By H.E. Ngedikes “Olai” Uludong, Ambassador of Palau to the United Nations and the European Union.Koror, Republic of Palau — There are exciting new opportunities to accelerate economic and social progress on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It is time for our Pacific nations to seize them.In September 2014, Samoa invited the world to their beautiful country to discuss the future of SIDS. It had become well recognized by the international community that SIDS face unprecedented challenges from globalization, climate change, and ocean degradation. At the Third International Conference on SIDS in Samoa, we were able to chart a way forward.The resulting SAMOA Pathway, a 30-page document representing the consensus of all 193 members of the United Nations, provides a framework for addressing the Pacific region’s most urgent problems. As stated in its Preamble, “We recognize SIDS’s ownership and leadership in overcoming some of these challenges but stress that in the absence of international cooperation, success will remain difficult.”This achievement was the first milestone during 18 months that will be remembered as one of the most productive periods of multilateralism in history. 2015 saw the adoption of new agreements on development finance (the Addis Ababa Action Agenda), disaster risk reduction (the Sendai Framework), and climate change (the Paris Agreement). However, the crowning achievement is perhaps the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which declares the intention of the global community to achieve 17 sustainable development goals to put us and our children on a path to a better future.Together, these agreements are transforming the way the United Nations and its specialized agencies work. They are also a primary influence on the funding priorities of our funding partners and multilateral development banks. And over the course of many long and contentious negotiations, negotiators from our Pacific nations made sure that our interests were protected throughout. The challenge now is implementation. In other words, we must make sure that these words on paper translate into concrete resources and action on the ground in our countries. This work has already begun.The next big international opportunity to accelerate progress will be at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in June. One of our biggest achievements in the aforementioned negotiations was winning a dedicated ocean goal to “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources” – SDG14. The UN Ocean Conference will be a veritable “Who’s Who” of international stakeholders engaged in oceans governance, conservation, business, and investment – all ready to work together to achieve SDG14. It is expected that many new partnerships will be launched.Pacific SIDS are leaders in this area. Often referred to as “Large Ocean States,” we are stewards of one of the greatest natural treasures in the world – the Pacific Ocean – and we take that responsibility seriously. We have all made significant contributions nationally and regionally to the cause of improving global ocean health.My country’s contribution to the achievement of SDG14 is the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, which covers our entire Exclusive Economic Zone. An ambitious 80 percent is designated as a no-take zone, with the remaining 20 percent reserved strictly for domestic needs. Palau has taken this extraordinary step not only for environmental reasons, but through the benefits to our ocean biodiversity – the spill over benefits for regional fish stocks – will be significant. The Sanctuary was also driven by some very hard-nosed economic concerns. As President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., likes to say, “The environment is our economy, our economy is our environment.” It is no coincidence that Palau is one of the most popular destinations for scuba divers and eco-tourists.Palau’s approach to advancing the dual elements of SDG14 – conservation and sustainable use – is tailored to our national circumstances. Other countries will need to determine the approach that will best suit their needs. However, we all share a common priority – to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing – purportedly the biggest immediate threat to our Sanctuary, and amounts to nothing less than theft of some of the Pacific Ocean’s most precious resources. This form of piracy in the Pacific tuna fishery has been estimated to steal between $500 million and $750 million every year.We can make significant progress at the Ocean Conference to address IUU fishing. Like many of Pacific SIDS, Palau relies on a small group of officers and even fewer boats to monitor our waters, supplemented by Australia and United States assistance. One long-range and two short-range vessels are responsible for patrolling approximately 650 square kilometers of ocean. The high cost of fuel also limits the time these boats can spend at sea.What do we need? More patrol vessels, more funding, more operational capacity, and more intelligence on ocean traffic.Palau is grateful for the partnerships of the governments of Monaco, Italy, Japan, Republic of China-Taiwan, Australia, United States and many others to include private foundation partnerships such as with the Nippon Foundation/Sasakawa Peace Foundation, which is helping us develop and implement a monitoring and enforcement plan. Other countries and organizations are stepping up as well.Palau has also ratified the Port State Measures Agreement, which will make it much more difficult to bring illegal fish to market, as have many other SIDS. The more nations that participate in the Agreement, the more effective it will be to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing. The Agreement entered into force last June, and 42 countries have ratified to date. We encourage every nation to ratify as soon as possible. Palau has the duty to mount effective surveillance and enforcement against illegal fishing in an area of the Pacific the size of France. It is a daunting task, but one that we are taking very seriously and are pursuing offenders aggressively. However, the waters of the Pacific are vast. Like climate change and so many other global problems that we face today, IUU fishing demands a global response. At the UN Ocean Conference, the world can make a strong commitment to end IUU fishing as a key step toward our achievement of SDG14.
