Branko van Loon, Director of Hague Academy.The Netherlands in a Nutshell – Dealing with the DutchDo you really have a King? Who is Wilders? Which papers should I read? Why are the Dutch so rude?
If you recently arrived in The Netherlands to spend the next few years working and living with the Dutch, these are just a few questions you might have. Let Hague Academy make your arrival in The Netherlands a soft landing. We can help you understand the Dutch. At Hague Academy we offer a concise introduction to governance, politics, media and culture of The Netherlands. Our trainers are people with an international outlook and long track records in the fields of media, business, diplomacy and politics. They will guide you through the Dutch political system, share their experience with you, and answer your questions.
In just three hours you will expand your knowledge on how to deal with the Dutch. Welcome to The Netherlands.
Content
Governance: Get to know what the most important institutions are in Dutch governance. Exploring the inter play between the chambers of parliament, the government and the ministries. Discover the importance of regional and local bodies and the institutions of the European Union on policy making in the Netherlands.
Politics: Guiding you through the crowded eld of Dutch political parties and factions. Learn their positions and the main political players in The Hague and get acquainted with the polder system.
Media: Learn what the major Dutch media outlets are, the top newspapers, the popular news programmes, and the rise of social media. More importantly, learn how to use these mediums to get your message across.
Dutch culture: How do the Dutch interact with each other? What are the do’s and don’ts in social and business settings and how does one “act normal” in the Netherlands? How is Dutch society structured? Are the Dutch as equalitarian as they think or are class differences just subtler but no less present?
Programme: from 9:30 to 13:00, including lunch
Dates: Thursday 8th of September 2016 Thursday 6th of October 2016.
Costs: Special offer: € 350,- per person. We also offer in-company training sessions and organise tailor-made programs for incoming delegations.
Contact: Josja Roest, coordinator Hague Academy info@hague.company or +31 (0)70 2400832
Jazz at Marriott The Hague. Picture by Ronald Blom.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
A successful summer outdoor garden jazz concert took place on the lawns of the garden of The Hague Marriott Hotel on.
The time was Sunday 14 August2016, Dutch and other jazz lovers were elated by the sublime performer, the Brazilian Henrique Gomide along with his colleagues.
Notably the Brazilian jazz has been very outstanding.
A BBQ concluded the festive jazz happening.
Photography by Marjolein Sosef.
Pictured H.E. Moazzam Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.By Zohra Moazzam.
The Pakistani Embassy hosted a Mango festival at the hotel Hilton The Hague on the 4th of August, to celebrate the arrival of summer and the distinctly sweet Pakistani mangoes that come with it.
His Excellency Moazzam Ahmad Khan began the evening with a statement that… “Although several countries produce mangoes in the region, the ones from Pakistan possess an incomparable flavour with its high nutritional value and kills all bitterness within us.” He continued by adding that he may be biased, but challenged the guests to try the mangoes, since “ The proof of the Pudding is in the eating”.
Ever since the arrival of H.E. Moazzam Ahmad Khan to the Netherlands, he paid special attention to the promotion of trade and investment between the two countries. This event was also part of his “Food Diplomacy” which he has carried out through the years and through to his final embassy event as serving Ambassador to the Netherlands.
The evening was set with a blend of Pakistani Qawwali and Sufi music that created a lively atmosphere where guests were encouraged to try a bit of Pakistani culture from their music, food and mangoes.
For additional Kims Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157672523670686Pakistan’s Commercial Counsellor, Mr Syed Mahmood Hassan.
True to Pakistani hospitality, the plates of the guests were never empty and filled with the seasonal Sindhri Mangoes and the classic chicken and rice dish, Bhiryani, which was paired with a refreshing mango milkshake.
Ambassador Moazzam Khan with H.E. Mr Hiroshi Inomata Ambassador of Japan.
The Hall was filled with stalls of cartons that displayed fresh, yellow mangoes and informed guests of the variety and seasonal nature of the fruit which includes the Anwar Ratol, the Sindhri, the Chaunsa and the Dasheri.
