceremony Sir Dominiek Segaert, KGOR and Sir Lino Paras, KGCR, who flawlessly led as through the three days of confraternity.
Rev. Fr. Paul John Camiring.
The official ceremonies of the day ended by the awarding of the Regional Commander Sir Antonio Guansing, KGOR with the well deserved Grand Cross of the Order of the Knights of Rizal for his longtime honorably serving the Order.
A galadinner ended the evening, while the closing of the assembly – next day – by the supreme commander was preceded by a Thanksgiving Mass at the Saint Mary Mother of God Church, presided by the Rev. Father Jorgedy Bago, Chaplain of Seafarers and of the Filipino Community in Antwerp.
Sir Antonio Guansing, KGCR with Supreme Council members.
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Photography by A. Lutter.
Diversity and inclusion,as they continue to build a welcoming Canada
Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Youth – as they continue to engage young people and give them the means to contribute to their society, because they are the ones who will shapetomorrow’sCanada
Environment, as they are all the custodians of their environment, a source of our country’s wealth and pride.
This year on October 4, at The Peace Palace in The Hague, as part of the MBBI Conference 2017, a day-long masterclass on de-escalating strong emotions will be given by Douglas E. Noll, a lawyer, peace maker and an AV-rated attorney, assigned to the top 1% of attorneys worldwide.
Traditional forms of negotiation and communication have shown to be less effective than desirable. Douglas E. Noll for many years now has offered new skills and insights on how to de-escalate a volatile situation and move the discussion into effective problem-solving and durable agreements.
So, if your professional life is full of complex negotiations of all sorts, this masterclass might change the way you do things – it happened to many before you: to people working in law, business, international relations, or in family relations, in politics, and to all kinds of mediators.
This masterclass is recognised by the Mediation Foundation of the Netherlands (MfN) as a course for 6 PE points, category: 1a. Now you are welcome to join in, and share learning and experience with many others, all with experience in mediation from all over the world.
This is the first time ever Douglas E. Noll offers his masterclass in the Netherlands. For 22 years he worked as a top class lawyer. He now is an acclaimed advanced mediation advocate and legal negotiation skills trainer, specialized in helping people solve difficult, complex, and intractable problems.
His work and masterclasses have inspired thousands of professionals all over the world with new insights and skills on de-escalating strong emotions – key to resolving any conflict.
The masterclass is part of the rich program of the 8th MBBI’s Conference held on 3-6 October, 2017, centered around the new long-term initiative: “Keep People Affected by Conflict in Charge”.
This masterclass is highly interactive: it is learning by doing. An intense experience, for max. 50 participants.
October 4, 2017
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Peace Palace, Carnegieplein 2, The Hague, 2517 KJ,
The Netherlands
To register and/or find more information about the masterclass and Douglas E. Noll, please, visit the website:
https://mbbinternational.org/project/masterclass/
By Jhr mr Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland LL.M.
Several years ago the United Nations declared September 21 ‘the International Day of Peace’. The City of The Hague, with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) since 1946 the second UN City in the World and declared to be The International City of Peace and Justice as well as The Legal Capital of the World by two UN Secretaries-General, of course celebrates this day, even in a four days event: the Just Peace Festival, in 2017 for the fourth time, with a wealth of activities.
On Thursday September 21st itself you can join the Hague Talks at the Peace Palace: Dialogues for Peace. Lots of other activities will follow. On the last day, Sunday September 24th the Festival ends with three events. In the morning (9 am to 1 pm) you can join Peace Run The Hague. You can run 5 or 10 kilometers (Kids Run 1,5 or 2,5 km); the charity of Peace Run The Hague will be Unicef. In the afternoon (noon until 6 pm) you are welcome in the Palace Gardens of the Kings Palace Noordeinde (entrance: Prinsessewal) for ‘Peace in the Park’. And during the whole day the many international organisations for which the city is known will open their doors for one day to the public: you can pay a visit to remarkable institutions like the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Unicef, the Peace Palace with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as well as the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) etc.
The admission is free, but for security reasons you have to sign up for the tours in and around the international organisations in advance via the website www.justpeacethehague.com, where you can find many more details of the program for the 4th Just Peace Festival from 21 to 24 September 2017.
Enjoy those four wonderful international days in our International City of Peace and Justice !
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About the author: Jhr. mr. Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland LL.M. is Justice (Judge) in the (Dutch) Court of Appeal as well as honorary Special Advisor International Affairs, appointed by the Mayor and Aldermen of The Hague
With the release of the bestseller Traslados, Silvia Korenblum, psychologist and diplomatic spouse, describe and explore the transitory migration of diplomatic life and its impact inside the family. Diplomat Magazine decided to publish this powerful companion book designed for diplomats and their families, in its original language.
Second chapter.
