Dutch Foreign Minister Mr Bert Koenders is deeply concerned by the human rights situation and violations of humanitarian law in Yemen. ‘There is bitter suffering in Yemen. Four out of five Yemenis need humanitarian assistance,‘ according to minister Koenders.That is why the Netherlands has worked in the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and with contacts in New York for a clear resolution on Yemen which argues for an independent international inquiry. However this did not gain sufficient support from both countries in the region or from western countries. Minister Koenders is disappointed by the lack of support in the council. ‘The situation in Yemen demands our urgent attention. We cannot allow the daily reports of human rights violations to go unanswered.’ said minister Koenders. The Netherlands has made its disappointment over the lack of support for a strong signal from the Council clear to the members of the Human Rights Council. The Netherlands hopes that the current resolution will be fulfilled in both letter and spirit, and will remain undaunted in its efforts to fulfil humanitarian needs and improve the human rights situation in Yemen. In this, the Netherlands is supported among others by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.Yesterday minister Koenders took part in a ministerial meeting with countries in the region and European countries to come to a joint and speedy political solution to the conflict in Yemen. The Netherlands deems it of the utmost importance that peace negotiations in Yemen are continued. The efforts of UN special representative for Yemen, Mr Ismaël Ould Cheikh Ahmed, are crucial in this regard.
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany: Volkswagen has appointed Matthias Müller, the head of its Porsche sports car brand, as its chief executive, as the fallout from the USA vehicle emissions test rigging scandal broadened.
Matthias Müller, 62, had been widely tipped to succeed Martin Winterkorn, who resigned his executive post on Wednesday, 23 September 2015. Müller shall take responsibility for steering Volkswagen through the biggest business crisis in its 78-year history. Additionally he will also remain at the helm of Porsche until a replacement has been named. Müller has led Porsche (which is owned by Volkswagen) since 2010.
Müller, who has worked for parts of the Volkswagen empire since the 1970s, is a management board member of Porsche SE, and deemed a confidante to the Piëch-Porsche family that controls Volkswagen through the holding company.
The research and development chiefs of Audi and Porsche, Ulrich Hackenberg and Wolfgang Hatz, have been be relieved of their duties by the supervisory board as well as Volkswagen’s top executive in the United States, Michael Horn.
By Baron Henri Estramant.The world’s largest oil corporation Saudi Aramco has picked a career petroleum engineer, who oversaw its biggest projects of the past decade, Amin Nasser, to lead it through a price downturn and a market share battle.
The announcement from the Saudi Arabian state company ends five months of uncertainty about the new boss of the oil monopoly. Mr Nasser is known for pushing for cutting edge technology, and once said he sought to emulate the gas fracking revolution in the United States.Amin Nasser had been acting chief executive at Aramco since April 2015, when his predecessor Khalid al-Falih was appointed Aramco’s chairman and also Health Minister.Nasser, now in his 50s, joined Aramco in 1982 after studying oil engineering at King Fahd University. Over the past decade, he oversaw some of Aramco’s biggest projects, including the 2008 launch of the $10 billion Khurais oil field.
The post of chairman had previously been held by Oil Minister Ali Al Naimi, himself a former chief executive of the company. Naimi remains in the ministerial position he has occupied for 20 years.
Aramco said in its statement that Amin Nasser was appointed after the company’s Supreme Council held its first meeting in Jeddah, which was chaired by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Then the council also endorsed a five-year plan to 2019.
The April changes followed a shake up of leadership initiated by King Salman of Saudi Arabia who made Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the most powerful figure in economic and energy policy, while abolishing the old Supreme Petroleum Council, where energy policy had been historically made. The deputy crown prince is now the head of both an economic development super-committee and a new council overseeing Aramco, making him the first royal ever to directly supervise the state giant.
In The Benelux countries Saudi Aramco holds two offices, one in The Hague and one in Delft led by Managing Director Fahad Abdulkareem.