H. E. Leena Salim Moazzam and the Ambassador of Pakistan.
With the mangoes only available in select local markets, it was not surprising that the festival attracted many members of the Diplomatic corps including Ambassadors from India, Iraq, Denmark, Japan, Tunisia, Ukraine, Jordan, Chile, Iran, El Salvador, Venezuela and Portugal.
The Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Aida Luz Santos de Escobar, Ing Frank Escobar, Mr. Anton Lutter and Ms. Sonia Meijer, Honorary Consul of El Salvador with three young guests.
The festivities were also shared with members of the OPCW Technical Secretariat and local professionals with a history of relations with Pakistan, who all attested to the unique sweet flavours of the Pakistani mango.
By Anton Lutter.
During a sunny Monday the 15th of August, the end of the second world war in the Netherlands-Indies (nowadays: Indonesia) was remembered, 71 years to the day the Japanese forces capitulated before the Allied forces.
The government was formally represented by the Prime Minister Mr Mark Rutte and the undersecretary Mr Martin van Rijn, who has “WWII” in his portfolio. Also in attendance were the Minister of Defense Mrs Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Minister Jet Bussemaker of Education, Culture and Science as well as the Commander of the Dutch Defence Force, with the Operational Commanders of the Army, Navy, Air force and Marechaussee.
After the laying of the reefs by the Government, defence and city of The Hague authorities, also the representatives of the Embassies of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States paid their respect by laying a reef.
The ceremony started when the standard of the Regiment Van Heutsz was presented by the military in traditional uniforms of the former Royal Netherlands Indies Army. The solemn musical setting was performed by the chapel of the Royal Dutch Airforce.
During the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands-Indies 100.000 Dutch citizens were interned of whom 13.000 didn’t see their freedom.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Bangladesh mission in the Netherlands observed National Mourning Day in a solemn ceremony at the Chancellery on Monday 15 August 2016. As of 1996, 15 August the death anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared National Day of Mourning. It is marked with solemn official ceremonies.
On 15 August in 1975, Bangladesh’s architect Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman and most of his family were assassinated at his home by soldiers in one of the bloodiest political assassinations ever.
The Bangladesh mission in The Hague in a statement said the observance of the day included the hoisting of the national flag at half-mast, the observance of one-minute silence.
Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal.
Messages from the President, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and state Minister for Foreign Affairs, were read out, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador to the Netherlands also addressed the audience. In his address Ambassador Belal highlighted various aspects of the life of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his contribution for the nation.
Ambassador Belal narrated on how Bangabandhu laid the foundation of Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy and elevated himself to the towering personalities of a globalized world during his only 44 months long statesmanship.
Accordingly, Ambassador Belal, likewise previous year, urged the Bangladeshi community in the Netherlands to contribute in this regard for establishing Bangabandhu Chair in any university in the Netherlands.
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Highlighting the ongoing development spree in the country, under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Ambassador Belal shared with the audience updates on the follow up works following Prime Minister’s visit to the Netherlands in November 2015.
His Excellency informed the audience that the embassy is working, for organising a single country trade fair tilted “Dutch Bangla Trade Fair 2016” in the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam on September 28-29, 2016 as well as a “Travel Fair” in The Hague in October 2016.
Ambassador Belal also shared with the audience a list of upcoming events primarily as a follow up to Hon. Prime Minister’s visit to the Netherlands.
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Roy Lie A Tjam, from Diplomat Magazine.
The mission also screened a documentary on “Life and Work of Bangbandhu”. The mission’s officials, expatriate Bangladeshis and friends took part in the commemoration.
At the end of the programme, prizes were distributed by Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, wife of Ambassador Belal, before her rendering vote of thanks. Lunch was served to the attendees.
Syria: UNHCR gravely concerned by situation in Aleppo city and attacks on IDP settlements in Idleb
11 August 2016
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) urges all parties to the conflict to ensure, first and foremost, the safety and dignity of civilians, including families and vulnerable groups trapped in Aleppo city, who are facing constant bombardment, violence, and displacement.
