L’Alliance Française présente : On joue sur la terre

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  Dans la photo Martin Beyer, directeur de l’Alliance française de La Haye et délégué général de la Fondation Alliance française de Paris aux Pays-Bas.   Par Anne Leray, journaliste à La Haye.   « On joue sur la terre » : une exposition de photo internationale à découvrir à la Stadbibliotheek de La Haye Depuis le 3 juillet dernier, une quarantaine de photographies évoquant chacune le jeu au sens large, sont à découvrir à la Stadbibliotheek de La Haye. Elles ont été sélectionnées dans le cadre d’un concours lancé pour la 4e année par l’Alliance Française en partenariat avec le magazine Courrier International et TV5 MONDE. Un jury parisien les a primées parmi deux-cent vingt dossiers reçus, faisant d’Omar Jimenez Gonzalez, étudiant au Mexique, le lauréat de cette édition.  « C’est un tour du monde tout azimut des prises de vue et des thématiques », apprécie Martin Beyer, délégué général de la Fondation Alliance française de Paris aux Pays-Bas, ravi de voir s’installer ici ces images qui, à la fin de leur parcours, auront tourné au total dans une vingtaine de pays. D’autant que deux d’entre elles sont signées Nadia Boutaghane, une Française installée à La Haye, ce qui met en lumière un talent local. « C’est la deuxième fois que nous recevons l’expo de ce concours à La Haye. L’année dernière nous avions exposé à l’Alliance Française mais la bibliothèque est plus adaptée. Elle touchera plus de personnes qui passeront là par hasard. L’Alliance Française aime mélanger les gens, les rapprocher, créer la curiosité », poursuit-il. Ce réseau international compte huit cents établissements dans le monde.   
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Nadia Boutaghane, photographe.
    Sur les cimaises de la bibliothèque dialoguent ainsi des regards du monde entier : un comptable en Irlande, un philosophe au Mexique, un ingénieur informatique au Nigeria, une graphiste en Russie, un dentiste en Indonésie… Ils ont tous suivis des cours au sein des Alliances Françaises, et sont amateurs de photographie et photographes amateurs. Jeux d’eau, jeux de fortune, jeux de société, jeux sportifs, en couleur ou en noir et blanc, l’exposition décline des visions personnelles avec souvent une belle qualité d’inspiration.   Expo Francaise Portraits ou reportages, certaines photos saisissent sur le vif l’enfance qui s’amuse. Des adultes sont aussi pris en flagrant délit d’enfance comme cette dame qui saute sur une marelle dans une rue pavée du Portugal. D’autres clichés jouent avec des mises en scène ludiques, drôles, ou plus grinçantes. Tels cette aire de jeu déserte à Tokyo deux ans après Fukushima, ces enfants bandits et voleurs avec un pistolet sur la tempe et un couteau sous la gorge, ou ce vieil homme absorbé dans une partie d’échec avec la mort dans un cimetière. Partie de la Cité des Arts à Paris en automne 2014, l’exposition était au Japon et aux Etats-Unis il y a peu, se tient simultanément à Bruxelles et à la Haye grâce à son double jeu de tirages, et partira ensuite à Rotterdam, au Nigeria et au Portugal. En 2016, le prochain concours parrainé par Yann Arthus-Bertrand, se concentrera sur un thème dans l’air d’un temps préoccupant : « Climat, état d’urgence ».  
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Nicole Pierre et Roy Lie Tjam.
  « On joue sur la terre », jusqu’au 23 août 2015 à la Centrale Stadbibliotheek de La Haye, Spui, 2500 DP Den Haag, tel : 070 353 44 55. Entrée libre.   

