The statement released by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in The Hague addresses a tragic terrorist attack that occurred in Kerman on January 3, 2024. The statement condemns the act in the strongest terms and provides details on the human toll, with 84 people, including children and women, losing their lives, and over 200 individuals incurring injuries.
The swift condemnation of the attack by various entities, including the Dutch government and the European Union, is acknowledged in the statement. The Embassy emphasizes that such acts of terrorism provide an opportunity for global unity in the fight against this heinous phenomenon. The statement underscores the commitment of the Islamic Republic of Iran to conducting thorough investigations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and masterminds behind the attack.
Furthermore, the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist acts, highlighting their explicit aim to destabilize Iran and spread insecurity in the region and the world. The commitment to utilizing all political, legal, and international mechanisms to hold accountable those responsible for orchestrating and carrying out these attacks is reiterated in the statement. The pursuit of justice for the victims is emphasized as a top priority.
HRWF (08.01.2024) – From 8 to 19 January 2024, the District Court of Oslo will examine the de-registration case of Jehovah’s Witnesses on the grounds of their exclusion policy of members, also named disfellowshipping.
The case follows the government’s denial of the Witnesses’ application for state grants in 2021, which they had received for 30 years. These subsidies are not “gifts” but allocations provided for by the Norwegian Constitution and laws to respect the principle of equality between religious communities, whatever their size, since the Church of Norway (Lutheran) is supported by taxpayers’ money.
A timeline in short
On 27 January 2022, the County Governor (Statsforvalteren) for Oslo and Viken, Ms. Valgerd Svarstad-Haugland, issued an administrative decision denying the state subsidy for the year 2021 to Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The starting point of the legal saga was a report addressed to the Ministry of Children and Family Affairs by Prof. Furuli, a professor emeritus of Semitic languages at the University of Oslo and a disfellowshipped Jehovah’s Witness himself, in connection with the exclusion and expulsion policy of members. The question was raised about how the report should be assessed with regard to the registration of and state subsidies to the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Noteworthy is that Prof. Furuli supported a first decision in August 2021 by a Norwegian court “annulling” an ecclesiastical decision where the Jehovah’s Witnesses disfellowshipped one of their female members, Gry Helen Nygård. However, this decision was reversed on 9 July 2021 by the Borgarting Court of Appeal and on 3 May 2022 by the Supreme Court of Norway with a unanimous decision (5-0). Nygård then took her case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), which rejected her complaint without giving any further reason, which is common when the ECHR regards complaints as clearly unfounded.
Nygård has also taken her case to a different court, the media, and has found a sympathetic ear from people hostile to Jehovah’s Witnesses.
On 25 October 2022, the County Governor of Oslo and Viken, Ms. Valgerd Svarstad-Haugland, demanded via letter that Jehovah’s Witnesses change their religious beliefs and practices, otherwise they would lose their registration. In her letter, she did not refer to any court decisions or complaints to the police, child welfare authorities, or other relevant authorities. The Witnesses proposed to meet her but she declined their request.
On 22 December 2022, the County Governor revoked their registration as a religious community.
On 30 December 2022, Oslo District Court granted Jehovah’s Witnesses a temporary injunction suspending the County Governor’s decision and pending litigation.
On 26 April 2023, the District Court lifted the injunction in response to a request by the Ministry of Children and Families. The decision was appealed.
On 30 June 2023, the Borgarting Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal on technical grounds.
What are and can be the consequences of the de-registration?
News reports about the State revoking the Witnesses’ registration stigmatize the nearly 12,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses of Norway.
The negative media coverage has led to considerable increase in verbal abuse, physical assaults, as well as vandalism of places of worship (e.g., offensive graffiti, arson).
The community is losing the State’s recognition of their religious marriages as well as some $1.6 million (USD) in government grants.
The State intrusion into the beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses that is being examined in Norway can have a very negative impact on other religious communities in Norway and other countries.
The ruling against that religious community “can have consequences for a whole range of other faiths,” stated Dag Øistein Endsjø, professor of Religious studies at the University of Oslo, in an interview published in the newspaper Vårt Land .
