Minister-President Oliver Paasch – Picture by oliver-paasch.eu.
The German-speaking community must henceforth be known by the appellation “Ostbelgien” or “East Belgium” in its internal or external communications as per a marketing plan presented by the region’s Minister-President Oliver Paasch in St. Vith.
This branding aims at providing East Belgium with a more attractive, effective and sustainable image than previously held. Premier Paasch thinks that a targeted marketing strategy will have a positive effect upon the region if we believe the results of scientific studies, and similar experiments carried out elsewhere, the South Tyrol in Northern Italy as a prime example.
For further information:
Government of East Belgium:
http://www.dgregierung.be/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-2968/5595_read-35411/
Representation of East Belgium in Brussels (Director Alexander Homann):
http://www.ostbelgienlive.be/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1989/3283_read-30045/
Pictured, H.E. Mr. Adam M.J. Sadiq, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal , Ambassador of Bangladesh, Ms Abir Ali, Chargé d’affair of Lebanon, H.E. Andrea Gustovic Ercegovac, Ambassador of Croatia , H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Vjosa Dobruna, Ambassador of Kosovo, , H.E. Mr. Ahmad Nazri Yusof, Ambassador of Malaysia, H.E. J.S. Mukul, Ambassador of India, H.E. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Konstantine Surguladze, Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia and Roy Lie A Tjam, Diplomat Magazine. By Joe Ray.
Senior diplomats from more than a dozen countries gathered at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague on 9 March for a special Meet and Greet organised by Diplomat Magazine.
For additional Robert Huibert’s pictures, please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157681730054915H.E. Ms Vjosa Dobruna, Ambassador of Kosovo and H.E. Mrs. Iffat Imran Gardezi, Ambassador of Pakistan.
Among the attendees were the heads of mission of Bangladesh, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Peru, Sri Lanka and Venezuela, along with representatives from the Russian and US embassies and selected international organisations including the OPCW and ICMP.
H.E. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan and H.E. Konstantine Surguladze, Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia.
Diplomat Magazine’s famed Meet and Greets are usually arranged in conjunction with a Hague- or Brussels-based embassy, giving the country’s representatives an opportunity to promote their food, culture, and trade and tourist links with the Netherlands.
On this occasion, however, it was decided that the time was right for a special diplomats-only edition without the formal participation of any one embassy.
H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia and Roy Lie A Tjam, Diplomat Magazine.
Diplomat Magazine’s mission has always been to offer an inclusive platform for the diplomatic corps in The Hague.
At a time of political uncertainty in the Netherlands and beyond, the magazine is delighted to be able to continue offering this unique service to the diverse and vibrant diplomatic community in the International City of Peace and Justice.
Mirza Kamram, Zahid Ali Abbasi, Commercial Counsellor of Pakistan and Kevin Eric, Commercial Department of the Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague.
As one ambassador remarked after the event: “There was a very friendly vibe, the music was fantastic and I had the opportunity to get together with a few friends. Everyone had a good time. Let me know when the next one is!”
Arusha, 21 March 2017 -The Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (“MICT” or “Mechanism”) received a delegation of Judges’ Assistants from the Judiciary of the United Republic of Tanzania at the Mechanism’s Arusha Branch premises on Friday, 17 March 2017. The visit was part of a 3-day training programme on the drafting of legal documents and legal research facilitated by JEYAX Development and Training, a non-governmental institution. Representatives of the Mechanism’s President, Prosecutor and Registrar welcomed the Judges’ Assistants and briefed the delegation on the mandates and functions of the Mechanism and the roles and responsibilities of their respective organs, in order to give the participants a full understanding of the work of the Mechanism mandated by the UN Security Council. The visit also gave the attendees the opportunity to pose diverse questions and discuss an array of issues, including the modalities of transfer of cases to national jurisdictions, the protection of witnesses and challenges faced in this context, management and preservation of archives over the long term, and enforcement of sentences.
Ms. Jemima Njeri Kariri of JEYAX Development and Training expressed gratitude for the delegation’s opportunity to engage with the Mechanism and applauded the work carried out by the MICT. She also encouraged further knowledge-sharing programmes between the MICT and other judiciaries to enhance and promote the understanding and application of International Criminal Law in the region.
The Judges’ Assistants concluded their visit with a tour of the Mechanism’s premises in Arusha.
Pictured Alan Stephens, Director of Research of the Clemens Nathan Research Centre, London. By A. Rangarajan.