A three-day collaboration on peace

One hundred years ago – without the intervention of the First World War – The Third International Peace Conference would have taken place in The Hague. Now, a century later, The Hague University of Applied Sciences is organising The Third Hague Peace Conference. From 1 through 3 July, lectures and debates were held and students from all over the world met for discussion. Subjects addressed during the three-day event included the humanitarian law of war and how the international community can devote its efforts to maintaining peace. Included in the programme was a lecture given by Nico Schrijver, Professor of Public International Law, about improving the decision-making process of the UN Security Council and a talk given by Joris Voorhoeve, head of the International Peace, Justice & Security research group, about the prevention of war and the building of peace after a war situation. But there was also a workshop on how to make peace go viral on social media. Essays The focus of this event was the new generation of students and their ideas about effective ways of peace-keeping and improving human rights. Students from all over the world were given the opportunity to write essays about these subjects, and the one hundred students who wrote the best essays were invited to attend the conference. The best essays are also being published in a book. Georgia One of the students coming to The Hague for this conference is Nino Makhauri from Georgia. She witnessed the Five-Day War in 2008 and wrote her essay about the situation in the Georgian region of Tskhinvali in the years that followed. Nino’s essay describes how Russia failed to comply with the six-point plan that Nicholas Sarkozy had drawn up under the supervision of the European Union and that had been endorsed by both Russia and Georgia. Nino explains that in 2011, on orders given by Russian soldiers, the ‘peacemakers’ behind the six-step plan set up barricades and barbed wire on Georgian territory thus sealing off 50 villages and forcing citizens to leave their homes. Although international organisations, including the European Commission, expressed their dismay, this has been of little concern to Russia and little has changed in the situation. Nino’s essay shows that international conventions are difficult to enforce when one of the parties is uncooperative. His question: what can Georgia and international organisations working together achieve for this region? Nino Makhauri’s essay: link.hhs.nl/xmsp/xms_itm_p.download_file?p_itm_id=98988

Pakistani Mango Exhibition

  The Embassy of Pakistan’s Trade Office,  is  organising the  12th edition of Pakistani Mango Exhibition on 22nd July 2015 at 16:00 hours at Hilton Hotel, The Hague. Importers, retailers and superstores will exhibit several  varieties of Pakistani Mangoes like Sindhri, Chaunsa , Beghan Phali, Sunhera and Lasi during the event were also  Mango tasting through Mango cubes, Mango shake, Mango Ice cream and more will be offer to the guests.  This is a unique opportunity of tasting wide varieties of the wonderful Pakistani’s fruit.   Mangoes from PakistanPakistan is the 4th largest producer of mangoes in the world and Pakistani mango is known for its appealing colour, enticing aroma and delicious taste. Its is important to mention that the Netherlands is the second largest importer and exporter of  Mangoes been the Trade Gate way to Europe. The exhibition is being organised in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Diplomat Magazine. H.E. Mr. Moazzam Ahmad Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan will inaugurate the exhibition.      

Myanmar Joins Chemical Weapons Convention

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  Myanmar deposited its instrument of ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention on 8 July.  After 30 days, the Convention will enter into force for Myanmar, raising its membership to 191 States Parties. Welcoming Myanmar’s Foreign Minister, Mr Wunna Maung Lwin, today at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague, OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, said, “Myanmar’s membership will significantly strengthen the global prohibition against chemical weapons, especially in Asia.” In an address [PDF – 720 KB] to the Executive Council of the OPCW today, Minister Wunna Maung Lwin said, “Myanmar is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Convention and looks forward to cooperating with other States Parties to bring about a world completely free of chemical weapons.” Executive Council members warmly welcomed Myanmar’s accession and reaffirmed their countries’ intention to redouble efforts to bring about universal adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Five States remain outside the Convention – Angola, Egypt, Israel, North Korea and South Sudan.  Of these, Angola’s parliament recently opened the way to Angola joining upon deposit of an instrument of accession, and South Sudan has indicated its intention to succeed to the Convention. Myanmar was among the first countries to sign the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1993.  In January this year, Myanmar’s parliament, the Assembly of the Union, ratified the Convention – opening the way to Myanmar becoming a State Party. The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits the production, development, possession, stockpiling, transfer and use of chemical weapons.  States Parties must declare and destroy any stockpiles of chemical weapons and related production facilities, as well as any old or abandoned chemical weapons, and submit to an international monitoring and verification regime.  

