Voices of Civilizations: Bridging Cultures through Music

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Voices of Civilizations: Bridging Cultures through Music

The Final of the 2026 “Culture China · Water Cube Cup” Chinese Song Contest, Netherlands Division was recently held in the Netherlands. On 21 May, in connection with the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the organizing committee released a special feature entitled “Voices of Civilizations”, using Chinese songs as a cultural medium to engage in dialogue and share perspectives on international public themes such as civilizational exchange, cultural diversity, and youth cross-cultural expression.

The United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development calls attention to the importance of understanding, respect, and dialogue among different cultures and civilizations. As an important cultural extension of this year’s Netherlands Division, “Voices of Civilizations” explored how music — an art form capable of transcending language, geography, and cultural boundaries — can create deeper connections through genuine interaction, shared listening, and emotional resonance.

The special dialogue brought together Peter van Bergen, Dutch contemporary music PhD owner and researcher; Hanqing Zhou, European-based Chinese baritone, and Vice President of the European Chinese Students Entrepreneurship Foundation; Shen-Ai Ho, young pianist and performing artist from Taiwan, China; Viola Cheung, soprano from Hong Kong, China; and Xige, music producer from Inner Mongolia, China. Drawing on their respective backgrounds in vocal performance, piano, music production, contemporary music, and cross-cultural artistic practice, the guests shared reflections on how music connects hearts, supports the growth of young people, and advances dialogue among civilizations.

The guests noted that genuine civilizational exchange should not remain at the level of displaying cultural symbols. Rather, it should be built upon mutual listening, understanding, respect, and long-term emotional connection. As a universal language, music enables people from different cultural backgrounds to resonate through shared listening experiences. It also helps overseas youth rediscover their own cultural roots in multicultural environments and develop more open, confident, and inclusive forms of expression.

The guests further observed that Chinese songs carry not only the beauty of the Chinese language, but also rich cultural emotions, life experiences, and aesthetic traditions. In an era of increasingly frequent global cultural exchanges, the international dissemination of Chinese songs is not only an artistic pathway for the global expression of Chinese culture, but also an important means of enhancing mutual understanding among civilizations and expanding the space for public dialogue.

The event was organized by the Organizing Committee of the 2026 “Culture China · Water Cube Cup” Chinese Song Contest, Netherlands Division. The organizing committee stated that it will continue to connect its cultural activities with international public themes such as the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. Through Chinese songs and artistic exchange, the committee aims to further promote people-to-people exchanges between China and the world, encourage mutual learning among civilizations, and allow music to play a positive role in connecting emotions, deepening understanding, and building consensus in cross-cultural communication.

The Mechanism in its sunset phase: a responsible conclusion of the justice cycle

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The Mechanism in its sunset phase: a responsible conclusion of the justice cycle

By H.E. Mrs. Graciela Gatti, President of the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

When the United Nations Security Council established the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda in 1993 and 1994 respectively, it marked a significant expression of the international community’s commitment to the rule of law and an effort to restore human dignity in the aftermath of the mass atrocities of the early 1990’s. These ad hoc Tribunals, which were later succeeded by the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (commonly referred to as “the Mechanism”), achieved ground-breaking results.

They authoritatively interpreted and gave concrete effect to the Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law. In relation to nearly 200 indictees, these courts held accountable those most responsible for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, through trials and appeals adhering to the highest standards of fairness.

While the Mechanism has entered its “sunset phase”, it still carries real responsibilities to real people – obligations entrusted to the institution by the Security Council to ensure justice remains fair, effective, and durable. These include judicial oversight of protective measures granted to approximately 3,200 victims and witnesses and ensuring due process and effective implementation of sentences for the 38 convicted persons incarcerated under the Mechanism’s authority. Other important residual functions are the Prosecution’s assistance to national jurisdictions and the management of the archives of the ad hoc Tribunals and the Mechanism.

As the institution has evolved and its mandate has narrowed, the question of how its remaining functions should be managed — whether through continuation, transfer, or termination — has become increasingly important. In the current biennial review of the Mechanism’s progress and work, the Security Council will soon consider two reports by the Secretary-General on the possible transfer of functions and is expected to take decisions on the future jurisdiction of the Mechanism. I consider that there are clear options for the responsible transfer and termination of certain functions and other changes to the Mechanism’s mandate will allow it to become a very small, purely judicial institution, carrying out only limited, non-resource-intensive judicial functions essential to the completion of the justice cycle.