Por Silvia Korenblum.
La gran mayoría de las familias en tránsito se desplazan debido a que la madre o el padre de la familia tienen una oportunidad de trabajo que los lleva a salir de su país de origen, cambiando de sede con cierta frecuencia. Esta oportunidad generalmente trae consigo una mejora en el desarrollo profesional y en lo económico. Desde un aspecto personal, los directivos de empresas buscan ser transferidos a otros países por varias razones: mejores compensaciones económicas, nuevas experiencias, estándares de vida más altos, en especial en aquellos países en los que se convertirán en parte integrante de la elite social. También se destacan la oportunidad de aprender diferentes idiomas y culturas, y obtener cargos con mayores responsabilidades.
Hace no tantos años, la mayoría de los ejecutivos internacionales eran hombres, y las mujeres funcionarias internacionales eran una excepción. Hoy en día esto se ha transformado siendo la proporción prácticamente cincuenta por ciento hombres y cincuenta por ciento mujeres.
Las mujeres funcionarias, a diferencia de los hombres, tan sólo en una proporción menor se trasladan acompañadas de su familia, ya sea porque son solteras o separadas, o bien porque el marido no acompaña en forma permanente. En efecto, todavía hay un fenómeno observable: al hombre le cuesta mucho más seguir a la mujer por trabajo que al revés. También encontramos mujeres funcionarias con familias sin esposo, madres de familia solas.
Sin embargo, existen también los casos en que los hombres acompañan a sus mujeres, tomando muchas veces roles que en general son históricamente femeninos. A esto me referiré más adelante en detalle al analizar la particularidad de la mujer funcionario internacional y su cónyuge como acompañante.
“Aconsecuencia del desarrollo cultural de las últimas décadas han cambiado mucho las premisas para el estereotipo masculino y femenino. Ahora ambos, la mujer y el hombre, se encuentran en una profunda transformación respecto de la función específica de cada uno de los sexos. Entonces, en esta situación, son víctimas de una postergación, en virtud del cónyugue… Hoy ya no se tiene en cuenta más que el propio rendimiento” (Jurg, 1978). Antes “detrás de un gran hombre siempre hay una gran mujer”. Hoy, ésto ya no se escucha más, cada uno se ocupa mucho más de sí mismo.
En la diplomacia, otro fenómeno observable es el de las parejas de funcionarios, en dónde ambos pertenecen a la carrera o a la función diplomática, en cuyo caso los roles son más repartidos.
En cualquiera de las situaciones descritas, el proceso de expatriación puede fracasar. En su gran mayoría, estos fracasos se deben a una falta de adaptación (a nivel personal y familiar) al nuevo entorno cultural, y a la incapacidad del funcionario de hacer frente a sus nuevas responsabilidades. Por tanto, el expatriado no sólo deberia recibir una preparación para el cargo que ocupará, sino que también se deberia incluir a su familia en la formación sobre el impacto cultural que sufrirán.
“El libro “Traslados , la mudanza internacional y su impacto familiar” Fue concebido para explicar y tratar de ayudar con los problemas de las familias de los diplomáticos en los sucesivos traslados, tanto en las salidas al exterior como en los regresos. Para esto se vale del relato de historias de quienes pasaron por la experienciacon los distintos puntos de vista de las funcionarias, los funcionarios, sus parejas y sus hijos. Es un trabajo en donde se plantean las ventajas y las desventajas del proceso.Se incluye el analisis de temas tales como la adaptacion, el shock culturl, el duelo por la lejania de la familia extensa y el retorno, entre otros.” Silvia Korenblum.
Cuando la familia se muda es el funcionario que llega al nuevo destino, tiene ese punto de referencia (la empresa, la embajada, el laboratorio). Este es un lugar de contención, una base segura.
El cónyuge, por su parte, se ocupa de la casa y de los hijos y de la instalación de la familia en el nuevo lugar. Hay cónyuges que experimentan esta realidad sin problemas: ocupando el rol de organización se sienten satisfechos, y pueden asumir los desafíos que ello implica. En estos casos, el cónyuge asume este papel en el convencimiento que es su parte en el trabajo que motivó el traslado, que por lo tanto pasa a convertirse en un trabajo familiar.
Hay otros cónyuges que este papel no les sienta tan cómodo. Por lo general se trata de personas que han estudiado alguna carrera o tienen un trabajo u ocupación que debe ser abandonado en el momento del traslado. Ahí pueden surgir problemas que resultan de la contradicción de estas dos variables (carrera propia versus seguir al otro).
La decisión de acompañar en un traslado a la pareja no implica que la contradicción desaparezca. Es más, la misma se puede profundizar cuando el que se queda en la casa debe ocuparse de la instalación familiar, ya que pueden sentirse desubicados o anacrónicos (les cuesta mucho más a los hombres esta posición o a algunas mujeres con ambiciones profesionales ).
