By Patrick I. Gomes, Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States.
Cotonou, the capital of the Republic of Benin, hosted the historic event on 23 June 2000 at which the 20-year Agreement was signed between 79 developing countries of Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions and the European Union (EU).
This unique international treaty in the geo-political space of four continents, referred to as the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA), comprises more than fifty percent of the 193 countries of the UN with 48 from sub-Sahara Africa, 16 from the Caribbean, 15 island-states of the Pacific and 28 from the EU.
The ACP-EU partnership serves 1 billion citizens, poor and rich, in both advanced industrialised and predominantly small, agro-based economies, which also possess extensive natural resources. Through the Cotonou Agreement, ACP-EU trade and investments have been mainly in extractive mining sectors, exporting primary agricultural commodities, and tourism. In addition to trade, the CPA allows for grants and loans through “aid” programmes under the European Development Fund (EDF), financed from contributions of EU member states. Political dialogue between parties to the Agreement, individually or as a Group, enables exchanges on human rights and rule of law, tied to incentives or sanctions on accessing EDF resources.
Achievements and Challenges
Improved socio-economic status of several ACP countries is evident from macro-economic data and UNDP’s Human Development Index. For instance, “in … 2000 a total of 44 ACP states were Low Income Countries (LICs), 30 were Middle Income Countries (MICs) and 1 was a High Income country (HIC). By 2015 they were 26 LICs, 43 MICs and 7 HICs,” but only empirical data can confirm to what extent such economic growth is attributable to ACP-EU cooperation.[1] Despite growth in ACP countries and ongoing attraction of investment from both developed and emerging economies, poverty eradication and substantial integration into the global economy – twin objectives of the CPA- remain elusive.
This is unsurprising as Illicit Financial Flows from the African continent are estimated at €60 billion annually, far more than the €45 billion received in aid over the last five years. More disturbing is widespread violence, crime, drugs and corruption, largely engendered over conflicts to control and reap the spoils from exploiting natural resources, at the expense of peace, security and jobs for women and youth.
In today’s world of acute and growing inequality between and within countries, the ACP Group is engaged in a process of strategic reflection to re-invent and restructure. This will inform a new, qualitatively enhanced partnership with the EU beyond 2020. Principles of subsidiarity and complementarity will enable deeper economic, social, cultural and political Intra-ACP relations as well as more structured ties to Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the African Union. A reconfigured ACP Group will also deepen partnerships across the Global South through South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
Let me briefly share key parameters of the ACP’s strategy for consolidation and fundamental change.
The ACP Group as a single entity:
The ACP Group as a unique tri-continental, inter-governmental organisation has preserved a common identity as a single geo-political entity, over the last four decades since its establishment in 1975. As this unified entity, the ACP Group will negotiate a successor to the Cotonou Agreement with the EU in 2020, taking account of regional specificities.
A legally binding contractual agreement.
The successor agreement should maintain a legally binding character. This unique and fundamental principle of ACP-EU relations is an added value of global significance attributing rights, responsibilities and obligations that mitigate asymmetrical relations between geopolitical groupings, and enable inclusivity and mutual accountability.
Agenda 2030 and the SDGs’ Framework
ACP and EU negotiated and adopted a joint position on the post-2015 Development Agenda to address mutual interests on global challenges. Now we can identify specific SDGs to join forces in addressing issues of global governance. This was remarkably demonstrated in the ACP-EU joint action for the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. ACP intends to examine scope for common positions with the EU on SDGs on oceans and marine resources; access to justice for all; and the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, amongst others.
Trade, Investment and Services.
The ACP Committee of Ambassadors advocates a sharp focus on trade and investment, infrastructure, energy and services as mutually reinforcing themes under which to implement the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. We envisage intra-ACP activities under the EDF (2014-2020), with co-financing from additional resources that will address policy analysis and advocacy, capacity building, information sharing and exchange of experiences for structural transformation of ACP economies.
There is growing recognition of the ACP Group’s added-value and substantial expertise in the design, management and assessment of development cooperation, mainly derived from its experience this unique North-South model of ACP-EU relations. While addressing weaknesses, the ACP Group as a hub of South-South and Triangular cooperation will aim to assist in implementing the SDGs of Agenda 2030.
Reinforcing unity and solidarity, while respecting diversity, the ACP Group looks forward to a qualitatively different post-Cotonou agreement to promote economic justice and poverty eradication in the Global South.
[1] See German Development Institute (DIE), “Towards a new partnership between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries after 2020” by Niels Keijzer, Mark Furness, Christine Hackenesch,, Svea Koch Bonn, December 2015, 16pp.