November 7th, 20:15h in the Nieuwe Kerk – Spui – The Hague
With the program ‘Hooggetalenteerd bezoek’ the Ciconia Consort honors perhaps the most important guest that ever visited the Netherlands. The magnificent, rarely heard compositions that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote as a nine-year-old boy 250 years ago during his tour through the Netherlands, are performed in a concert with theater.
You will get therefore a wonderful glimpse into the 18th century Dutch society, with as piano soloists the young talented Nikola Meeuwsen and Peiting Xue (both 13 years old) in the role of Wolfgang and his sister Nannerl.
In autumn 1765 the Mozart family visits the Dutch royal residence to act on the governor’s court there. Due to illness of both Nannerl and Wolfgang, their visit takes unintentionally longer than six months. In this period, the family also traveled to the cities of Amsterdam, Haarlem and Utrecht and Wolfgang and Nannerl gave several public concerts as a quatremains duo.
The Ciconia Consort will revive this tour. Actor Ton Feil takes on the role of father Leopold Mozart. Soprano Lilian Farahani sings the airs especially written for princess Carolina van Oranje Nassau. The libretto is written by musicologist and author of the book “Mozart in the low lands,” Jos van der Zanden, based on letters that Leopold Mozart sent from The Hague to the home city Salzburg.
For more information please visit www.ciconiaconsort.nl.
About Ciconia Consort:
“Surprising repertoire, surprising ambition – a discovery” (Bas van Putten – journalist De Groene Amsterdammer / NRC Handelsblad)
Since its founding in 2012, the Ciconia Consort gives sensational performances and the ensemble with surprising programs and high artistic quality won a permanent place in the Hague cultural field. The orchestra is led by Dick van Gasteren and orchestra members are leading young musicians who have made their mark in national and international competitions and concert halls. The orchestra will not only present a concert but an “experience”, “a special evening going out”.
PROGRAM:
Ciconia Consort conducted by Dick van Gasteren, Ton Feil actor Nikola Meeuwsen pianoforte Peiting Xue pianoforte Lilian Farahani soprano Piano Concertos KV 107 No. 1 and No. 3 Concert arias 78 KV and 79 KV Symphony no. 4 in D, KV 19 Symphony No. 25 in G minor KV 183 Concerto for Two Pianos in E flat major Galimathias Musicum Ticket prices (including consumption)
€ 28.00 € 25.50 Uitpas € 10.00 Children up to 27 years and Ooievaarspas € 2.50 children / until 12 years
Tickets are available via www.zuiderstrandtheater.nl or 070 88 00 333
By Joe Ray.
Her Excellency Ms Orsolya Szijjártó, Ambassador of Hungary to the Netherlands, welcomed an array of diplomats and other distinguished guests on 25th September to the opening of an exhibition in The Hague entitled Synagogues of East‐Central Europe, 1782–1944.
The event, hosted in the city’s elegant Glazen Zaal, was organised by the Hungarian Embassy as part of the nation’s year-long Presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The IHRA is an intergovernmental body consisting of 31 Member States and a further 10 Observer States, which aims to promote Holocaust education, remembrance, and research both nationally and internationally.
The three-day exhibition is based on the book of architecture historian and photographer Rudolf Klein. It features evocative images and detailed descriptions of dozens of synagogues from nine countries across Central and Eastern Europe. As Péter Kirschner, President of the Hungarian Jewish Cultural Association, explains: “Synagogues embody values, identity, and dreams in stone and brick. This exhibition is a journey in space and time, displaying aspects of Jewish life and its economic and cultural flourishing within multinational empires. It offers a panoramic view of important shifts that took place as Jews came to play increasingly prominent and vital roles in the economic and cultural life of Europe, and it makes one stand dumbfounded once again at the incomprehensibility of the Holocaust.”