En general, el que se ocupó de la crianza casi siempre tiene que contentarse con trabajos subordinados ya que dedicaron su tiempo de mayor productividad a esto, mientras que los funcionarios internacionales pueden ejercer una carrera profesional gracias al empleo sistemático de todas sus fuerzas y a la ayuda de sus parejas.
Por consiguiente no se puede considerar, sin más ni más, como trastorno neurótico cierto el que en algún momento el cónyuge reaccione con celos, envidia y tendencias destructivas. Dentro de estas parejas, en donde la subordinación de uno a la carrera del otro es muy clara y permanente, y por lo tanto es muy difícil que haya un desarrollo profesional para ambos, es muy alta la cantidad de divorcios o separaciones. Las empresas dan muchos beneficios a sus directivos y exigen en consecuencia. Hay veces en que el funcionario debe viajar considerablemente y ausentarse de la casa y es el que queda quien debe quedarse a cargo de la familia, ya que “papá tiene que ir a trabajar” o “mamá tiene que ir a trabajar”. Se debe tener en cuenta, además, que muchas veces el funcionario debe presentarse a su trabajo desde el primer día de arribo al país.
Liliana, una argentina de 40 años relata, “Cuandollegamosa Venezuela, hacíatresmesesquemimaridoestabaallá,y no pudo venir a recibirnos, llegamos al aeropuerto y estaba una secretaria y el chofer de la compañía, la verdad es que no sabía qué decirle a mis hijos, estaba estupefacta…”.
Este tipo de familias funcionan con la típica ideología de parejas tradicionales en las que la mujer (o el que ocupa la posición típicamente femenina en la familia) se ocupa de todo lo que es “adentro” y el otro de todo que es “afuera”. El “adentro” son los niños, las cuestiones domésticas. Eso lleva al rol solitario del ama/o de casa.
Muchas empresas u organismos internacionales o gubernamen tales no tienen en cuenta la carrera profesional del cónyuge ni su situación laboral . De acuerdo al último estudio de Price Waterhouse Coopers sobre los traslados internacionales, de cada diez fracasos de empleados expatriados, ocho se producen como consecuencia de la inadaptación de la pareja al nuevo ámbito (Canales, 1999).
Aunque tiene poderosos beneficios secundarios para cada protagonista, esta situación es fuente importante de conflictos de pareja. Pero sobre todo, en tanto atraviesa el subsistema hijos, genera en ellos y en los vínculos que tienen con los padres, zonas de confusión y de silencio, promueve conflictos de lealtades, sobrecargas y dificultades para la individuación (Troya, 2000).
Silvia Korenblum, autora de Traslados.
La flexibilidad es una característica determinante. Las familias flexibles afrontan más fácilmente los cambios y se adaptan mejor a ellos, las que no son suficientemente flexibles experimentan conflictos y la consiguiente aparición de síntomas en los períodos de transición. Habitualmente, hay que ayudar a estas familias a establecer una sensación de continuidad y competencia.
La adaptabilidad de una familia se halla, por lo tanto, íntimamente ligada a su grado de flexibilidad y su aptitud de cambio.
Olson (1986) define la adaptabilidad de una familia como la capacidad de un sistema conyugal o familiar de cambiar su estructu- ra de poder, relaciones de roles y reglas de relación en respuesta al estrés situacional o evolutivo.
Una familia migrante necesita como equipaje básico una buena cuota de adaptabilidad. Las familias migrantes suelen ser muy unidas y cerradas en sí mismas. Pasan mucho tiempo “solas”.
Los cambios que se suceden pasan por diferentes niveles, y la familia va sorteando los vaivenes, las pérdidas, los beneficios. Cada integrante de la familia que emigra temporalmente pierde muchos de los roles que desempeñaba en su comunidad, como miembros de un grupo familiar extenso, de un grupo de trabajo, de un grupo de amistades (si bien no se han ido definitivamente, en lo cotidiano, en el aquí y ahora, no están).
Sólo una buena relación consigo mismo, una buena cohesión familiar, la aceptación de las pérdidas y la elaboración de los duelos, permitirá integrar de manera discriminada los distintos países, los distintos tiempos, las partidas y los regresos, los grupos de antes y los de ahora, lo que dará lugar a la reorganización y consolidación del sentimiento de identidad, que corresponderá a quienes siguen siendo ellos mismos a pesar de los cambios (Cervantes, 2000).
