On the picture H. E. Willys Delvalle and his wife Tatiana.Panama moves aheadPanama celebrates 112 Anniversary.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
H.E. Willys Delvalle, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama, welcomed guests to the Haven Gallery in The Hague on 26 November to a celebration of his countryâs 112th National Day.
In his opening remarks, the Ambassador commented on the opportunity afforded to him by the event to showcase the best of Panamanian culture. He began by hailing the countryâs artistic passion, and expressed delight at the chance to introduce the joyful, vibrant, elegant paintings of a very special and Panamanian artist.
For additional pictures, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157659784628974A Panamanian girl in the National Dress together with painter Olga Sinclair..
The rest of the Ambassadorâs speech is as follows. âWe are honored to have you here with us this evening at the Dock Gallery, the highest level of our artistic talent with inspiring techniques, great professionalism, and international recognition. The expression of the spirit of a brilliant artiste who shines, always with a positive attitude â spreading to everyone around her a happy atmosphere with a radiant smile. It is our honor and pleasure to have with us this evening, our very dear friend and artiste Olga Sinclair.
âLet me say a few words about Olga. Her first art lessons she received from her father, the renowned painter, El Maestro Alfredo Sinclair, at the age of fourteen. Olga participated in a group exhibition with other celebrated Panamanian artists, and later, in 1976, she began her studies in the school of applied arts and works in Madrid, Spain. âLater on in Amsterdam, Olga studied the great Dutch masters of the XVIII century.
Guests at Panama’s 112 National Day celebration in The Netherlands.
At the age of eighteen she held her first individual exhibition in Panama. âIn 1979, she enrolled at the Santa Maria La Antigua University in Panama and obtained her degree in interior design. Three years later, she took a course in engraving with Maestro Giangrandi. Back in Europe in 1985, she resumed her studies and had her first encounter with Francis Baconâs Works at the gallery in London. âOlga has had more than 50 individual exhibitions and over 200 collective ones in various cities in Asia, Europe, and America.
Recently, she exhibited her exposition âRetrospectiveâ at the Palazio Medici-Ricardo in Florence, Italy. After the success in Florence, the exhibition moved to the National Gallery of Art in Jordan, with a wonderful end to the artistic tour in the Casa de America in Madrid-Spain, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Day. âI would like to emphasize that Olga combines the sensitivity of a lovely woman with a very organized career. In this regard, in 2010, Olga established a foundation (Foundation Olga Sinclair â FOS) with the firm intention to develop a means for facilitating knowledge of different forms of artistic expressions for young people in Panama.
âIn May of this year, Fundacion Olga Sinclair came to Europe with 10 young and talented Panamanian artists, winners of the painting competition organized by her foundation. They attended the first Rome art workshop at the Vatican school, Scuola Pontifica Pio IX, which was dedicated to her late father. âIn 2014, celebrating the centenary of the opening of the Panama Canal, Fundacion Olga Sinclair broke the Guinness World Record of the most people painting together at the same time. It was officially certified that 5,084 children between the ages of 1 and 18 painted simultaneously for 3 minutes on a canvas of 1000 square meters divided in 25 panels, depicting the Panama Canal locks.
Panamanian artist Olga Sinclair, H. E. Fernando Arias Gonzalez, Ambassador of Spain to The Netherlands and his wife Mrs. Patricia van Oordt.
âFinally, I would like to remark upon the excellent diplomatic relations between Panama and the Netherlansds. These began just one year after Panama became a Republic in April 1904. Noteworthy is the fact that Panama has had a Consulate-General in Rotterdam since 1908, and it is only natural that the city has been chosen as an ideal location for both this amazing exhibition and the celebration of our National Day.
âI reiterate; I really appreciate the efforts you have made to join us here in this celebration. Last but not least, a very special thanks to our colleagues at the Embassy for all their hard work in putting this event together in such a short space of time. âOlga, thank you for your presence here today. I would like to invite you now, dear Olga, to share with us some details of your wonderful art.â
H. E. Willys Delvalle, Ambassador of Panama.A United Nation center for humanitarian assistanc
Funds are required to co-finance with the Government of Panama the construction of Green Regional Centers for Latin America and the Caribbean. The UN-backed âHubâ has been created to strengthen operations and UN programmatic integration in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Hub will be designed using standards of environmental sustainability to reduce the carbon footprint and to be a model of good sustainable practices at the building.
