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!
Photography by Henry Arvidsson.After having served for most of his diplomatic career in posts and functions in the East- Southern Mediterranean, being himself an eye witness of the launch of the “Arab Spring” phenomenon, the post in the Netherlands was quite a different experience. However, some historic developments did take place while serving in The Hague if we take as an example the fact that Dr Kyriacos Kouros had to the privilege to serve in a realm where a royal succession took place. Dr Kouros began his mission as Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in June 2012, less than a month before Cyprus held the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, for the first time since its EU accession in 2004. He had to learn fast the complicated structures of the international organizations, such as the OPCW, and Courts based in The Hague, since Cyprus had to coordinate its EU partners, in the absence of a representation of the then nascent European External Action Service in The Hague. During the second semester of 2012, the Embassy of Cyprus in The Hague successfully coordinated numerous EU meetings, drafted the EU statements and organized a number of events. Dr Kouros humorously referred to this period of the second half of 2012 as the “roller coaster” orientation trip. However, the success of the Cypriot EU Presidency was unfortunately followed and partially overshadowed by the peak of the economic crisis in Cyprus in early 2013, with the Netherlands holding the Presidency of the Eurogroup. Ambassador Kouros strived to present the Cypriot positions to the Dutch decision makers, both at the Executive and the Legislative Branches, and to try and correct the omnipresent misconceptions about the Cypriot economy. The circumstances were very difficult and crucial. Today, more than two years later the economy of Cyprus is in a much better shape and all stakeholders, especially the international lenders, agree that Cyprus is emerging out of the recession and has returned to growth. Cyprus is a success story, Dijsselbloem says! During his tenure in the Netherlands, Ambassador Kouros actively promoted the bilateral relations of the two countries and significant number of bilateral visits were exchanged, including those of the (then) Minister of Foreign Affairs Frans Timmermans and of Minister Dijsselbloem in Nicosia in January and March 2014 and the visit of H.E. Ankie Broekers-Knol in October 2014. On behalf of Cyprus, four at least Ministers paid working visits in the Netherlands including the Ministers of European Affairs, Energy, Industry, Commerce & Tourism, Communications & Works. The Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environment visited lastly the Netherlands and met also with Dutch counterparts and agreed on ways to further promote the bilateral cooperation. With the valuable support of his wife Vasso and the Embassy’s staff, Ambassador Kouros actively tried to promote Cypriot culture and history in the Netherlands and encouraged exhibition and events held in the Netherlands by Cypriot artists. In September 2013, the Netherlands returned to Cyprus four icons that were illegally smuggled from the occupied areas of the island, on the basis of 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Event of an Armed Conflict. The icons are being kept to the Byzantium Museum in Nicosia until a political settlement is reached on the island which will allow the artifacts together with the thousand others found to be returned to their place of origin.As The Hague is host to many international and UN organizations and institutions it is a good diplomatic post to establish useful contacts and to represent one’s government in an effective way. Dr Kouros wants to believe that he managed to establish good contacts with the diplomatic and international community in The Hague and with many think tanks. Cyprus continued to actively participate in the International Organizations based in the city. In 2013-2014, Cyprus served as the host country of the support base of the OPCW-UN Joint Mission and offered infrastructure and facilities to other States which contributed to the destruction of the Syria’ s chemical weapons. It also hosted the OPCW 11th Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia in May 2013. In the International Criminal Court, Cyprus is an ad country co-focal point for the Plan of Action for the Universality and the Full Implementation of the Rome Statute since fall of 2013, in cooperation first with Japan and since January 2015 with Denmark. As an Ambassador of a country which has a significant part of its territory under foreign military occupation, the top priority for Ambassador Kouros was to actively promote the positions of the Cypriot Government in its effort to end the occupation and reunite Cyprus and its people. At the same time he tried to study the achievements of the Dutch society in various fields in his bid to infuse some thinking back home. He consciously believes and supports the notion that people should adopt mentalities and practices that make our world a better place to be.Before he joined the Diplomatic Service, Dr Kouros started his career as a journalist and a lecturer on issues of mass media and related legal affairs. Therefore he loves to write and that is why he enjoyed being a guest writer in Diplomat Magazine. He and his wife Vasso will fondly remember The Netherlands as a country where the quality of life should always be cherished and considered a beacon for the rest of the civilized world. But in his new role Dr Kouros is expected to see the audience of his writing skills significantly reduced. He was selected to play the role of a national security advisor by heading the Cypriot Intelligence Service and presiding over the newly established Councils of Geopolitical Affairs and Energy Politics, an important and crucial function in such a strategically situated country.