In an editorial, Vebjørn Selbekk (editor-in-chief of the respected Norwegian Christian newspaper, Dagen) expressed fear that the County Governor may go on and sanction other religious groups whose beliefs and practices she happens to disagree with. He regarded the decision as anti-democratic, and expressed the hope that the Jehovah’s Witnesses will “emerge victorious from the upcoming court process.” Noteworthy is that Mr. Selbekk is not a Jehovah’s Witness and is critical of their theology.
Last but not least, a collateral damage is also the reaction of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs whose spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, decried the hypocrisy of Norway which deregistered Jehovah’s Witnesses, while criticizing Moscow at international forums for banning that same religious community. She also added that Russia’s nationwide ban is hereby legitimized by the decision in Norway.
The picturesque coastal town of Scheveningen, located in The Hague, is set to become a hub of artistic brilliance with the upcoming exhibition titled “A Winter by the Sea.” Organized by Triple A Projects, this exhibition brings together a group of talented Dutch artists whose works captivate and inspire.
Festive Opening on January 13 at 3 pm
Mark your calendars for a festive opening on January 13 at 3 pm, where art enthusiasts and the local community can gather to celebrate the creative endeavors of these renowned Dutch artists. The event is not just an exhibition; it’s a cultural celebration that invites everyone to immerse themselves in the world of artistic expression.
Explore the artists’ individual worlds by visiting their websites, such as Marisa Polin, Rob van’t Zelde and discover the depth and diversity they bring to “A Winter by the Sea.”
Mark your calendars for a festive opening on January 13 at 3
Exhibition Details
The exhibition will be open on January 13/14, 20/21, and 27/28, 2024. Visitors can explore the artistic wonders from 1 pm to 5 pm on these dates. The venue, located at Strandweg 171-173, Noordboulevard, Scheveningen, promises an immersive experience with the sea as a breathtaking backdrop.
For those arriving by car, convenient parking is available behind the exhibition venue. Alternatively, public transport is easily accessible via tram 9, with the nearest stop being Zwarte Pad.
Rob van’t Zelde
More Information
For additional details about the exhibition, visit the Triple A Projects website at www.allaboutartprojects.nl. For inquiries, feel free to reach out to Det Regts and Saskia Groenewegen, the organizers of this artistic endeavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just beginning your artistic journey, this exhibition promises a delightful and enriching experience by the sea. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this cultural celebration in Scheveningen!
An interview by Caucasian Journalwith His Excellency Hideki Ishizuka, the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to Georgia.
Alexander Kaffka, editor-in-chief of CJ: Your service in Georgia had started in summer, so you must have got already some local experience. Can you name three impressions in Georgia, which you did not expect, and which have surprised you?
Hideki Ishizuka: My first impression was the view from the airplane, just before I arrived at Tbilisi. I am deeply impressed by the breathtaking scenery of the white shining mountains of the Great Caucasian Range and the beautiful forests. But I was more impressed by the well cultivated crop field at the brink of deep gorge in the mountainous region. It shows the diligence of people of Georgia, and I feel sympathy because it is very similar to Japan’s “terraced paddy fields”.
My second impression was the Georgian hospitality, which many foreign people are fascinated by. Japanese people are also proud of their way of hospitality “omotenashi” to consider guest first with respect, but Georgian hospitality “Maspindzloba” is more proactive and generous with friendship. Georgian people are very friendly to guests with gentle smiles. I found in many cases people are polite to each other (except for traffic jam…) and I often hear “Ki Batono!” in their conversations. This kind of politeness is also very comfortable to Japanese people, as we have the same culture.
Third, I am impressed with the friendship that the Georgian people have towards Japan. Beyond my expectation, many Georgian people are interested in ancient tradition like Judo or Sumo, and pop culture including Anime and Manga. I am learning Georgian language and it always makes me encouraged to see Georgian people learn Japanese language eagerly. I am happy to hear that Tbilisi State University has opened Japanese language major courses this year.
AK: I am sure you also now have a very clear vision the full spectrum of interrelations between Japan and Georgia – in political, economic, cultural fields. Are there any tendencies, achievements, or particular projects that you want to emphasize?
IH: As 2022 remarked the 30-year anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Georgia, I feel that the bilateral relations are developing year by year.
I am very happy to say high-level visits become frequent. As a proof, Japan-Georgia Parliamentary Friendship Association visited Georgia and the Georgian counterpart also visited Japan this year. Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture, Sport and Youth, H.E. Ms. Tea Tsulukiani visited Japan remarking FIBA Basket World Cup held in Okinawa prefecture.