The most pertinent proposals made by the Secretary-General are as follows: The Mechanism’s Prosecution currently provides extensive assistance to various domestic prosecution efforts aimed at closing the impunity gap for fugitives and accused suspected of committing international crimes in the former Yugoslavia and during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. However, this technical assistance to national jurisdictions, as well as the Registry’s management of the archives, which is vital to preserving an accurate historical record to support research and counter revisionism and genocide denial, do not need to remain embedded within a judicial institution and could instead be transferred to the UN Secretariat. Furthermore, under appropriate circumstances, some administrative functions related to the day-to-day supervision of conditions of imprisonment could also be transferred to States, if compliance with minimum international standards is ensured.

However, the Secretary-General’s reports recognize that a limited number of judicial functions must remain at the international level in order to best ensure due process and the interests of justice. I will address the two most critical ones in turn:

First, the judicial authority to vary protective measures for victims and witnesses. Protective measures assured these individuals’ anonymity in proceedings before the ad hoc Tribunals and the Mechanism based on objective safety concerns. Many witnesses continue to fear retaliation or re-traumatization if their identities or testimony are disclosed; nevertheless, their evidence may be critical to key domestic accountability processes and allowing access to it may be necessary to avoid a miscarriage of justice in national cases. International judges are uniquely placed to impartially balance these competing interests and make determinations on varying protective measures fairly and consistently. Witnesses and victims who testified against those responsible for mass atrocities relied on assurances of international judicial protection. Preserving that guarantee is essential not only to the legacy of our work, but also to maintaining confidence in witness protection in future international criminal proceedings.

Second, the authority to designate enforcement States and to decide on pardon, commutation of sentence, or early release. Retaining this function at the international level ensures the most fair and uniform treatment of convicted persons regardless of where imprisonment takes place. Considering that the numerous States enforcing sentences under the authority of the Mechanism have varying early release and sentence remission practices, the transfer of this function to States creates credible risks of arbitrary, disparate and unequal treatment of prisoners.

The Mechanism is working diligently towards its ultimate closure. While the Mechanism’s residual judicial functions do not garner the same publicity as the capture of fugitives and the issuance of verdicts, this does not make these processes less important to the justice cycle. Hastily terminating or transferring critical judicial functions risks disparate and arbitrary application of the law, as well as irreparable damage to the entire accountability process.

The Mechanism remains committed to guaranteeing the international community’s substantial investment in justice and will continue to uphold the more than three decades of groundbreaking advancements in human rights and international criminal law.

Aishath Shaan Shakir reinforces ties to Sweden through accreditation

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Aishath Shaan Shakir reinforces ties to Sweden through accreditation

Thursday, 16 April 2026, Stockholm, Kingdom of Sweden: Maldives has reinforced its diplomatic presence in Sweden, with Ambassador Aishath Shaan Shakir presenting her Letters of Credence to King Carl XVI Gustaf, marking the start of her tenure as non-resident Ambassador to the Scandinavian country.
The ceremony was held at the Royal Palace in central Stockholm, followed by an audience with the Head of State. During the tête-à-tête, Ambassador Shaan conveyed greetings from President Mohamed Muizzu, along with those of the Maldivian government and people, to the Swedish monarch, government, and population. 

Discussions during the audience reflected on the existing relationship between the Maldives and Sweden, with Ambassador Shaan expressing interest in expanding cooperation across areas of shared interest during her tenure. Currently trade ties are limited but ca. 2000 Swedes visit Maldives on a yearly basis. Ambassador Shaan was accompanied by Saifulla Waleed, Second Secretary at the Maldives Embassy in Germany that is co-accredited to Sweden. 

As part of her visit to Stockholm, she also held meetings with senior officials at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden. These discussions focused on strengthening bilateral engagement and exploring collaboration within multilateral forums. Previously, the then Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid paid a visit to Sweden in May 2023 in connection with the EU Indo-Pacific Forum. Another important milestone was the visit of then President Mohamed Nasheed in 2009 to Sweden to receive the Anna Lindh Award for his role in securing the peaceful transition to democracy in Maldives. 

Sweden does entertain an honorary consulate in Malé, capital of Maldives, whereas the non-resident embassy is based in New Delhi, India. Swedish Ambassador Jan Thesleff presented his credentials to then President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in 2023; year that marked also the forty-fifth anniversary of diplomatic ties between Sweden and Maldives. 