The UN Hub will house over 700 full time UN workers spread across 17 organizations including UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, WHO, FAO, UNHCR, UN WOMEN, and UNOPS, among others. UN Center for Humanitarian Assistance The Regional Logistics Center for Humanitarian Assistance in Panama is an initiative of the Government of Panama that aims to incorporate emergency operations of several actors into one integrated modern logistics facility.
Panama can offer an extremely modern logistics and communications center that allows the UN to respond to any emergencies within 24 to 48 hours in order to be ready to provide humanitarian aid to the American continent. The end users of the facilities include: The United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD), operated by the World Food Programmed (WFP), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Panamanian Civil Protection System (SINAPROC). The Government of Panama will finance the basic infrastructure of the Logistics Center, but there is a need to mobilize further investment.
Expo Invest Panama
From 18 Jan â 2 Feb. 2016, Expo Invest Panama will be take place, positioning Panama as the key commercial link of the region. Participants include the Panamanian Government and private sector, as well as foreign delegations. The Expo is about energy, logistics, tourism, agroindustry and more, and will feature conferences and networking opportunities. City of Knowledge is an evolving, ambitious project to attract foreign attention and investment. Located just a stoneâs throw from downtown Panama City, City of Knowledge is strategically positioned by the Panama Canal. Some 120 hectares and more than 200 buildings of what was once the Clayton military base are now home to a booming international community, established for the purpose of business, academic, scientific, and humanistic collaboration.
The objective is human and sustainable development based on knowledge. City of Knowledge is a management platform that focuses on boosting the innovative and competitive capacities of the users who share the Campus. It features integration, dynamic networking, and joint efforts to facilitate the transference of knowledge. This allows for a rare concentration of innovative firms, international organizations focused on development, as well as academic and research institutions, resulting in a lively and collaborative community.
In order to strengthen these dynamics, City of Knowledge provides access to a series of benefits and services aimed at the needs of its users. The mission of the City of Knowledge is to be an international platform for knowledge management to promote sustainable development and the competitive advantages in Panama. Focused on leadership and independence, this experience constitutes a regional reference point for knowledge management through innovation. This complex and multifaceted experience is focused on the achievements and successes of its users.
The City of Knowledge Foundation is a private, non-profit organization and the project it directs is an independent endeavor; its independence guarantees its continuity. As a result, long-term goals can be established and a practical and realistic relationship with the political and economic environment can be maintained. The City of Knowledge is a unique initiative that offers an environment in which to live, as well as all of the services that are typical of any community. The recreational, cultural, and corporate spaces are used daily by more than 5,000 people. This community is made up of users who actively implement their initiatives.
The success of their efforts consolidates and enhances the City of Knowledge. Additionally, visitors to the Campus, who attend events, conferences, and cultural gatherings, further enrich the exchange that takes place. All of this fosters the work and collaboration of the FCDS’ users, while creating a friendly environment within which creativity and productivity are cultivated.
Pictures courtesy of the Embassy of Panama.
An interview with the wife of the Chinese AmbassadorBy Ellen Brager.
Wassenaar. 7:00 p.m. on a Wednesday evening. Representing Diplomat Magazine I had the great honor of being a guest at the residence of Mrs. Wenci Li, wife of H.E. Mr. Chen Xu, Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands. A quick glance at her biography on the way to Wassenaar filled me with anticipation since it clearly was going to be a very interesting assignment.
Mrs. Li, who majored in English Literature and International Relations, started her career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peopleâs Republic of China.
Initially, she worked in the Department of International Organizations and Conferences in the field of Arms Control and Disarmament, and later worked in the Department of West Asia and North Africa, where she focused on conflict resolution in those areas.
In 1989 she moved with her husband to New York where they both worked at the Chinese Mission to the United Nations. She was the Vice Consul-General of the Consulate-General of China in Vancouver from 2008 to 2012. In 2013, her husband was appointed Ambassador to the Netherlands, so they both moved to The Hague, while their son continued his university studies in China.
DM: For a diplomatâs spouse, it is always a challenge to find a meaningful occupation, especially having to do so in a foreign country. How did you adapt yourself to this new role and new environment?
Mrs. Li: While it is a challenge, I consider it a great honor as well. I feel very fortunate, because as the wife of the Ambassador, I get to meet many people from different walks â diplomats, academics, business people, royalty â and to benefit from their knowledge and insights.
