Diplomats credited to the Netherlands ready to join the canal tour. By Catherine van der Loos. Some 62 diplomats and representatives from international organizations in The Hague, joined Diplomat Magazine on a two hour ontdekkings-reis, discovery tour, of The Hague’s grachten gordels or canal rings on Sunday, July 9. The splendid summer weather ensured that the program was a success—and a second boat was needed to accommodate the many passengers who responded to the invitations to come aboard “De Ooievaart!”.

For additional Robert Huiberts and Jan van der Loos’ pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157683610929034 The group, from more than 15 countries, departed from the Ooievaart’s home port on the Bierkade at 11:00 am for a two hour canal tour of the city’s extensive network of canals. Many of the passengers were surprised to learn that some of the canals were originally dug more than 400 hundred years ago and are an average of just 1.5 m in depth!.

The knowledgeable guides entertained the group with an informative presentation on the city’s lesser known, but often more colourful, history. While the boats floated through the canals, the passengers were treated to light “Picnic style” refreshments including wine, water, cheese, snacks and fruit catered by “Eten bij de Wereld” restaurant. While enjoying their picnic snacks, passengers networked with each other while expanding their knowledge of a centuries long tradition of internationalism, in the city of peace and justice. The boats floated along a canal near the Paviljoensgracht 72, where the group caught a glimpse of the home of the renowned Dutch philosopher, who is credited for having laid the groundwork for the 18th century Enlightenment. It was the last home of Baruch, Benedictus de Spinoza, the author of “Ethics” (published posthumously), who lived in the home from 1670 until his untimely death at the age of 44 in 1677.

The former atelier of Paulus Potter, a painter from Holland’s “Golden Age”, on the Dunne Bierkade 17 soon came into view. Today, Potter’s most famous work, De Stier (1647), can be seen in the Mauritshuis. As the boats floated through the Mauritskade, the guides explained the history of Willemspark, and the subtle influence that the Grand Duchess Anna Paulowna Romanov (1795-1865), the daughter of Russia’s Czar Paul I Petrovich Romanov, had on the city during her marriage to Willem Frederik George Lodewijk prins van Oranje-Nassau (1792-1849), later King Willem II.

  The Hermitage’s branch museum, which opened her doors to the public in 2009, is a recent example of the long standing relationship between Russia and the Netherlands which had, in part, origins in the 1816 marriage between a Russian grand duchess and a Dutch prince in St. Petersburg.

Towards the end of the journey, the boats floated past Nieuwe Uitleg 16, where Margaretha Geertruida Zelle (1876-1917), the exotic dancer and courtesan who was better known as “Mata Hari”, resided in 1915 and 1916. “Mata Hari’s” life, which took her from Leeuwarden to Java, then a part of the Dutch East Indies, ended in infamy when the French ordered her execution by firing squad on October 15, 1917. Some seven months earlier, she had been arrested by French authorities as a double agent and German spy, in her luxurious Parisian hotel room on the Champs Elysées. Mata Hari’s, continues to spark the interest of historians, and her story has been the subject of many books, plays and films. These four aforementioned homes are among many with a history to share with passengers.

 

From left to right: Canada’s candidate for the ICC, Ms. Kim Prost, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and H.E. Ambassador Sabine Nölke. Picture taken by Jose Valencia.   By Roy Lie A Tjam.

Canada, a vast and diverse country, an Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Nation.