Our bilateral relationship entered new stage of cooperation to address common agenda. Both countries have already signed cooperation scheme such as JCM (Joint Crediting Mechanism), Investment Agreement, Tax Convention and so forth.
Before my diplomatic mission in Georgia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan dispatched me to Hitotsubashi University, and I was teaching history of diplomacy and international relations. Taking advantage of my academic background, I would like to encourage intellectual exchange. In 2024, Georgia will host ADB (Asian Development Bank) General Assembly for which Japan has been the biggest funding country since its establishment. Therefore, I will spare no effort to strengthen the political and economic ties between the two countries.
AK: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and your appointment to Georgia? From your publications I see that your professional interests are quite far from our region, and more related to China and USA.
IH: It is true that most of my career has been dedicated to the diplomatic missions in China and other countries such as Sweden, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Vienna etc. However, as the geopolitical significance and connectivity Georgia contains is getting more important, every piece of my knowledge and experience, for example promotion of economic cooperation and cultural exchange, is also helping me to work in Georgia.
I was a professor in Hitotsubashi University; the historical path which Georgia, since millennia BC to this century, has been walking on, teaches us all kinds of important elements necessary to study international relations. No wonder that more and more universities in Japan have been interested in Georgia and Caucasus region as well.
Also, I used to be the Director of Country Assistance Planning Division III of International Cooperation Bureau in charge of ODA (Official Development Assistance) policies. I understand that ODA is one of the best ways to assist other countries and build stronger ties with Japan.When it comes to Georgia, Japan has implemented more than 200 projects in the framework of the GGP (Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects) to support the development of Georgia. Actually recently I have signed two grant contract to provide vital services to persons with disabilities for promoting their independent living in Khobi Municipality and to improve the mobility of the local people to gain access to the goods, essential services and critical facilities in Oni town and 21 villages.
AK: Speaking about your interests, I have noticed that you have also authored many scholarly articles and books on cultural and historic subjects. They are very wide, ranging from ancient Chinese architecture to medieval Pashtu poetry, and from Japanese numismatics to folk songs. May I ask what’s the role of arts and history in your life? And how do you manage to combine such versatile research interests with a daily diplomatic work?
IH: I believe purpose of philosophy and science is “to know yourself”, as all the ancient wisemen said. Humanity like arts and history helps us to find ourselves directly. One of my conclusions of my diplomatic career is this is the world of humankind wherever it may be. My academic discipline is area study in East Asia, and it should not only find the unique points of a region but also consider the universal human aspect of a specific regionality. One of the methods is comparative study of cultures.
In a diplomat’s life, every day is the comparative study, for example translation of languages. It is quite interesting process not only for curiosity but also for pursuit for academic knowledge.
Because of the increasing global tensions, Middle Corridor and its pivotal country Georgia have been drawing positive attention from the entire world, including Japan.
AK: Sometimes, when speaking to a diplomat there is a risk to receive nothing but a “diplomatic answer”, but this should not discourage the interviewer. The situation in our region is rather complicated, in particularly in the field of security. How is Georgia and this region in general viewed from Tokyo?
IH: In my view, Georgia has been increasing its geopolitical significance because of the regional and global challenges. For example, Georgia has good relations with both Azerbaijan and Armenia, and plays an important role as intermediator to ensure peace and stability in the region. In fact, I witnessed the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan visited Tbilisi at the same time on the occasion of Silk Road Forum in October this year, which represented Georgia’s role in the region. Because of the increasing global tensions, Middle Corridor and its pivotal country Georgia have been drawing positive attention from the entire world, including Japan.
Japan and Georgia share the basic values such as democracy, rule of law, human rights etc. Georgia is an important partner for Japan to build free, open and rule-based international order. That is why Japan has been assisting its nation-building from the day 1 and has been fully respecting and supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
AK: Can we touch upon the economic side of our relations? What can be done, in your view, to make Georgia more attractive for serious Japanese investors?
IH: With its oldest history of wine, various tourism spots and business-friendly environment, Georgia has many attractive points in terms of business. Georgia is now enjoying very rapid economic growth. Georgia is reportedly reaching soon to 8000 USD per capita national income. There are several Japanese companies such as Toyota-Caucasus, JTI (Japan Tobacco International), TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) and so forth, which make investments in Georgia. In order to increase business activities between two countries, we need to foster more people-to-people exchange and mutual understanding. I hope a platform between Japan and Georgian businesses can provide business information for each other.