The sixth Shabtai Rosenne Memorial lecture was held at the Peace Palace Academy Building on the 20th of March 2017.
The Lecture was delivered by Dr. Tal Becker, Legal adviser, Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was followed by a panel discussion with eminent luminaries taking part in it. H.E. Judge Julia Sebutinde, H.E Ambassador Andreas D. Mavroyiannis and Professor Malcolm N. Shaw QC were on the panel.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157678278193404
H.E. Judge Julia Sebutinde is a sitting Judge of the International court of Justice since 2012, H.E Ambassador Andreas D. Mavroyiannis has been the Greek-Cypriot community representative and negotiator since 2013 on the Cyprus problem and Professor Malcom N. Shaw QC is a practicing Barrister of international repute on various aspects of International Law.
This was followed by the release of the 5th edition of the Rosenne’s Law and Practice of the International Court: 1920-2015. The first copies of the 4 volume edition were presented to the President of the ICJ H.E. Judge Ronny Abraham by Professor Malcolm N. Shaw QC. All speakers paid rich tributes to late Professor Shabtai Rosenne for his contribution to the theory and practice International Law. Rosenne was not only a distinguished lawyer, he was an able diplomat as well.
The Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Aviv Shir-On and H.E. Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the International Court of Justice.
The Proceedings were opened by JeroenVervliet, Director of the Peace Palace library and were chaired by Alan Stephens, Director of Research of the Clemens Nathan Research Centre, London. H.E. Ambassador Aviv Shir-On, the Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands, gave the closing words of the evening.
Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Victor Ledda during the book fair.
The well attended lecture had several dignitaries present in the audience. Daniel and Sippy from the Rosenne family, President of the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals- President Theodor Meron, Judges of the International Court of Justice – Vice-President H.E. Judge Ahmed Yusuf & H.E. Judge Pete Tomka, H.E. Judge Fausto Pocar- from the International Court for the Former Yugoslavia, Head of the Curatorium of the Hague Academy for International Law- Prof. Yves Daudet, Secretary General of the PCA- Hugo Siblesz and Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court- Mr. James Stewart were present. Ambassadors from Chile, Cyprus, Canada, Cameroon and the Philippines were in the audience as well.
Halaevalu Mata’aho, Queen Mother of Tonga – Picture by Tongan Monarchy.2 March 2017, Kingdom of Tonga: The late Queen Mother of Tonga, Halaevalu Mata’aho (29 May 1926 – 19 February 2017) was buried in Tonga after her sudden demise aged 90 during a medical checkup in New Zealand. Halaevalu Mata’aho was married to King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, with whom she had four children, and served for 41 years as Queen consort. After her husband died in 2006, she took on the tile of “Queen Mother” when her eldest son, Siaosi (George) Tupou V, was crowned king. King Siaosi Tupou V also passed away during a medical checkup in Hong Kong in 2012. By age 90, Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho had outlived two kings and witnessed the crowning of a third, her youngest son King Tupou VI.The official mourning period was reduced to 10 days by the Royal House, albeit formally the Royal Family mourns for 100 days. During that time Tongans wore black and many businesses remained closed. There was a kava ceremony to honour the late Queen Mother, and the mourning period was rounded up with the traditional laying of black pebble stones on the Queen Mother’s tomb.For further information:https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/watch-fires-ring-tongas-royal-palace-late-queen-mother-magnificent-choir-leads-moving-vigilTongan High Commission (Mission to the EU, Israel, Russia, the Benelux countries, etc., HE Ambassador Sonata Tupou): http://tongahighcommission.com/about/
On the picture Ugandan Ambassador Mirjam Blaak greeting Ambassador Dillum Haymandoyal (Mauritius to the EU, ACP Group and Benelux countries) and spouse.13 March 2017, Residence of Mauritius in Brussels: HE Ambassador DillumHaymandoyal hosted a reception commemorating the 49th anniversary of independence of his country, and 25th anniversary as a republic. Left Ambassador of Cabo Verde José Filomeno de Carvalho Dias Monteiro (EU, ACP Group, OPCW and Benelux countries).Independence Day, is marked yearly on 12 March highlighting the 1968’s adoption of a constitution in Mauritius as well as the end of British colonial rule. Officially the country became at the time a Commonwealth realm sharing HM Queen Elizabeth II as “Queen of Mauritius” until 1992, when a republic was proclaimed. The country itself is named after German-Dutch prince, Maurits of Nassau (Moritz von Nassau), Governor of the Dutch Provinces of Holland, Zeeland, Gelre, Overijssel, Groningen and Drenthe. In Latin his name was Mauritius, hence the name of the islands colonised by the Dutch in 1598. Ambassador Dillum Haymandoyal greeting Bhutanese Ambassador Pema Choden (EU, OPCW, Belgium, The Netherlands and Nordic countries).During his short allocution Ambassador Haymandoyal thanked the presence of his Ethiopian counterpart, HE Teshome Toga Chanaka, Chairman of the African, Caribbean and South Pacific (ACP) Group of States’ Committee of Ambassadors. Ambassador Haymandoyal brought attention to his country’s golden jubilee of independence to be celebrated in 2018. In the center ACP Secretary General Dr Patrick Gomes.For further information:Missions of Mauritius to the EU, the OPCW, the ACP Group and the Benelux countries: http://www1.govmu.org/portal/sites/mfamission/brussels/index.htmGovernment of Mauritius: http://www.govmu.org/English/News/Pages/A-series-of-activities-organised-to-mark-National-Day-Celebrations.aspx
International Women’s Day celebration in the Netherlands
The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in The Hague in collaboration with the Rwandan Community in the Netherlands, celebrated International Women’s Day on the 18th March under the theme ‘Preserving the Dignity Regained’. Internationally, it was celebrated under the theme ‘Be Bold for Change’.
This occasion brought more than 200 guests from several dignitaries together including ambassadors, civil societies in the Netherlands, Rwandan diaspora and friends of Rwanda.
The gathering served as a platform to reflect on the achievements registered so far, the challenges and the way forward in regards to women empowerment in Rwanda and the Netherlands.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157678343375263
The master of ceremony Ms Joelle Mpinganzima, welcomed everyone at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague and thanked the Embassy of Rwanda for continued collaboration in organization of the International Women’s Day. She moderated the program that started with a panel discussion led by Ms Joy Uwanzigaand Mr Robert Kayinamuraabout women empowerment and culture.
The key message by Mrs Christine Safari, representative of the Rwanda Women Diaspora, was about the essential role of gender equality in attaining women empowerment. The event, that also included several dance performances by the Inganzo Cultural Troop and a colorful fashion show, further highlighted the importance of equal representation of women at all levels of government and the integration of gender issues in all aspects of development.
The guest of honor was Mrs Leontine Van Hooft, CEO of GreenDreamCompany & Ubuntu Impact Investments in the Netherlands. She is the director and co-founder/owner of GreenDreamCompany and Ubuntu Impact Investments. Both firms work closely together and in partnerships on the development of creative leisure, hospitality and tourism industry, in upcoming markets like Rwanda. Mrs Van Hooft said in her speech that it’s still crucial to women to get connected worldwide through internet, global society and women’s networks. She said that each individual can and should make a difference and quoted an African proverb: “If you think you are to small to make a difference, you have not spent the night with a mosquito!”
H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga, thanked all guests who attended the celebration and reminded that Rwanda has done enormous progress in all sectors for last 22 years from scratch, under the exceptional leadership of President Paul Kagame. Specifically, in the journey to gender equality and women’s empowerment, a lot has been done and great progress has been registered making Rwanda one the best performers worldwide.
“This year Rwanda celebrated this day for the 42nd time with the theme: ‘preserving the dignity regained’. For Rwandans in general and for Rwandan women in particular we have good reasons to celebrate this day, considering tremendous achievements and progress we did in struggling for gender equality and women’s empowerment”, said the Ambassador.
Women empowerment in Rwanda
In Rwanda women make up 52 per cent of its population; the country was ranked 6th worldwide in the World Economic Gender Gap Report 2015, up from 7th position in 2014. The report ranks 145 countries on their ability to close the gender gap in four fundamental areas: economic participation and opportunity, education, health and survival, and political empowerment. However, despite an impressive record on gender equality, challenges still prevail.
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Photography by the Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague.
Thursday 23 March 2017, 20:15, Lutherse Kerk The Hague
European Union Baroque Orchestra performs Bach and Händel
They receive universal acclaim for their your youthful energy and powerful performances. When the musicians of the European Union Baroque Orchestra appear on stage, the audience brings down the house and reviewers reach for superlatives.
The secret of their success? The ensemble has a new line-up every year. Only the best baroque musicians qualify to become a member. Dozens of aspiring musicians apply, but no more than 25 are selected. They work with the best conductors and soloists for many months and go on tour optimally prepared. This year the ensemble will be conducted by the renowned harpsichordist and conductor Lars Ulrik Mortensen.