Ambassador Shaan Shakir concurrently serves as the Maldives’ Ambassador to Germany, as well as non-resident Ambassador to Norway and Finland, reflecting a broader diplomatic mandate across Northern Europe. Aishath Shaan Shakir arrived in Germany after serving in the capacity as Chief of Protocol at the Maldivian Foreign Ministry. She led her first mission in Bangladesh in the capacity as high commissioner from 2016 to 2020. Having joined the diplomatic service in 1984, she has served likewise in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.

For further information 

The Royal House of Sweden: https://www.kungahuset.se/arkiv/nyheter/2026-04-16-kungen-gav-hogtidliga-audienser

Government of Sweden: https://www.regeringen.se/sveriges-regering/utrikesdepartementet/sveriges-forbindelser-med-omvarlden/asien-och-oceanien/maldiverna/

Embassy of Maldives in Germany (co-accredited to Sweden): https://www.maldivesembassy.de

Ambassador Maeve Monica Collins pays inaugural visit to Bremen

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Ambassador Maeve Monica Collins pays inaugural visit to Bremen

Wednesday, 13 May 2026, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Germany: Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte welcomed Irish Ambassador Maeve Monica Collins to Bremen City Hall. Following the welcome, Ambassador Collins signed the city’s Golden Book.

During their meeting, Mayor Bovenschulte and Ambassador Collins discussed opportunities for cooperation between Bremen and Ireland. The conversation also covered Bremen’s presidency of the Bundesrat (Federal Council of States) and Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, which it will assume in the second half of this year.

Earlier in the day, Ambassador Collins paid introductory visits to the Bremen State Parliament (Bremische Bürgerschaft) and the Chamber of Commerce. 

At the State Parliament, Ambassador Collins was welcomed by Speaker Antje Grotheer. During the latter meeting, topic of conversation was U.S. online platforms. According to Collins, Ireland serves as a key technology hub for these companies. It is essential, she noted, to develop “smart” regulations — specifically to make the internet safer for children and protect them from dangers — while simultaneously preserving Ireland’s role as a technology hub.

Ambassador Collins has served in a diplomatic career spanning more than three decades, with postings and senior appointments across Europe, Asia, and North America. He began his service with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs in 1990 as Third Secretary in the Anglo-Irish Division in Dublin, later moving to the Economic Division and serving at the Embassy of Ireland in Bern and Ottawa. Over the years, he took on increasingly senior roles, including positions in the Development Cooperation Division, the Department of Finance, and the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast.

His career also includes extensive leadership in Irish and European external relations. He served as Joint Director General at the International Fund for Ireland, then as Ambassador of Ireland to Viêt Nam and later to Finland.

In 2011, he joined the European External Action Service as Deputy Head of Delegation at the EU Delegation in Japan, before returning to senior roles in Dublin as Regional Director in the Asia-Pacific Unit and later as Director General of the EU Division. He went on to serve as Deputy Permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels, and since August 2024 has been Ambassador at the Embassy of Ireland in Berlin.

For further information 

City of Bremen: https://www.senatspressestelle.bremen.de/pressemitteilungen/irische-botschafterin-zum-antrittsbesuch-im-bremer-rathaus-485054?asl=bremen02.c.732.de

Bremen State Assembly: https://www.bremische-buergerschaft.de/index.php?id=35&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=2415&cHash=5bda8bb9aa4e972579bd757294547d38

The One-China Principle is Not to Be Challenged

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The One-China Principle is Not to Be Challenged

The International Community Has Once Again Rejected the Participation of Taiwan Region in the World Health Assembly

By H.E. Mr. Bo Shen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

On May 18, the General Committee and the Plenary Session of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) respectively decided to reject the so-called proposal of “inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer” submitted by certain countries. This marks the 10th consecutive year that the WHA has rejected such a proposal. This outcome once again demonstrates that the one-China principle is a prevailing consensus of the international community and a fundamental principle that the World Health Organization must uphold. Any attempt to challenge this principle under the pretext of public health issues will receive no support from the international community.

Recently, the authorities of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and a small number of countries have continuously hyped up the so-called issue of “Taiwan’s participation in international organizations” and even claimed that “Taiwan is excluded from the global health system.” Although such statements are made under the guise of public health and humanitarian concerns, their true purpose is to politicize health issues and use them as a pretext to challenge United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and the post-war international order.