Marina llegó a Bruselas desde Lanús, provincia de Buenos Aires. No hablaba francés, hacía poco tiempo que se había recibido de psicóloga, recién casada, su marido había sido destinado a Bélgica, e iban a estar ahí por dos años. Al poco tiempo de llegar por casualidad conoce a un psicólogo argentino, que le ofrece hacer una pasantía en una comunidad terapéutica en la que él trabajaba. Ella se sintió entusiasmada, pero entendía muy poco el idioma y lo hablaba aún peor. “…habíadíasenlosquemesentíamuymal,yaquenolograbaentendermuybienloquepasabay me sentía muy incómoda y extraña, y me preguntaba que estaba haciendo allí. Algunas veces sentía que no podía más y que no iba a seguir…, sin embargo seguí yendo todos los días hasta que terminó la pasantía, con una sensación muy especial, algo así como: “si pude con esto, puedo ser capaz de hacer cualquier cosa…”.Así, mientras que por un lado se sienten sentimientos de pena y dolor por lo que quedó atrás, por otro lado, al poder superar lo que resulta tan difícil, se apodera de uno una sensación de fuerza, de verse capaz de abordar el control del propio destino, de que nada es imposible.
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La autora Silvia Korenblum, nació en Buenos Aires y es Licenciada en Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Tiene un Post grado en terapias de familias y parejas, además de un Magister en psiconeuroendocrinologia. Es Especialista en problemas de desarraigo y adaptación, ha ejercido su práctica clínica en diversas instituciones clínicas y hospitalarias. Ha trabajado dictando seminarios y coordinando talleres de orientación a padres de niños y adolescentes atravesados por la problemática de la migración, en diferentes países.Es Autora de numerosas ponencias y artículos sobre su especialidad y del libro Familias en Transito, Lumen humanitas 2003.Casada desde hace 25 años con un diplomático. Actualmente vive en Bruselas, ejerciendo su practica clinica, terapia y coaching on line.
By Dr. David Tawei Lee, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)
1 September, 2017
“As we embark on this great collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind”—Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
New York is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. As with visitors from other countries, those from Taiwan love to experience first-hand the city’s famous attractions—the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and, of course, the very nerve center of global affairs: the Headquarters of the United Nations. These landmarks—the latter in particular—are symbols of equality, diversity and freedom. Regrettably, the brilliant luster of these ideals has become tarnished of late as more and more visitors from Taiwan find themselves being turned away from the UN grounds, discriminated against simply because of their country of origin.
The UN is about people, yet the universality of human rights that the UN proclaims does not extend to Taiwan and its 23 million people. This mistreatment dates back to 1971, when our government lost its representation in the organization—and in the intervening decades, Taiwan has met with challenges and isolation with respect to its international situation. Nevertheless, this adversity has propelled us forward and we have never retreated, for we believe very strongly that those who follow the path of virtue can never truly be alone.
While traveling the world to carry out my duties as minister of foreign affairs, I have always marveled at how Taiwan’s experience in such areas as environmental protection, public health and medicine, agriculture, education and ICT has helped our partners develop and grow. We are committed to continuing our interaction and cooperation with our friends and partners, and to maintaining global peace, security and prosperity through mutually beneficial collaboration.
Despite Taiwan’s efforts and the recognition they have earned, despite the need for universality, and despite the repeated pledge to leave no one behind, the UN seems content to leave the 23 million people of Taiwan behind. In May of this year, Taiwan was refused attendance at the 70th WHA, despite having participated as an observer over the previous eight consecutive years. Rejecting Taiwan—which has invested over US$6 billion in international medical and humanitarian aid efforts since 1996, benefiting millions of people worldwide—runs counter to common sense, and creates a blind spot in the World Health Organization’s operations, just like the one that cost lives during the 2003 SARS epidemic.
This unjust treatment, however, has not and will never deter Taiwan from carrying out its duties both to its people and to the international community. As the world’s 18th largest trading and 11th freest economy, Taiwan has brought its laws and regulations into line with the UN’s human rights conventions, and in terms of living up to democratic values, Taiwan has worked as hard as any country—and perhaps harder than most—to advance equality. The Taiwanese people elected their country’s first female president in 2016, and 38 percent of their lawmakers are women. Taiwan is also home to a vibrant civil society whose civic organizations constantly reach out to the world. And whenever disasters strike, rescue workers from Taiwan’s nongovernmental organizations are right there on the ground, providing assistance, with their devotion and professionalism clear for all to see.
Taiwan is currently working on its first Voluntary National Review, which will document many of its concrete achievements regarding the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In terms of public health and medicine, for example, in recent years Taiwan has worked alongside a host of other countries to fight such infectious diseases as MERS, Ebola and Zika. Taiwan has also been promoting a green economy and green energy, aiming to raise the proportion of renewable energy generated for the country’s power supply to 20 percent—five times the current level—by 2025, while also aiming to lower carbon emissions to at least 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2050.