July 1, 2017, marks a special moment in the history of Canada. 150 years ago, Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, united to create the Canadian Confederation – the Dominion of Canada. Later on, the other provinces and territories joined the Dominion. Today, Canada is part of the British Commonwealth of Nations with H.M. Queen Elisabeth as its Head of State. The 150th anniversary of Canada was celebrated at the Official Residence of Canada – Villa Groot Haesebroek in the Netherlands. The rain could not stop the party. The guests remained with their host H.E.  Ambassador Sabine Nölke. Ambassador Nölke delivered a captivating welcome address, it was as if she took her audience on enlightening excursions through her beloved Canada and also showed details of the party’s program. In part, this is what Ambassador Nölke said. “Thank you very much for your presence here today, at Canada’s home in the Netherlands. Je vous remercie de votre présence aujourd’hui à la maison du Canada aux Pays-Bas. Ik dank u allen voor uw aanwezigheid vandaag, in het huis van Canada in Nederland. As you will have realized by now – I’m sure the banner gave it away – this is a very special year for Canada. It was 150 years ago – in 1867 – that our country was founded. In best Canadian fashion, with a legal document that looks bland and boring on its face, but served to bring some very diverse communities together by sorting out their rights and responsibilities. Of course, the history of the land upon which our country is built did not begin 150 years ago; nor did it start with the arrival of European explorers in the sixteenth century.

Canada’s First Nations have been living in the country that we now call Canada for thousands of years, but our past as a country has not acknowledged that fact very well, and our relationship with our indigenous peoples has been far from perfect. A key element of our celebrations this year therefore includes reflection – reflection on that past, and on the steps that are necessary to ensure that the next 150 years will bring greater success. In many places across our country, public ceremonies and celebrations now start with an acknowledgement of the aboriginal peoples on whose traditional territories they take place. I cannot honour that new and beautiful custom here, but it is in that spirit that I would like to acknowledge our host country, the Netherlands and the close relationship between our two nations, of which this house and these grounds are an enduring symbol. We could not wish for a deeper friendship, or a more reliable partner, than the Netherlands.

But back to Canada. This is our party, after all! We’re 150 years old – so what exactly are we celebrating today? In Dutch and European terms, of course, 150 years isn’t really a long time. But we think that there is much to celebrate on this Canada Day, and some of that we’d like to share with you. Today, we are a vast and diverse country, an Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic nation, with personal and business connections to all points on the globe. I myself am a first-generation immigrant, and almost everyone I have ever met in my career as a diplomat has a cousin in Toronto! Canadians enjoy an incredible diversity of cultural traditions that has enriched our art, our music, our literature and our very outlook on the world. For us, our very diversity is a source of strength, and enhances the human experience. Our current Prime Minister’s father, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, memorably said that “There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian. What could be more absurd than the concept of an ‘all Canadian’ boy or girl? A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate.” We are concerned with populist voices that claim that diversity is a threat. When everyone can participate fully and equally in society, they will contribute to their communities, each in their own unique way. Different perspectives spark creativity and energy, from which true social progress results. Like the Netherlands, we take pride in being a country that promotes openness in all aspects of life – openness to people, to trade and investment, to different cultures, to innovation and ideas – and it is in the pursuit of these values that Canadians engage. You can count on Canada to continue to play an influential and constructive role on the world stage. One way Canada is stepping up is by deepening our multilateral engagement, through partnerships with such countries as the Netherlands, to advance peace, security, development and human rights. We are pleased to have recently taken over from the Netherlands as co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition, which champions LGBTQI rights around the world.

As part of this engagement, Canada is seeking election to the UN Security Council in 2021-22, and we champion qualified Canadians to serve the institutions we value. I am pleased to welcome here today my friends Marcia Cran, recently elected to the UN Human Rights Committee, and Kimberly Prost, Canada’s candidate for the position of Judge on the International Criminal Court. Next year, we’ll be proud to host the 2018 G7 Summit. The Summit will be an important opportunity for Canada to engage our G7 partners on pressing global challenges and to pursue further collaboration on innovative and clean economic growth. Our openness translates into the way we approach trade. Like the Dutch, Canadians are unapologetic globalists. But we are pursuing a new and progressive approach to doing business across borders – one that ensures that the benefits and opportunities generated by global trade are sustainable and widely shared by people everywhere, including women, youth and Indigenous peoples. To this end, we are excited that provisional application of CETA will begin imminently, and look forward to its ratification by the Dutch parliament once a new government is formed.