I heard that more than 70% of Georgia’s electricity is generated from renewable energy. Green energy can attract Japanese investment. As I mentioned earlier, Japan and Georgia are working on concrete projects in the framework of JCM (Joint Crediting Mechanism). Japanese companies with high technology can contribute to Georgia’s sustainable development and I see many rooms for bilateral cooperation in this field. How wonderful it is if green energy of Georgia would be combined with global digital transformation (DX) as GX (Green Transformation)!
Education, research, science and technology have been the key elements of development, and traditional virtues like diligence and politeness helped the stability of society.
AK: We at the Caucasian Journal are strong believers in the importance of wide dissemination of the world’s best practices, reform experiences and other advanced know-how – to make them better known and eventually adopted in our region. As Japan has exemplary achievements in many fields, can you point us to any such subjects, that might be useful to adopt in Georgia, so we could help by providing media coverage on them?
IH: Japan has achieved rapid economic growth while preserving its traditions and cultures. Japan has no big oil-gas field, coal or gold mine nor other big natural resources, and is a small country in comparison with surrounding big powers, but human resources are available for Japan’s socio-economic development. Education, research, science and technology have been the key elements of development, and traditional virtues like diligence and politeness helped the stability of society.
There is a narrative almost known to all Japanese: In 1868, when Meiji Restoration started, Nagaoka city was involved in Civil War and once ruined. Later the government subsidized 100 bushels of rice as reconstruction aid. Citizens discussed how to use it, for food assistance or reconstruction of municipality, but they decided to sell the rice for the construction of the school and because of the rich human resource, the city had developed very rapidly in a few years. I believe, education is the priority for the socio-economic development.
It is quite interesting that Illia Chavchavadze highly evaluated such Japan’s efforts to westernize the education system, and pointed out the possibility of Japan’s further development in 1889 in his newspaper Iveria.
AK: If there is anything that you would like to add for our readers, the floor is yours.
IH: My good counterpart, Ambassador of Georgia to Japan, H.E. Teimuraz Lezhava has been actively promoting Georgian culture in Japan through social media. I also would like to promote people’s understanding of Japan and Japanese culture in Georgia. To this end, our embassy has been conducting various cultural events and activities and will plan more.
We also have Facebook page where you can find relevant information such as new cultural events, interesting facts about Japan, Embassy’s recent activities or Japanese Government (MEXT: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship program which encourages Georgian students to study in Japan.
It has been around a half year since I started to work as Ambassador of Japan to Georgia. I am thankful for a lot of people welcoming me. I would like to do my best to strength the ties between our countries.
On the 1st of December 2023, a select group of diplomats convened in the heart of Dutch horticulture, Westland, for an introductory meeting organized by Mayor Bouke Arendsand Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine. The gathering took place at the World Horti Center in Naaldwijk, the international hub of horticulture, showcasing Westland’s prowess as the largest concentrated greenhouse horticultural area globally.
Among the distinguished guests were the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Mr. Askar Zhumagaliyev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica, Ms. Chonvipat Changtrakul, Charge d’affaires of Thailand, and Mr. Shahrokh Nazemi of Iran.
The day’s program was meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive insight into Westland’s innovation, productivity, and global partnerships in horticulture. The schedule included a series of presentations by the director of the World Horti Center, Mrs. Puck van Holsteijn, and the director of Dutch Greenhouse Delta, Ms. Mirjam Boekesteijn. Following the presentations were interesting pitches of FoodVentures, Certhon and KUBO, a tour of the World Horti Center, and a guided visit by its CEO to Koppert Cress, Mr. Rob Baan a leading player in the industry.
The Mayor of Westland, Mr. Bouke Arends, set the tone for the day with a warm welcome, expressing his honor at hosting the esteemed guests. He highlighted Westland’s commitment to spreading the message of local, sustainable food production globally. The region, often referred to as the ‘City of Glass,’ boasts a concentration of key players in the entire greenhouse horticulture chain within a compact area of less than 100 square kilometers.