Holders of ROC passports enjoy visa-free travel or other forms of travel convenience to 165 countries and territories, which speaks to the respect that Taiwan’s tourists, businesspeople and academics have earned worldwide. Yet, they are unable to take even a single step inside the Headquarters of the UN.
For years, representatives from Taiwan’s many nongovernmental organizations involved in indigenous, labor, environmental and women’s rights have been barred from attending meetings and conferences held at the UN’s New York headquarters and at the Palais des Nations in Geneva simply because they hail from Taiwan. Similarly, to the outrage of the international press community, Taiwanese journalists are not allowed to cover UN meetings in person.
These discriminatory measures put in place by UN bureaucrats—targeted specifically against the people of Taiwan—are inappropriately justified by the invocation and misuse of 1971’s General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI). It is important to remember that, while it seated the People’s Republic of China in the UN, this resolution did not address the issue of representation of Taiwan and its people in the organization; much less did it give the PRC the right to represent the people of Taiwan.
It is important to stress the political reality here, which is that the PRC does not now, nor has it ever, held jurisdiction over Taiwan. Indeed, as evidenced by the aforementioned ban on Taiwanese inside the UN headquarters, the PRC exerts far more influence on the UN than it does on Taiwan.
The preamble of the UN Charter speaks powerfully of the organization’s mission to “reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.” The government and people of Taiwan strongly believe that their involvement, especially when the UN is calling for the universal implementation of the SDGs, would be to the benefit of all. The absence of Taiwan, on the other hand, will only continue to cripple the effectiveness of this global effort.
Taiwan can do much to help the world build a more sustainable future. The people of Taiwan need the international community to support our aspirations and our right to fair treatment by the UN. At the very least, stop turning us away at the door.
H.E. Venu Rajamony, Ambassador of India during his speech. H.E. Venu Rajamony, India’s Ambassador to the Netherlands & Dr. Vikas Chaturvedi, Chairman ASSOCHAM Europe.
India, the world’s largest democracy and fastest-growing large economy, celebrates 70 years of independence on August 15 this year. Interestingly, this year also marks 70 years of the establishment of India-Netherlands diplomatic relations. The Ambassador of the Netherlands was present in India when the flag of freedom was hoisted by its leaders in 1947.
In the last couple of years, the political and business engagement between India and the Netherlands has risen to new heights for several reasons.
The rapid economic growth achieved by India in recent years is drawing the attention of countries and companies from far and wide. According to the IMF, India’s growth is expected to be 7.2% in the 2017-18 fiscal year, and 7.7% in 2018-19.
In 2016-17, the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India was a record US $60.1 billion. India has become the fastest-growing investment region for foreign investors. According to the World Bank, private investments in India are expected to grow by 8.8% in 2018-19.
In the last two years, around US $6 billion worth of investments have gone into India from the Netherlands. At the same time, India also makes significant investments into the Netherlands, with 180 companies based here and US $ 3.3 billion worth of total investments.
In 2015, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited India, taking along with him 80 Dutch companies. The visit enabled him to establish a personal equation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose leadership the Indian government has been working hard to achieve the goal of ‘Minimum Government and Maximum Governance’.
Moreover, Indian Prime Minister Modi paid an eight-hour, intense and highly productive visit to the Netherlands on June 27, 2017. During this visit, he called upon The King and Queen of the Netherlands, and held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Mark Rutte who was accompanied by four other Ministers. The primary focus of PM Modi’s visit was expanding economic and business ties. He participated in a round-table moderated by the Chairman of VNO NCW, with the CEOs of 16 key Dutch companies, i.e., Aegon, APG, Arcadis, Boskalis, Enraf Nonius, PGGM, Philips, Port of Rotterdam, Rabobank, Rijk Zwaan, Tata Steel, Unilever, Van Oord, Vopak, and Zeelandia.
In the last three years, the Indian government has implemented a number of programmes aimed at making India an attractive destination for companies to invest. It has also been working tirelessly to eliminate black money, corruption, red tape, and outdated laws which have existed for decades.
Some of the important schemes launched by the Indian Government, and decisions that contribute to improving ease of doing business are as follows –
Implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST):
As of 1st July 2017, GST has been introduced with the intention of creating a single India, single tax and single market. This law is believed to be a game-changer for the Indian economy. It will simplify the tax structure and compliance. With the introduction of GST (one tax), around 15 indirect taxes have been repealed.
Simplification of Investment process in India:
Today, virtually for all the sectors, companies can invest in India without formal approval process. This eliminates the red tape that existed in India.
Creation of a Single Window facilitation platform called ‘Invest India’:
‘Invest India’ is the official Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India, mandated to facilitate investments into India. It is envisaged to be the first point of reference for potential investors. A team of domain and functional experts provide sector-and state-specific inputs, and hand-holding support to investors through the entire investment cycle, from pre-investment decision-making to after-care. They assist with location identification, expediting regulatory approvals, facilitating meetings with relevant government and corporate officials, and also provide aftercare services that include initiating remedial action on problems faced by investors.