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Photography by Josephine Latu-Sanft/ACP Secretariat
By HE AmbassadorShiaan Ahmed, Head of Mission to St James’s Court (UK), the EU, the Benelux and Nordic countries.Last week, the Commonwealth family lost another of its members – the third one in the past years. The Maldives took the extremely difficult but inevitable decision to withdraw from the organisation after 34 years of continuous and active participation. People rightfully have wondered, how come a constructive and fully engaged member such as the Maldives, has decided to separate from the Commonwealth family. Perhaps, our story offers a window into why this organisation requires fundamental reform – reform it needs more than ever in the post-Brexit era.Ever since joining in 1982, the Commonwealth of Nations was seen as the start of a new era in which the member countries would work together, in partnership and as equals, towards a shared future. As a small nation committed to the core Commonwealth principles, the Maldives had always regarded this organisation as an invaluable platform to engage with an international community of like-minded states on the important issues facing the global community; as an organisation that helps its member-States in democratic consolidation, in building institutions, in developing the rule of law, and above all, in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. The Maldives, being the leading advocate and voice on climate change gave Commonwealth prominence on climate change.It comes as no surprise that we, one of the smallest nations, had high hopes and expectations to see the Commonwealth serving its role as a champion of small states advocating for their special needs. But as an association born in the twilight of the empire, the Commonwealth has shown surprisingly little empathy towards the struggles of post-colonial states. No one can deny that the Maldives has faced challenges in recent years, like many other Commonwealth countries. As a new democracy, we are always looking to increase capacity, knowledge and professionalism within our institutions. In doing so, the Government has worked closely with its international partners and we look forward to their continued support in consolidating democracy and to further strengthen our young institutions. And yes, our judiciary, parliament and civil society need further professional development. But this is not unusual. From Asia to Africa and the South Pacific to the Caribbean, these challenges are universal. Many members have also witnessed civil conflict and political upheaval. Regrettably, and despite the Government’s efforts to give maximum cooperation, show maximum transparency, and engage with the Commonwealth at the highest levels, the Commonwealth decided to intrusively take political stances in the domestic political developments of a member state, against its own Charter. Since 2012, when the former President resigned, the Commonwealth has sought to question the domestic developments rather than putting an effort to know the issues. Furthermore, it has turned a blind eye to the progress made in cultivating a culture of democracy in the country and in building and strengthening democratic institutions. For example, Commonwealth has conveniently disregarded that the Government has enacted a total of 110 pieces of legislation in the last three years, 94 of which were directly related to the core values set out in the Commonwealth Charter. 69 were specifically designed to promote human rights, strengthen democratic governance, and to reinforce the separation of powers. Further, Maldives has per capita more journalists and media outlets (majority being run by the Opposition) than any other Commonwealth country. All political parties including the Opposition parties are paid by the State; a system that not only sustains the opposition but also a provision that very few countries can boast about. Sadly these achievements are below the bar set for Maldives by the Commonwealth. Sadly this ostentatious behaviour is symptomatic of the modern era Commonwealth. Its budget has shrunk year-on-year, meaning development and institutional building projects have fallen by the wayside. Without the resources to fully look into the issues of the Commonwealth countries, the work of improving governance or increasing development has been replaced by the ever more active and ideological Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), along with the Secretariat, has become embedded in the political discourse of smaller member states. This has helped the Commonwealth leverage its way into international diplomacy. But the organisation’s desperate need to remain relevant should not mean it morphs into an unaccountable global police force. If the Commonwealth really wanted to engage, it would see progress is being made on our islands. It was within this context that the Maldives became sceptical of the benefits conferred to small nations by Commonwealth membership. It is hoped that the decision to leave the Commonwealth spurs a reassessment of its role in the 21st century. The Commonwealth has always prided itself on being an organisation in which all nations are committed to working together in partnership and, most importantly, as equals. Equality and inclusivity within the Commonwealth family are vital in ensuring that it remains an organisation that represents the values embedded in the Commonwealth Charter. The Maldives believes that these founding principles should be resurrected. Let there be no doubt though. The Maldives is not closing its doors to its friends in the Commonwealth. It aims to improve bilateral relations with Commonwealth members, especially with the United Kingdom, and work to reform the Commonwealth from the outside; to make the organisation that is fit for purpose; is value for money; and more importantly serves the aspirations of the member states.The Maldives takes pride in the active and useful role it plays on international level. Despite our size, our voice is strong and clear. The Maldives reassures that its international engagement will continue both bilaterally and multilaterally.
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On Saturday 3 September 2016, the free-accessible Embassy Festival took place at the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. Forty-three Embassies participated in this year’s festival, bringing a vibrant and versatile programme to the city, 35.000 people visited the festival.
More and more Embassies have found their way to the Embassy Festival, offering a diverse programme that grows every year.
For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157675051434175
On three outdoor stages a variety of international acts performed. The musical programme of the fourth edition of the Embassy Festival was outstanding to say the least. The Australian ‘most celebrated Hammond artist’ Lachy Doley (AUS) has been compared to Jimi Hendrix in his home country and was one of the bands that performed on the Contemporary stage. Akua Naru (USA) whom critics compared to some of the greats, such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu was one of the highlights of the day. Other acts such as; Hudson Taylor (IRL), Shishani (NAM) and Sindicato Sonico (MEX), a unique combination of Orsi Burján the Pálinkálom with the Zoli Soós Vinsky Project (HON) completed the line-up of the Contemporary Stage.
Every year, the programme on the classical stage surprises the audience with breath-taking performances. Opera, flamenco, piano recitals, baroque music, it was all there. Embassy Festival’s Classical Stage brought classical music to the ears of anyone ready to listen. Acclaimed by the New York Times for her ‘expressive, poignant, clear voice and admirable stylistic facility’, soprano Elodie Fonnard (FRA) brought classical pieces from the Baroque scene. Anna Stegmann (DUI) presented music of Eyck’s’s Der Fluyten Lushof, one of the richest collections from the 17th century. The rest of the classical programme included; Paula Perez (violin) and Alma Barroca (ESP, ITA, NLD), Aldona Bartnik (POL), Susanne Herre (DUI), Maria Marin (ESP) and pianist Eva Szalai (HON).