There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is both a historical fact and a principle of international law. The Taiwan question has a clear historical background and legal context. In 1895, Japan forcibly occupied Taiwan after invading China. During World War II, the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation clearly stipulated that all territories Japan had stolen from China should be restored to China. In 1945, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, restoring all lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and explicitly resolving the question of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the UN system.

This resolution not only confirmed the lawful seat of the Government of the People’s Republic of China within the United Nations system, but also established an indisputable fact: Taiwan is not a country, and China has only one seat in the United Nations. Therefore, the World Health Organization, as a specialized agency of the United Nations, must abide by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution WHA25.1. The participation of China’s Taiwan region in activities of international organizations must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle. This is an established international norm, rather than what some describe as a “unilateral demand” by China.

In the past, China’s Taiwan region participated in the World Health Assembly under the name “Chinese Taipei.” This was not a so-called “right granted to Taiwan by the international community,” but rather a special arrangement reached through cross-Strait consultations on the basis that both sides adhered to the one-China principle. Since 2016, the DPP authorities have refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, and have stubbornly adhered to the separatist position of “Taiwan independence,” thereby causing this arrangement to lose its political foundation. The responsibility lies entirely with the DPP authorities themselves.

More importantly, the claim that “Taiwan is excluded from the global health system” is completely inconsistent with the facts. The Chinese central government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of compatriots in Taiwan. Provided that the one-China principle is upheld, channels for information and technical exchanges between China’s Taiwan region and the World Health Organization have always remained open and unimpeded.

Over the past year alone, the central government approved applications from 18 medical and health experts from China’s Taiwan region to participate in WHO technical activities, covering areas such as immunization strategies, vaccine development, mental health, and digital health. Under the framework of the International Health Regulations, China’s Taiwan region is able to promptly access and report health emergency information to the WHO.

The two sides across the Taiwan Strait also maintain smooth information-sharing mechanisms on infectious disease outbreaks and have continued exchanges and cooperation in the field of medical and health care. These facts fully demonstrate that the so-called “gap in the international pandemic prevention system” is nothing more than a fabricated narrative.

In recent years, a tiny minority of countries have repeatedly attempted to distort United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and the fundamental fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. This not only challenges China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also undermines the post-World War II international order and the authority of the United Nations. The international community clearly recognizes this. During this year’s World Health Assembly, the overwhelming majority of countries explicitly reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle, supported United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, opposed the participation of Taiwan region in the World Health Assembly, and expressed support for China’s position through measures such as sending letters to the Director-General of the World Health Organization. This once again demonstrates that upholding the one-China principle represents international justice, the will of the people, and the prevailing trend of the times.

As the global landscape becomes increasingly complex and unstable, it is all the more important for all countries to jointly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, rather than create ambiguity and confrontation on issues concerning the core interests of other countries.

The Taiwan question is entirely China’s internal affair and brooks no foreign interference. No matter what the DPP authorities say or do, they cannot change the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Nor can they alter the historical trend toward China’s ultimate and inevitable reunification. Upholding the one-China principle, safeguarding the authority of the United Nations, and maintaining the post-World War II international order serve the common interests of the international community and are also conducive to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Weather Warfare and the Future of International Law

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Weather Warfare and the Future of International Law

By Ayesha Asim

For decades, weather warfare occupied a marginal yet persistent place within international security discourse, situated uneasily between military history, scientific experimentation, and geopolitical speculation. In 2026, however, amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, environmental manipulation has quietly re-emerged as a subject of legal and diplomatic concern.

Recent online claims linking rainfall patterns in Iran and Iraq to attacks on US-linked radar infrastructure revived debate concerning the potential militarisation of environmental technologies. Reports circulating across regional media and digital platforms states that rainfall increased following strikes on military radar systems associated with US operations in the Middle East. For example, The Jerusalem Post reported on viral claims that “stolen rains” had returned after disruptions to alleged weather-control operations. Similar narratives also appeared in regional commentary and online discussions following reports of Iranian strikes on radar installations in Iraq and the Gulf region.

The allegations quickly attracted public attention across the region. Yet meteorological experts and scientific authorities strongly rejected such assertions. Iranian weather officials publicly stated that military or aviation radar systems cannot manipulate large-scale precipitation systems. Independent scientific assessments similarly found no evidence supporting the existence of operational technologies capable of engineering regional droughts or storms through radar installations alone. Various news reports and fact-check investigations likewise concluded that the allegations lacked scientific substantiation.