By Sefalana R. Matambo, Acting Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Botswana to the Kingdom of Belgium and Permanent Mission to the European Union, non-resident to the Kingdom of The Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
From the mesmerizing meander of the divine Okavango Delta, to the gregarious species of wildlife foraging freely in the Chobe National Park, Botswana’s kaleidoscope of landscapes enraptures and captures the adventurous spirit in all of us.
Botswana not only talks the talk of environmental and wildlife conservation, but also walks the walk by leading the way in international efforts to transition to a global economy based on sustainable development. We utilise our own abundant natural resources to build a healthy, educated and sustainable future for current and next generations.
The unrelenting dedication of the Botswana Government to maintaining its pristine natural landscapes and protect its wildlife populations evidenced itself in our hosting of the African Elephant Summit and the Kasane Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade in March 2015.
It is also demonstrated through Botswana’s championing of the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in Africa, which was born out of the Summit for Sustainability in Africa, also hosted in Gaborone, Botswana in May 2012.
The Declaration calls for worldwide recognition of the intrinsic value of ecosystems through natural capital accounting. As part of its obligations to the Gaborone Declaration, Botswana has banned big game hunting, committed to a moratorium on all trade in ivory until the African elephant population has rebounded, and is leading a training programme for other African nations on wildlife protection strategies.
The country’s efficient management of its wildlife resources is a combination of widespread community involvement and effective policy management at the government level. Botswana’s extensive system of world-renowned national parks and game reserves, such as the Chobe National Park, comprise approximately 40% of land area under protected status, where the parks are unfenced and wildlife roam freely.
Outreach programmes under the Community Based Natural Resource Management engage communities in wildlife-rich environments in the management of the environment, and create awareness on the importance of sustaining wildlife resources. The Botswana Government, in conjunction with the World Bank, has funded the Northern Botswana Human Wildlife Coexistence Project to facilitate human-wildlife conflict mitigation methods. This co-management of wildlife resources between the government and the citizenry ensures the balance between the country’s natural and human wealth; Botswana exist in tandem with, and not in spite of, their natural resources.
Botswana’s long-standing commitment to the conservation of its natural resources is a track record that sings its own praises. The awe-inspiring Okavango Delta was listed as the 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2014, one of the world’s few and largest inland deltas that boasts of a vast diversity of wildlife and ecosystems. Thirty kilometers west of the Delta in the far northwest of the country lies yet another World Heritage site – the billion-year-old rocks of the Tsodilo Hills.
The enigmatic Tsodilo Hills house one of the highest concentrations of rock art in the world, with over 4,500 individual paintings or inscriptions produced by a long trail of the ancestral inhabitants of Tsodilo. As a long-serving member of UNESCO in good standing, Botswana’s deep involvement in the organization’s aim to promote cooperation in the fields of education, science and international security, has culminated in our fielding of a candidate for membership of the UNESCO Executive Board for the period 2015 – 2019, Dr. Gloria Somolekae, a woman of great achievements and a passionate development practitioner.
Botswana’s own long-term Vision 2016, drawn up in 1996, is in alignment with the Vision of UNESCO, and envisages a prosperous and proud Botswana where all can share in the country’s prosperity.
Botswana is an inspiring example of how economic growth and the natural environment are so closely linked, a telling tale of how life-supporting natural capital can become one of the main drivers of economic growth and national development. Botswana aims to spearhead an international effort focused on the value of natural capital as a key contributor to sustainable economic growth and long-term social development not only at home, but across Africa and around the world.
Conservation of our natural resources is much more than just a goal to be achieved or another obligation to fulfill. Our own unique brand of conservation is the confluence of ancient ways of life and the compulsion of modern civilization. It is where the humility of Batswana people meets the tranquility of expanses of undisturbed wilderness; where the serenity of women’s hands, aged gracefully with wisdom, creates the acuity and timelessness of magnificent, traditionally woven basketry; and, where the complexity of urban art forms and brightly lit city skylines meets the simplicity of a surreal and stunningly colourful sunset across endless desert sky.
For Botswana, conservation is self-preservation; the protection of that which has sustained Botswana for generations past, and the insurance of sustainable life for future generations.
By Sunday Oyinloye, West Africa Editor.
Nigeria no doubt is one of the leading nations in Africa. It is blessed with enormous natural resources, some of which are still buried in the belly of the earth unutilized. For instance, much has not been heard about bitumen, which is lying fallow under the earth in Ondo State South West, Nigeria. Interestingly, some experts have argued that the bitumen deposit in Ondo State which remains untapped is enough to tar all the roads in Africa .The country also boasts of vast human resources. Ironically, millions of professionals have been lost to brain drain due to poor working condition and lack of motivation in their home country. Professionals who are poorly paid in Nigeria are highly priced in many advanced countries, thus they seek greener pasture abroad.