The International Market of the Embassy Festival offered visitors a variety of culinary delights and cultural surprises presented in the various country pavilions. Visitors enjoyed the wealth of typical and delicious international cuisine and beverages. Phad Tai from Thailand, dates from Saudi Arabia, Raspao from Panama, Bauyirsak from Kazakhstan and much more. With this cultural richness concentrated on 500 metres, the festival set an important social statement; cultural diversity brings atmosphere and togetherness.
The fifth annual Embassy Festival will take place next year on Saturday, 2 September. Participation in the Embassy Festival is very rewarding and easy to arrange. If your embassy is interested in getting involved, please let us know by contacting Carly Dutton at 070-3606033 or embassyfestival@prooost.nl.
Embassies involved in the 2016 edition of the Embassy Festival: Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Ukraine, Palestinian Mission, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sudan, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Vietnam, South Africa.
Diplomat Magazine is honored of having sponsored this magnificent event, we are looking forward to see you again in 2017.
Last August the Embassy of Ukraine in The Hague hosted a festive diplomatic reception on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Independence Day of Ukraine.
Among the guests of the evening were President of the Senate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Ankie Broekers-Knol, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, prominent public figures, representatives of the Ukrainian community.
The evening opened with a performance of National Anthems of Ukraine and the Kingdom of the Netherlands by a born in Ukraine opera singer Gabor Balint, followed by an address of the Ambassador of Ukraine in the Kingdom of the Netherlands H.E. Olexander Horin.
In his remarks Ambassador Olexander Horin welcomed those present at this year’s diplomatic reception on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine, which, according to him was special in many ways.
“This year’s celebration is special. It is a quarter century ago that we chose our independent future. The foundation was laid for Ukrainians at last realizing an ancient dream of multiple preceding generations of having their own state,” he said.
According to the Ambassador, the period that followed, was marked by our hesitation to break the link with our immediate soviet past. “Domestically, paternalism and political indifference turned out to be deeply rooted in the public conscience, readily exploited by populist politicians with mercantile interests and planning horizons spanning no further than a next election campaign. It was not better on the international scene: we were getting lost in the nets of multi-vector policies, seeing Europe ahead as our model but looking back constantly at Moscow, believing in a mythical brotherhood, trying to keep foot in both camps,” he said.
H.E. Olexander Horin, the Honorable, Ankie Broekers-Knol, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Dr. Natalia Tymoshenko.
Ambassador Horin said that the events of 2013-2014 in Ukraine and Russia’s hybrid all-out aggression against Ukraine that followed, became a rude awakening for Ukrainians that made them re-think deeply their attitude to the surrounding reality.
“It is of course the accelerated process of Ukrainian political nation building on the basis of civic patriotism, the Ukrainians’ readiness to defend our state arms in hand shoulder to shoulder that we have to thank for Ukraine still being there,” he said, emphasizing also the role of Ukrainian heroes, who sacrificed their lives for peaceful future of Ukraine.
Olexander Horin stated that the development of democracy and liberty, transparency of government, rule of law based on the sense of human dignity and national unity has been on the rise in Ukraine since the Maidan events of 2013-2014 as never before. “Introduction of the new police, now so much more trusted by the population; establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau to the best standards and experience of the Western world; launching of the new revolutionary system of public e-procurement “ProZorro”;legislative changes opening access to several government databases, such as the registry of legal entities and the registry of property owners; introduction, despite numerous problems, of the system of e-declaration of income by civil servants, are some of the many small steps forward,” he said, emphasizing Ukraine’s readiness to admit that there is still such negative phenomena as corruption, bribery, nepotism, embezzlement of funds, in Ukraine, which were precisely the ailments of the Ukrainian reality that young Ukrainians with a new European world outlook had been protesting on the Maidan square in Kyiv and across Ukraine in 2013-2014.
He stressed again that the current slow but steady changes that the Maidan brought are fundamental and irreversible. “All public polls demonstrate these fundamental changes in the social consciousness. People are proud of their Ukrainian citizenship, state symbols, respect and honor Ukrainian language. The Euro-Atlantic vector, the EU and NATO predominate in geopolitical preferences of majority of Ukrainians,” he said.
Speaking about the Ukrainian-Dutch relations, 25th anniversary of establishment of which the two sides are going to celebrate next year, Ambassador Horin said they have reached an unprecedented level of activity in the last few years and expressed Ukraine’s gratitude to the Dutch Government for their unshaken support of Ukraine, both in the EU and on bilateral level, in the question of defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity from Russia, the policy of non-recognition of illegal occupation of Crimea and firm stance of opposition to Russia’s actions to fuel the conflict in the east of Ukraine.
He pointed out that the Netherlands have become one of Ukraine’s main economic partners in the EU with $1,5 billion trade turnover in 2015 and growing, and one of the biggest investors in the Ukrainian economy.