I enjoy being part of this community, while at the same time I can have my own observations as an outsider.
DM: What are some of those observations?
Mrs. Li: When meeting people at social events that my husband and I attend, three things impress me most. First, how so many of them are concerned about peace and development in the world: where do conflicts come from, how do we deal with chemical weapons, are the mechanisms in place effective? Second, how the same group of people who discuss high-level diplomatic affairs also have their own personal concerns and interests like health problems, relationship issues and so on.
And last but not least, I found that many people are very interested in elements of Chinese culture such as martial arts, Chinese traditional medicine and even Chinese philosophy as a way of living.
Wenci Li – ChinaDM: In addition to supporting your husband in his diplomatic role, what else do you enjoy doing? What is your personal interest?
Mrs. Li: I enjoy reading and I also practice Tai Chi and Yoga. The slow, peaceful movements executed with high precision bring me into a state of balance and harmony.
I sometimes organize events at home to share elements from my culture with others, such as the Chinese tea ritual and the art of calligraphy.
It is also a personal interest of mine to study Chinese traditional medicine, particularly its way of thinking. For example, it looks at the body as a very accurate mechanism in which all organs and systems are interconnected and perfectly synchronized.
Under guidance of such thinking, relief for minor ailments can be immediate and obvious just by pressing fingers onto the right spots of a patientâs body. A good Chinese medicine practitioner not only cures the patients with accurate diagnoses of symptoms and thorough examination of the affected parts of the body, but is also concerned with the root causes and explores and addresses connections between the mental and physical well-being of the patient, so as to help prevent future diseases.
DM: Becoming a good doctor, then, not only means acquiring the right knowledge, but also adopting a unique way of thinking. I assume this way of thinking is strongly embedded in Chinese culture. Can you tell us about the core of Chinese traditional culture?
Mrs. Li: Yes, Chinese medicine is an obvious reflection of Chinese culture. Generally speaking, there are three main philosophical schools in Chinese history.
Buddhism focuses on practicing and developing a superior state of mind. In Confucianism the pursuit lies in leading a virtuous life with ethical behavior. For Taoists, the focus rests on how to live in a purely natural way.
The word Tao literally means âway, path, truth, view of nature”. The three schools have different approaches and focus points but share the common goal of reaching a state of harmony and happiness: not illusive but real and sustainable harmony and happiness.
DM: Having lived for several years in the US and Canada and over two years in Europe you have been in a position to compare Western culture with your own. What are your thoughts on that?
Mrs. Li: Although the approaches of the two cultures are different, their pursuits of happiness are more or less the same. The world is diversified and differences exist naturally in many aspects.
Both cultures can complement each other if we can simply share and exchange ideas with an open mind and in a spirit of mutual understanding and respect.
We can learn so much from each other. I find Dutch culture especially interesting. Sometimes I wonder what makes the Netherlands so unique.
DM: In what way do you think it is unique?
Mrs. Li: Despite being a small country, the Netherlands is the home to many great figures like Spinoza, Grotius, Erasmus, Rembrandt and van Gogh. Their influence and contribution to the development of humankindâs civilization reaches far beyond this region.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands plays a leading role in many areas, particularly in agriculture, trade, science and technology, water management and more. As an inclusive and open country, the Netherlands is characterized by innovation, pragmatism, open-mindedness, pioneering spirit and hard-work. It is a country where people enjoy nature and the outdoors, sports, reading, family-gatherings and leisure times. This combination is really amazing.
DM: It is always fascinating to get the view of someone with a very different background and I thank you for sharing your insights with Diplomat Magazine. Is there anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Mrs. Li: Many thanks to Diplomat Magazine for providing such a platform for diplomats to communicate with others. The world is so diversified in many aspects, but also closely interconnected as well. How to get along with each other in a peaceful manner remains a common pursuit for all of us.
There is an old Chinese saying: âSeek harmony among diversitiesâ. As a diplomat myself, I can deeply understand the role diplomats play to represent their own home countries, stimulate friendship with other countries and strive for peace of the whole world. In the meantime, their families and beloved ones also contribute to their work.
I think we are all duty-bound to work together so as to build a mutually beneficial and peaceful world, not only for ourselves, but for our children as well. I sincerely wish every one good health and a happy life.