Nevertheless, the controversy itself remains legally and politically significant. Even where claims are scientifically unsupported, their political significance reflects growing international anxiety regarding environmental insecurity and the future strategic implications of climate-related technologies.

In regions already confronting drought, desertification, and severe water scarcity, environmental vulnerability has increasingly become intertwined with geopolitical rivalry and national security concerns.

The concept of environmental manipulation as a method of warfare is not entirely new. During the Vietnam War, the United States conducted Operation Popeye, a covert cloud-seeding programme intended to prolong monsoon conditions along enemy supply routes. The operation intensified international concern regarding environmental modification techniques and ultimately contributed to the adoption of the 1977 Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques, commonly referred to as the ENMOD Convention.

Under Article I of the ENMOD Convention, states parties undertake not to engage in military or hostile environmental modification techniques having “widespread, long-lasting or severe effects” as a means of destruction, damage, or injury against another state. At the time of its drafting, the treaty primarily contemplated large-scale climatic interventions capable of producing floods, earthquakes, or other forms of environmental disruption.

Nearly five decades later, however, scientific and technological developments have complicated the legal landscape considerably.

Contemporary geoengineering proposals, including solar radiation management and large-scale atmospheric interventions, are increasingly discussed within scientific and policy circles as potential responses to climate change. Although many remain experimental, several possess dual-use characteristics, meaning technologies designed for civilian climate mitigation may theoretically acquire strategic or military applications.

International law remains insufficiently prepared to regulate this emerging ambiguity.

One major challenge concerns attribution. Unlike conventional military attacks, environmental manipulation may prove exceptionally difficult to detect, measure, or conclusively attribute to a particular state actor. Climate systems are inherently complex, and ordinary weather variability can itself generate suspicion in politically volatile environments. Under such conditions, perception may become as geopolitically consequential as scientific verification.

This dynamic is particularly visible in the Middle East, where water scarcity has increasingly evolved into a matter of national and regional security. Iran, Iraq, and neighbouring states face mounting ecological pressures arising from prolonged droughts, declining river flows, and rising temperatures. In such circumstances, narratives involving “climate theft” or foreign environmental interference gain political traction not because they are scientifically established, but because environmental stress has intensified geopolitical mistrust.

The result is a dangerous convergence of climate anxiety, information warfare, and strategic competition.

For international lawyers and policymakers, the central concern is therefore not whether present radar systems can control rainfall. There is no credible evidence that they can. Rather, the more pressing issue is whether existing international legal frameworks are capable of regulating future environmental technologies before geopolitical tensions outpace legal governance.

The ENMOD Convention itself remains limited in both scope and enforcement capacity. Drafted before the emergence of contemporary climate engineering debates, the treaty lacks comprehensive verification mechanisms and provides limited guidance regarding dual-use environmental technologies. At the same time, major powers increasingly regard technological dominance, including leadership in climate-related innovation, as part of broader strategic competition.

As climate pressures intensify globally, allegations of environmental manipulation may increasingly become instruments of propaganda, coercion, and diplomatic confrontation, regardless of whether such claims are scientifically substantiated.

What was once regarded as speculative may soon emerge as a serious challenge for international security governance.

The renewed debate surrounding weather warfare, therefore, reveals less about secret technologies controlling rainfall and more about the evolving nature of insecurity in the twenty-first century. Climate change is no longer merely an environmental issue. It is increasingly embedded within questions of sovereignty, technological governance, military strategy, and state responsibility under international law.

In that sense, future disputes over climate intervention technologies may prove far more consequential than the present controversy itself.

About the author:

Ayesha Asim, PhD Scholar in law and LLM International Law (Gold Medallist), Legal Analyst, lecturer, and with extensive experience in legal research, advisory, policy analysis and teaching. She can be reached at ayeshamalyc09@gmail.com.

Threads of Heritage: Weaving Southeast Asia’s Living Tradition

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Threads of Heritage: Weaving Southeast Asia’s Living Tradition

By Roy Lie Atjam

Amsterdam, 12 May 2026 – The highly anticipated opening ceremony of the joint traditional textile exhibition, THREADS OF HERITAGE: Weaving Southeast Asia’s Living Tradition, was a captivating celebration presented by the Embassies of the ASEAN Community in The Hague. Set against the backdrop of the beautifully renovated Indonesia House Amsterdam (IHA), this exceptional venue stands out as the largest and most diverse Indonesian Promotion Centre in Europe.