“We are of course looking forward to the development of this cooperation, especially in the framework of the already provisionally working EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. Having been assured by our Dutch partners that they value the prospects offered by the Agreement for all sides, as much as we do, we remain optimistic and positive that the Dutch Government will eventually find a way to make it work in full for the benefit of our two countries,” he stressed.
After addressing the audience, the Ambassador took part in a presentation of national decorations and Embassy of Ukraine in The Hague Certificates of Gratitude to members of the Dutch public and Ukrainian community in the Netherlands, who had made an outstanding contribution into the promotion of Ukraine’s image and culture, as well as into the provision of humanitarian assistance to the ATO servicemen and internally displaced persons in Ukraine.
After that, the guests of the evening had an opportunity to enjoy a performance of Ukrainian folk songs by the Ukrainian diaspora in the Netherlands organized Choir “Chervoni Korali”, an exhibition of ceramics by Ukrainian sculptor Olena Cornet, as well as taste dishes of the traditional Ukrainian cuisine.
By Her Excellency Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi.
Burundi ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in August 2003. By ratifying the Rome Statute, Burundi intended to join the rest of the international community to fight against impunity for specific category of crimes in the statute.
Unfortunately some world powers, the project initiators of the creation of this Court who instigated others, mainly African countries to ratify the Rome Statute to the extent of using pressure, refused to ratify the Statute with the intention of protecting their potential criminals. It is an unimpeachable fact that this Court which is financed by over 70% by the European Union has become an instrument of political pressure on poor countries and their Governments with the intent to control then dominate or destabilize them.
Indeed, it is not a secret that the initiation of investigations against African leaders is done under pressure from major powers, calling into question the independence of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and the Court herself. In the case of Burundi, everyone knows that since April 2015 violent demonstrations which turned into acts of terrorism have occurred in Burundi, specifically in some neighborhoods of the capital Bujumbura. This insurrection that was financed and supported by some Western countries and some international organizations, led to the loss of human lives and the destruction of considerable material goods.
The insurrection then ended in the attempt to overthrow the Republican Institutions of the Republic of Burundi on May 13, 2015. The well-coordinated efforts by coup leaders, some radical opposition activists and terrorist elements with foreign support to render the country ungovernable by indiscriminately targeting in their attacks and criminal acts, the civilian population, members of government, state officials, security and national defense personnel have been well documented.
In addition to information obtained from several hundreds of civilians who were forcefully conscripted and trained a foreign country to attack their own country, and who have surrendered, Burundi has in its possession, intercepted communications between the perpetrators of these acts of criminality and their sponsors. These individuals have publicly claimed responsibility for these crimes including distributing grenades and arms to civilians to carry out these attacks. Despite the magnitude of the senseless violence and atrocities that occurred during the insurrection directed against civilians and members of security forces, the Prosecutor of the ICC, some Western countries and the European Union failed to condemn the perpetrators or at least include in their various report on the situation in Burundi these crimes which were publicly and widely acknowledged by the perpetrators.
Whereas the security forces, officials of state institutions as well as the civilian population of Burundi are the prime targets of this senseless wave of criminality in which the perpetrators have claimed responsibility, tainted reports from supposed human rights experts have consistently published tainted reports based on concocted evidence attributing the responsibility to the victims of these criminal attacks.
It is significant to note that while the Burundian justice system have deployed every sustained efforts to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes, some of the very countries and institutions that have led a campaign of blackmail against Burundi have evinced every effort to frustrate these efforts by granting funding and golden asylums in their countries from where they continue to carry out destabilizing actions against Burundi. Paradoxically, the ICC Prosecutor, ignoring its duty of neutrality, has continued to multiply statements directed against the Government of Burundi to announce the opening of a preliminary review on the situation in Burundi based on false reports produced by the individuals who are subject of international arrest warrants to face justice in Burundi and granting them a platform and voice to further their objectives.
Lately after two brief visits to Burundi, a group of supposed independent experts of the UN Human Rights Commission whitewashed a false report prepared by these Burundi fugitives and submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC even before the said report was considered by the UN Human Rights Commission. The media frenzy and press comments by the Burundi fugitives praising this conduct that violates the spirit and letter of the Rome Treaty and the independence of the Office of the Prosecutor, could not be condoned by the Government and people of Burundi who spontaneously demonstrated in protest and called on Burundi to withdraw from the Rome Treaty. The Government and Parliament of Burundi obliged to this popular demand for the good of its people, sustainable peace, security and progress.
The ICC Prosecutor did not allege in her decision to intervene that the Government of Burundi breached its treaty obligations by failing to investigate or prosecute the perpetrators of crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction over the territory of Burundi. Thus, the ICC Prosecutor violated the sacrosanct principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Treaty, regarding collaboration and complementarity with the State concerned. The Government of Burundi believes that the decision of the Prosecutor of the ICC to intervene in the ongoing political conflict in Burundi, the pressure of the powers that finance its operation in this case, the European Union, by initiating a preliminary examination while she had assurances and information establishing that Burundi was in the process of fulfilling its obligations as provided in the Rome Statute constitutes a serious and flagrant violation of the sovereignty and national security of Burundi.