 Â
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Hon. Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina visited the Netherlands from 3-5 November 2015 at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh was accompanied by a high profile business delegation. The business delegates came from sectors such as textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, ICT, shipping, energy, jute, agro processing, hospitality, and logistics. A contingent from the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Bangladesh (FBCCI) also travelled with the Prime Minister.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh in the Netherlands, organized a business seminar on 5 November 2015 at Hotel Kurhaus in The Hague. The seminar was attended by CEOs and other high officials of business enterprises of the Netherlands. It showcased investment and business opportunities in Bangladesh. The opening remarks were by the moderator Mr. Md.ShahidulHaque Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh. The Hon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered the keynote address followed by a Q&A session.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh commenced her address by referring to the fact that the Netherlands was one of the first nations to recognize Bangladesh on 1st February 1972. The two countries have had trade relations, as early as 1602, with the trading of spices by the East Indian Company. Bangladesh is the most liberal country of South-East Asia she declared.
The readymade garment (RMG) industry makes Bangladesh the second largest exporter of RMG in the world. This is 1% of the global market. What is also needed is for the rivers to be deepened to hold more water and land reclamation is a high necessity. Investing in the shipbuilding sector is lucrative and the industry is partly government owned. Energy renewal by the introduction of more solar panels is envisaged. Prime Minister Hasina suggested that land under the solar panels could be utilized for the cultivation of crops.
Education, schools and housing are of paramount importance. Prime Minister Hasina urged Dutch business leaders to become Bangladeshâs partner in boosting investment and trade between the two nations. Furthermore, she hoped Bangladesh would eradicate poverty and become a middle-income nation by 2021 and a developed one by 2041. The Prime Ministerâs slogan is, âDigital Bangladesh, come and exploreâ.
Other speakers at the seminar were:
Mr. Md.Shafiul Islam, leader of FBCCI, Mr. Abdul Kalam Azad, Principal Secretary to the Hon. Prime Minister, Dr.Cees Veerman former Dutch Agriculture Minister, Mr. Maarten Verbruggen and H.E. Leoni Cuelenaere, Dutch Ambassador in Bangladesh.
âBangladesh is making headway in all areas and nothing can stop it â
On 4 November Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Rutte had discussions on bilateral and global issues of mutual interest, including investment, trade, private sector development, agriculture, port development, and rule of law.
The two Prime Ministers acknowledged that both Bangladesh and the Netherlands are countries of deltaic nature and there exists immense scope of cooperation between the two countries in the areas of delta management, water resources management and other related areas. In that context, the two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the signing of the MoU âTowards Resilient and Sustainable Delta Management for a prosperous Bangladeshâ and a âLetter of Intent on Cooperation in the field of Land Reclamation and Accretion in Bangladeshâ between the two countries in June 2015.
Bangladesh Prime Minister lauded the expertise of the Netherlands in delta management and thanked the Dutch Prime Minister for their support in the development of Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100. The Bangladesh Prime Minister underscored the importance of an effective partnership arrangement with the Government of the Netherlands under Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 for long term capacity building through education and training.
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands assured of extending all cooperation to Bangladesh for implementation of Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 to make the delta safe and productive for the people. The two prime ministers agreed to work together to make densely populated delta areas across the world safer and economically more viable in the framework of the Delta Coalition.
A joint statement later said Bangladesh and the Netherlands had agreed to work together to ensure national security and implement the Delta Plan 2100 to boost investment and bilateral trade.
Prime Minister Hasina also called H.M.Queen Maxima as United Nations Secretary Generalâs Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. The Queen praised Bangladesh for its economic progress. Her Majesty is to visit Bangladesh in November of this year.
Prime Minister Hasina later attended a banquet hosted by Premier Minister Her program further included a visited the Delta region, she also visited Koornstra & Co and Tomato world, which deal in fruits and vegetables.
The Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen and Minister of Infrastructure and Environment Melanie Schultz van Haegen, also met Prime Minister Hasina.
Prime Minster Hasina also attended a reception hosted by Bangladeshi diaspora. She expressed her appreciation of her compatriots, who had contributed much to the development of Bangladesh.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the following bilateral instruments:
Memorandum of Understanding on Foreign Office Consultations Between The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands And The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peopleâs Republic of Bangladesh;
Letter of Intent (LOI) between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peopleâs Republic of Bangladesh on Training Cooperation for Junior Diplomats from Bangladesh;
Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Saxion University of Applied Sciences, School of Creative Technology and BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology; and
Bilateral Cooperation Agreement / Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Saxion University of Applied Sciences and BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended an invitation to Prime Minister Mark Rutte to pay a visit to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed his appreciation for the invitation.