The Mayor of The Hague, Ms Pauline Krikke. By Roy Lie A Tjam. Mayor Pauline Krikke of The Hague organized a reception for the Diplomatic Corps in the Netherlands. It has been the mayor’s first collective meeting with members of the corps since taking office in March 2017. The venue was the Leiden University Campus Wijnhaven – The Hague on 23 June 2017. One university, two cities. For additional Hester Dijkstra’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157686138663305

The Rector Magnificus of Leiden University Prof. Carel Stolker delivered a speech. He was followed by the mayor of The Hague Mrs. Pauline Krikke. In his address Prof.Carl Stolker indicated, ‘ I am very honored and proud to welcome you to this wonderful new Wijnhaven building of Leiden University, which was only opened in February this year.

The Hague is rapidly developing into a knowledge city, and Leiden University is making an important contribution to this development.

The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs is one of Leiden University’s seven faculties and is located entirely in The Hague. This faculty is an internationally acclaimed academic knowledge hub, which studies global issues from the varied perspectives of governance, politics, law, sociology, and economics, and contributes to far-reaching socio-cultural debates with this acquired knowledge. Leiden University in The Hague provides education and research in the field of international relations and diplomacy, safety and security, liberal arts and global challenges. Today’s meeting might be a start towards discovering the possibilities for a stronger strategic partnership between our students and the Embassies, which could naturally be advantageous to both sides.’ The next speaker was Mayor Pauline Krikke who delivered her welcome remarks.

”Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you here today. And I would also like to extend a welcome on behalf of Saskia Bruines, Deputy Mayor for Youth, Education, the Knowledge Economy and International Affairs. The University of Leiden Campus will be familiar ground to her. Not least because Leiden University is also closely involved in The Hague Humanity Hub, an initiative aimed at developing innovative solutions to humanitarian issues.

I have been Mayor of The Hague for three months now. The city which for a number of years has been entitled to include the heraldic device of ‘Peace and Justice’ in its coat of arms. That attribute granted by Queen Beatrix recognizes this city’s more than 100 years of dedication to the international law. And the many international institutions based in this city. That recognition also brings responsibilities with it. The Hague wants not only to bring the world to our city. As a city, we must also make a contribution to the world. Not something grand or abstract. No, rather something concrete, something which is close to people. Banishing war, dismantling murderous weapons, bringing justice, standing up for freedom: in the end, all of these things affect every individual. Wherever they may be in the world. The same goes for protecting our planet. The consequences of climate change can be seen and felt by everyone.

I experienced that myself. As a member of the International Governing Board of the Red Cross, I visited Ethiopia. A farmer showed me around his field. It was filled with maize, growing to a remarkable height. Even taller than me. And as you can see, I am not short. It appeared to be a field of blooming maize. Until the farmer pointed out that none of the maize plants had a cob. He explained to me that for the second year in a row, his harvest was a complete failure. Why? Climate change. It made me think. I knew about the reports, of course. I have seen the figures. But it has far more of an impact when you see what huge world problems boil down to in practice. Such as a farmer with a field full of plants but no maize. But I have also seen with my own eyes that it is precisely these people who have the greatest resilience. I saw that not only in Ethiopia but in Malawi, Indonesia and South Africa as well. In places where you would expect that people would lose heart, I often saw exactly the opposite. With just a little bit of help people can manage to overcome setbacks. And build up a new life for themselves. And that is precisely what we should be encouraging.

Resilience and self-reliance. Cities can play an important part in that. Almost three-quarters of the world population already live in cities. Cities have plenty of knowledge and experience in the area of local government. The knowledge we share with other cities. In Lebanon, for example, where The Hague is helping the local authorities with the reception of refugees from Syria. In August I will be visiting Lebanon to see for myself how this project is progressing. In addition to this, The Hague seeks to join international networks for cooperation. And thus to strengthen the resilience and self-reliance of municipalities. An example being the 100 Resilient Cities of The Rockefeller Foundation. Or The Global Parliament of Mayors that met for the first time last year here in this city. At the end of September, I will be attending the second meeting in Stavanger in Norway. At the same time, we are working closely with research institutes and universities to further strengthen The Hague’s position as an international academic center of expertise. A rapidly growing number of young people from all over the world are studying here and then returning to their home country. With the knowledge that they acquired in The Hague. At this The Hague Campus of Leiden University, for example.