Indeed, to undertake the preliminary examination potentially encourage negative forces and their sponsors and encourages violence and impunity. Consequently, the Government considers that maintaining Burundi as a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court cannot be justified. Burundi believes the letter and spirit of the Rome Treaty in relation to her participation have been breached with potential prejudice to the fight against impunity in Burundi, peace, security and progress in Burundi and the sub-region. In arriving at its decision, Burundi considered the fact that the Security Council that has primary responsibility for ensuring world peace and security and has referral authority under the Rome Statute visited Burundi twice and did not find any reason to exercise its mandate under the Rome Statute.
The ICC intervention has a high potential of compromising encouraging efforts that are ongoing by the Government of Burundi to investigate and prosecute all the crimes within its national territory and commendable efforts by the UN Security Council, African Union, East Africa Community, Conference on Peace and Security in the Great Lakes, Inter-Burundi Dialogue Commission, and the multiple actors aimed at bringing justice, enduring peace, security and progress in Burundi and the sub-region.
Azerbaijan, being faithful to the ideas of multiculturalism and seeing dialogue as a best tool for building peace and prosperity amid the crises and tensions in the world, has declared 2016 the Year of Multiculturalism.
Azerbaijan established the first secular democracy in the Muslim world in 1918 and offered women the right to vote in 1919. Tolerance and multiculturalism in secular Azerbaijan is a style of life for over 9.6 million people living at the crossroad of the East and West, combining traditions and cultures.
Despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of the population (about 96 percent) of the country is Muslim, representatives of other religions enjoy freedom here, and one can often witness Jewish synagogues and Orthodox and Christian churches as well as other religious centres functioning freely. The country acts as a model for peaceful coexistence of members of different nations and religions for many other countries as well.
Historical monuments of all religions are protected by the government of Azerbaijan which provides funds for the restoration of these monuments. Mosques, churches and synagogues are built and renovated in Azerbaijan. One of the oldest mosques in the world situated in Azerbaijan, in the city of Shamakhi, dating from 743, and also one of the oldest Christian churches, an Armenian church from the 12-13 century, is also located in the capital of the country – Baku. Orthodox and Catholic churches, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples, are bright examples of Azerbaijan’s multicultural heritage.
Azerbaijan is one of a handful of countries that are members of both the Council of Europe and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In 2008, the Ministers of Culture of Islamic countries were invited to the Baku Forum of Ministers of Culture of Council of Europe member-states. For the first time in history, a link was established between these two institutions. In 2009, Azerbaijan invited ministers from the Council of Ministers to the meeting of Ministers of Culture of Muslim countries in Baku.
Thus, this process was called the “Baku process”. Today, Azerbaijan hosts numerous international events within the framework of the “Baku process”. These include the summit of religious leaders of the world. The Forum on Intercultural Dialogue is held in Azerbaijan every year. Baku International Humanitarian Forum is an annual platform for famous representatives of political, scientific and cultural elite of the world community including famous statesmen, Nobel Prize winners in various fields of science and leaders of influential international organizations for holding dialogues, discussions and exchange of views on a wide range of global issues in the interest of all humanity.
The fifth International Humanitarian Forum was held in Baku on September 29-30, 2016 and one of the main themes on its agenda was multiculturalism. Given Azerbaijani successful activities in this area, the UN decided to hold the Seventh Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations in Baku in 2016.
In addition, Azerbaijan has set up an international centre for multiculturalism in 2014, as a concrete effort to promote the values of multiculturalism. Thanks to domestic interfaith and multicultural harmony, Azerbaijan was able to protect itself from the triggers of extremism, one of the most dangerous threats of the modern world amid the clashing cultures and religions.
Azerbaijan makes important contributions to the traditions of tolerance, intercultural and inter-civilization dialogue. The country’s success in multiculturalism relies on the full-scale embrace of this openness and tolerance by both government and the society at large which has remained primarily stable for many decades.
On October 2, 2016 Pope Francis visited Azerbaijan. During the visit he celebrated mass on Sunday at the Salesian centre in Baku. Pope Francis visited the Alley of Martyrs to commemorate Azerbaijani heroes who gave their lives for the country`s independence and territorial integrity. Pope Francis laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument.
Furthermore, bilateral meeting between the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Pope Francis was held. It was underlined that the relations between the Vatican and Azerbaijan have been developing successfully for 24 years. Reciprocal high-level visits were especially highlighted. In 2012, the Vatican museums hosted an Azerbaijani exhibition dedicated to the 20th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.
The Azerbaijani exhibition was the first exhibition of Muslim countries. Our ties are also supported by civil society organizations. In February last year, with support from the largest non-governmental organization of the South Caucasus, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Saint Marcellino and Pietro’s catacombs of the Vatican were reopened after major overhaul and restoration. This great event showed again that our bilateral relations. At the same time, the strengthening of the interreligious and intercultural dialogue is a reality.
The Pontiff met with Chairman of the Clerical Office of Caucasus Muslims Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade and representatives of religious communities in Azerbaijan. After the bilateral meeting, both religious leaders addressed representatives of religious communities in Azerbaijan. Pope Francis` visit to Azerbaijan where 96 percent of population is Muslims once again demonstrates importance that the Holy See attaches to the multicultural traditions in this country. This visit is important for all of the mankind, as it shows once again that the dialogue between civilizations lives on, continues to expand, and we are trying to give a new impetus to this dialogue.