Back home in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister described her official visit to the Netherlands as a boost to bilateral ties with a good friend who had stood by Bangladesh in her hour of need.
By John Kennedy Stewart.
Diplomatic Researcher, Contributing from London, UK.
Open some selected pictures from the launching ceremonies of Diplomat Magazine in June, 2013. https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157661518559315
After acknowledging the number of âclicksâ received on my recent article published on November 22nd titled: âOn AD Haagsche Courant Newsâ in âDiplomatic Newsâ, I have decided to re-write it again with fewer modifications and additional links, specially for our December âDiplomatic Pouchâ section. 2015 institutes the 3rd successful year of Diplomat Magazine. It is the main and very first diplomatic publication in Nethelands’ history, officially launched in June 19th, 2013 by  diplomats accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. DM is a publication that continues to grow at high-speed, counting nowadays over 60,000 hits per month not to say Diplomat Magazine’s bi-annual glossy edition.
Diplomat Magazine has the originality to be the first publication inviting ambassadors to write for the kind of publication like DM, to be the first of having the initiative in organizing, as a publication, regular diplomatic gatherings, diplomatic tours or art exhibits. The idea came out from one of the brainchild behind DM, Head of Diplomatic missions in 2013, from the creative effort of Dr. Eugenio Matos Gomez, Charge dâaffairs a.i. a career diplomatic agent of the Dominican Republic Embassy in The Hague. From the Government of Malta: http://gov.mt/en/Government/Press%20Releases/Pages/2013/June/28/pr1374.aspx
A teamwork effort, innovation and creativity, has made Diplomat Magazine the second largest diplomatic Online publication in Europe and the fastest growing of its kind in the world!!!! Moreover, thanks to the collaboration of supporters, magnificent photographers, contributing writers and volunteer diplomatic spouses (such as Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher), with press correspondents stationed in: Brussels, BENELUX, North America, the UK, Latin America and an abound of career diplomats directly involved;  Diplomat Magazine enjoys today a record of followers. It is illustrative the outstanding collaboration of some honorable Dutch journalist citizens.
The local press is supporting the cause as well, such as AD/Haagse Courant, amongst others. The AD/Haagse Courant, a serious and very well known publication in the Netherlands, contributes to enhance diplomacy and international relations in the city of peace and justice, and indeed, to the popularity of Diplomat Magazine as “the main working tool media for local diplomats” as expressed in one of his editorial, H.E. Carlos Arguello Gomez, Dean of the diplomatic corps. This time, AD/Haagse Courant is referring to Diplomat Magazine’s El Salvador Diplomats Meet&Greet organized recently at Carlton Ambassador Hotel. Click on the link to open Leo’s article:  http://issuu.com/diploflying/docs/den.haag.newspaperÂ
The Telegraaf: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/Telegraaf-Diplomaten-op-internet.jpg
Castiglione di Garfagnana, Tuscany, Italy.By Dario Poli
The plane landed with a soft bump at Pisa airport. I disembarked and was met by a tall blond Italian friend by the name of Giovanni. His good looks, striking blue eyes and tall posture, reminded me more of an upstanding German officer, than the traditional stereotype view of an Italian.
He greeted me warmly confirming the various holiday arrangements he had made for my Christmas break in Tuscany. Once settled in his Alfa Romeo, with typical Italian verve, we sped rapidly out of the airport, passing the famous leaning tower and its cathedral, and headed, via an excellent motorway, into the open country, towards our final destination the popular ski-resort of Abetone, situated high in the snow- capped Apennines.
To reach the resort we had to traverse through the wonderful rocky countryside of Garfagnana. Crossed by the river Serchio, Garfagnana stretches out amongst rugged hills and richly wooded valleys.
Though I was familiar with this region of Tuscany, Giovanni opened my eyes to the many varied local Christmas traditions, whilst driving at enormous speed, one hand casually on the steering wheel, the other, pointing out places of special historical interest to his petrified passenger. He navigated the car with consummate skill, racing along the much narrower winding roads as we headed towards Upper Garfagnana and the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Apuane Alps, alluringly visible in the distance.