Once serving as the Indonesian Consulate General Office from 1967 to 1976, the building has been reborn after almost five decades of vacancy, culminating in its inauguration in 2024 by Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Retno L.P. Marsudi, and the Indonesian Ambassador in the Netherlands, H.E. Mayerfas.

ASEAN TEXTILE EXHIBITION

During today’s  immersive program, attendees were invited to embark on a journey of cultural exchange, walking among an exquisite array of traditional textiles from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The exploration was guided by the eminent textile anthropologist Dr. Sandra Niessen, whose deep understanding of the subject brought each piece to life.

H.E. Amrih Jinangkung, Ambassador of Indonesia and H.E. J. Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines with anthropologist Dr. Sandra Niessen.

She illuminated the intricate weaving techniques, revealing the rich cultural symbolism woven into each motif, and conveyed the historical significance of these treasured textile traditions that reflect the soul of the region. Dr. Niessen’s presentation was a masterclass, meticulously detailing the artistry and heritage of Southeast Asian weaving, shaped by her more than forty years of devoted research a commitment that has woven itself into the fabric of her identity.

With a background of Canadian-Dutch descent, she shared a heartfelt reflection on her yearning for Southeast Asian ancestry, adding a personal touch to her scholarly discourse.

H.E. Amrih Jinangkung, Ambassador of Indonesia to the Netherlands.

The inaugural welcome remarks were delivered by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in the Netherlands, H.E. Amrih Jinangkung. A  summary of his address follows:

“It is a great honour for me to welcome you all to this special event, where we come together to celebrate and preserve one of our most precious cultural treasures: traditional textiles of ASEAN.

First of all, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the Philippines on the successful hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu last week. The success of the Summit and today’s event clearly demonstrate our shared commitment to a stronger and more united ASEAN.

We all know that diversity is the greatest strength of ASEAN. This rich cultural diversity, inherited from our ancestors, is something cherish we must protect together. One of its most beautiful expressions is the extraordinary variety of our traditional textiles.

Today’s joint exhibition is a wonderful showcase of that diversity and richness. The displayed textiles come in many forms— fabrics, ceremonial costumes, shawls, scarves, and woven garments— each carrying its own unique origin and cultural meaning.

We are honored to see T’nalak from the Philippines, woven using Abaka fibers and linked to T’boli mythological traditions.

We also have the colorful H’mong Costume from Vietnam, known for its intricate embroidery with indigo dyeing reflecting the mountain cultures of northern Vietnam.

From Thailand, we see the elegance of Phaa Poom. Thai textiles are renowned for their refined silk weaving traditions, rich gold-thread embroidery, and regional patterns that once reflected royal courts and local kingdoms.

Malaysia presents Songket, textiles woven with metallic gold or silver threads that historically symbolized nobility and prestige in the Malay Sultanates. Songket weaving itself requires immense patience and skill, often taking months to complete a single ceremonial cloth.

For Indonesia, we proudly present Tenun Ikat. Allow me to share a little more about the this piece that is on display today. One of the featured textiles is called “Hinggi Kaliuda” from East Sumba. This remarkable cloth combines plants and animals motifs.

In Sumbanese culture, each motif carries profound symbolism: horses represent greatness, strength, and social status; hens and roosters symbolize unity and family harmony; prawns signify death and reincarnation; while flowers represent beauty and the continuity of life. Traditionally, such textiles were worn during important ceremonies and were considered symbols of honor and ancestral connection.

In addition to the exhibition we are enjoying here today, we were also honoured last month to witness the beautiful exhibition of Thailand’s Chut Thai (Thai National Costume), graciously led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.

I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Ambassador Asi and Madam for the outstanding success of the exhibition. Many of us are still captivated by the display, which continues at De Bijenkorf in Amsterdam.

Traditional textiles are much more than fabric; they represent a cherished heritage, preserved for generations. Shaped by local wisdom and cultural values, these textiles carry deep meaning through intricate motifs that tell stories of ancient myths, spirituality, and social status. Beyond ceremonial uses, traditional textiles play a vital role in our daily lives and are essential for local economies.

 From sarongs and batik to the Barong in the Philippines, they enrich our routines and culture. For many families and artisans, textile production is a labor of love and a source of livelihood, preserving valuable skills and promoting cultural sustainability. These textiles accompany us through significant life moments, making them integral to our identity.

We take pride in the international recognition of our textiles by UNESCO: Indonesian Batik (2009), Malaysian Songket (2021), and Tais from Timor-Leste (2021). We also support Thailand’s efforts to recognize Chut Thai as part of our shared cultural heritage.”

In conclusion, an exhibition tour followed. Guests were invited to mingle, view textile exhibits and engage with the curators.

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Reaffirms Commitment to Justice Partnership with Colombia

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ICC Deputy Prosecutor Reaffirms Commitment to Justice Partnership with Colombia

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and the Government of Colombia reaffirmed their shared commitment to partnership, complementarity and victim-centered justice during the official visit of ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan to Bogotá from 4 to 8 May 2026.

During her first official mission to Colombia, Deputy Prosecutor Khan held meetings with senior government officials, judicial authorities, representatives of the United Nations, members of the diplomatic community, civil society organisations and victims’ representatives. The visit took place within the framework of the 2021 Cooperation Agreement signed between the ICC Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) and the Government of Colombia.

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan during the interinstitutional roundtable with Government agencies and judicial authorities.

Deputy Prosecutor Khan described Colombia as “a leader in international criminal justice” and stressed the importance of ensuring that the country’s transitional justice process continues to deliver meaningful results for victims. She reaffirmed the Office’s dedication to working closely with all partners in line with the OTP’s Policy on Complementarity and Cooperation.

A central focus of the mission was the implementation of sentences issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, following recent landmark decisions in Colombia’s transitional justice process. Discussions highlighted the importance of effective coordination among national authorities to ensure sanctions are implemented in a way that reflects accountability, public condemnation of criminal conduct, and recognition of victims’ suffering.

The Deputy Prosecutor met with Colombia’s Minister of Justice and Law, Jorge Iván Cuervo Restrepo, and expressed appreciation for the Government’s continued support of the transitional justice framework and its commitment to strengthening coordination with the JEP.

She also held discussions with Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, as well as Claudio Tomasi, Acting Resident Coordinator in Colombia. Meetings with international partners and members of the diplomatic community underlined the importance of sustained international engagement and support for Colombia’s peace and justice architecture.

An important component of the mission involved direct dialogue with civil society organisations and victims’ representatives. These exchanges provided an opportunity to assess progress achieved, ongoing challenges and the support still required to advance accountability efforts. Deputy Prosecutor Khan reiterated the OTP’s commitment to ensuring that victims’ voices continue to shape and inform its complementarity activities.

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Khan was welcomed by the President of the JEP and its magistrates.

The visit also included meetings with Alejandro Ramelli and magistrates of the JEP, reflecting the strong ongoing partnership between the ICC Office of the Prosecutor and Colombia’s transitional justice institutions. Deputy Prosecutor Khan welcomed the progress achieved across several macro-cases and acknowledged efforts to develop restorative sanctions that include effective restrictions on liberties and rights.

Deputy Prosecutor Khan concluded her mission with a keynote address at an academic event hosted by Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on partnerships for justice. Emphasising the importance of international cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges in international criminal justice, she noted that complementarity can “build bridges” and strengthen collective efforts to deliver justice and accountability for victims.

Energy Transition and Urban Development, Interview with Thamar Zijlstra

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Energy Transition and Urban Development, Interview with Thamar Zijlstra

Power, Cities and Fairness – Rethinking the Energy Transition in Urban Life

Energy rarely draws attention until it becomes a problem. It appears in rising heating bills or in the sudden arrival of a wind turbine next door. Today the energy transition is no longer distant. It is unfolding inside our neighborhoods and it is not unfolding evenly.

Young people are often told to switch off lights and travel less, while large corporations continue operating with limited constraint. That imbalance is not just frustrating – it is structurally flawed. Responsibility is being misallocated. If emissions are concentrated, then accountability must be too.

A conversation with Thamar Zijlstra, a councillor in Amsterdam West, brings this into focus. Her work highlights a core issue: the transition is not only technical. It is political and deeply social.

Low-income communities face disproportionate risks. Upgrading homes or adapting to new systems requires capital, many simply do not have. Without targeted policy support the transition reinforces inequality, instead of reducing it. Any serious framework must start with redistribution mechanisms, not just incentives.