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Photography by Azertac.
By Minister Ying-Yuan Lee, Environmental Protection Administration, R.O.C. (Taiwan).
Global warming and the El Niño phenomenon have contributed to record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events around the world. In July this year, the global average temperatures taken over land and ocean surfaces were the highest for any month in 137 years of record-keeping. In June, the temperature in Taipei reached 38.7 degrees Celsius, the highest in a century.
Another recent anomaly is a marked decline in the frequency of steady rainfall. Instead, we were hit with a series of torrential downpours that caused many flash floods, significantly damaging our infrastructure, ecosystem, as well as crops. More and more evidence is showing that climate change is already happening. If we don’t take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now, we will end up paying much more later on.
Unbounded economic growth and excessive exhaust have led to climate change which threatens human survival. Governments around the world realize this, and that’s why the landmark Paris Agreement was adopted in December 2015, bringing all nations together under a common cause that drives global mitigation actions with long-term goals. Climate change is arguably the single most important issue that put the future of humanity at stake. As a member of the international community, Taiwan cannot be a mere spectator to this problem and must come up with feasible solutions to live up to the name of Formosa, “beautiful island.”
We enacted the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act in July of last year, setting our long-term target to reduce our emissions by at least 50% below 2005 levels by the year 2050. Taiwan is among only a few countries in the world that have written into law a target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, we’ve come to realize the need to further increase our energy efficiency and promote energy conservation, transform our industrial structure, as well as diversify our energy supply by tapping into renewable energies, such as solar, wind, biogas production using pig farm waste based on the concept of circular economy. We anticipate that by 2025, 20% of our energy will come from renewable energy.
In her inaugural address earlier this May, President Tsai Ing-Wen made it clear that Taiwan will not be absent from the global efforts to mitigate climate change and that her government will regularly review goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the Paris Agreement. With this ambition, we enacted the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, with periodic five-year regulatory goals that help enhance climate-change-response capacity building and promote efficient management in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across government agencies. This approach is in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement which encourages all countries to strengthen their determination to reduce emissions with the aim to achieve the long-term goal by the year 2050.
Climate change is a global issue that transcends national boundaries. The actions we take today could have profound impacts on the lives of future generations. Climate change requires not only national but global solutions. I sincerely urge the international community to recognize and support Taiwan’s determination to gain meaningful participation in the UNFCCC and become part of the global climate network. We are willing to share our environmental protection experiences and contribute to international efforts. Together with friendly nations, we will join hands to safeguard a sustainable earth.
All lovers of unusual jewellery, fashionistas, design aficionados and connoisseurs of art should keep the dates of 10 through 13 November open in their organizers, for on those days SIERAAD Art Fair will be held in the Gasholder on the Wester Gasterrein in Amsterdam. We would strongly urge everybody to start saving now, since the selection this fall will be simply spectacular.
The fair is getting more international every year and as a result, according to insiders, more interesting and important. In the course of 4 days SIERAAD Art Fair offers a prominent cross section of worldwide contemporary jewellery design.
Once again, SIERAAD Art Fair will be a launching platform for young up-and-coming talent. Ever since 2001 SIERAAD Art Fair has been a must for aficionados, collectors, curators, stylists, retailers and journalists. Visitors and buyers come from all over the world to do business during this not-to-be-missed four-day event. They buy directly from the makers, which is the distinguishing asset of SIERAAD: it enables artists to present and sell their work themselves to a large public. The dialogue between artist and interested party is a usp hardly to be overrated
Unprecedented splendour at SIERAAD
We are proud to announce that SIERAAD Art Fair will celebrate its 15th anniversary in November with an exceptional exhibition. The fair will feature a special selection from the largest ethnological jewellery collection in Holland. It is the outcome of an inspiring collaboration with the Amsterdam Tropenmuseum, the Ethnological Rijksmuseum in Leiden and the Africa Museum in Berg en Dal.
At a fair where the visitor is surrounded by prominent international contemporary design, occasionally featuring very futuristic touches, we felt this anniversary was an occasion to go back to the roots: to the ethnology of jewellery. Ethnological jewellery originates from and is connected with all possible milestones in life, with traditions, ancestor worship and the use as amulet, talisman and medicine. Jewellery is the bearer of symbols and wearable stories with a fascinating symbolic language.
Phenomenal
The merger of the Tropenmuseum, Ethnological Rijksmuseum and Africa Museum in 2014 resulted in a phenomenal collection of some 6000 pieces of jewellery from antiquity to the present day. The SIERAAD exhibition is an opportunity for the new museum organisation to spotlight these cultural treasures in all their glory for the first time. The exhibition is the ‘appetizer’ on an extensive menu of jewellery exhibitions that are planned for the coming years.
Location: Gashouder, Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam admission; is € 15 – per person per day for 2 days € 20.00 pp, 65 + and CJP/students pay € 12.50 , children under the age of 12 ( accompanied) free • tickets can be purchased at the box office or ordered www.sieraadartfair.nl • at the show can be bought and paid for through various payment systems. • You can park in the nearby parking Westergasfabriek or in the immediate surroundings.
Thursday November 10
14.00 hour: SIERAAD Art Fair open for the public.