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Ngedikes “Olai” Uludong, is Palau’s ambassador to the United Nations and the European Union. Uludong was Climate Change Advisor in environmental policy and management throughout the Micronesia and Pacific region prior to her diplomatic post.
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Picture by UN
On the picture Karin Roelofs, Head, Environment and Water Division from Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs presenting Meredith Tamai from Somoa with her MSc diploma.
On 25 April 2017, IHE Delft (formerly UNESCO-IHE) water professionals from 43 different countries received their MSc diploma during the closing ceremony of the academic period 2015-2017.
The graduates are now part of the IHE alumni community that comprises over 15,000 water professionals working and living in more than 160 countries. During the course of 2017 many more students will graduate from joint and double degree programmes.
Cortege processing to Oude Kerk, Delft Graduates celebrate after receiving their diplomas.
Karin Roelofs, Head, Environment and Water Division from Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs presenting Meredith Tamai from Somoa with her MSc diploma. Funding for MSc and short courses was provided to a number of water professionals from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) countries to improve capacity in the water sector to cope with the effects of climate change.
Dutch festival goers extended a warm welcome to Blahalouisiana, one of Hungary’s most talented young bands. The band performed at the two-days Life I Live Festival, one of the most popular King’s Day events of the Netherlands attended by hundreds of thousands of visitors. Next to their English songs, Blahalouisiana also made the audience gathered in the center of The Hague dance to hits in Hungarian. After the concert, Ambassador András Kocsis and cultural attaché Dániel Csonka congratulated Barbara Schoblocher and her bandmates on the great performance.
Hungarian exhibitors at PLMA’s 2017 ‘World of Private Label’ International Trade Show
PLMA’s 2017 ‘World of Private Label’ International Trade Show will be held at the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam on 16 and 17 May, and will present over 4300 exhibit stands including nearly 60 national and regional pavilions. 35 prominent Hungarian food and non-food producers will exhibit at the event, in cooperation with the Hungarian governmental agencies MNKH (Hungarian National Trading House) and AMC (Agro-Marketing Centre).
Ambassador András Kocsis and Commercial Attaché Nandor Zemniczky will join the program, visit the Hungarian exhibitors and assists them with launching successful business in the Netherlands. Photography by the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague.
Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, His Majesty the King of the Netherlands and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders. Second Deputy Director-General of OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Hamid Ali Rao, the OPCW’s Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties, H.E. Dr Christoph Israng, the Mayor of The Hague, H. E. Mrs Pauline Krikke and Kings Commissioner to the Province of South Holland, Mr Jaap Smit.By Sheila Turabaz.
On the 29th of April 1997 the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force and 87 States Parties finally recognized the importance of international cooperation and individual efforts to achieving effective progress towards the utopian view of a world free of chemical weapons. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), serving as the implementing body, was hereby established.
Twenty years later the number of States Parties has more than doubled to 192 States Parties, representing 98% of the world population. The OPCW has been contributing to the improvement of international security, stability and peace for two decades and on the occasion of its anniversary, a solemn ceremony took place on the 26th of April in the Hall of Knights (Ridderzaal) in The Hague. The 20th anniversary ceremony served as an occasion for reflection on the organisation’s achievements made over the course of its existence.
Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
The ceremony consisted of a welcome address by OPCW Director-General H.E. Ambassador Mr. Ahmet Üzümcü, a video message by Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres who officially took office this year and reflective speeches by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Bert Koenders, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, the new Mayor of the Hague H.E. Mrs. Pauline Krikke and the Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties, H.E. Dr. Christoph Israng (in chronological order). In between, The Babylon String Quartet – a musical ensemble based in The Hague –, performed musical interludes. Furthermore, the solemn ceremony was highlighted by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and the Director-General.
During his welcome address, the Director-General, mentioned the organisation’s achievements and re-expressed its objectives, along with paying tribute to victims of the abuse of chemical weapons throughout the world, past and present.
He concluded his welcome address by stating that “The success of the OPCW is owed to the commitment of its Member States which have spared no effort in building an efficient and vibrant multilateral organisation. The progress we have made by working together for a nobel goal shines brightly as a contribution to disarmament and non-proliferation and thereby to global peace and security. This collective endeavor has strengthened humanitarian norms, transformed attitudes and highlighted the possibilities of multilateralism. I have no doubt, that States Parties will continue their efforts to make the Convention a document of enduring validity that is universally respected. I am also confident that they will further strengthen the OPCW to make it forever responsive to the imperatives of peace and security in the world”.