In her welcome remarks, H.E. Ms Szijjártó emphasised the significance of Jewish culture as an integral part of Hungarian culture and history. She stressed the importance of fighting anti-Semitism, and praised the many community projects currently being undertaken in Hungary to restore ageing synagogues to their former glory. “Therefore,the government of Hungary has started a synagogue rescue programme: 15 synagogues across the country will be refurbished in 2015, as well as 1500 Jewish cemeteries within the cemetery reconstruction programme in cooperation with Jewish communities and local population, mostly students and public workers. If you visit Budapest,” she observed, “you will witness a true revival of Jewish culture.”
The Ambassador was followed by Mr Szabolcs Takács, Minister of State and Chair of Hungary’s IHRA Presidency. He began by introducing guests to IHRA, a “unique and important organisation” founded fifteen years ago in Stockholm. “Its mission,” said the Minister, “is to create an international narrative of how to remember one of the greatest tragedies in the history of mankind.” He explained that IHRA exists not for political goals, but rather as an international campaign of solidarity, both to remember the tragedy itself and to try to revive some of what was lost.
Mr Takács joined the Ambassador in highlighting the importance of Jewish culture in Hungarian history, and noted that despite the deaths of some 600,000 Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust, the country still has the third largest Jewish community in Europe.
He further underlined the need for Holocaust education as a means of keeping memories alive, adding that it is crucial to understand “how it happened, why it happened, and what the consequences are.” A key part of this education takes the form of exhibitions and memorial events, more than 100 of which have been organised as part of Hungary’s IHRA Presidency. “Synagogues are like time capsules,” the Minister concluded. “You look at them, and history comes alive.”
Ms Marianne L. van Praag, Chief Rabbi of the Liberal Jewish Congregation in The Hague, then took to the podium. She joined the Ambassador and Minister in praising the important work of the IHRA, before recounting how just two of 125 members of her mother’s pre-war family survived the Holocaust. Yet despite such overwhelming personal tragedy, she expressed positivity and optimism for the future: “As long as we have initiatives and commemorations like this, we have hope. As long as we remember them, they will not disappear.”
Following the speeches, guests were treated to a masterful solo concert by Hungarian cellist Örs Kőszeghy. He opened with a classical transcription of the Jewish song Kol Nidre, and closed with a beautiful rendition of Mieczysław Weinberg’s Sonata for solo cello No. 2, Op. 86. His performance was well received, and sustained applause reverberated around the glass-roofed auditorium upon its conclusion.
The programme ended with a reception, complete with Hungarian wine and traditional delicacies courtesy of the Embassy.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The 24th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been celebrated at a reception hosted by the nation’s Ambassador, H.E. Vladimir Norov.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan with accreditation to the EU, including the Netherlands, is located in Brussels, but the Ambassador travelled to The Hague to mark this special occasion with fellow diplomats accredited to the Netherlands.
For a photo-album on the 24 Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan please cklick here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157659465401931HE Chen Xu Ambassador of Chine and Ambassador Norov.
It was a tremendous evening, full of Uzbek culture including dance by Sanam, a group headed by popular artists Mrs. Rushana Sultan ova and Mr. Shukhrat Vakhidov. There was also traditional music and cuisine.
“Independence was a great event for us” observed Dr. Norov in his welcome remarks to guests. “It has totally changed the meaning and essence of our life and opened up a new page in our history. It has liberated our country and people from the chains of an old totalitarian regime, and subsequently paved the way for the establishment of a national democratic state and the building of a prosperous future.”
During the course of his speech, Ambassador Vladimir Norov not only expounded on the flourishing economy of his country but also on the centuries long cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Of particular note is the fact that Uzbek students are flocking the University of Wageningen and Leiden among others. One student in attendance praised highly the Dutch education system; he is pursuing a Masters in Wageningen, and is progressing very well.
The Ambassador noted that despite the ongoing global economic crisis, Uzbekistan’s economy has grown immensely since independence; real per capita income has increased nine-fold, while life expectancy has grown from 67 to 73 years. Today, Uzbekistan ranks fifth among the fastest developing states in the world and, during the past 11 years, GDP growth rate has reached some 8 per cent.