Mayor Arends emphasized the uniqueness of this cluster, bringing together activities from seeds to growing, packaging, transport, and trade, supported by government initiatives and collaboration with knowledge, technology, and research institutes. The economic impact is substantial, with the greenhouse industry alone generating over 6 billion Euros annually, contributing to continuous innovations.
“The greenhouse industry in our municipality generates more than 6 billion Euros annually. The added value of the entire cluster is twice that amount.
On a daily basis the companies in our region work on the newest innovations to improve horticulture, such as different types of (semi)-closed greenhouses, sustainable water use and almost autonomous greenhouses.” he explained.
In addressing the challenges of a growing global population and urbanization trends, Mayor Arends emphasized the role of high-tech horticulture in achieving local food production. He invited collaboration between Westland’s businesses and governments worldwide to address these challenges collectively. Mayor Arends declared the following “By 2050, it is expected that the world population will reach approximately 9 billion people, mainly living in new cities or so-called megacities. This means we are facing towards 600 cities with more than 10 million inhabitants. Feeding the population of these megacities will become increasingly important.”
After Mayor Arends’ speech, Ambassador Sahar Ghanem, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to witness the “unknown miracle of the Netherlands.” She commended the Dutch expertise in agriculture, acknowledging the Netherlands as the second-largest global exporter of agricultural products. “This says a lot about the level of innovation, creativity, experience and knowledge this sector could reach in the Netherlands.” She said.
Ambassador Ghanem saw this expertise as vital in addressing contemporary global challenges, including climate change, conflicts, and limited resources. She emphasized the potential for stronger cooperation between countries to harness the benefits of Dutch advancements in science and innovation for the greater good of humanity. “I see great potential and opportunity that can be used for the benefit of all humanity through stronger cooperation between countries in this field of science and innovation.”
The day’s program concluded with a sense of optimism and the promise of future engagements. Mayor Arends expressed his belief in the power of collaboration and learning from each other. “As diplomats you understand as no other the importance of speaking and acting in such a way as to keep all doors open. I believe working together and engage in economic relations can be such a vehicle.” The visit to Westland was a platform for building connections, sharing knowledge, and fostering partnerships that transcend borders for a sustainable and innovative future in horticulture.
Friday, 8 December 2023, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: Canadian politican John Horgan was received by German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier for his accreditation ceremony as top diplomatic envoy of Canada, and a subsequent tête-à-tête.
John Joseph Horgan, born on August 7, 1959, has had an illustrious career that spans across continents and sectors. With a foundation in education from Trent University in Canada where he earned his B.A. in 1983, and the University of Sydney in Australia where he completed his M.A. in History in 1986, Horgan has built a reputation as a dedicated public servant and a champion of progressive policies.
Horgan’s political journey began in earnest when he was elected as the leader of British Columbia’s New Democratic Party in 2014, a role he held until 2022. His commitment to his constituents was evident as he served in British Columbia’s parliament from 2005 to 2023, where he worked tirelessly to represent their interests and to bring about meaningful change.
His tenure as 36th Premier of British Columbia from 2017 to 2022 was marked by significant milestones. Under his leadership, the province became the first in Canada to adopt legislation in line with the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples. This was a landmark move, demonstrating Horgan’s dedication to reconciliation and his respect for Indigenous rights and cultures.
Advocacy for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship was also central to his premiership. Horgan navigated British Columbia through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme natural disasters like floods and wildfires, and also spearheaded North America’s most comprehensive climate action plan, reinforcing his commitment to clean energy and climate resilience.
Before his electoral success, Horgan made impactful contributions in the House of Commons in Ottawa and served the Government of British Columbia with distinction. His roles included that of Associate Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Finance and as the principal negotiator for the Columbia River Treaty with the United States, showcasing his adeptness in both financial governance and international diplomacy.
As of December 8, 2023, John Horgan has embarked on a new chapter as the Canadian Ambassador to Germany. With his vast experience, personal integrity, and a proven track record of leadership, Ambassador Horgan is set to strengthen the ties between Canada and Germany, fostering mutual cooperation and understanding on a global stage.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — In a historic moment, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark made her final appearance as monarch, concluding her last New Year celebrations before her scheduled abdication on January 14. The queen’s decision to step down after an illustrious 52-year reign marks a significant chapter in Danish history, as she becomes the first Danish monarch to abdicate the throne since 1146.