16.00 hour: opening 15th edition by HRH Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme,Maya Meijer (owner Westergasfabriek ) Director Stijn Schoonderwoerd TropenMuseum, Africa Museum and Ethnological National Museum.
Opening SIERAAD Art Fair:
Thursday, November 10 : 14:00 to 21:00 hrs.• Friday 11 Saturday 12 and Sunday November 13, from 11:00 to 18:00 hrs.
The International Chamber Music Festival The Hague is one of the highlights in The Hague’s cultural season. Every year artistic director Eva Stegeman invites a group of internationally renowned musicians who gather in The Hague to rehearse, perform and inspire the audience. The festival meets its visitors in concert halls and surprising venues such as living rooms, galleries, cafés, museums and salons. IN VUUR EN VLAMSafe the date for the next edition: 10 till 14 May 2017. The theme ‘crossing the border’ will be the source of inspiration for a broad range of imaginatively programmed concerts. www.kamermuziekfestivaldenhaag.nl.
Kazakh FM Erlan Idrissov and Slovak FM Miroslav Lajčák (front row) behind them l.t.r. Ambassador Almaz Khamzayev and Slovak PR Peter Javo.Tuesday, 4 October 2016, Brussels: In the framework of the Brussels Summit on Afghanistan, the Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov met with top EU functionaries as well as his Slovak counterpart Miroslav Lajčák and the Slovak Permanent Representative to the EU, Peter Javorčík. Slovakia is currently holding the rotating EU presidency of the Council. Foreign Minister Idrissov was seconded by the Kazakh Head of Mission to the EU, Ambassador Almaz Khamzayev. Kazakh FM Erlan Idrissov and Ambassador Almaz Khamzayev. Picture by EUEU-Kazakhstan relations are draw from the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of energy. Kazakhstan is furthermore a member state of the EU and Central Asia Strategy for a New Partnership.For further information:Mission of Kazakhstan to the EU and NATO, Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg (HE Ambassador Almaz Khamzayev): http://www.kazakhstan-embassy.be/en/
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Pictures by EU.
On three outdoor stages a variety of international acts performed. The musical programme of the fourth edition of the Embassy Festival was outstanding to say the least. The Australian ‘most celebrated Hammond artist’ Lachy Doley (AUS) has been compared to Jimi Hendrix in his home country and was one of the bands that performed on the Contemporary stage. Akua Naru (USA) whom critics compared to some of the greats, such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu was one of the highlights of the day. Other acts such as; Hudson Taylor (IRL), Shishani (NAM) and Sindicato Sonico (MEX), a unique combination of Orsi Burján the Pálinkálom with the Zoli Soós Vinsky Project (HON) completed the line-up of the Contemporary Stage.
Every year, the programme on the classical stage surprises the audience with breath-taking performances. Opera, flamenco, piano recitals, baroque music, it was all there. Embassy Festival’s Classical Stage brought classical music to the ears of anyone ready to listen. Acclaimed by the New York Times for her ‘expressive, poignant, clear voice and admirable stylistic facility’, soprano Elodie Fonnard (FRA) brought classical pieces from the Baroque scene. Anna Stegmann (DUI) presented music of Eyck’s’s Der Fluyten Lushof, one of the richest collections from the 17th century. The rest of the classical programme included; Paula Perez (violin) and Alma Barroca (ESP, ITA, NLD), Aldona Bartnik (POL), Susanne Herre (DUI), Maria Marin (ESP) and pianist Eva Szalai (HON).
The International Market of the Embassy Festival offered visitors a variety of culinary delights and cultural surprises presented in the various country pavilions. Visitors enjoyed the wealth of typical and delicious international cuisine and beverages. Phad Tai from Thailand, dates from Saudi Arabia, Raspao from Panama, Bauyirsak from Kazakhstan and much more. With this cultural richness concentrated on 500 metres, the festival set an important social statement; cultural diversity brings atmosphere and togetherness.
The fifth annual Embassy Festival will take place next year on Saturday, 2 September. Participation in the Embassy Festival is very rewarding and easy to arrange. If your embassy is interested in getting involved, please let us know by contacting Carly Dutton at 070-3606033 or embassyfestival@prooost.nl.
Embassies involved in the 2016 edition of the Embassy Festival: Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Ukraine, Palestinian Mission, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sudan, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Vietnam, South Africa.
Diplomat Magazine is honored of having sponsored this magnificent event, we are looking forward to see you again in 2017.
Historical monuments of all religions are protected by the government of Azerbaijan which provides funds for the restoration of these monuments. Mosques, churches and synagogues are built and renovated in Azerbaijan. One of the oldest mosques in the world situated in Azerbaijan, in the city of Shamakhi, dating from 743, and also one of the oldest Christian churches, an Armenian church from the 12-13 century, is also located in the capital of the country – Baku. Orthodox and Catholic churches, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples, are bright examples of Azerbaijan’s multicultural heritage.
Azerbaijan is one of a handful of countries that are members of both the Council of Europe and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In 2008, the Ministers of Culture of Islamic countries were invited to the Baku Forum of Ministers of Culture of Council of Europe member-states. For the first time in history, a link was established between these two institutions. In 2009, Azerbaijan invited ministers from the Council of Ministers to the meeting of Ministers of Culture of Muslim countries in Baku.