“These transformations, based upon the slogan ‘Don’t destroy the old house before constructing the new one’ have allowed us to reform all branches of the economy without losses, ensure balanced development, and set the basis for a new society” said the Ambassador.
Dr. Norov, a former high ranking Civil Servant at the MFA, recounted the bumpy road toward signing the Florence Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU. This laid the legal framework for the development of bilateral relations with both European Union and its Member States, including the Netherlands. Positions held at the time, notably by the UK, were tough but the Agreement was signed and is now bearing fruit.
One of the main highlights of the Ambassador’s speech was the presentation of awards. One was to Dr. Mayelinne De Lara for her personal efforts in strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Diplomat Magazine and, by extension, the diplomatic community in the Netherlands.
Dr. Mayelinne De Lara and HE Vladimir Norov.
The other award was presented to Dr. Neno Kukurić, Director of the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC).
H.E. Ambassador Vladimir Norov concluded with the following words: “I would like to reiterate that the Netherlands is an important partner of Uzbekistan in Europe and we believe that the establishment of long-term and sustainable bilateral cooperation based on partnership and trust uniquely meets the interests of both countries.”
Publication of 2nd Edition of ground-breaking book ‘Nation Branding: Concepts, Issues, Practice’.
Written by Dr Keith Dinnie, nation branding scholar and adviser, the second edition of this ground-breaking book addresses a wide range of issues related to the ways in which the image and reputation of countries are formed, and the techniques that countries can use to try to manage such perceptions.
The book includes nation branding case studies of countries such as China, Croatia, Cuba, Finland, Ghana, India, Korea, Malaysia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In the newly published 2nd Edition, author Dr Keith Dinnie presents the ICON model of nation branding as a useful strategic tool for policy makers involved in the development of nation branding programmes and initiatives.
The ICON model proposes that good practice in nation branding should be:
-Integrated
-Contextualized
-Organic
-New
The integrated dimension of the model calls for inter-agency collaboration and the development of public-private sector programmes.
The contextualized dimension of the model draws attention to the need to ensure relevance to stakeholder needs and capabilities, and the importance of matching the values of target audiences.
The organic dimension of the model advocates a blend of planned and unplanned activities, and suggests that nation branding should be rooted in the country’s identity and culture. The new dimension of the model emphasises the need for innovative products, services and experiences, as well as highlighting the benefits to be gained from creating new national narratives.
Diplomat Magazine’s Dr Eugenio G. Matos (Minister Counselor, Dominican Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina and co-founder of Diplomat Magazine) is one of the many distinguished diplomats, scholars who have contributed to the book ‘Nation Branding: Concepts, Issues, Practice, 2nd Edition’, which has just been published by Routledge.
This much-anticipated update to an influential book is an essential introduction to nation branding for policy makers, businesses, and students.
The book is available from the website of publishers Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/products/9781138775848
Author Dr Keith Dinnie can be contacted here: keithdinnie@brandhorizons.com
By Barend ter Haar.
A referendum can strengthen democracy by involving citizens in the decision process. However, this will only work when there is a real choice. Let us take the imaginary example of a British referendum on moving their islands to a place between Australia and New Zealand. A large number of British citizens might vote Yes, but even when a majority would vote in favour, the United Kingdom would remain where it is, a few kilometers of the European continent.
The referendum on the European constitution in 2005 was a similar case. The Dutch population was asked its opinion on the proposed Constitution, but without a feasible alternative. So although a majority of the Dutch voters rejected it, after a few years a new European treaty with another name, but largely the same content as the Constitution was introduced and adopted by parliament.
Now a new Stop the world, I wanna get off referendum has been proposed, this time about the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. The treaty covers many areas, but the crux is that Ukraine commits itself to fundamental reforms and that the EU and its member states will provide Ukraine with political, financial, economic and scientific support.