Digital India:
A flagship programme launched on 2nd July 2015, it seeks to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. This includes transforming the entire ecosystem of public services through the use of information technology. The government has allocated US $ 100 million for this programme in the Union budget 2017-18.
Clean India:
The Clean India Mission is the most significant cleanliness campaign by the Government of India. Launched throughout the country on 2nd October 2014 as a national movement, it aims to achieve the vision of a ‘Clean India’ by 2019. The government has allocated around US $ 2.5 billion for the Clean India Mission in 2017-18.
Make in India:
Launched on 25th September 2014, this major national programme is designed to facilitate investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, protect intellectual property and build best in class manufacturing infrastructure in the country. It aims to attract investments from across the globe and strengthen India’s manufacturing sector, along with a focus on live projects like industrial corridors. In the Union budget 2017-18, Make in India was given a further boost with the allocation of US $ 62 billion for infrastructure, with US $ 7 million for electronics manufacturing, as well as further liberalization of FDI policy being considered.
Start-Up India:
This flagship initiative was launched on 16th January 2016 to build start-ups and nurture innovation. Through this initiative, the Government plans to empower start-up ventures to boost entrepreneurship, economic growth and employment across India. The promotion of digital and cashless transactions will encourage the digitization drive, and provide a boost for the start-up ecosystem. The Union budget 2017-18 provides tax breaks and income tax benefits for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
100 Smart Cities by 2022:
Launched on 25th June 2015, this mission is aimed at developing the entire urban eco-system, which is represented by the four pillars of comprehensive development-institutional, physical, social and economic infrastructure. The strategic components of area-based development in the Smart Cities Mission are city improvement (retrofitting), city renewal (redevelopment) and city extension (green-field development) plus a Pan-city initiative in which Smart Solutions are applied covering larger parts of the city.
The Union government has decided to allocate around US $ 75 million over five years at an average of around US $ 15 million per city per year. In the first phase of implementation, 20 cities have been shortlisted for the initiative’s implementation. With regard to project management consultants from the Netherlands, Royal Haskoning DHV and STUP Joint Venture have been selected for developing solutions to upgrade the infrastructure of the city of Kota, Gujarat.
Doubling farmers’ income by 2022:
India is the third-largest in global agricultural output, and has the sixth-largest food and grocery market in the world. At the same time, however, huge amounts of food products go waste. Attaining the above goal would require a huge increase in agricultural products. India is the largest global producer of spices, pulses, milk, tea and cashews, the second-largest producer of wheat, rice, fruits and vegetables, sugarcane and oilseeds, along with being second globally in inland fish production.
A ‘World Food India’ event is being held in New Delhi in November 2017. It is the first international investment and sourcing event in the food sector in India, and will showcase a vast landscape of opportunities in the food processing industry.
There are around 200 Dutch companies doing business with India. However, this number does not depict the true potential that exists for Dutch investments into India. India has huge needs with regard to infrastructure development i.e. Water Management, Waste to Energy, Port development, road development, inland water bodies’ development and Agro and food processing amongst other sectors.
Dutch companies have a wealth of experience and technical know-how. This is the opportune time for Dutch companies engage with India for mutual benefit. By combining their strengths, India and the Netherlands can together become the best in the world.
By Mara Lemanis.
Ideology can sustain a culture or strike a death blow. We can quickly trace what the Marxist ideology did to Russia, or the Proletarian Communist movement to China. When we think back as far as 330 and 331 BCE, we recognize that the Hellenism forced through Alexander the Great’s conquest of the Persian Empire and Egypt was both a disintegration of those ancient cultures and their reciprocal integration into the Greek ethos.
We do not need to spade around unknown terrain in order to see how many of our reactions and behaviors have already been set, programmed by the society and culture in which we find ourselves.
Cultural determinants are a hybrid of established social practices, traditions, hierarchic rules and common aims—what biologists call “memes.” Harnessing these is the zeitgeist of ideology–that overarching doctrine, uttered like a hymn, or like a declaration of independence–honorific, emblematic of a country and its people.
The ethnologist Claude Lévi-Strauss pointed out that the structures of all cultures are the same though they may have different functions.
Regardless of ideology one thing remains constant: the temporal nature of existence. We all live in transience. However much we like or dislike our experiences we know at some point they will cease. We will no longer embody them. The way we deal with this phenomenon—the sense of our concrete existence and its eventual extinction—directs life’s purpose.
Social activity fuels desire for position, status, wealth; individual activity seeks more intimate aims—affection, adventure, personal evolution. Social or individual, all is attained within the gyrating axis of joy and anguish, comfort and stress, growth and decline. But our emotional arc is not complete until we settle the bid for continuity.