Thousands of well-wishers lined the streets, braving freezing temperatures, strong winds, and snow, to cheer the world’s last reigning queen during her farewell procession. Queen Margrethe II, known for her sense of responsibility, propriety, and commitment to her duties, has remained an extremely popular figure in Denmark throughout her reign. Her brightly colored clothing, love of archaeology, and chain smoking have made her a distinctive and beloved monarch.
As the longest-serving monarch in Denmark’s history, Queen Margrethe II has played an important role in shaping the nation’s identity. Her decision to pass the throne to her oldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, marks the beginning of a new era for the Danish monarchy.
Crown Prince Frederik, 55, the Count of Monpezat, is married to Crown Princess Mary, 51, born Mary Donaldson in Australia. With their union, she became HRH Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth of Denmark, and she will now become the first Australian-born queen consort. The couple is set to be crowned as King and Queen of Denmark, bringing fresh perspectives and a modern touch to the royal family.
Crown Prince Frederik has dedicated his life’s work to addressing climate change, while Crown Princess Mary has gained recognition for her advocacy in LGBTQI+ causes, maternal health, and women’s reproductive rights. Their commitment to pressing global issues reflects a shift toward a more socially conscious monarchy.
The queen’s final public appearance took place in the so-called Gold Coach, pulled by six white horses, a traditional mode of transport used during the New Year’s fete. Escorted by members of the Hussar Regiment in their distinctive blue uniforms with red jackets, the queen’s journey symbolized the end of an era and the beginning of a new reign.
Throughout the week leading up to her abdication, Queen Margrethe II held a series of events to bid farewell to the Danish government, parliament, top civilian and military officials, as well as foreign diplomats. The transition of power, scheduled for January 14, is expected to be a moment of mixed emotions, with Danes both mourning the departure of their beloved queen and celebrating the ascension of the new royal couple.
In her annual New Year televised address on December 31, Queen Margrethe II revealed that back surgery in early 2023 prompted reflections on the future and when to pass on the responsibilities of the crown to her son. “I have decided that now is the right time,” she announced.
When Queen Margrethe II ascended the throne in 1972 after the passing of her late father, King Frederik IX, only 42% of Danes supported the monarchy. However, the most recent surveys indicate that a remarkable 84% of Danes now favor the continuation of the monarchy, underlining the enduring legacy of a monarch who has been a stalwart figure in the hearts of her people. As Denmark bids farewell to its queen, a new chapter in its royal history is set to unfold under the leadership of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary.
A few ministries of foreign affairs (MFA) have effective departments with professional public diplomacy (PD) and strategic communication staff. Both elements are part of the same core of foreign policy soft power. Those who fail to assimilate experts in PD are dysfunctional. The purpose of these important instruments is to protect the image, the essential interests and national security of States.
An example of successful soft power and strategic communication in our region is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of El Salvador. Despite the strong incidents from the most solid local and international media, this small country has been able to maneuver and make it clear -with very little budget and a reduced diplomatic staff- that its hard power measures are not the only option to get its people out of one of the most serious social and national security disasters on the planet. President Bukele’s decision to prepare strategic communications with his accurate personal messages revalidated by his MFA and diplomatic corps is a great success.
The small country has been winning the battle by convincing national audiences (public affairs) and foreigners (public diplomacy) about the importance of terrorist imprisonments and massive deportations. The Central American head of State is beginning to extend his hand to countries that need to implement at least part of his model, aid that does not always appear in the media.
In the United States, the birthplace of public diplomacy as a new diplomatic profession, President Bush addressed his guests at the White House Summit on Malaria on December 14, 2006 as follows: “We also know that nations with free, healthy and prosperous citizens will be a source of stability, giving no chance to extremists filled with hatred and terror. By making the world more hopeful, we make the world more peaceful, and by helping others, the American people help themselves. Indeed, public diplomacy involves both understanding and assisting foreign audiences so they in turn cooperate with our foreign policy. It is a branch of international relations that works in two ways.”
In principle, strategic communication should take into account the following:
(a) The fundamentals of freedom, human rights and equality among human beings.
b) Reach out to those who share our ideals.
c) Support democracy and its freedoms.
d) To try to change those who promote hatred and differences among peoples.