The promoters of the referendum argue that the Netherlands should refrain from closer association with Ukraine because that country is corrupt and in conflict with Russia. Their assumption seems to be that as long as we close our borders and our eyes for what happens in Ukraine we will not be hampered by it.
That is what we thought about Syria also. That went “well” for years, but now we are confronted with the result of our negligence.
However, there are two important differences between Syria and Ukraine.
First of all: Ukraine is much closer to the Netherlands than Syria. By car it is about 1400 kilometers to the Ukrainian border. That is less than the distance to Rome or Madrid. The Chernobyl disaster and the recent shooting down of flight MH17[1] have made us painfully aware that we are not immune for what happens in Ukraine. And there is no Mediterranean Sea that will keep Ukrainians from fleeing to the West if Ukraine would become a failing state.
Secondly: whereas the situation in Syria provided us with few opportunities for successful intervention, the chances for helping Ukraine to move in the right direction have never been better. Both the current government and a large majority of the population want real reform.
The real question is therefore whether we are going to use the current window of opportunity to promote good governance in Ukraine or rather do nothing and just hope for the best. Of course, success is not guaranteed, but the chances are certainly much larger with the support that is foreseen in the Association Agreement than without that. Doing nothing is not a sensible alternative. The proposed referendum would therefore be based on a false question.
[1] See http://www.clingendael.nl/sites/default/files/Lessons-of-the-MH17-disaster.pdf
By HE Ambassador Mimoza Ahmetaj, Head of Mission of Kosovo to the EU, Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg. Photography by Zana Hoxha.
The Republic of Kosovo, having declared its independence in 2008, is the youngest country in Europe today, in both age of population and of statehood. It has been recognized by 111 countries throughout the world, and has made tremendous progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration as a democratic, multi-ethnic and secular country deeply committed to European values.
The end of the war of 1998-99 found Kosovo heavily damaged in all aspects. With over one million refugees, over 80% of schools destroyed, and no institutions in place whatsoever, Kosovo found itself at its nadir just at the turn of the new millennium; however, looking back now, it has certainly risen to the challenge.
The Kosovars’ remarkable motivation to rebuild, coupled with the international community’s commitment, has transformed Kosovo from a war-torn place into a country thriving.
Today, Kosovo has the highest average economic growth in all of South Eastern Europe in the last seven years; it has the first female president elected in the Balkans; it is safer than many Western European countries; it has one of the most modern constitutions globally, one that bans discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion as well as sexual orientation; and it boasts a very rich ethnic and religious diversity that give a particular charm to this new country.
Our civic democracy grants constitutional protection to all our ethnic communities, with around ten of them peacefully cohabiting in Kosovo, identifying with an equal variety of faiths – Sunni Muslims, Catholic Christians, Orthodox Christians, Sufis, Protestants, Jews, as well as many other groups are all free to live and love in Kosovo.
Kosovo is historically known for always nurturing religious diversity, but in the recent years this tolerance has been gaining even more international recognition thanks to its annual interfaith conferences. Kosovo is now being cited as a global example of a country where many faiths live in perfect harmony.
Apart from bilateral relations, Kosovo is also making its place in the world of multilateral organizations – we are now members of two UN specialized agencies, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as of the International Organization of La Francophonie, the International Olympic Committee, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, The Venice Commission, and many other sports and regional organizations.
Kosovo has also finalized negotiations on the first contractual agreement with the European Union, the Stabilization and Association Agreement, and it is expected to sign it very soon. In the spirit of good neighborly relations and contribution to regional peace and stability, Kosovo has shown exceptional goodwill in the dialogue facilitated by the EU between Kosovo and Serbia, reaching several landmark agreements on practical issues.
The Fortress Cinema of Dokufest film festival in Prizren, Kosovo screens movies in the walls of a byzantine fortress, which is ranked in the top 10 most attractive cinemas of the world. During Dokufest, the entire city of Prizren turns into a cinematic experience, hosting screenings across different locations including fortresses, riverbeds, mills, city squares and
So what remains to be done?