Nigeria’s frustration about brain drain was publicly expressed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in early 2014 during a Town Hall meeting with Nigerian citizens when he attended Nuclear and Security Summit in the Netherlands. His frustration and that of other Nigerians is understandable, a lot of people familiar with the wealth of Nigeria have argued that the country has no business being poor.
It is not by accident that Nigeria has remained a good bride of the Netherlands. The small but vibrant European country practically has dominion over Nigeria’s oil with Shell Petroleum, a Dutch company as a major player in the nation’s oil and gas industry.
However, relations between the Netherlands and Nigeria has being of mutual benefit with the Netherlands having the” upper hand’’. Nigeria practices mono-economy which makes the country depends heavily on oil for survival hence the strategic importance of Shell to Nigeria.
An appraisal of the two countries nevertheless shows that their relations go beyond oil, though oil is the backbone. The list of Dutch companies in Nigeria is long. From Heineken in the manufacturing sector to APM Terminal, one of the largest port and terminal operators in the world, it is therefore not surprising that Netherlands remains the most important trading partner of Nigeria in the Euro zone. It is on record that from 2003, trade volume between the two counties has witnessed steady growth. The steady growth is understandable; Nigeria-Netherlands Chambers of Commerce is one of the oldest in Nigeria. The Chamber encourages and facilitates bilateral trade between the two countries. It has also been working closely with the Embassy of Nigeria in The Hague to woo Dutch investors to Nigeria.
Trade between the Netherlands and Nigeria was N80.9 billion in the second quarter of 2015. The Dutch government is however looking beyond oil in its relations with Nigeria as it is working hard not only to grow Nigeria’s businesses but also to encourage its agricultural sector. Netherlands is reputed as one of the largest exporter of agricultural products in the world.
The Dutch Growth Fund is one of the strategies Netherlands is using to stimulate Nigerian economy. It is open for Nigerian businessmen and women to access. Michel Deelen, a top official of the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria in one of his interviews with Nigerian Media said Netherlands is focusing on Agriculture, infrastructure and water-related cooperation with Nigeria .
As the price of crude oil continues to slide in the International market and Nigerian government looks for alternative to oil, experts have suggested that the most populous country in Africa should seek the Dutch intervention in warehousing, logistics and transportation of agricultural produce that often rot away in farms across the country due to lack of storage facilities and food processing companies.
They also advised Nigeria to work closely with the Dutch reputed for their efficiency in water technology so that the water resources of the country could be fully utilized for agricultural purposes.
However, Netherlands has to do more in its economic relations with Nigeria because China has literally taken over Nigeria’s economy and turned the country into a dumping ground for its products because of ineffective government regulations on things that could be imported into the country. Economists have warned Nigeria to be wary of all manners of goods coming into the country from China, Netherlands, United Kingdom and other advanced nations because unguided importation could kill industrialization.
It is left to be seen whether the new government in Nigeria will take the bold initiative of turning Nigeria to a producing country from a consuming nation. If this is done, countries that have turned Nigeria to a dumping ground will probably have to look for another route. But for now, Nigeria remains a good bride of the Netherlands. Time will however tell how long the marriage will last.
Practitioners need more than a laptop and mobile phone.By Jan Melissen.
The debate about digital diplomacy is in full swing. There is an explosion of commentary on the implications of the digital age for diplomacy, with the views of ‘cyber-utopians’ competing with those of ‘cyber-realists’. Old-school wisdom among diplomats is that digitalization does not change the fundamental objectives of diplomacy, but offers new ways through which these can be achieved. Governments need to take a more nuanced look, taking into account the different facets of diplomatic practice. Realistically, it may take foreign ministries years to adapt to the digital age, and one of the challenges therefore lies in keeping up with the speed of digital change.
Digitalization is increasingly important in determining relationships within the integral network of the ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) and its diplomatic missions. The implications will be significant for the relationship between the MFA and diplomatic posts that are taking on more prominent roles. This will increase dramatically as the implications of new technologies are better understood and exploited.
No Nescafé-school answers
Technology is not as much a driver of change in international politics as has sometimes been suggested. In this connection one can for example think about debates surrounding the so-called ‘CNN-effect’ in the 1990s or, more recently, debates about the ‘Arab Spring’. A mere focus on the social media would not do justice to the complexity of the subject, even though a social media perspective on change in diplomacy has a lot to offer. Social media are visibly present in the context of diplomacy’s multiple manifestations. The Malaysian Airline MH 370 tragedy caused a stir in the social media that extended to state-to-state relations between China and Malaysia; the Ebola crisis led to a series of exchanges on social networking sites between and international organization and an NGO – the World Health Organization and Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) International; immediately after the Nepal earthquake governments used Twitter to get in touch with their citizens; but also high-level negotiations have a digital dimension. As US Secretary of State John Kerry stated, “Digital diplomacy is diplomacy: period”. The digital dimension is simply becoming part of most diplomatic activity.