At the same time cities need to open decision-making. Energy infrastructure – whether solar projects or district heating – directly affects daily life. Yet communities are often informed rather than involved. That approach creates resistance and slows implementation. Participation is not a bonus feature. It is operationally necessary.

Corporations remain the central actors in urban emissions. Pretending otherwise weakens policy design. Yes, individual behavior matters. But it is marginal compared to industrial output. Strong regulation, transparent emissions reporting and real financial pressure on high-impact sectors are non-negotiable.

Zijlstra also points to a more grounded layer of change. Community gardens, repair workshops and local initiatives make sustainability visible and social. These efforts build trust. Still, they are not substitutes for systemic reform. They are support mechanisms, not solutions.

Urban development adds another layer of tension. Cities must build faster, while also building greener. The real opportunity lies in designing complete neighborhoods – integrating housing, energy systems, mobility and green space from the start rather than retrofitting later.

Mobility policy shows, where clarity already exists. Electrifying cars alone is not enough. Reducing dependency on cars altogether is the more efficient path. Cities that prioritize cycling and public transport are not idealistic – they are pragmatic.

The energy transition is often framed as a technological upgrade. That is a shallow reading. It is a redistribution of power, cost and influence. The critical question is not whether the transition will happen. It is who shapes it and who pays for it.

This article is produced by Charahja van Broekhoven, Alexandra Osina, Peace Ojoma Idoko, Alexandra Lawrentiev, Taeyun Kim, Longrui Deng, Beatrise Abelkalna, Lauren van Laarhoven-Hargreaves, participants in the Bright Future Foundation, as part of the European Union’s “Participate & Promote Democracy” Youth Participation project, in cooperation with Diplomat Magazine, Embassy of the Netherlands in Armenia and young members of the Armenian partner organization Promising Youth.

Thanksgiving Mass Opens Cameroon National Day Celebrations in The Hague

Diplomat Magazine
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Thanksgiving Mass Opens Cameroon National Day Celebrations in The Hague

On the occasion of Cameroon’s National Day, H.E. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua celebrated a thanksgiving Mass at the Church of Our Saviour in The Hague, bringing together the Cameroonian community of the Netherlands and Luxembourg in a moment of prayer, unity and national pride. More than 900 faithful attended the celebration, praying and singing together for Cameroon and its people.

Among the distinguished guests were the Ambassadors of Rwanda, H.E. Lambert Dushimimana and Angola, H.E. Lizeth N. Satumbo Pena, as well as the Honorary Consul of Sierra Leone, who attended in support of their colleague and to draw inspiration from the Cameroonian initiative of organizing a thanksgiving Mass as part of the national celebrations.

The Mass marked the opening of the 54th edition of Cameroon’s National Day celebrations in the Netherlands. Its purpose was to give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon Cameroon and to entrust to God all the activities organized for the week-long celebrations.

The African community played an active role in both the preparations and the ceremony itself, attending dressed in elegant and colourful African attire.

In a solemn procession, Ambassador Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua entered with a delegation carrying the Cameroonian flag and later presented offerings in support of refugees, underlining the values of solidarity.

The homily delivered by Father Sjaak de Boer, Parish Priest of the Church of Our Saviour, focused on the importance of seeking and pursuing peace. Three religious songs selected by the Embassy were performed during the service, accompanied by traditional African drum rhythms.

At the conclusion of the Mass, parishioners and guests gathered to share sweets and refreshments, extending the spirit of fellowship beyond the religious celebration.

The thanksgiving Mass forms part of a wider programme of events organized by the Embassy of Cameroon in The Hague to celebrate the country’s National Day over more than one week.

On Saturday, 16 May, the Embassy will host a culinary workshop dedicated to Cameroonian gastronomy, featuring the preparation and presentation of two of the country’s iconic dishes: Ndolé and Braised Fish.

A mini football tournament will also take place at St De Whilemus, promoting friendship and inclusion through sport. The first match will oppose the men’s team of Cameroon against refugees living in the Netherlands, while the second will see the Embassy women’s team, the Amazons of the Embassy, compete against CDA United Women.

The celebrations will conclude on Friday, 22 May, with a large diplomatic reception at the Marriott Hotel in The Hague, gathering members of the diplomatic corps, economic and cultural partners, and the Cameroonian community in the Netherlands.

Congratulations to H.E. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua on Cameroun National day 2026.
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