Furthermore, UNHCR is gravely concerned by the spate of attacks on internally displaced person (IDP) settlements in Idleb Governorate over the last 10 days, as well as other attacks on other IDP settlements and civilians elsewhere in the country, which have resulted in civilian casualties and further displacement. The attacks indicate a shocking disregard for civilian life. UNHCR reiterates the importance of allowing access to safety, and respect for the civilian and humanitarian character of IDP settlements.
UNHCR reiterates its call for ensuring the protection of civilians based on international humanitarian law, international refugee law, and human rights law. UNHCR calls for a durable and sustainable solution to this conflict.
Access Policy for the Records held by the Mechanism is issuedArusha, The Hague, 15 August – The Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) on Friday issued an Access Policy for Records held by the MICT (Access Policy), which constitutes the foundation of the organisation’s information security and access regime. The Access Policy applies to all records managed by the MICT, including inactive records and archives of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) which have been transferred to the custody of the MICT, as well as to records and archives created or maintained by the MICT itself. Records that continue to be managed by the ICTY, including those still in active use by the ICTY and the Prosecutor’s evidence collection, are not governed by the Access Policy. The Access Policy reflects the MICT’s commitment to respecting its obligation that its work shall be open and transparent, and it affirms its commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Archives. It emphasizes the public’s right to access the MICT’s records and archives and outlines the criteria guiding access requests. In addition, the Access Policy complies with established UN Rules and standards, including ST/SGB/2012/3, while taking into consideration the unique nature of the judicial records. In accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1966 (2010) and Article 27 of its Statute, the Mechanism is responsible for the management, including preservation and access, of the ICTR, ICTY, and MICT archives.
As part of the Second World Nomad Games 2016, on September 4th, 288 yurts will open as part of the “Kyrgyz Village” ethno-village in Kyrchyn Gorge. Nomad camps, as part of “Kyrgyz Village”, will stretch grandly across the picturesque gorge from southeast to northwest.
The ethno-village will consist of nine nomad villages, each of which will consist of 25 yurts. These will represent the seven oblasts of Kyrgyz Republic and the cities of Osh and Bishkek.
Entrance to the village will be through the central gate (darbaza), decorated in ethno-style flags. On both sides will stand small traditional stone sculptures, called balbaly. Young men and women in traditional clothing will stand next to this charming gate to greet guests.
From their first steps, guests will be able to feel the unique atmosphere of the beginnings of the celebrations, personally seeing nomadic culture and acquainting themselves with the traditions and customs of the Kyrgyz people.
In the central square, on the podium, the biggest yurt, Khan Ordo, will be constructed, as well as two smaller yurts for special guests, as well as two watchtowers on either side of Khan Ordo, flagpoles, and a decorated tower.
Separate yurts will serve as the headquarters for emergency services, law enforcement agencies, healthcare services, and a press-center for local and foreign media outlets.
https://youtu.be/JfKQhD3mE9Q
Special areas will be reserved for foreign delegations, where representatives can construct their traditional modes of housing. Another area with 60 yurts will be for visitors who are involved in the food court and other similar services.
The Second World Nomad Games will take place from September 3rd through 8th, 2016, at Lake Issyk-Kul. The program includes spectacular sporting competitions in 23 different kinds of traditional sports, “Nomad’s Universe” folklore festival, as well as other cultural and sporting events, which will take place in the Hippodrome in Cholpon-Ata, as well as in the picturesque Kyrchyn Gorge and in the Health and Wellness Center.