Minister Koenders quoted a Canadian soldier in 1919 that described a horrendous scene involving chemical weapons on the battlefield and throughout his speech, Minister Koenders stressed the still existing threat of chemical weapons and the importance of the OPCW in combating chemical weapons abuse. Moreover, he mentioned that objectivity and verifiability is crucial in light of “fake news” threatening to “increase the confusion surrounding suspected chemical attacks”.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden — who is an advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — expressed her personal interest in chemical weapons disarmament and referred to her experience at the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs as a student, calling it an inspiration during her academic education.
Ridderzaal, The Hague.The Mayor of the Hague Mrs. Krikke acknowledged the significance of the OPCW in The Hague as international city of peace and justice and — while speaking on behalf of the municipality —, (re-) assured the organization of its continued support.
Towards the end, the Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties, Dr. Israng made his way to the lectern and addressed the audience, stating that international cooperation is necessary “to reinforce the absolute taboo of chemical weapons and (…) to fight the evil side and promote the beneficial side of chemistry”.
The ceremony was concluded with a screening of a commemorative film about the OPCW and afterwards, guests were invited to attend the reception.
The Business Circle of the Philharmonic orchestra or Residentie Orkest hosted an event on April 20th, 2017.
This time around ABN AMRO Bank welcomed the Business Circle members to her new premises, Koningskade 30 The Hague. Koningskade 30 previously housed the (regional) Chamber of Commerce and has since thoroughly been renovated.
Violists Timur Yakubov and Iteke Wijbenga.
After a warm welcome, a program overflowing with interesting information on the renovation of the building and a musical interlude followed by Alt- violists Timur Yakubov and Iteke Wijbenga.
Mr. Rob Vermeij, ABNA AMRO.
Mr. Rob Vermeij, ABNA AMRO ‘s specialist in sustainable transformation gave an expose on the sustainable transformation applied in the renovation process of the building. Vermij hinted sustainability will be taken a step further.
Staff members are being encouraged to apply sustainability in the way they commute to work.
Mr. Bart Hoevenaars, a project manager at ABN AMRO.
In time, the number of parking lots will be reduced. A next presentation was by Mr. Bart Hoevenaars, a project manager at ABN AMRO. The Business circle members were offered a tour (Green tour) of the building.
In conclusion, there was a special performance by the Philharmonic orchestra; the next Business Circle meeting is scheduled to take place on May 11th 2017
Ms Abir Ali, H.E. Abdulaziz Abohaimed, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Mrs Marianne van Stekelenburg and H.E. Mr. Saywan Barzani, Ambassador of Iraq.Once again Diplomat Magazine together with Carlton Ambassador and Diplomatic Card, organized a traditional Diplomats Meet and Greet in collaboration with the Embassy of Lebanon in The Hague.The highly recognized and respected diplomat, Ms. Abir Ali, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy, received her guests after a long day of work, but with her kind smile, she was able to make everyone feel the warmth of the famous Lebanese hospitality. The rhythm of the conversations combined with the smooth music of the jazz band created a friendly and cosy atmosphere which all enjoyed.For additional Robert Huibert’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157683356561575Dr. Lr. Joris Voorhoeve and spouse, H.E. Dziunik Aghajanian, Ambassador of Armenia, Mr Roelof van Ees, Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Heidemaria Gurer, Ambassador of Austria, H.E. J.S. Mukul Ambassador of India, H.E. Per Holmström, Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Ms Mirsada Colakovic, Ambassador of Bosnia Herzegovina, Ms Abir Ali, H.E. Adam M.J. Sadiq, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Brett Mason, Ambassador of Australia, H.E. Haifa Aisami Madah, Ambassador of Venezuela to the International Organizations, H.E. Nourredine Ayadi, Ambassador of Algeria and H.E. Abdulaziz Abohaimed, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia.The Lebanese buffet especially made for the occasion was delicious. The flavors, colors, and presentation of the national dishes were exceptional. As Ms. Ali said, “the Lebanese cuisine is known in the whole world, and it has become Lebanon’s passport to the world”.Guests from the Diplomatic corps, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Organizations, the business sector, and friends filled up Carlton Hotel. An atmosphere of friendship and conviviality reigned throughout the night, or as the Dutch would say, it was “gezellig”.Steven van Hoogstraten and Jhr. Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland.In her welcome speech, Ms. Ali expressed the following:“I would like to thank Diplomat Magazine, and Mrs. Mayelinne De Lara, for initiating the beautiful practice of Embassies Meet and Greet, and for the many events they organize for the diplomatic community in The Hague.”.“.It is spring time, and Holland is in bloom. Every year, when the season of green and colorful flowers begin, I find myself singing with the great Louis Armstrong ‘I see trees in green, red roses too, I see them bloom for me and you, and I think to myself what a wonderful world’. And I always stop.”.“.I stop because, for one, I don’t know the rest of the song, and for two, I stop because I always ask myself: is it a wonderful world? Unfortunately, with the daily sad news that come to the screens of our smart phones, it is sometimes hard to think of the world as a wonderful place. But there is always hope like the hope that comes with the spring. And we, diplomats, have a responsibility to make the world a better and more peaceful place. And we leave it to the musicians and artists to make it a wonderful one”.Ms Abir Ali and the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Aldo Cavalli.Ms. Ali conveyed to her guests the message that Lebanon represents. In her words: “My country, Lebanon, represents the message and values of tolerance, openness, acceptance of one another, and dialogue”. She ended by saying “wars can never solve anything, but dialogue can”.