Kosovo’s foremost and biggest potential – and simultaneously, challenge – is its youth. With an average age of 28 and half of the population under 25, we are faced now with the challenge of providing them with a better future and a positive outlook where our youth has a chance to truly be part of the globalized society spreading today. Recognizing this, the Republic of Kosovo has formally applied to become a UNESCO member this year.
UNESCO’s purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture; aiming to build the defenses of peace in the minds of young men and women.
It is just what Kosovo needs. This membership will not only enhance our education, science and culture, enabling them to benefit from shared knowledge and best international practices, but it will also share Kosovo’s wealth of heritage with the entire world.
We have tried our hardest to overcome the stereotypical evocation of grim images at the mention of our country’s name by showing the world what Kosovo is really like, and you now find all foreign visitors to Kosovo describe it as “young and vibrant”. Joining a global platform such as UNESCO will certainly help us share some of this extraordinary energy with the rest of the world – let’s avoid the isolation of these young people by helping Kosovo become a UNESCO member!
“These transformations, based upon the slogan ‘Don’t destroy the old house before constructing the new one’ have allowed us to reform all branches of the economy without losses, ensure balanced development, and set the basis for a new society” said the Ambassador.
Dr. Norov, a former high ranking Civil Servant at the MFA, recounted the bumpy road toward signing the Florence Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU. This laid the legal framework for the development of bilateral relations with both European Union and its Member States, including the Netherlands. Positions held at the time, notably by the UK, were tough but the Agreement was signed and is now bearing fruit.
One of the main highlights of the Ambassador’s speech was the presentation of awards. One was to Dr. Mayelinne De Lara for her personal efforts in strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Diplomat Magazine and, by extension, the diplomatic community in the Netherlands.
“These transformations, based upon the slogan ‘Don’t destroy the old house before constructing the new one’ have allowed us to reform all branches of the economy without losses, ensure balanced development, and set the basis for a new society” said the Ambassador.
Dr. Norov, a former high ranking Civil Servant at the MFA, recounted the bumpy road toward signing the Florence Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU. This laid the legal framework for the development of bilateral relations with both European Union and its Member States, including the Netherlands. Positions held at the time, notably by the UK, were tough but the Agreement was signed and is now bearing fruit.
One of the main highlights of the Ambassador’s speech was the presentation of awards. One was to Dr. Mayelinne De Lara for her personal efforts in strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Diplomat Magazine and, by extension, the diplomatic community in the Netherlands.
The book includes nation branding case studies of countries such as China, Croatia, Cuba, Finland, Ghana, India, Korea, Malaysia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In the newly published 2nd Edition, author Dr Keith Dinnie presents the ICON model of nation branding as a useful strategic tool for policy makers involved in the development of nation branding programmes and initiatives.
The ICON model proposes that good practice in nation branding should be:
-Integrated
-Contextualized
-Organic
-New
The integrated dimension of the model calls for inter-agency collaboration and the development of public-private sector programmes.
The contextualized dimension of the model draws attention to the need to ensure relevance to stakeholder needs and capabilities, and the importance of matching the values of target audiences.
The organic dimension of the model advocates a blend of planned and unplanned activities, and suggests that nation branding should be rooted in the country’s identity and culture. The new dimension of the model emphasises the need for innovative products, services and experiences, as well as highlighting the benefits to be gained from creating new national narratives.
Diplomat Magazine’s Dr Eugenio G. Matos (Minister Counselor, Dominican Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina and co-founder of Diplomat Magazine) is one of the many distinguished diplomats, scholars who have contributed to the book ‘Nation Branding: Concepts, Issues, Practice, 2nd Edition’, which has just been published by Routledge.
This much-anticipated update to an influential book is an essential introduction to nation branding for policy makers, businesses, and students.
The book is available from the website of publishers Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/products/9781138775848
Author Dr Keith Dinnie can be contacted here: keithdinnie@brandhorizons.com