Royal Bridges, an artistic movement created by Bahrain’s most prominent artist, Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and Diplomat Magazine’s Baron Henri Estramant is due to host its first global functions at the end of November 2016. More precisely the opening of an exhibition entitled “Convergence” to be held for VIPs on 29 November 2016 at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Center. Convergence brings together for the first time in history of art, an exceptional mix of royal, princely and noble artists from around the world celebrating and displaying contemporary art in the Emirate of Dubai. Itself featuring a plethora of paintings, sculptures, jewerelly designs and musical performances listed as UNESCO world heritage. Convergence considers global interchange in modern and contemporary art by providing firsthand view at the work of twenty-first century royal, princely and noble artists across disciplines who have proven professional record and international recognition. Currently artists hailing from every continent are represented for Convergence. HE Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Co-Founder of Royal Bridges.Fostering a culture of giving and philanthropy, the movement will host a gala dinner whose proceeds shall be donated to the United Nations Food Programme. The auction thereto is to be managed by Christie’s Dubai. First Slovenian winner of one of World Press Photo awards, Matjaž Krivic, will serve as the star photographer. Royal Bridges also convenes a global movement aiming at saving royal heritages from falling into abeyance or rather oblivion. Convergence will for instance feature the “Royal Drummers of Burundi” who played a ritualistic, religious as well as a liaison between the Royal Court and ordinary Burundians during the erstwhile kingdom. As the latter does not longer exist, the performing arts of the drummers have become obsolete in the republic, and hence are threatened with extinction in spite of its status as UNESCO intangible world heritage. Even in kingdoms such as Cambodia the “Royal Cambodian Court Ballet” (likewise listed as UNESCO world heritage) suffers from visibility due to a lack of funding from a court lacking political power. Both performing arts will be featured during Convergence. The participating artists and patrons include:
HM Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck of Bhutan – Textiles
HRH The Duchess of Württemberg, Diane of Württemberg and d’Orléans – Painter
HRH Princess Sophie of Romania – Photography
HRH Princess Sibylle of Prussia – Painter
HSH Princess Ede Sapieha -Różańska– Painter
HRH Princess Lelli de Orleans e Bragança of Brazil – Painter
HE The XII Marchioness of Castelldosríus, Grandee of Spain, Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada – Fashion design
HRH The Dowager Princess of Tarnovo, Miriam of Bulgaria – Jewerelly design
HRH Princess Reem bint Mohammed Al Faisal Al Saud – Photography
HRH Prince Sisowath Tesso of Cambodia – Royal Cambodian Ballet
HRH Prince Norodom Sirivudh of Cambodia – Singer and pianist
HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani – Painter
HH Prince Rostislav Romanov of Russia – Painter
HIIH Count Bertram zu Castell-Rüdenhausen – Painter
HE Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa – Painter
Maharajkumari Vidita Singh of Barwani (India) – Painter
HRH Princess Esther Kamatari of Burundi – Royal Drummers of Burundi
HE Mevrouw Martine van Loon-Labouchere – Investiture dress at the Court of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
HRH Princess Tessy of Luxembourg and Nassau – Court dress from the Grand Duke of Luxembourg’s Official Birthday 2016. Haute couture gown by designer Marcin Lobacz,
HRH Princess Tatiana of Greece and Denmark – Greek artisanship
A BBQ concluded the festive jazz happening.
Photography by Marjolein Sosef. 
Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal.
Messages from the President, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and state Minister for Foreign Affairs, were read out, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador to the Netherlands also addressed the audience. In his address Ambassador Belal highlighted various aspects of the life of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his contribution for the nation.
Ambassador Belal narrated on how Bangabandhu laid the foundation of Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy and elevated himself to the towering personalities of a globalized world during his only 44 months long statesmanship.
Accordingly, Ambassador Belal, likewise previous year, urged the Bangladeshi community in the Netherlands to contribute in this regard for establishing Bangabandhu Chair in any university in the Netherlands.
.
Highlighting the ongoing development spree in the country, under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Ambassador Belal shared with the audience updates on the follow up works following Prime Minister’s visit to the Netherlands in November 2015.
His Excellency informed the audience that the embassy is working, for organising a single country trade fair tilted “Dutch Bangla Trade Fair 2016” in the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam on September 28-29, 2016 as well as a “Travel Fair” in The Hague in October 2016.
Ambassador Belal also shared with the audience a list of upcoming events primarily as a follow up to Hon. Prime Minister’s visit to the Netherlands.
.
Roy Lie A Tjam, from Diplomat Magazine.
The mission also screened a documentary on “Life and Work of Bangbandhu”. The mission’s officials, expatriate Bangladeshis and friends took part in the commemoration.
At the end of the programme, prizes were distributed by Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, wife of Ambassador Belal, before her rendering vote of thanks. Lunch was served to the attendees. 