Near Borgo Mozzano, we saw the spectacular Maddalena Bridge known as the Devil’s bridge because of its peculiar arch shape. In the middle valley of the river Serchio, nature offered us a superb show, as the road runs along the river for awhile amongst chestnut groves and lush green valleys which abound, even in winter. We stopped for an expresso, at Bagni di Lucca, a secluded paradise surrounded by hills and woods known as the “Land of princes and poets,” due to its popularity with local and foreign poets. Including Byron, Lamartine, Heine and Shelly who came for inspiration and to enjoy the thermal-waters in well run “health giving” establishments.
Re-invigorated by the coffee, it was time to move on. Giovanni was determined to reach the ancient fortress town of Castelnouvo by the afternoon. Passing through many picturesque villages, I was finally deposited at a small hotel in the town and my dashing driver left me, with instructions to be ready for collection early next morning, which was Christmas Eve.
Giovanni arrived on the dot, and took me on a winding drive up the mountain and after one hour, he stopped at a lake, then led me on a hike up a steep hill towards a small unnamed hamlet of about 40 houses, perched like an eagles nest on a plateau high above us
It was built in Roman times and was occupied by poor farmers until 1950, when they abandoned their homes, in the Italian exodus to find prosperity in the United States. Now all were empty. Locked and preserved in a time capsule undisturbed by the touch of man.
We climbed steadily upwards along a narrow muddy well-worn pathway in the forest for about half an hour, breathing the intoxicating perfume of fresh pine and sucking in the biting pure mountain air, with the first falling snow flakes lightly caressing our cheeks. Out of breath and gasping, we gratefully found ourselves standing on a narrow plateau about 200 meters wide in front of an ancient church of medieval design
Two large fierce-looking mules had observed our intrusion into their world. With considerable resentment they jointly insisted in directing their attentions on the impudent strangers by making a beeline rapidly towards us, their intentions unmistakably hostile. Just before impact they were stopped in their tracks by a piercing whistle. There stood the figure of Silvio, our saviour.
Giovanni’s childhood friend was solidly impressive in a rough checked shirt and a rope holding up his corduroy trousers and wearing thick boots. Of medium height, he had fair wavy hair, ruddy complexion and steely grey penetrating eyes. His handshake, firm but gentle, was his calling card.
I sensed immediately that this was a man in every sense of the word. Built by nature, blessed with an abundance of good health. Wiry and physically strong, a morally incorruptible individual, with genuine spirituality exuding from every pore in his body.
He grabbed the ropes, held and restrained the two excited mules. One particularly aggressive mule with his eyes on me, clearly intended to kick my backside as hard as he could, turning and twisting in every way, to deliver the blow. With Silvio still firmly holding them, they finally calmed down and he amiably conversed, with us about the old times and mutual friends.
I asked him about local Christmas customs, and he told me about the little town of Castiglione, where at twilight, a man whose identity is known only to the priest, enters the vestry and is closed inside the wardrobe. After mass, the congregation leaves the church in procession and find the penitent (the same man who had been closed in the wardrobe) at the door dressed like Jesus Christ. The man leads the procession through the streets of the village wearing a hood to prevent anyone from recognizing him and carrying a cross. At the end of the procession the penitent is closed again inside the wardrobe and emerges unseen only late at night.
He invited us to enter the ninth century Church, of which he was the keeper. He released the mules and drove them away from the nervous visitors, then with a large metal key unlocked and pushed open wide the huge creaking doors.
Once inside, I was met with the pungent smell of incense and as my eyes gradually became accustomed to the darkness, I was able to pick out a white marble altar directly in front of me fully prepared for a Christmas Mass. The interior had been left exactly as it was, as the final celebration of Christmas.
There were a number of ornate pillars supporting the wooden beamed roof, and beneath them were several rows of wooden benches for the villagers to occupy during past services. Near one of the pillars a large beautiful crib had been built to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus and was totally illuminated like a stage spotlight, by a penetrating shaft of light emanating from a round stained-glass window above. With the exception of light coming from the entrance, the rest of the church was in almost total darkness
Giovanni and Silvio standing silently beside the crib, made the sign of the cross and prayed, whilst I leaned against a pillar, observing the unusual scene with interest.
The silence was broken by the echoing sound of hooves clip clopping on the stone floor.
The two mules, followed by Silvio’s brown hunting dog, entered the church and calmly ambled down the isle, then stood silently and respectfully in front of the crib.
The men deep in their meditations were not at all disturbed by the arrival of worshipers from the animal kingdom. The touching and quite amazing scene of two men, two mules, and a dog, gazing silently and reverently in homage at the crib, appeared to be the most natural occurrence in the world. Had I not seen this event with my own eyes, I would never have given this story any credence.