Gandhi Center in The Hague, April 11, 2017. On the picture the yoga teacher Amit Khanna with Najat Bellouki (Morocco), Naima Shennib Swessi (Libya), Mita Mukul (India), Dr Dilruba Nasrin (Bangladesh), Natalia Tymoshenko (Ukraine). Ntokozo Koloane, (South Africa) Patricia van Oordt de Arias (Spain), Linda Zin (Malaysia) Midori Inomata (Japan) Ayadi Daorua (Algerie), Delkhaz Barzani (Iraq).
On 11 April 2017, a group of diplomatic spouses and the official yoga instructor at the Indian Embassy’s Gandhi Centre in The Hague, Mr. Amit Khanna, dedicated a farewell yoga session to Mrs. Mita Mukul who is returning to India with her husband, H.E. Ambassador, J.S. Mukul.During their stay in the Netherlands the couple have worked tirelessly to promote their country. Mrs. Mukul, who first arrived in The Hague in July 2015, successfully organized the first yoga sessions in the city specially for the diplomatic community. Mr.Amit Khanna.“I took the initiative to start the programme twice a week for diplomats and their spouses,” she explained to Diplomat Magazine. “The idea was to popularise yoga amongst the community. It has been a wonderful experience practicing yoga together with a group of friendly enthusiasts.”Mrs. Mukul and the Ambassador are themselves keen yoga practitioners. To mark International Yoga Day 2016, they jointly organized and coordinated a massive multicultural yoga session for some 600 attendees in the atrium of The Hague’s City Hall. Dilruba Nasrin, from Bangladesh and Linda Zin, from Malaysia.Many diplomats from different nationalities have since paid a twice-weekly visit to the Gandhi Centre, including representatives from Algeria, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Egypt, Iraq, Japan, Malaysia, Morocco, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Ukraine and several Latin American nations, among others.Diplomat Magazine was specially invited to cover the celebration, publishing several articles on India’s efforts to promote yoga at an international level. The Diplomat Magazine team would like to wish the Mukuls a safe return to India.
UNESCO is selecting a successor for Irina Bokova, its current leader and already the UNESCO Director General candidature interviews took place on April 24Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO.Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, front Qatar, emerged as a front-runner out of nine candidate countries, during the meeting in Paris last week. France, China and Qatar emerged as serious contenders. However, France and China face an obstacle in the fact that both European and Asian officials have recently led the organization. Paris is also the host of UNESCO’s headquarters.
Statement by President Trendafilova on the Judgement of the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court.
Following the Judgement of the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court, President Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova delivered today the following statement:
“The review by the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court of the adopted Rules of Procedure and Evidence is an indispensable corollary to ensure that, as required by the Constitution of Kosovo, the highest human rights standards are applied by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Compared to other institutions dealing with similar crimes, this represents an innovative step forward.Today’s decision by the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court concludes that out of a total of 208 rules, ten discrete provisions of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence need further consideration by the Plenary of Judges. This process reinforces the framework of the Specialist Chambers and guarantees full respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.I will as soon as possible convene a Plenary in order to ensure that this discrete set of rules be revised in line with the decision of the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court. The entire Rules will therefore enter into force once the Constitutional Court has finally determined that all Rules are in compliance with Chapter II of the Constitution.I would like to express my gratitude for the tremendous work and commitment of the Judges of the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court, thereby ensuring the highest human rights standards for the proceedings before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers”.
Cortege processing to Oude Kerk, Delft Graduates celebrate after receiving their diplomas.
Karin Roelofs, Head, Environment and Water Division from Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs presenting Meredith Tamai from Somoa with her MSc diploma. Funding for MSc and short courses was provided to a number of water professionals from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) countries to improve capacity in the water sector to cope with the effects of climate change. 
During their stay in the Netherlands the couple have worked tirelessly to promote their country. Mrs. Mukul, who first arrived in The Hague in July 2015, successfully organized the first yoga sessions in the city specially for the diplomatic community.
Diplomat Magazine was specially invited to cover the celebration, publishing several articles on India’s efforts to promote yoga at an international level.
The Diplomat Magazine team would like to wish the Mukuls a safe return to India.