The programme fits the musicians like a glove. The soloist is the soprano Maria Keohane. In 2000 she won the Musica Antica Award during the Van Wassenaer Early Music Competition. She has every chance to shine in Händel’s solo cantata Tu fedel! Tu costante, a brilliant piece with which the composer, just 21, was able to win over the audience in Rome. It started his international career that brought him to London, where he could develop himself to one of the most acclaimed opera composers of his time. 25 Years after his early success in Rome, Covent Garden hosted the first performance of Händel’s opera Alcina. Maria Keohane will sing the aria Ombre pallide from this masterpiece. It was immensely popular in its time.Lars Ulrik Mortensen will take the limelight in Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto in A-major. The European Union Baroque Orchestra will finish their only concert in The Netherlands with Bach’s Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten, a sparkling wedding cantata and an ode to spring. UnsubscribeThis concert is also the final event of the European Early Music Network (REMA). This year it takes place in The Hague. Musica Antica da Camera is one of the main organisers.
European Union Baroque Orchestra.
Lars Ulrik Mortensen (conductor and harpsichord), Maria Keohane(soprano), Bojan Čičić (concert master and solo violin) and Neven Lesage(oboe).
George Friedrich Händel (1685-1759)
Concerto Grosso Op 6 no. 10 in d-minor, HWV328 – Cantata Tu fedel? Tu costante? HWV171a – Passacaglia in G-major HWV399 – Ah! Ruggiero: Ombre pallide from Alcina
H.E. Judge Julia Sebutinde is a sitting Judge of the International court of Justice since 2012, H.E Ambassador Andreas D. Mavroyiannis has been the Greek-Cypriot community representative and negotiator since 2013 on the Cyprus problem and Professor Malcom N. Shaw QC is a practicing Barrister of international repute on various aspects of International Law.
This was followed by the release of the 5th edition of the Rosenne’s Law and Practice of the International Court: 1920-2015. The first copies of the 4 volume edition were presented to the President of the ICJ H.E. Judge Ronny Abraham by Professor Malcolm N. Shaw QC. All speakers paid rich tributes to late Professor Shabtai Rosenne for his contribution to the theory and practice International Law. Rosenne was not only a distinguished lawyer, he was an able diplomat as well.
The master of ceremony Ms Joelle Mpinganzima, welcomed everyone at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague and thanked the Embassy of Rwanda for continued collaboration in organization of the International Women’s Day. She moderated the program that started with a panel discussion led by Ms Joy Uwanziga and Mr Robert Kayinamura about women empowerment and culture.
The key message by Mrs Christine Safari, representative of the Rwanda Women Diaspora, was about the essential role of gender equality in attaining women empowerment. The event, that also included several dance performances by the Inganzo Cultural Troop and a colorful fashion show, further highlighted the importance of equal representation of women at all levels of government and the integration of gender issues in all aspects of development.
The guest of honor was Mrs Leontine Van Hooft, CEO of GreenDreamCompany & Ubuntu Impact Investments in the Netherlands. She is the director and co-founder/owner of GreenDreamCompany and Ubuntu Impact Investments. Both firms work closely together and in partnerships on the development of creative leisure, hospitality and tourism industry, in upcoming markets like Rwanda. Mrs Van Hooft said in her speech that it’s still crucial to women to get connected worldwide through internet, global society and women’s networks. She said that each individual can and should make a difference and quoted an African proverb: “If you think you are to small to make a difference, you have not spent the night with a mosquito!”
H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga, thanked all guests who attended the celebration and reminded that Rwanda has done enormous progress in all sectors for last 22 years from scratch, under the exceptional leadership of President Paul Kagame. Specifically, in the journey to gender equality and women’s empowerment, a lot has been done and great progress has been registered making Rwanda one the best performers worldwide.
“This year Rwanda celebrated this day for the 42nd time with the theme: ‘preserving the dignity regained’. For Rwandans in general and for Rwandan women in particular we have good reasons to celebrate this day, considering tremendous achievements and progress we did in struggling for gender equality and women’s empowerment”, said the Ambassador.
Women empowerment in Rwanda
In Rwanda women make up 52 per cent of its population; the country was ranked 6th worldwide in the World Economic Gender Gap Report 2015, up from 7th position in 2014. The report ranks 145 countries on their ability to close the gender gap in four fundamental areas: economic participation and opportunity, education, health and survival, and political empowerment. However, despite an impressive record on gender equality, challenges still prevail.
——
Photography by the Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague. 