Leaving the church Giovanni and I said our good-byes and in silence turned towards the path, engrossed in our own private thoughts. Before descending, I turned and saw Silvio; his dog and the two mules, watching us depart framed by the magnificent mountains behind them.
Mentally thanking each one of them, for sharing with me, a little of their living time and giving me a rare glimpse of innocence. I waved to them with a lump in my throat, sadly knowing that I would never see them again.
The fascinating imagery of that special Christmas Eve holiday will be forever indelibly engraved in my memory and my heart.
Copyright Dario Poli December 2003
 By Jhr. Mr. Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland, Justice (Judge) in the (Dutch) Court of Appeal and Special Adviser International Affairs, appointed by the Mayor and Aldermen of The Hague
Since the 29th of May 2015 New World Campus has established itself in The Hague. Although the new NGO only opened its doors only 6 months ago, the organisation is already hosting several events on a weekly basis in cooperation with young start-ups and innovative organisations. New World Campus acts as a mechanism which aims to connect investors, international organisations, government institutions and smaller organisations.
New World Campus is located in the former Postcheque- en Girodienst building at Spaarneplein, five minutes away from train station Den Haag HS. The building offers company spaces, start-up spaces and flex spaces, all located under one roof in order to stimulate cooperation and new alliances between new establishments, NGOs and innovative organisations. New World Campus is also home of the âWicked Problems Plazaâ: an area where multilateral problems are being discussed and which serves as a place where knowledge is being exchanged between several experts and stakeholders. âThe Wicked Problems Plazaâ works closely together with the Partnership Resource Centre of Erasmus University. Examples of wicked problems are climate change related issues or the fashion industry.
As an innovative and sustainable organisation, New World Campus focusses on five main themes: water & sanitarian, ICT, sustainable construction, energy and agriculture and food security. By using the principles of open innovation, co-creation and effective research and development, the organisation hopes to bring stakeholders together. Although many organisations consider Amsterdam the place to be when it comes to innovation and young start-ups, the choice was made for The Hague. According to New World Campus, The Hague is considered a good place for international and sustainable networks and initiatives. The City of Peace and Justice combines international knowledge of water, governance and development with 140 NGOs and more than 20 IGOs. The building at Spaarneplein should become a âHome of Sustainabilityâ in The Hague, where local sustainability issues find answers.
The goals set by New World Campus are promising for the international community in The Hague. Serving as a meeting place and an strengthening of the profile of The Hague as international city, New World Campus may be able to stimulate innovation and sustainability on a global scale.
By H.E. Asein Isaev, Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic.
Kyrgyzstan is a country of majestic mountains, pristine nature, rich culture and hospitable people. Kyrgyzstan is the land of boundless opportunities with rich natural resources and great potential.
Only for 24 years of independence, Kyrgyzstan managed to achieve the democratization of social and political life, liberalization of doing business conditions, foreign trade activities, membership in international organizations and unions.
Kyrgyzstan has provided to the entrepreneurs freedom of trade, opened up the opportunities for the development of production and access to international markets, as well as to its internal market.
Furthermore, Kyrgyzstan has advantages among CIS countries in terms of investment attractiveness on a number of factors, as implementation of a program of market reforms and macroeconomic stabilization, active works on the privatization of telecommunications, energy and transport sectors, full-fledged free trade regime, free money exchange system and unrestricted movement of capital, liberal investment regime, where all sectors of economy are open to investors, free economic zones that provide favorable conditions for business.
Mining, manufacturing, tourism and processing industry sectors are more attractive for investments. There are numerous large mining and processing enterprises operating in the Kyrgyz Republic. In the meantime, according to international experts, with a relatively small area and good geological exploration, mineral resource potential is used poorly.
According to international financial institutions, mining sector in Kyrgyzstan annually could generate revenue of more than one billion US dollars and become the locomotive of the entire economy of the country.
Kyrgyzstan is one of the leading places among CIS countries on the potential of renewable energy. The most suitable way for the development and practical use of renewable energy in Kyrgyzstan are development of electric power supply using energy of small watercourses, solar photovoltaic and wind power stations.
Experts estimate the overall potential of renewable energy is about 840 million tons of oil equivalent per year, while actually used about only 0.2% of them. At present, Kyrgyzstan is the only one Central Asian republic where scientific research and development in this area brought to industrial production.