Change happens; it is inevitable. Will we go on in some form recognizable to ourselves? Will we be conscious, aware, sentient? Even when not dwelling on them, such thoughts lurk at the threshold of perception, giving pause or impetus to our intents.
That threshold is where we make a pact with fate. It is there that we admit our union with the universe of bosons, or with God. Even if we think we will be nothing but dust, our liberation is foreordained.
Yet many crave a life beyond the temporal whether through samadhi, moksha, transcendence, or merging with the Creator Source.
In this context the jihadi is no different. His yearnings are the same. He too hopes to bond with God.
Sufis and Kabbalists believe they already are a part of God or the sparks of God; Vedantists believe the world is illusion and that all beings are Brahman (God); Buddhists think that no soul is permanent; Muslims seek surrender to the divine will, and Christians uphold that souls are redeemed by God through the sacrifice of Christ. All these are ideologies avowing faith through calm conviction or through bold oral assertion.
What distinguishes the jihadist is the totalitarian ardor of his affirmation.
While the gospels offer, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” the jihadist offers to lay down his life for God. And not only his life but the life of strangers too. To the jihadist these are infidels whose habits rebuke God. In destroying the infidel, or annihilating himself, the jihadi exalts his sacrifice.
Through such a forfeit he sanctifies his life, converts its purpose to orgasmic love. He dissolves into God; completes himself.
Any interest in the comforts of human love, earthly love pales in the limbic cauldron of jihadists. Sexual transport can’t sustain the ecstasy (from the Greek meaning of ekstasis —to be outside oneself) they feel is imminent. The glow and flame of human love wanes in the klieg light of God.
Many people seek solace in God to compensate the ephemeral life of the body. The jihadi seeks voracious love and finds it in the permanent death of the body.
Such an ultimate ideology destroys peoples and cultures to enshrine itself.
THE POINT (a question)
What is the point, I asked.
It is you, God said.
Wind screams, seas crash,
Earth breaks, I said.
You ride the sun, God said.
I break.
No.
You bolt,
God said.
You are lightning
You break the dark.
I am You.
–Mara Lemanis
———
Mara Lemanis has worked as an archivist for Historical Preservation. She and the state archaeologist conducted research at numerous Sioux Nation sites in South Dakota, in the course of which she visited a Lakota Sweat Lodge and took part in the communal spirit of the purification ceremony. She was privileged to study the Oglala Sioux sites at Pine Ridge and Wounded Knee… Recently she has worked with the IRC to assist refugees in Oakland, California.She has been a teacher and scholar of literature and film at Stanford and Yale; her essays have been selected for 20th CENTURY LITERARY CRITICISM and are included in undergraduate student textbooks in the U.S.Her father, Osvalds J. Lemanis, was an internationally renowned Latvian choreographer (The Royal Order of Vasa-Gustav V).
South Africa will join forty other Embassies in a wave of global culture that will sweep through The Hague during the fifth annual Embassy Festival that will take place on the picturesque Lange Voorhout from 12:00 – 20:00pm on 2 September 2017.
Visitors to the South African Pavillion as well as the various artistic performances could expect an innovative, free of charge musical programme featuring pop and rap, funk, afro soul, jazz and classical music, as well as South African and other culinary delights, theatre, literature, art, a kids compound and activities straddling our world.
According to the Embassy Festival organisers the Festival with its cultural richness concentrated on 500 metres strives to set an important social statement; cultural diversity brings atmosphere and togetherness. These are important values for South Africa as it is a country with a diverse populace, united in its diversity.
In this regard, South Africa sees the Embassy Festival as a unique platform to promote and create awareness about South Africa, but also to learn from the other countries participating.
South Africa’s participation will consist of the International Market as well as artistic performances.
All South Africans, their families and friends are invited to come and celebrate this day with us as we celebrate the sights, sounds and vibrancy of the South African generosity of spirit (UBUNTU).
Today,1 September 2017, the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine enters fully into force.
The Association Agreement, including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together: it promotes deeper political ties and stronger economic links, as well as respect for common European values. The DCFTA provides a framework for modernising Ukraine’s trade relations and economic development by opening up markets and harmonising laws, standards and regulations with EU and international norms. The Association Agreement was negotiated between 2007 and 2011 and signed on 21 March and 27 June 2014. Substantial parts of the Association Agreement have been applied provisionally since 1 November 2014 and 1 January 2016 for the DCFTA.
President of the European Commission, H.E. Jean-ClaudeJuncker, said: “Determination is a virtue. Today, in spite of all the challenges, we have made it. With the entry into force of the Association Agreement with Ukraine, the European Union is delivering on its promise to our Ukrainian friends. I thank all those who made it possible: those who stood on Maidan and those who are working hard to reform the country for the better. This is a day of celebration for our European continent.”