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen, The Hague has always been an open city. A city without walls. A city focused on the world. That is also why The Hague was able to become a center of international diplomacy. A city where countless people are working to create a better world. I feel privileged to be the Mayor of this city. With your support, I am looking forward to furthering The Hague’s international mission.” Both Mayor Krikke and Prof. Stolker took the Diplomats and other guests on a tour of the campus.  

                            H.E. Odette Melono, Ambassador of Cameroon and H.E. Rawan Sulaiman, Ambassador of Palestine. By Roy Lie A Tjam. The diplomatic community in The Hague turned out in force to participate in the celebration of Cameroon’s National Day. The ballroom of the Marriott Hotel, The Hague, served as the setting for the celebration on 22 May 2017.

H.E. Odette Moleno, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon in the Netherlands, Smartly dressed in a Cameroonian attire, bid her guests a warm welcome. Doors leading to the well-arranged garden were opened in order for the guests to simultaneously enjoy the reception and the excellent weather. A savoury Cameroonian dinner buffet was served, the party continued.  

Mr. Mohammad Sinno, President of the Lebanese Dutch Business Association and Ms Abir Ali,  Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Lebanon. Ambassadors, Dutch Officials, NGO’s and Dutch Business people gathered,  at the Residence of Lebanon in Wassenaar,  to meet with a Delegation of high-level Lebanese Entrepreneurs, featuring businesses in Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, clothing, small industry, Insurance and Consultancy.

  This yearly event, organized by the Embassy of Lebanon in collaboration with NCO-VNO (Dutch Entrepreneurs Organization)  aims at giving the opportunity to Lebanese and Dutch Entrepreneurs to explore business and investment possibilities, and to strengthen the business ties between Lebanon and the Netherlands. Promoting investments in Lebanon, with her charming smile and subtle anecdotes Ms. Abir Ali, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Lebanon, encouraged Dutch Entrepreneurs to invest in Lebanon enhancing financial and administrative incentives. Ms. Ali highlighted the uncomplicated steps needed to build-up a business in Lebanon. She also reassured investors about the stable economic situation. Mr. Mohammad Sinno, President of the Lebanese Dutch Business Association in his word, also invited the Dutch to team-up with the Lebanese and highlighted the favorable climate in Lebanon. Finally, the delicious Lebanese bites, served during this networking event, a wonderful weather and contributed in creating a warm Lebanese atmosphere.

 

Mr Herbert Ndahiro, First Secretary, H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga and spouse Viviane Uwicyeza Mironko. By Roy Lie A Tjam. The Diplomatic Mission of Rwanda in The Hague under the direction of Ambassador H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, organized a lunch reception at the Hilton Hotel The Hague on 4 July 2017. The occasion, to celebrate Rwanda’s 23 Liberation Day.