Minister Mukeshimana signs MOU with the Netherlands

  Minister Gerardine Mukeshimana of the Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources and Minister Sharon Dijksma of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands signed this morning a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral cooperation in plant variety protection and breeders’ rights at the No More Food To Waste Conference in The Hague. Memorandum of Understanding The Rwanda government wants to provide and promote an effective system of plant variety protection, with the aim of encouraging the development of new varieties of plants, for the benefit of further development and economic growth of the Rwanda agricultural sector, specifically the potato sector and the seed sector. The Netherlands has a strong interest in sharing knowledge through private companies and science institutes for the benefit of the agricultural sector. Both governments acknowledge the importance of an effective system in order to improve the agricultural sector of Rwanda as well as to further develop the investment opportunities for foreign companies.   For a photo-album on Rwandese Minister visit to The Netherlands, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157655631413962   Bosman2-hres Agriculture Mission Minister Mukeshimana was in the Netherlands from 16 to 19 June to intensify the economic relations between Rwanda and the Netherlands on developing the agriculture sector through extending business to business contacts and to discuss the Dutch institutional framework on agricultural policies, research and good agricultural practices.   Olij1-hres The Minister started with No More Food To Waste Conference and participated in a panel discussion deliberation on food loss, waste and opportunities for action. Furthermore, she attended a Horticulture Platform meeting with the Rwanda trade delegation where an update was given on the SMART Project in Rwanda. This is a smart greenhouse technology specially developed for Rwanda by a consortium of Dutch and Rwandan private sector companies and research institutes, which will result in increased quality and production of vegetables and a stronger market position. The Minister continued her mission together with Ambassador George William Kayonga (CEO of the National Agricultural Export Development Board), Mr Robert Kayinamura (First Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the Netherlands) and Mrs Teddie Muffels (Agricultural Counsellor at the Dutch Embassy in Rwanda). The delegation visited Bosman Van Zaal that is one of the private companies in the SMART Project and specialized in the production of conditioned facilities for vegetable and floriculture production worldwide. Furthermore, the delegation visited Olij Roses (a specialist in growing and propagation of roses) and a dairy farm of the Vollering Brothers, which is a good example of modern farming with four strategy points; animal welfare, cows in the pasture, labour efficiency and energy neutral. Landleven1-hres   For more information: Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources         www.minagri.gov.rw NAEB                                                                       www.naeb.gov.rw No More Food To Waste Conference                       www.nomorefoodtowaste.nl Bosman Van Zaal                                                     www.bosmanvanzaal.com Olij Roses                                                                 www.olijrozen.nl Farm Vollering Brothers                                           www.boerderijlandleven.nl    

Yoga virus grabs The Hague on International Yoga Day

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The yoga virus grabbed The Hague on Sunday 21 June. The first celebration of International Yoga Day at MOOOF was a big success. Hundreds of enthusiastic participants tried out fun yoga lessons, listened intently to lectures or roared with laughter constantly laughter meditation. The aim of the event was to introduce a large audience to yoga. Initiator Mansi Jasuja, or Planet Green Foundation, succeeded very well in That goal. Kids, elderly people, macho men and the most hesitant sceptics all spent a large part of the day on a yoga mat. The daring ones had a go at acrobatic aerial yoga in a hammock and an 87-year-old walker tried yoga for the first time.   Ralph_Kamena_5287   The program ook catered for the experienced yogis. The renowned Indian Yogi Sri Vijay Gopala (founder of Yoga Gita) drew a large audience with a lecture followed by mediation. Alderman in tracksuit Alderman Rabin Baldewsingh (Social Affairs and Sports) Officially opened the event sportively dressed in a white tracksuit. The alderman spoke about The Importance of connecting body and soul and the benefits of yoga. “Something as international as yoga simply belongs here in our International city of peace and justice. ” Annual event The organization is very happy with the success of this first edition. Jasuja: “The ambience was terrific, many people experienced yoga for the first time and everyone had a great day. We’ll do this every year and The Hague give an even more prominent position as yoga city of The Netherlands. “The Hague has The countries highest number of yoga studios per inhabitant. Twenty-five local yoga studios gift thirty-five lessons and demonstrations on the day on a voluntary basis falling on the event at MOOOF.   Ralph_Kamena_5587 International Yoga Day www.internationalyogaday.nl www.facebook.com/IYD.nl  