H.E. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, said: “Today we finally achieve what we have been working on in the last years: a closer association between the European Union and Ukraine. This means closer ties between our citizens, bigger markets and more opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, increased sharing of experience, information and expertise. It shows that we share the same objectives and that the Ukrainian people can count on the European Union’s support and cooperation for the years to come.”
European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said: “Generations of Ukrainian citizens to come will reap the benefits of closer association with the EU. The first concrete results of implementation of the Agreement can already be seen: Ukraine’s exports to the EU have increased and the EU has confirmed its position as Ukraine’s first trading partner. Ukraine’s recent reform efforts have been unprecedented, while much work remains such as in the fight against corruption, which must be pursued. The European Union will continue its support for Ukraine’s reform efforts, with both expertise and financial support.”
The European Union is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the continuing, ambitious efforts of the Ukrainian authorities to reform the country’s institutions and economy, which would unlock the full potential of the Association Agreement and bring its full benefits to the Ukrainian people.
Under the Association Agreement, Ukraine has committed to structural reforms in the areas of democracy, human rights, rule of law, good governance, trade and sustainable development. Enhanced cooperation on environmental protection, social development and protection, transport, consumer protection, equal opportunities, education, youth and culture, industry and energy is also foreseen in the Association Agreement. The entry into force of the agreement will give a new impetus to the cooperation in areas such as foreign and security policy, justice, taxation, public finance management, science and technology, education and digital technology.
La autora Silvia Korenblum, nació en Buenos Aires y es Licenciada en Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Tiene un Post grado en terapias de familias y parejas, además de un Magister en psiconeuroendocrinologia.
Es Especialista en problemas de desarraigo y adaptación, ha ejercido su práctica clínica en diversas instituciones clínicas y hospitalarias. Ha trabajado dictando seminarios y coordinando talleres de orientación a padres de niños y adolescentes atravesados por la problemática de la migración, en diferentes países.
Es Autora de numerosas ponencias y artículos sobre su especialidad y del libro Familias en Transito, Lumen humanitas 2003.
Casada desde hace 25 años con un diplomático. Actualmente vive en Bruselas, ejerciendo su practica clinica, terapia y coaching on line. 
La autora Silvia Korenblum, nació en Buenos Aires y es Licenciada en Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Tiene un Post grado en terapias de familias y parejas, además de un Magister en psiconeuroendocrinologia.
Es Especialista en problemas de desarraigo y adaptación, ha ejercido su práctica clínica en diversas instituciones clínicas y hospitalarias. Ha trabajado dictando seminarios y coordinando talleres de orientación a padres de niños y adolescentes atravesados por la problemática de la migración, en diferentes países.
Es Autora de numerosas ponencias y artículos sobre su especialidad y del libro Familias en Transito, Lumen humanitas 2003.
Casada desde hace 25 años con un diplomático. Actualmente vive en Bruselas, ejerciendo su practica clinica, terapia y coaching on line. 
In 2015, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited India, taking along with him 80 Dutch companies. The visit enabled him to establish a personal equation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose leadership the Indian government has been working hard to achieve the goal of ‘Minimum Government and Maximum Governance’.
Moreover, Indian Prime Minister Modi paid an eight-hour, intense and highly productive visit to the Netherlands on June 27, 2017. During this visit, he called upon The King and Queen of the Netherlands, and held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Mark Rutte who was accompanied by four other Ministers. The primary focus of PM Modi’s visit was expanding economic and business ties. He participated in a round-table moderated by the Chairman of VNO NCW, with the CEOs of 16 key Dutch companies, i.e., Aegon, APG, Arcadis, Boskalis, Enraf Nonius, PGGM, Philips, Port of Rotterdam, Rabobank, Rijk Zwaan, Tata Steel, Unilever, Van Oord, Vopak, and Zeelandia.
In the last three years, the Indian government has implemented a number of programmes aimed at making India an attractive destination for companies to invest. It has also been working tirelessly to eliminate black money, corruption, red tape, and outdated laws which have existed for decades.
Some of the important schemes launched by the Indian Government, and decisions that contribute to improving ease of doing business are as follows –
According to the Embassy Festival organisers the Festival with its cultural richness concentrated on 500 metres strives to set an important social statement; cultural diversity brings atmosphere and togetherness. These are important values for South Africa as it is a country with a diverse populace, united in its diversity.
In this regard, South Africa sees the Embassy Festival as a unique platform to promote and create awareness about South Africa, but also to learn from the other countries participating.
South Africa’s participation will consist of the International Market as well as artistic performances.
All South Africans, their families and friends are invited to come and celebrate this day with us as we celebrate the sights, sounds and vibrancy of the South African generosity of spirit (UBUNTU).