Processing industry in recent years has become increasingly important, as agriculture is the main source of income for the majority of the population living in rural areas.
Kyrgyzstan since ancient times has been in the Central Asian civilization and it is an important hub in terms of international, diplomatic and cultural communications between the East and the West. Moreover, Kyrgyzstan imbibed the cultural achievements of the East and the West, occupying a prime geographical location on the trade routes.
Currently, Kyrgyzstan is becoming more attractive for fans of extreme sports, eco-tourism, hiking and bike tours, as well as for people interested in the history and the present day countries located on the Silk Road. Kyrgyzstan has unique natural resources, historical and cultural sites of global significance, as well as the necessary conditions for the development of international tourism.
Kyrgyzstan has introduced a visa regime for 61 countries, which also implies openness to investors. All sectors of the economy are open without restriction to the implementation of investment projects and created a very liberal terms for investors.
The Embassy of the Kyrgyzstan to the Netherlands welcomes you to the Kyrgyz Republic and will have a pleasure to guide you in the ocean of investment opportunities.
For information: http://www.kyrgyz-embassy.be/
On the picture Mr. Pablo Fajardo Mendoza.Text and pictures by Liudmyla Palamar.
Hague Talks has already become an integral part of the public sphere of The Hague. One of a number of reasons behind such success is relevance of the organized discussions. For instance, The Hague Talks on whether ecocide should be classified as a 5th international crime against peace was undoubtedly relevant this week, when the 14th Assembly of State Parties to the International Criminal Court took place in The Hague.
Ecocide is a relatively new term that means destruction of the natural environment, especially when willfully done. There are still discussions on what type or scale an environmental crime has to be in order to be classified as ecocide. However, there is something almost all environmental activists and experts completely agree with â ecocide is a serious crime one cannot get away with. Speakers, who were invited for The Hague Talks on ecocide, definitely share this opinion and were pleased to discuss it with the general public of The Hague.
Mr. Humberto Piaguaje
The evening talks were opened with an inspiring speech of Humberto Piaguaje, Chief of Ecuador’s Secoya indigenous tribe, who explained how deeply indigenous people are connected with jungles and how deeply they suffer, because other are exploiting the nature.
Pablo Fajardo Mendoza, Attorney and recipient of the Goldman Prize and CNN Heroes Award, and Daniela Palacios, international dispute resolution lawyer, made the audience familiar with legal aspects of the topic as well as provided a set of arguments why it is time to add ecocide to the list of crimes against peace and, thus, empower ICC to have jurisdiction over it. A final speakerâs Michael Baumgartner from Greenpeace Switzerland creative performance was followed with a Q&A session.
One can find it unreasonable that environmental crimes have become a subject of such intense discussions in legal field recently, because laws on this matter already exist and nothing has changed since they were developed. However, according to the Wednesday talksâ speakers, the shameful reality is that the existing laws work in favor of big corporations, who pay affordable fines for polluting environment, but do not stop doing it. As Michael Baumgartner stated, it is the reason why ecocide has to be classified as criminal offense to enable courts to prosecute individuals for committing crimes against environment.
So, every CEO would think twice whether to make a business decision that can cause destruction of the environment.
In order to strengthen these dynamics, City of Knowledge provides access to a series of benefits and services aimed at the needs of its users. The mission of the City of Knowledge is to be an international platform for knowledge management to promote sustainable development and the competitive advantages in Panama. Focused on leadership and independence, this experience constitutes a regional reference point for knowledge management through innovation. This complex and multifaceted experience is focused on the achievements and successes of its users.
The City of Knowledge Foundation is a private, non-profit organization and the project it directs is an independent endeavor; its independence guarantees its continuity. As a result, long-term goals can be established and a practical and realistic relationship with the political and economic environment can be maintained. The City of Knowledge is a unique initiative that offers an environment in which to live, as well as all of the services that are typical of any community. The recreational, cultural, and corporate spaces are used daily by more than 5,000 people. This community is made up of users who actively implement their initiatives.
The success of their efforts consolidates and enhances the City of Knowledge. Additionally, visitors to the Campus, who attend events, conferences, and cultural gatherings, further enrich the exchange that takes place. All of this fosters the work and collaboration of the FCDS’ users, while creating a friendly environment within which creativity and productivity are cultivated.
Pictures courtesy of the Embassy of Panama. 