Defining objectives
‘Digital diplomacy’ can best be understood as a shorthand term embracing broader changes in diplomacy that are pre-dating digitalization. The term requires a greater degree of precision than is commonly given in government circles, which reminds of vague references to ‘soft power’ by political leaders and diplomats. Foreign ministries are advised to work out what they mean by ‘digital diplomacy’. Interpreting the digital age and digital diplomacy matters, because digitalization is here to stay. There are two ways in which MFAs should not respond to the challenges of the digital age: ‘following the herd’ in proclaiming the adoption of digital diplomacy without clearly defining their objectives, or treating digital resources as another form of top-down communication.
Most foreign ministries are just entering the digital age and find themselves in the first phase characterized by both skepticism and hype about ‘digital diplomacy’. Individual diplomats will find the modalities of digitalization in constant flux and they therefore need to ‘retool’ on a continuous basis.
New practices and norms
Diplomats of all types will need to function in online and offline environments. Differing blends of ‘hybrid’ diplomacy are needed. Experience demonstrates the limits of digital technology in negotiating environments, evidenced by negative responses to the use of smartphones to text and tweet during negotiations. In contrast, as can be seen in the history of the UK Prevention of Sexual Violence Initiative, human rights diplomacy is bound up with extensive use of digital resources. Individual diplomats will have to reconcile conflicting demands for online communication and physical presence. In some areas citizens will expect both, like in the field of consular assistance: they want digital tools, a human face – and immediate help.
Recent practices in public diplomacy can help show patterns of change. The resources provided by big data and social media networks greatly enhance the strategies available here. Foreign ministries also need to be aware of the fact that digitalization will put fundamental norms and rules of diplomacy to the test. Age-old diplomatic norms have been challenged by the actions of diplomats on the ground, who experience that their ‘duty to interfere’ is competing with the principle of non-interference.
Changing DNA
External MFA partners are increasingly important for policy success in a more and more hybrid international environment with emerging non-governmental actors and new types of transnational policy milieus. Traditional diplomatic culture and hierarchical organizational structures clash with the imperatives of speed and ‘horizontalization’. Those who do not understand the importance of networking as the basis of diplomatic practice will not get very far in understanding diplomacy in the digital age.
No area of diplomacy will become redundant as a result of digitalization. Diplomatic functions will be re-defined to meet changing needs. The obvious example here is that of diplomatic reporting. Gathering information may be easier for foreign ministries: processing and analyzing it will be much more complex. Ironically, the enhanced information through social media platforms and big data gives added importance to the diplomatic functions of information analysis and policy prediction.
Networked diplomacy
Governments have no choice but to develop digital strategies if they are to survive. Digitalization further erodes the claim that the MFA is a gatekeeper with privileged access to crucial bodies of information. It will enhance the need for MFAs to redefine their roles and to develop narratives to explain to their stakeholders and to themselves what they are for. Networking is the basis of contemporary diplomacy, calling for the development and effective use of ‘nodality’ tools. This is one of the critical areas of digitalization in the diplomatic field.
For MFAs it is of central importance to perform as a significant node in information networks. They need to position themselves in the broader context of the national diplomatic system (NDS) – that is the totality of departments and agencies involved in the shaping and implementation of international policy. This concept of the NDS can be applied across political systems, in Washington and Berlin as much as in Beijing.
Jan Melissen:Jan Melissen is a Senior Research Fellow at the Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’, The Hague, and Professor of Diplomacy at the University of Antwerp, Belgium. He is founding Co-Editor of The Hague Journal of Diplomacy. His latest book is Understanding Public Diplomacy in East Asia: Middle Powers in a Troubled Region (Palgrave Macmillan, 2015).This short article summarizes some of the main findings a Clingendael Report by Brian Hocking and Jan Melissen, Diplomacy in the Digital Age (2015): http://www.clingendael.nl/publication/diplomacy-digital-age-0
@JanMDiplo
“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
For Botswana, conservation is self-preservation; the protection of that which has sustained Botswana for generations past, and the insurance of sustainable life for future generations.
For Botswana, conservation is self-preservation; the protection of that which has sustained Botswana for generations past, and the insurance of sustainable life for future generations.