A good number of Ambassador Karabaranga fellow chiefs of mission, International, and scores of well-wishers attended the celebration. The program included a presentation by three lovely Rwandan children, a dance demonstration, a speech by Ambassador Karabaranga and a lunch-buffet. Liberation Day or Kwibohora is celebrated annually on 4 July. This year for the 23rd time. Kwibohora marks the day the Rwandan Patriotic Army liberated Kigali, leading up to the end of the Genocide. During his speech, Ambassador Karabaranga said: Indeed, on the 4th of July in 1994, the darkest chapter in our history was brought to a close, and a new life could begin. We have come far enough, these past twenty-three years, to allow ourselves a moment of sober satisfaction, as we recommit to the journey ahead. On 4th of July every year Rwandans stand together as a people united, liberated and focused as never before on attaining the future we want. Now that the foundation is firmly laid, we honour our citizen’s individual and collective duty to keep propelling Rwanda forward. In the aftermath of the genocide, Rwandans made three important choices – to stay together, to be accountable and to think big. These decisions have been at the core of the country’s ongoing renewal and efforts to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Kwibohora23 – Liberation Day 2017 is an opportunity to share this story and learn about Rwanda’s vision for a peaceful, prosperous and self-reliant nation. He added: The liberation of Rwanda was never handed to us on a silver or gold plate: it required enormous sacrifice including many people’s lives. On this date we pay tribute to Rwandan men and women who in different ways contributed to our country’s liberation. The fallen heroes paid the ultimate price during the liberation struggle. Armed with unbreakable conviction to change the unbearable situation of Rwandans, these ordinary men and women were able to do extraordinary acts. Today we pay a special tribute to them. Their blood was not shed in vain. Kwibohora is an opportunity to recount Rwanda’s liberation story, it’s a day of unity and reconciliation. Kwibohora is a time to reflect and also to celebrate and move towards a prosperous future. Ambassador Karabaranga, finished his speech by saying: The achievements we have recorded in the political and socio-economic development are beyond what any of us would have imagined in the aftermath of the genocide against the Tutsi. Who would have imagined Kigali with such amazing skyscrapers and beautiful paved roads? What about the strides we have made in education? Between 1962 and 1994, Rwanda produced less than 1,000 undergraduates and the total enrolment in university was 2,160 students. In the last 21 years, our kids are enjoying a universal primary and secondary education and 76,000 Rwandans are doing their university studies. Annually, we are producing about 16,000 undergraduates. With 64% women in parliament and having reached the gender parity in primary education, Rwanda is leading the world in promoting women and children’s rights. We have achieved universal health care and Rwandans’ life expectancy increased by 20 years in the last 23 years. Our per capital income since 1994 has increased by about 250%, placing the country on track to become a middle-income country by year 2020. For example before the 1994 war, GDP growth rate was at 2.2% and today available data shows that the Rwandan economy recorded an average growth rate of 8.5% in last 14 years and it is projected to grow by 6.2 percent in 2017 and 6.8 percent in 2018. Rwanda also increased the GDP per capita from less than $185 in 1994 to $844 by the end of 2016. This contributed greatly in reducing poverty levels from 78% in 1995 to 32% in 2016. In 1994, Rwanda’s total budget was a only 50 billion Rwandans francs, nearly 100 % of it externally funded. Today, the upcoming the 2017/2018 fiscal year the national budget is valued at two trillion, ninety four billion, nine hundred and ten million, four hundred eighty thousand five hundred forty-five (Frw 2.094,910,480,545). Rwanda will contribute and finance 66% of its national budget plus 17% of loans, making the total of 83% of the entire budget. According to the Budget Framework Paper (BPF) 2017/2018 Rwanda will pull its domestic revenue to 66% to the whole budget plus 17% of loans, making the total of 83% of national budget. The remaining 17% will come from foreign aid. The 2017/2018 budget framework paper projects foreign direct investment to continue to increase reaching USD 307.2 million, USD 404.4 million and USD 439 million respectively in 2017, 2018 and 2019, from USD 258.9 million in 2016. Again it is worth to note that the 2016 World Bank report ranked Rwanda among the fastest growing economies of the world, the 2nd easiest place to do business in Sub-Sahara Africa and first in the region. To sum it up, Rwanda is no longer a case study for conflict but a model of stability, good governance and fast growing economy. Although, as Rwandans we have much to be proud of, we have no room for complacency. The journey ahead is still long and demands that we double or even triple the momentum where need be. As we celebrate the Liberation Day, we challenge ourselves to safeguard the successes recorded while thriving to achieve more. We want stability and continuity.