Strategic communication provides the means to convey public diplomacy initiatives in the most effective way possible; public diplomacy gives the necessary form that strategic communication messages must take.
Communication and collaboration seeks cooperation between states, identifying those common points of targeted public diplomacy.
About the author:
Dr. Eugenio Matos G. is a senior diplomat. He is one of the first Latin American experts in public diplomacy and recipient of several recognitions in International Relations. Lecturer in Public Diplomacy at the University of Ottawa, Canada.
Portugal, a perennial favourite among Dutch travellers, continues to allure with its rich cultural variety, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. At Vakantiebeurs 2024 in Utrecht, Portugal takes center stage, showcasing its diverse attractions, and inviting visitors to explore into the unique experiences each region has to offer.
Alentejo, Portugal
Alentejo: Where Tradition Meets Tranquility
Portugal’s participation at Vakantiebeurs 2024 is a journey through its enchanting regions. Alentejo, renowned for its wine and cork production, captivates with its timeless charm. Nestled beyond the rolling plains, the Serra de São Mamede Nature Park unveils itself as a hidden treasure. Winter transforms this landscape into a breathtaking vista, offering panoramic views from São Mamede’s 1,025-meter peak. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural splendor and explore the diverse fauna and flora thriving at high altitudes.
Azores, Algarve, and the Enchanting “Centro”
Beyond Alentejo, the Portuguese stand at Vakantiebeurs 2024 beckons visitors to discover the Azores, Algarve, and the captivating region known as “Centro.” The Azores, an archipelago of lush green islands, promises a unique blend of nature and tranquility. Meanwhile, the Algarve, with its sun-kissed beaches and picturesque cliffs, remains a perennial favorite.
“Centro,” extending from Porto to nearly Lisbon, boasts historical gems such as Coimbra, home to the oldest university in Portugal, one of the oldest in Europe and an UNESCO world heritage site. The region also embraces the famous pilgrimage site of Fatima and the awe-inspiring big wave surfing coast of Nazare.
Visit Portugal Vakantiebeurs 2024
Portugal at Pavilion 8: A Central Hub of Exploration
The heart of Portugal’s showcase at Vakantiebeurs 2024 lies in Pavilion 8. This central location ensures that visitors can seamlessly navigate through the various regions, discovering the diverse offerings that make Portugal a multifaceted destination. Diplomats have the opportunity to engage on Travel Trade Day, scheduled for January 10th, while the general public is invited to explore the Portuguese stand throughout the fair from 11 to 14 January 2024 at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht.
A Taste of Portugal: Cuisine, Culture, and Hospitality
Apart from its breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks, Portugal entices visitors with its delectable cuisine, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. At Vakantiebeurs 2024, attendees can savor the essence of Portugal through culinary demonstrations, cultural performances, and firsthand interactions with representatives from the Embassy of Portugal in The Hague and regional tourist boards.
As Portugal unfolds its treasures at Vakantiebeurs 2024, it invites the Dutch market to embark on a journey filled with discovery, relaxation, and the genuine warmth that defines the Portuguese experience. Whether it’s the serene beauty of Alentejo, the azure waters of the Azores, or the historical marvels of “Centro,” Portugal beckons, promising an unforgettable adventure for all who choose to explore its wonders.
Two years ago, alarming news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine spread through official news agencies. Many people across the globe were watching this great crisis with concern for their future. This crisis may be a terrible spark for much bigger crises such as hunger and war over available resources. The dread of an imminent nuclear war may satisfy a small population. The last resort is unwelcomed by any means.
Without social justice, these hungry and frustrated people may never be able to cope. They do not have an airplane to board, nor hope to even hang on to its wheels. An example of what happened to desperate Afghans fleeing the situation is a statement that appears in the minds of many. Without social justice, perhaps the world is getting closer to realizing this dream.
At the organizational level, how important is social capital to social justice? Social justice is the apropos word today with the way the world is attempting to take care of the poor and keep people safe, happy, and secure. [1] [2] [3] Agility is a key component of business success in today’s hypercompetitive world. [4] [5] [6] To achieve a high level of agility, organizations need to create a high level of social capital to support social justice. Our article emphasizes the address of this issue to show how organizations can achieve a new order that is necessary for innovation and survival. We need a new form of social capital-based organizational structure that supports social justice.