Thus, this process was called the “Baku process”. Today, Azerbaijan hosts numerous international events within the framework of the “Baku process”. These include the summit of religious leaders of the world. The Forum on Intercultural Dialogue is held in Azerbaijan every year. Baku International Humanitarian Forum is an annual platform for famous representatives of political, scientific and cultural elite of the world community including famous statesmen, Nobel Prize winners in various fields of science and leaders of influential international organizations for holding dialogues, discussions and exchange of views on a wide range of global issues in the interest of all humanity.
The fifth International Humanitarian Forum was held in Baku on September 29-30, 2016 and one of the main themes on its agenda was multiculturalism. Given Azerbaijani successful activities in this area, the UN decided to hold the Seventh Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations in Baku in 2016.
In addition, Azerbaijan has set up an international centre for multiculturalism in 2014, as a concrete effort to promote the values of multiculturalism. Thanks to domestic interfaith and multicultural harmony, Azerbaijan was able to protect itself from the triggers of extremism, one of the most dangerous threats of the modern world amid the clashing cultures and religions.
Azerbaijan makes important contributions to the traditions of tolerance, intercultural and inter-civilization dialogue. The country’s success in multiculturalism relies on the full-scale embrace of this openness and tolerance by both government and the society at large which has remained primarily stable for many decades.
On October 2, 2016 Pope Francis visited Azerbaijan. During the visit he celebrated mass on Sunday at the Salesian centre in Baku. Pope Francis visited the Alley of Martyrs to commemorate Azerbaijani heroes who gave their lives for the country`s independence and territorial integrity. Pope Francis laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument.
Furthermore, bilateral meeting between the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Pope Francis was held. It was underlined that the relations between the Vatican and Azerbaijan have been developing successfully for 24 years. Reciprocal high-level visits were especially highlighted. In 2012, the Vatican museums hosted an Azerbaijani exhibition dedicated to the 20th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.
The Azerbaijani exhibition was the first exhibition of Muslim countries. Our ties are also supported by civil society organizations. In February last year, with support from the largest non-governmental organization of the South Caucasus, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Saint Marcellino and Pietro’s catacombs of the Vatican were reopened after major overhaul and restoration. This great event showed again that our bilateral relations. At the same time, the strengthening of the interreligious and intercultural dialogue is a reality.
The Pontiff met with Chairman of the Clerical Office of Caucasus Muslims Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade and representatives of religious communities in Azerbaijan. After the bilateral meeting, both religious leaders addressed representatives of religious communities in Azerbaijan. Pope Francis` visit to Azerbaijan where 96 percent of population is Muslims once again demonstrates importance that the Holy See attaches to the multicultural traditions in this country. This visit is important for all of the mankind, as it shows once again that the dialogue between civilizations lives on, continues to expand, and we are trying to give a new impetus to this dialogue.
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Photography by Azertac.
Once again, SIERAAD Art Fair will be a launching platform for young up-and-coming talent. Ever since 2001 SIERAAD Art Fair has been a must for aficionados, collectors, curators, stylists, retailers and journalists. Visitors and buyers come from all over the world to do business during this not-to-be-missed four-day event. They buy directly from the makers, which is the distinguishing asset of SIERAAD: it enables artists to present and sell their work themselves to a large public. The dialogue between artist and interested party is a usp hardly to be overrated
Unprecedented splendour at SIERAAD
We are proud to announce that SIERAAD Art Fair will celebrate its 15th anniversary in November with an exceptional exhibition. The fair will feature a special selection from the largest ethnological jewellery collection in Holland. It is the outcome of an inspiring collaboration with the Amsterdam Tropenmuseum, the Ethnological Rijksmuseum in Leiden and the Africa Museum in Berg en Dal.
At a fair where the visitor is surrounded by prominent international contemporary design, occasionally featuring very futuristic touches, we felt this anniversary was an occasion to go back to the roots: to the ethnology of jewellery. Ethnological jewellery originates from and is connected with all possible milestones in life, with traditions, ancestor worship and the use as amulet, talisman and medicine. Jewellery is the bearer of symbols and wearable stories with a fascinating symbolic language.
Phenomenal
The merger of the Tropenmuseum, Ethnological Rijksmuseum and Africa Museum in 2014 resulted in a phenomenal collection of some 6000 pieces of jewellery from antiquity to the present day. The SIERAAD exhibition is an opportunity for the new museum organisation to spotlight these cultural treasures in all their glory for the first time. The exhibition is the ‘appetizer’ on an extensive menu of jewellery exhibitions that are planned for the coming years.
Location: Gashouder, Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam admission; is € 15 – per person per day for 2 days € 20.00 pp, 65 + and CJP/students pay € 12.50 , children under the age of 12 ( accompanied) free • tickets can be purchased at the box office or ordered www.sieraadartfair.nl • at the show can be bought and paid for through various payment systems. • You can park in the nearby parking Westergasfabriek or in the immediate surroundings.
Thursday November 10
14.00 hour: SIERAAD Art Fair open for the public.
16.00 hour: opening 15th edition by HRH Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme, Maya Meijer (owner Westergasfabriek ) Director Stijn Schoonderwoerd TropenMuseum, Africa Museum and Ethnological National Museum.
Opening SIERAAD Art Fair:
