The VII Diplomats Fun-Run & Walk took place on Saturday, October 21 2023 in the Haagse Bos, one of the oldest forests in the Netherlands. The event was organized by Diplomat Magazine to promote networking and camaraderie amongst the diplomatic community in The Hague. Despite the rainy weather, diplomats were brave enough to take the challenge, it was a successful morning.
The run-walk took off in front of the Chalet Ten Bosch, situated between the Louwman Auto Museum and Haagse Bos. The Diplomats and their families followed the well-marked route through the unique forest and breathtaking pond in the centre of the forest.
VII Diplomats Fun-Run & Walk October 2023
10-year-old Ema Flores Barco, daughter of Ivan Alfonso Flores Vinueza of Ecuador, Afraz Ahmed son of Mr Muhammad Wasif of Pakistan and Rwandan Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, were the top three runners.The walkers, including children, were content with the 3 km walking event.
The Ambassadors of: Ghana, H.E. Mr. Francis Danti Kotia; of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro; of Peru H.E. Ms Marisol Aguero Colunga; of Rwanda, H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, IOM Chief of Mission H.E. Mr. Antonio Polosa, Charge d’affaires of Thailand Ms Chonvipat Changtrakul, also a runner. Diplomats from Ecuador, Ivan Alfonso Flores Vinueza, Ghana, Mr John Bosco Dery-Kpebesani and Pakistan’s Mr Muhammad Wasif, grace the autumn fun run walk event with their participation.
The VII Diplomats Fun-Run & Walk, concluded with a luncheon at Chalet Ten Bosch.
Nestled amidst the charming streets of The Hague Benoordenhout lies De Goudwaag, a haven for those seeking to exchange their unused precious metals for fair and honest prices. This reputable establishment has been a trusted name in the gold and silver trade for over a decade, its history intertwined with the world of diplomacy.
The story of De Goudwaag began in 2011, when Naomi Weststrate-Irak, the spouse of a Dutch diplomat, returned from an overseas posting. “Coming from a family tradition in the trade of precious metals, I recognized the need for a reliable and transparent gold buyer in The Hague”, Naomi says. Her vision gave birth to De Goudwaag, a place where customers can exchange their unused old gold and silver for cash, while feeling at ease knowing their valuables are being valued with care and expertise.
Over the years, De Goudwaag has evolved into a cornerstone of the local and diplomatic community, providing invaluable services to a diverse clientele. Whether it’s inherited jewelry, scrap gold, or gold and silver coins, or even extracted gold teeth and moles, De Goudwaag takes pride in offering fair valuations based on the current market value and offers a fair amount to those who want to sell their items.
In addition to her family tradition in the business, also Naomi’s longstanding connection to the diplomatic world has undoubtedly shaped De Goudwaag’s ethos of integrity and professionalism. Naomi: “For me it is important to value the customers’ trust, and to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where individuals can feel confident while selling their valuables.”
Today, De Goudwaag stands as a testament to Naomi’s pioneering spirit and her commitment to providing exceptional service. Its success is a reflection of its deep-rooted values and its dedication to upholding the highest standards in the gold and silver trade.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time seller, De Goudwaag welcomes you with open arms, ready to guide you through the process with expertise and compassion. And a good cup of coffee is always available…
By Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities
Identifying viable new markets and supporting vulnerable smallholder farmers to access them, is one way to build their incomes and economic resilience. At the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) we believe there is an opportunity to achieve this by harnessing the potential of the nutraceuticals sector.
What are nutraceuticals?
They are food, drinks and food supplement products that are believed to have health-enhancing properties. They are fortified cereals, multivitamins, fish oil supplements and natural whole foods such as blueberries and spinach, alongside many more products, that together form a rapidly expanding market.
In 2021 the global market for nutraceuticals was valued at USD 454.55 billion, and by 2030 that is expected to rise to USD 636.6 billion. At the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) we believe there is an opportunity for the poorest smallholder farmers to benefit from this demand.
In particular, there is potential for landlocked least developed countries (LLDC) to reduce their reliance on exporting raw commodities by developing higher value nutraceutical products. 81% ofLLDCs are classed as commodity dependent, which makes them vulnerable to economic volatility and climate shocks. Diversifying their exports is one part of the solution to a complex challenge.
As we identified in a joint report with UNCTAD, many of the commodities used to make nutraceutical products, such as tropical fruits and berries, oils, cereals, nut and grains, are grown in LLDCs. The right support could enable farmers and agribusinesses in those countries to tap into this market.
The report highlights example of the potential opportunities on offer. For instance, teff is a grain rich in calcium, protein, vitamin C, iron and fibre, it is also gluten free and is used in many US-based gluten-free products. Teff has been cultivated in Ethiopia for thousands of years and the grain is used locally in foods such as injera, a traditional flatbread. But teff producers in Ethiopia have been unable to break into higher value international markets for several reasons, including inefficient manual harvesting and difficulties meeting required quality standards. If teff is found to be one of the few factors that have been proposed to explain the extraordinary success of the Kenyan and Ethiopian distance runners, we should not wonder.
To the west, Burkina Faso has the raw ingredients to benefit from trends such as the increasing popularity of shea butter which is derived from shea nuts. Currently, shea butter’s use as a skincare product accounts for just 8% of the global shea market, but its share is growing driven by companies such as L’Occitane and The Body Shop. They are developing direct relationships with farmers and paying a premium, roughly double the local market price, in return for adherence to organic and sustainability standards. The question is how can this progress be accelerated to make sure the country is first in line to benefit from shea butter growth?
Similarly, across the Atlantic in Bolivia quinoa is a highly nutritious protein that has long been a staple food. It is firmly established as an alternative to wheat and other grains, and Bolivia and Peru are the world’s two largest producers. But there is potential to expand its share of the export market.
Each case is different and every LLDC has its own unique challenges. But the report identifies several key steps they and other countries could take to benefit from the potential of nutraceuticals, including:
Create a business-friendly environment – Encourage foreign companies to invest and local entrepreneurs to grow their enterprises, by reducing the complexity of running a business and investing in local infrastructure. As major brands are demonstrating in Burkino Faso, they have the skills and links to help smallholder farmers access international markets. While small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the key drivers of an economy and need to be nurtured.
Lean on technical assistance– Partner with expertise that will work with agribusinesses and smallholder farmers to enhance how they operate in areas such as crop management and diversification, and climate-smart growing techniques. This will strengthen their climate and economic resilience and help them to meet the sustainability demands of the nutraceutical sector.
Support traceability and certification – Consumers are increasingly conscious about the provenance of the products they buy, particularly when it comes to health foods. They expect them to be produced in an environmentally and socially sustainable way, this means credentials such as organic certification are vital if smallholders and the agribusinesses they work with are to break into these lucrative markets.
Many traditional smallholder farmers do not use chemicals, so they are already organic. But proving this and gaining organic certification is an intensive and time-consuming process. By investing in systems and support that enables them to achieve crucial certification, the door to these markets opens.
Expand local processing capabilities – As we’ve noted, many LLDCs export raw commodities which means they fail to capture a greater share of the value of the end product. In some cases, there is an opportunity to work with local agribusiness to bring processing capabilities closer to where the commodities are grown, which leads to higher and more secure incomes for smallholders.
Similarly, investors and partner organisations can work with farmers to improve their productivity, for example by mechanising labour-intensive activities such as teff harvesting.
These are just some of the steps that could be taken by brands, impact investors and governments to help smallholder farmers in LLDCs benefit from the nutraceuticals market. Implementing them takes long-term commitment from investors, alongside private and public sector support to drive change on the ground.
Overcoming commodity dependence is a complex challenge. But through our work investing in agribusinesses that accelerate local development and boost smallholder incomes, we have seen the benefits of enabling SMEs in LLDCs to access higher value markets. This is a win win enterprise to bring the South and the North closer too.
For an in-depth look at the potential of the nutraceuticals market across six LLDCs read the full
In a significant diplomatic undertaking, Honourable January Makamba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, had a three-day working visit to the Netherlands on the 14th and 15th of November 2023. This visit that signifies a pivotal moment in the diplomatic collaboration and economic endeavors between the United Republic of Tanzania and the Kingdom of the Netherlands was marked by the Minister officiating the Tanzania-Netherlands Trade and Investment Forum.
Minister Makamba expressed his enthusiasm about the evolving relations between the two nations and extended his gratitude to the Dutch Government for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. He acknowledged the historical ties between the countries, dating back to the early days of Tanganyika’s independence, with a special mention of the enduring friendship between the late Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld and the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. “I am very excited to be here as these are very exciting times for both our countries in our diplomatic collaboration and endeavours.
Before I explain, let me first thank the Dutch Government for the warm hospitality that was accorded to me and my delegation since our arrival. This is not my first time to visit The Netherlands, my previous portfolio had brought me to this country before. So, to me, it is not the first time that I am experiencing the Dutch hospitality. I wish to therefore re-reiterate my sincere gratitude to my counterpart Honourable Hanke Bruins Slot, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the warm hospitality in this beautiful land.” Expressed Minister Makamba.
Minister Makamba, during the interview with Dr. Mayelinne De Lara. Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.
The Minister’s visit coincides with a critical juncture for both countries. Tanzania is actively working to improve its business environment and revive regional and international relations, while the Netherlands has recently unveiled its New Policy Document 2023, emphasizing on effective and stronger economic ties based on equal footing, along with a continent-wide Strategy on Africa. Minister Makamba said “The Tanzanian-Netherlands Trade and Investment Forum is taking place at a momentous period when, Tanzania on the one hand, is prioritizing efforts to improve the business environment and revive regional and international relations and The Netherlands on the other, has just unveiled its New Policy Document 2023 entitled: Do what we do best; A strategy for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and the first ever continent-wide Strategy on Africa (The Africa Strategy of The Netherlands 2023-2032). With this new strategic approach of our countries, we have found a common ground. While our host emphasis is on “effective and stronger economic ties based on equal footing” ours in Tanzania is to re-focus the bilateral relations between our countries and set an agenda for an action-based vision and commitment for mutual benefits.
While highlighting the alignment between the strategic approaches of both nations aiming for effective economic ties and mutual benefits Minister Makamba said, this Forum provides a platform for fostering economic cooperation and poised to be a catalyst for re-focusing bilateral relations and setting an agenda for an action-based vision and commitment. It serves as a beacon for enhanced collaboration promising a future of shared prosperity and mutual benefit for the United Republic of Tanzania and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Tanzania-Netherlands Trade and Investment Forum 2023 The Hague.
Regarding the diplomatic relations between Tanzania and the Netherlands, Minister Makamba underscored the historical significance of the ties, mentioning the last high-level visit by a Tanzanian leader in June 2015 and recent ministerial exchange visits by Hon. Dr. Damas Daniel Ndumbaro and Hon. January Makamba in 2022. He outlined flagship programs of cooperation, such as the review of Dutch Policy on Development Assistance, rural electrification, health, private sector support, support to Tanzania Revenue Authority, water infrastructure, climate adaptation, agriculture, aquaculture, livestock sectors, and education.
Further, during his visit to the Netherlands, Minister January Makamba engaged in a productive meeting with the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Hanke Bruins Slot. The meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for both ministers to discuss the prevailing global situation, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing shared challenges. Minister Makamba and Minister Bruins Slot explored avenues for reinforcing diplomatic ties and harking back to the solid relations that have historically bound Tanzania and the Netherlands.
The discussions revolved around mutual interests and shared values, aiming to establish a framework that would deepen collaboration on a wide range of issues, including economic development, sustainable practices, and regional stability. The commitment displayed during this meeting reflects the determination of both nations to build a robust foundation for their diplomatic relations and sets a promising tone for future cooperation.
he Honorable January Makamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador Caroline Chipeta of the United Republic of Tanzania to the Netherlands.
As Tanzania and the Netherlands explore new avenues of collaboration, Minister Makamba sees the Trade and Investment Forum as a crucial mechanism for bridging the economic gap between the two nations. The forum provides an opportunity for key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to engage in meaningful discussions, explore potential areas of cooperation, and strengthen economic ties.
In conclusion, Minister January Makamba’s visit to the Netherlands underscores the commitment of both nations to elevate their diplomatic and economic relations to new heights.
The Embassy of Nigeria in the Netherlands, led by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Eniola Ajayi, uniquely celebrated Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day. The celebration spanned a week and included various cultural activities. The event began on Sunday, October 1st, and showcased the Ekiti State Performing Art Company.
The Nollywood Travel Film Festival, or NTFF, screened six films in Amsterdam and The Hague. The opening film was Love, Lust & Other Things (2023), directed by Kayode Kasum. Additionally, there was an Independence Day reception.
The Nigerian Film Festival (NTFF) held its closing ceremony in The Hague, which included a film screening, an award ceremony, and a session for handing out certificates. The event was graced by the Nigerian Ambassador and other notable guests, including the Ambassadors of Algeria, El Salvador, Kuwait, Morocco, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The closing film of the ceremony, “Eagle Wings,” was directed by Paul Apel Papel.
H.E. Dr Eniola Ajayi, Ambassador of Nigeria, Deputy Head of Mission, and their spouses posing with the famous film personality Mama G.
Awards and certificates were given to recognize outstanding contributions to the Nigerian film industry. Recipients included filmmakers, directors, producers, designers, scriptwriters, and actors, among them Mama G.
The Nollywood Travel Film Festival Caravan launched in Toronto in 2017 and has since visited various cities such as Atlanta, New York, Toronto, Hamburg, Berlin, London, Glasgow, Oslo, Athens, and currently Amsterdam.
The film festival aims to present the works of Nigerian filmmakers from all around the world to a broader and more diverse audience. Its objective is to create new markets for the Nigerian film industry, strengthening its brand and attracting more global investment. The film festival also offers workshops and panel discussions at the University of Amsterdam to promote and enhance the skills of Nigerian filmmakers.
One of the lucky winners of several raffle prizes.
H.E. Dr Eniola Ajayi, Nigeria’s Ambassador in the Netherlands, shared her enthusiasm about NTFF: “We are looking forward to the Nollywood Travel Film Festival in the Netherlands. It is always an honour, great privilege, and pride for us to participate in any program showcasing our culture, creativity, and diversity at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
As for the Independence Day reception, Mr. Mayiwa Alyedun, Head of the Chancellery, was the MC. Ms Hannah Lebbie gave a vocal rendition of the Nigerian and Dutch national anthems.
The Ekiti State Performing Arts Company performed at the event, which also featured a raffle with numerous prizes.
Nigeria Independence Day reception 2023. The Ambassador of Nigeria, Dr Eniola Ajayi together with colleagues ambassadors, head of missions, attending Nigeria National Day reception 2023.
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Eniola Ajayi delivered the following discourse:” October 1st being the actual date is a National day we share with China, Cyprus, Republic of Korea and Tuvalu. I am extremely delighted that you could join us once again to celebrate with us.
It has been the honour of my life to serve and represent the unique people of Nigeria as an Ambassador. My sojourn began under the administration of President MuhammaduBuhari and now currently under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after a smooth transition of power on May 29, 2023. Thankfully, Nigeria has successfully sustained its democracysince 1999.
The potential of Nigeria as the most populous African country with the biggest economy cannot be overemphasized. We are looking at the future with even greater optimism now, especially in lieu of the economic reforms of President Tinubu. These reforms include the removal of fuel subsidies and the single market Foreign Exchange rate, amongst others.
The reality is that the average household is feeling the pinch of the reforms but the renewed hope that things will ease up in the near future is already on the horizon. The sustained effort on dealing with the cruel ring of those involved in our crude oil theft is also yielding results.
The security situation is receiving great attention also. Nigeria represents a great destination for investments still. We offer so many incentives for investors in our economy.
Since the last celebration of the past year, we have sustained our efforts through bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom of the Netherlands on several levels. We held a very well-attended and successful business and Investment Forum in April 2023. This forum was preceded by the meeting of our Former Minister of Industry Trade and Investments H.E. Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Wopke Hoekstra.
This was closely followed by the annual bilateral consultations between Nigeria and the Netherlands in Abuja, Nigeria in May 2023. The team was led by the Deputy Director General for Political Affairs, Ms Erica Schouten.
The second segment of the Consultations which centred on Economic, Trade and Investmentsissues also took place in Abuja and Lagos in June 2023. The Vice Minister for Foreign Trade, Ms. Hanneke Schulling led a strong team of Dutch officials responsible for foreign trade international enterprise, as well as energy and climate policies to Nigeria for the high-level engagements. The dual sessions of the Bilateral Consultations and Mission’s Business and investment Forum held in the Hague on 20th April 2023 have continued to generate position results for Nigeria and for the Netherland.
The level of business exploration between the two countries, especially in the area of Agriculture, has been on the rise. It is therefore not surprising that Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics recently reported that the Netherlands has become Nigeria’s number 1 trading partner in the world in the 2nd quarter, 2023 in Foreign Trade for oil and non-oil exports. Naturally, I am very excited, but I know there is still much room for growth.
Trading Partner
Nigeria is also growing in leaps and bounds in the area of digital economy and entertainment. On the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Bola Tinubu launched the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) in a bid to shore up Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
President Tinubu was represented at the launch by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka- Anite. The new initiative seeks to position Nigeria as an export hub for talent outsourcing in Africa following the example of India, Bangladesh, Mexico and The Philippines. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani would collaborate and support the programme to make sure it delivers on the set objectives.
This year, the celebration of our Independence Day is focused on our entertainment industry. A lot of our Nollywood Stars are in town to celebrate with us and share some of their works through the Nollywood Travel Film Festival (NTFF). We have the pleasure of having Mr Mykel Parish, the CEO of NTFF, with us. We also had the honour of bringing the award-winning Ekiti Performing Arts Company all the way from Nigeria, courtesy of Ekiti State Government, to entertain the Nigerian community on October 1st, and they have already given us a taste of what they are capable of this evening.
The lucky winner of a raffle prize.
We had the screening of The Black Book, a new movie on Netflix. We shall see some sizzle reels from them tonight as well. To cap our week of cultural exploration, we shall have another movie screening on October 7, 2023. All Ambassadors and our colleagues from the multilateral organisations to which Nigeria is accredited have all been invited. We trust you will have a good time with us.
I acknowledge the cooperation from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially our dear Director, Protocol and Host Country Affairs Department, H.E. Ms Dominique Kühling who has been of tremendous support since I landed in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
At this juncture, I think it is most appropriate for me to also thank our various sponsors who made these events possible. They are H.E. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Governor Ekiti State, Nigeria, Netflix, Shell International, Friesland Campina, Heineken, Ataro Foods, Jansen Holland Wax, Ngbaka Beer, Bestman Games, Ntff – Nollywood Travel Film Festival, Diageo -Makers of Gordon’s Gin, OIS – Online Integrated Service.
It would be remiss of me not to mention that this is probably my last celebration of Nigeria’s National Day in the Kingdom of Netherlands on this particular tour of duty. I have had the most fulfilling time here as a diplomat. The conducive working environment of The Hague Diplomatic Corps is absolutely amazing. I celebrate you all. The country – Netherlands is in a class of its own: cosmopolitan, enlightened, exposed, liberal, welcoming, and safe. I am sure you would agree with me, The Hague – is the best-kept secret in diplomatic postings in the world. You get the best of both worlds – a vibrant multilateral engagement and a dynamic bilateral interaction. I am going to miss you all. You are the best! We are sincerely grateful for this support. I am also grateful for the support of my colleagues at the Embassy, who worked tirelessly to put this program together.
H.E. Dr. Eniola Olaitan Ajayi, Ambassador of the Republic of Nigeria.
I want to remember this week with joy. Please, let have fun tonight, eat, drink, and be merry.
Please enjoy this evening and everything we have to offer, especially our Nigerian cuisine and the raffle draws courtesy of Jansen Holland fabrics, makers of the popular Ankara fabrics, Ataro Foods spice hampers, and Bestman Games Nigeria Limited, Distributors of the Nigerian Monopoly centenary edition.
Happy 63rd Independence Anniversary. May Nigeria succeed! Let’s toast to that success.
Bedankt! Thank you! Mun Gode! Daalu Adupe! “
Mr. Steven Collet, Deputy Director General for International Cooperation, also addressed the audience. He lauded the excellent cooperation between the Netherlands and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
To conclude, guests enjoyed a buffet dinner of rich and diverse Nigerian cuisine featuring dishes from the country’s many ethnic groups.
One of the priority vectors of the foreign policy strategy of neutral Turkmenistan, initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and now successfully implemented by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is the development of broad international cooperation, where special importance is attached to humanitarian ties. From time immemorial, the Turkmen people have been characterized by the principles of peace, good neighborliness and mutual assistance, passed on from generation to generatio
Following the age-old traditions of good neighborliness and humanism of the Turkmen people, the President of Turkmenistan signed an Order to send humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine and, first of all, to Palestinian children, in November of this year on behalf of the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care named after the National Leader, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
The humanitarian cargo consists of medicines and medical supplies, textile products, including clothing for children and bedding sets, as well as footwear and food products, and other goods.
By consistently implementing a constructive foreign policy, Turkmenistan is making a significant contribution to the deepening of humanitarian cooperation in the regional and global dimensions. This direction is an important aspect of the development of international relations on the basis of mutual understanding, respect and trust.
Israeli families of Hamas victims to be received on Friday November 17 by Karim Khan, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court – request for international arrest warrants
Several victims’ families will be received at the International Criminal Court, where a meeting is scheduled with Prosecutor Karim Khan and his the team of investigators. This visit follows the complaint lodged by eleven families on 3 November (AFP report), in which their lawyer, François Zimeray, called for an international arrest warrant to be issued for the leaders of Hamas.
The complaint set out the criminal charges likely to be brought by the ICC: firstly, crimes against humanity and war crimes; secondly, the complaint emphasised the genocidal nature of the attacks, in line with the objectives claimed by Hamas in its Charter.
Among the victims whose families will travel to The Hague are the mother of a young woman murdered in a ground attack on the “Tribe of Nova” rave party held in the Negev desert, the young daughter of a man living in Ofakim murdered in his home and the well-known peacededicated entrepreneur Eyal Waldman, whose daughter was murdered at the rave party site. For Mr Zimeray, former French Ambassador for Human Rights, “this visit is an important moment for the victims, but also for the Court, in which the families place their trust. We will provide the Prosecutor with the evidence needed to issue an international arrest warrant against the leaders of Hamas”.
By Dr Christophe Bernasconi, Secretary General of the HCCH
On 12 September 2023 the Hague Conference on Private International Law – known as the HCCH – celebrated its 130th anniversary. I would like to take you on a journey through time to explore the history of the HCCH, which started with the opening of the first “Hague Conference” on 12 September 1893 by Tobias Asser, a leading Dutch jurist, scholar, and statesman. As we explore the HCCH’s history, I will invoke the timeless metaphor of a tree to trace the remarkable growth and development of the HCCH, because much like a strong, steady tree, the HCCH has grown and flourished over time, its branches reaching out to connect, its leaves providing protection, its roots firmly anchored in cooperation. Three distinct periods can be distinguished in the growth of the HCCH “tree”.
Period 1: 1893-1955 The Kernel – A Dream Becomes Reality
In the beginning there was a dream: Tobias Asser’s dream of bringing experts together to start unifying rules of private international law. In 1893! Asser, the visionary, anticipated that the number of cross-border situations and transactions would increase. He saw the need for private international law unification and the benefits this would bring to States, individuals, and commercial operators. Asser also believed in the power of international collaboration. And so, the HCCH started as a tiny seed planted in the fertile soil of international legal cooperation. A seed that soon started to grow.
During this first period, the Organisation was not permanent. It was “on and off”, in the sense that in between two so-called “Conferences” – Diplomatic Sessions – which were often several years apart, not much would happen. From 1893 to 1955, seven such “Hague Conferences” or “Sessions” were held, involving a total of 24 States. During this period, nine Conventions and other instruments were adopted.
The name of the Organisation (“Hague Conference on Private International Law”) was not the only take-away from this period. Tobias Asser, the man who had planted the HCCH seed, was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1911. Interestingly, this was not for his role in the two Peace Conferences held in The Hague in 1899 and 1907, but rather for initiating the HCCH. To me, this fact serves as a constant reminder of an important aspect of our work: for there to be lasting peace between nations, there must be peace between people in their cross-border relations; and there must be a clear, predictable, fair, and practical legal framework that governs these cross-border relations. If one thinks of global peace as a puzzle, then private international law is a piece of that puzzle – a small piece perhaps, but an important one, nonetheless.
Part 2: 1955-2000 Setting Down Roots
The year 1955 was a milestone for the Organisation. This is the year in which the Statute of the HCCH entered into force. The Organisation had become permanent, with a Secretariat – the Permanent Bureau – to conduct work in between “Conferences”. The roots of the Organisation, of our tree, started to grow and deepen. First rather slowly; however, over the years, the roots of the Organisation grew deeper, and during this period, 47 States became Members of the HCCH.
Thirty-three Conventions and other instruments were developed during this time, including the 1961 Apostille Convention, which may well be the most successful HCCH Convention, both in terms of the number of Contracting Parties – currently 126 and counting – and the number of actual applications: with well over 30 million Apostilles issued around the world each year, the Apostille Convention is undoubtedly one of the most applied legal cooperation Conventions. Other HCCH Conventions from this period with a significant practical impact are the Service and Evidence Conventions, the Child Abduction and Adoption Conventions (the latter two also being Conventions with currently more than 100 Contracting Parties) as well as the Child Protection Convention. The last three Conventions, incidentally, all have a crucial human rights dimension: they provide States with a framework that enables them to give real effect to the basic principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
This second period led to 481 so-called treaty actions, i.e., ratifications, accessions or other instances in which a Convention would come into effect in a State, which underscores that the HCCH developed steadily. The sapling continued to grow, slowly maturing into an adult tree.
Period 3: 2000-current day Branching Out
Today the HCCH is a well-established, far-reaching tree which is flourishing and providing many benefits. Just as a mature tree offers shade, protection, and fruits, the HCCH offers a wealth of practical advantages to people and commercial operators across the globe, and to the international legal community as a whole.
In this most recent period, seven Conventions and other instruments have been adopted, including the Choice of Court, Child Support, and the Judgments Conventions, as well as the HCCH Choice of Law Principles, the first “soft law” instrument of the HCCH. These may all be slightly younger branches, but they are important to keep the HCCH tree healthy and growing.
In the last 23 years there have been 526 additional treaty actions. As a result, there are now more than 1’000 instances in which an HCCH Convention has been brought into effect in States and other Contracting Parties around the world – an impressive expression of the HCCH’s practical and effective multilateralism, all the more so when one considers that it would take more than 31,830 bilateral agreements to establish the same network of treaty relations!
A crucial development during this third period has been the elevation of the principle of consensus to a fundamental, strategic guiding principle for the HCCH. In fact, since the year 2000 not a single vote has been taken during negotiations or in relation to the HCCH’s Work Programme. Putting consensus at the heart of our core discussions has undoubtedly been crucial for the branching out of the HCCH, for bringing more States to the table, and ensuring that their interests are taken into account. Universality, inclusiveness, and consensus are the key strategic principles on which the further growth and development of the HCCH rests.
Today, the HCCH is not only rooted in The Hague but also in Buenos Aires (since 2005) for Latin America and the Caribbean, and in Hong Kong (since 2012) for Asia and the Pacific. Considering the important contributions of these Regional Offices, I continue to hope that one day, a new root in the form of a Regional Office for Africa will start to grow, which would greatly help to strengthen and develop the strategic principles of universality and inclusiveness.
In Conclusion
One hundred and thirty years is obviously a long period to look back on. The rich history of the HCCH is a reminder of the collective responsibility of the Members of the HCCH, Contracting Parties to the Conventions, judges, practitioners, academics, and, of course, the Permanent Bureau to make sure the HCCH tree remains in good health. It is our responsibility to look after the HCCH and to promote it: by seeking new Members and Contracting Parties; by developing Conventions, and possibly other instruments, which respond to real, practical needs; and by continuing to support the proper implementation and operation of existing Conventions.
The story of the HCCH is not just about Conventions and rules, though. It is ultimately one about people. Committed people, who, like arborists, nurture the tree through the years. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the many experts and delegates from Members and Contracting Parties, to the colleagues of the PB – both past and present – who have contributed to the HCCH’s success. The 130th anniversary of the HCCH is a testament to the enduring value of international cooperation and diplomacy in the field of law. The HCCH’s historic milestones, including this year’s celebration of the 1000th treaty action, remind us that progress is not measured solely in tree-rings, but in the impact made on the lives of people around the world. With the continued support and contributions from all the people involved in its work, the HCCH will keep growing from strength to strength.
The international community should rather energetically and urgently work on a new social contract to tackle new technologies and their disruptive potentials. It is particularly related to artificial intelligence (AI) that must be deployed safely and in conformity with a globally shared ethical standard.
Deepfake, dark web, polarising contents, swarms of bots are expanding all over the cyberterritory. Just recall the events that are still shaking western hemisphere: The 2016 US Presidential elections and Brexit vote are still surrounded with a controversy. Their outcome is frequently connected with an alleged leak of personal data from a world’s leading social platform to an Analytic agency to reportedly manufacture voters’ choices. On the other side, the state (and non-state) actors have deployed huge quantities of motion-tracking and facial-recognition cameras to commodify continuous streams of intimate data about citizens, ostensibly to prepare them for a bonus-malus behavioural grading system.
The bold and commercially promising alliance between the AI and data-ified society has switched most of the contents of our societal exchanges towards the cyberspace. These new masters are already reshaping the very fabric of our realities.
No wonder, our common anxieties are on a rise; Are we losing control to an algorithmic revolution of nanorobots? Is the AI escaping our traditional modes of understanding and collective action? Confidence in our national governance and global stewardship is at breaking point. Popular revolts will follow.
Simultaneously, the AI-powered nano-, geo bio- and info- technologies will tend to weaken, rather than to enforce, global and regional governance mechanisms. The UN and similar regional multilateral settings do face a wide range of interconnected challenges. Let us briefly elaborate on some.
The AI and Deepfake
The AI is essentially a dual-use technology. Its mighty implications (either positive or negative) will be increasingly hard to anticipate, frame and restrain, or mitigate and regulate.
The so-called Deepfake is a good example. Presently, the advanced algorithmic AI programs have reached the stage to easily alter or even manufacture audio and video images by creating impersonations which are practically identical to its original. Deep-learning facial recognition algorithms can already, with an astonishing accuracy, copy eye-motion, trace and simulate variety of facial expressions or even synthesize speech by analysing breathing patterns in combination with a movement of tongue and lips.
Once released by a state or non-state actor, such artificial interventions could be easily maliciously utilised for a wide range of impacts: political campaigns, racketeering, peer pressures and extortive mobbing. It is not hard to imagine such a fake video triggering public panic (e.g., if displays non-existent epidemics or cyberattack), mass demonstrations (e.g., if portrays a high-ranking official in bribing scene or similar grave crime), or forged security incidents that may provoke serious international escalations.
The ever-growing number of actors and their increasing capacitation to influence citizens with doctored simulations could pose the long-lasting detrimental implications for the UN and other International FORAs dealing with peace and security. By corroding the very notion of truth and of a mutual confidence between citizenry and their state as well as among states, the Deepfakes may turn to be the largest disruptive force to our global governing system.
The AI and human predictability
Due to advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT), the AI is already bridging and coupling with a range of other technologies, especially with the metadata provided by the Bio-tech. These mergers pose a significant challenge for global security. Driven by the lucrative commercial prospects or by state security considerations, the AI systems around the world are largely programmed towards the predictability of human behaviour. Quite at reach, they already have accurate and speedy analytics of urban traffic patterns, financial markets, consumer behaviour, health records and even our genomes.
These – still unregulated – AI technologies are increasingly able to channel our behavioural and biological data in a quite novel and rather manipulative ways, with implications for all of us. Neither this spares the youngest among us. For instance, the i-Que boys’ robot or Cayla girls’ doll transmit voice and emotional data of kids interacting with them (of everyone in their 10 meters proximity radius) and send it back to their manufacturers via the Cloud. This feature led the European authorities to examine automated toys closely and conclude that it violates basic principles of consumer and privacy protection. Similar dolls are still in extensive use all over Arab world and Asia where consumer protection awareness is s/lower or less organised than in the EU.
In several OECD countries, the deployment of the court rooms’ emotional analysis is seriously discussed. In such a scenario, the powerful algorithmic biometrics would measure a level of remorse when witnesses are testifying, and audio-video materials are presented. If once operable, that would be than easily extended by granting corporate (and state) entities to utilise different types of biometrics in assessing the job applicants.
That may furtherly tempt some outcast regimes to force biometric bracelets upon part or even entire populations, and have a real-time and accurate measuring of the popular support they enjoy. (Such bracelets are already heavily advocated in some OECD countries for the prison population, especially for re-convalescent inmates charged with blood delicts.)
Finally, if the humans’ individual or group behaviours can be monitored, hoovered, processed and hence, altered, who (or what) will be a driver of electability – be it of a change or status quo preservation – people or algorithms? If the entire biometrics, emotional data and past behaviouristic history (meta) of all parliamentarians, all political parties’ protagonists, top military and the key business people is hackable by the national or foreign state or non-state actors – than the sense of democracy, military affairs, security and esp. human rights will be changed beyond recognition. Most probably, beyond return, too.
If the AI has such a potential to penetrate – and even steer – individual and group human behaviours, it inevitably disrupts a very notion of human rights as embedded in the UN Human Rights Charter, as well as of peaceful coexistence, security, prosperity and equality among states as stipulated by the OUN Charter.
New means of social and biometric control will inevitably necessitate us to revisit and reimage the framework currently in place to monitor and implement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Notion of independence and inalienable right to economic development, too. This will require a concerted effort from regional developmental FORAs and the UN as universal multilateral system to anticipate and adjust.
The AI: Theatre for future conflicts
Since it reduces jobs in their numbers, configurations and intensities due to automation, the AI is excellently suited for the countries in demographic transition (decline), rather than for the booming demographics of Muslim world, sub-Saharan Africa and of (non-Fareast) Asia. Dramatic shrinking in domestic labour conjecture and forthcoming shift in global manufacturing dependences will especially hit hard the global south. Often enveloped in the ‘wait-and-see’ stance, the Global south traditionally has a low trust-rate between its citizenry and government.
Logically, the ‘promise of the AI’ to sway large regions and their populations is so immediate and mesmerising, that it already puts its main drivers to a fierce competition. Accelerating competition (with such a disruptive technology) in absence of cooperation (as the best tool to build and maintain confidence) or comprehensive regulation is only one step from a conflict.
The SF-like prospects of ruling ‘AI-race’, thus, are becoming (seemingly) realistic: Powerful state or commercial (technology platforms) actors bitterly competing over our collective data – as a new, cyber currency – to aggregate bio-medical, economic and politico-military supremacy across the globe. The “cyber-colonization” – especially of the global south – is increasingly likely. (Hoovering data without any remuneration and monetising it without any warning, data-collection taxation, or remuneration to its proprietor.) Leaders in the AI field are already capable to globally hoover data, are in possession of storing capacities, and will soon master (quantum) computing powers to process and analyse, and potentially control other countries’ populations and ecosystems.
The answer to AI should be Universal
Quite disturbingly, our societies are far from prepared for deployment of the AI: Be it philosophically or practically, we are still short of a thorough socio-political, legal or ethical considerations. Moreover, the UN and its Agencies – achitectured 75 years before the emergence of these technologies – are in many aspects poorly equipped to offer comprehensive and timely AI governance. Speed of this technological innovation cycle outpaces any administrative response, even as the technological disruptions are becoming apparent to ever larger number of countries. In the near future, they will increasingly come in unpredictable severities and frequencies, and in hard-to-connect contexts.
The new political trends of autarchic ‘neo-nationalism’ are further trivializing capacity of the multilateral FORAs to play a norm-setting and monitoring-of-compliance role in the global governance of AI. In such a climate, technologically advanced Member States (pressured by their national security or commercial interests) may see little incentive in letting the international FORAs to govern what they perceive as own lucrative and proprietary technology. Thus, collective decision-making mechanisms could sink into the dark of obscure centers of projected power, out of reach or any control.
Having all this in mind, the UN and its Specialised Agencies (including the ITU, UNESCO and UN University), along with variety of regional FORAs hold the answer. That very much includes the developmental segments – especially of global South – such as the African, Asian, Interamerican or Islamic Development Banks as well as regional politico-administrative settings like the OIC, SAARC, ASEAN, AU, to name but few. They have to initiate and navigate their member states, but also participate in steering the world through the universal, OUN bodies.
Letting the AI train to pass without a collective, collaborative form of governance would be a double irreversible setback: Disruptive dual-use technology along with a digital ownership would be handed over to an alienated few to govern it, while the trust in multilateral system (especially within the developing world) would further deteriorate.
Such inaction would inevitably raise the level of planetary confrontation to unfathomable proportions (including new forms, unseen so far), and that on two fronts – within societies and between states. Some would do anything to dominate and rule, while others would do anything to escape the iron fist of goo(g)lag.
For the three gravest planetary challenges (technology, ecology, nuclear annihilation), we need an accurate just and timely multilateral approach. In this struggle for relevance, everyone has its own share of historical (generational) responsibility.
About author:
Prof. Dr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic
Anis H. Bajrektarevic is chairperson and professor in international law and global political studies, Vienna, Austria. He has authored eight books (for American and European publishers) and numerous articles on, mainly, geopolitics energy and technology. Professor is editor of the NY-based GHIR (Geopolitics, History and Intl. Relations) journal, and editorial board member of several similar specialized magazines on three continents. Earlier this year, his 9th book was realised in New York.
This text is based on the Workshop held for the IsDB senior officials. Its content was embargoed for 30 months.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect IFIMES official position.
Ljubljana/Vienna, 16 November 2023
Footnote: [1] IFIMES – International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has Special Consultative status at ECOSOC/UN, New York, since 2018. and it is the publisher of the international scientific journal “European Perspectives.”
I had the pleasure of attending the Diplomats Wine Extravaganza, flawlessly orchestrated by Diplomat Magazine. It proved to be an ideal setting not only to acquaint oneself with wines from lesser-known wine countries in the Netherlands but also to cultivate meaningful personal connections.
My visit held particular significance for me. Since August, I have been actively distributing premium wines from Albania in the Netherlands and am contemplating the addition of wines from Kosovo to my repertoire. Thus, it was truly gratifying that the Embassy of Kosovo extended the opportunity to several Kosovo wineries to showcase their offerings.
The esteemed Ambassador of Kosovo to the Netherlands, His Excellency Dr. Dren Doli, expressed his optimism that more Dutch enthusiasts would discover and appreciate the unique wines from Kosovo.
Wines from Kosovo.
At present, Kosovo boasts approximately 3500 hectares of vineyards, dispersed across five regions, primarily situated in the southwest of the country. The Rahovec wine region stands out as the largest. The conditions for viticulture are optimal, characterized by a mild continental climate with Mediterranean influences, diverse soil types, and a range of microclimates thanks to numerous valleys. Blue grape varieties dominate, constituting over 65% of the plantings.
During the Wine Extravaganza, I was delighted to encounter exceptional wines crafted from indigenous grape varieties such as Vranç and Prokupa, as well as international favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Welschriesling, and Muscat.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bejtullah Hahimurati and Mr. Haziz Tafaj, representing the Kosovan wineries in attendance. I look forward to maintaining a connection with them to stay abreast of developments in the Kosovo wine industry.
Convinced of the potential of Kosovan wines to complement my selection, I invite you to monitor my website, www.noutswijnwereld.eu, for updates on the enticing wines from Kosovo that will soon be available to Dutch wine enthusiasts.