Organizations today must strive to be agile. [7] [8] [9] The sad reality is that as organizations grow in their business environment, they move away from helping the society, because their main incentive is, in general, to prosper, and, in other cases, they place their focus on survival. Survival sometimes brings inertia and less agility. Innovative and creative ideas in this bureaucratic environment are quickly suppressed and efforts of the organization are focused only on achieving a high level of efficiency. A handful of companies like Apple are still focused on the original idea of helping society through technological breakthroughs. Social capital manifests itself in the form of trust, interaction, and the sharing of ideas and concerns of not only the people in the organization but also the community at large. [10] [11] [12] [13] Social capital can play a very important role in achieving agility and reducing the gap between external changes and the proper response to these changes. Building a social capital-based organizational structure that strengthens trust and interaction between organizational members should become the task of innovative and transformational leaders in today’s business environment.
To support efforts leading to social justice, social capital-based organizational structures factor into this complex equation by designing the power of trust and interaction between human resources and society. This type of organizational design increases the exchange of ideas among employees and leads to the growth of knowledge flow and causes the realization of the learning organization. Some organizations must redesign the organizational processes and events to maximize the interaction of human resources from all parts of the organization to achieve a systemic approach among them to volunteer, give, and offer support to the communities that they serve. The organization becomes more compatible with its business environment, through more effective, timelier, and more innovative responses to the external changes in society.
Redesigning organizational processes and events to further align volunteer and donation ideas, other resources, and key individuals to lead the cause to meet the needs of social justice, the transformation of human capital into social capital is necessary. Through the more effective sharing and application of organizational knowledge, social capital can be enhanced and utilized today more than ever. Human capital is a vital and necessary factor in achieving agility and reducing the gap between changes and the response time to them, it is social capital that uses this human capital and ultimately leads to agility. The analogy between human capital and social capital is what we call power and politics in organizational behavior which is an interesting perspective of management. Power is the same as human capital and politics to use the right sources of power to enhance social capital coupled with social justice. Referent power is the true power of reaching the masses and potentially helping solve some of the problems of social justice.
In closing, while many organizations do not suffer from a lack of ideas (human capital), they do not have effective mechanisms for sharing these ideas and using them (social capital). Most importantly, without an adequate amount of human and social capital, social justice is hard to manifest, and the society goes unnoticed and is left to fend for itself. Thus, the social capital-based organizational structure is the missing link for realizing the potential of improving social justice and turning human capital into social capital.
References
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[2] Poonamallee, L., Howard, A.D., Joy, S. (2023). Management and Social Justice: An Oxymoron, a Pipedream, or an Inevitability?. In: Poonamallee, L., Howard, A.D., Joy, S. (eds) Managing for Social Justice. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19971-4_1
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[8] Schüll, M., Hofmann, P., Philipp, P. et al. Reporting in large-scale agile organizations: insights and recommendations from a case study in software development. Inf Syst E-Bus Manage 21, 571–601 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10257-023-00643-1
[9] Koutsikouri, D., Madsen, S., Lindström, N.B. (2020). Agile Transformation: How Employees Experience and Cope with Transformative Change. In: Paasivaara, M., Kruchten, P. (eds) Agile Processes in Software Engineering and Extreme Programming – Workshops. XP 2020. Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing, vol 396. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58858-8_16
[10] Leenders, R. (2018). Social Capital. In: Alhajj, R., Rokne, J. (eds) Encyclopedia of Social Network Analysis and Mining. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7131-2_92
[11] PaivaDuarte, F.d. (2013). Social Capital. In: Idowu, S.O., Capaldi, N., Zu, L., Gupta, A.D. (eds) Encyclopedia of Corporate Social Responsibility. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-28036-8_231
[12] Bai, J.(., Du, S., Jin, W. et al. Is social capital associated with individual social responsibility? The case of social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Empir Econ 64, 1861–1896 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00181-022-02303-8
Mostafa Sayyadi works with senior business leaders to effectively develop innovation in companies and helps companies—from start-ups to the Fortune 100—succeed by improving the effectiveness of their leaders.
Michael J. Provitera is a senior faculty professor of Management and Leadership, in the Andreas School of Business at Barry University, Miami, Florida, USA . He is an author of Level Up Leadership: Engaging Leaders for Success, published by Business Expert Press.