Thailand Grand Festival 2015

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  The Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague and the Thai community of the Netherlands have the pleasure to extend an open invitation for all to attend the “Thailand Grand Festival 2015 or TGF 2015”, an annual celebration that will take place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2015 from 12.00 to 20.00 hours at Spuiplein, The Hague. After the success of the last year edition organised for the first time in The Hague, the Embassy renews the experience and wishes to invite the Hagenaren, the Dutch Public, as well as interested visitors to celebrate the arrival of summer in style! This is the best opportunity to get to know Thai community in the Netherlands through its get-together activities and experience the famous Thai hospitality and cheerfulness. The weekend event will feature Thai culture and traditions under various forms; The World famous Thai “street food*” fair presenting freshly prepared Thai savoury dishes and sweets; Thai drinks and beers; Performances of Thai traditional and contemporary music and dances; Demonstration of self-defense art “Muay Thai”; Thai spa through traditional style massage for therapeutic and relaxing purposes; Presentation of Thai products and handicrafts and many more activities! For this 10th edition, the “Thailand Grand Festival” holds out hopes of being a success among the Dutch public and interested visitors again.

Prosecutor Bensouda issues a draft

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  ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda issues draft OTP Strategic Plan 2016-2018, for comment.   Today, 8 July 2015, the Prosecutor of the ICC, Mrs Fatou Bensouda, issued a draft Strategic Plan that will guide the work of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor (“OTP” or “Office”) for the period of 2016 to 2018. Prosecutor Bensouda stated: “Even as we see the positive impact of our 2012-2015 Strategic Plan, we continue our efforts to consolidate the high performance of the Office and to address challenges”. As per the policy of the OTP, a draft of the Strategic Plan (2016-2018) is being shared with interested external partners, including States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, academia and affected communities, for their inputs and comments. All comments and questions can be addressed to: otp_spi@icc-cpi.int by 28 August 2015. Following this consultation period, the final version of the Strategic Plan will be circulated during the first half of September 2015.      

Judge Raul Pangalangan elected at ICC

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Newly elected ICC Judge Raul Pangalangan to be sworn in on 13 July 2015.   A swearing-in ceremony for the new Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mr Raul Cano Pangalangan, will be held on Monday, 13 July 2015 at 4:30 P.M. (The Hague local time) in Courtroom I at the seat of the Court in The Hague (Netherlands). ICC Judge Raul Cano Pangalangan (Philippines) was elected on 24 June 2015 to fill a judicial vacancy during the resumed thirteenth session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in The Hague (Netherlands). His term of office will end on 10 March 2021. Judge Raul Cano Pangalangan will take the public oath declaring: “I solemnly undertake that I will perform my duties and exercise my powers as a Judge of the International Criminal Court honourably, faithfully, impartially and conscientiously and that I will respect the confidentiality of investigations and prosecutions and the secrecy of deliberations”.

Research grants for Masters degree’s graduates

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  The Foundation for Peace Sciences (Stichting Vredeswetenschappen) is offering two research grants for graduates with a Masters degree to develop a PhD proposal. The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam will offer feedback during the process of proposal development. Proposal development will have to take place between 1 November 2015 and 30 April 2016. The grants are funded by the ASN Foundation, part of the ASN Bank. Applicants should have successfully completed a Master’s programme (or be expected to do so before September) that falls within the mandate of the Foundation for Peace Sciences. Preference will be given to candidates whose research interests align with one or more of the ISS academic staff members.
Drs. Petra van der Ham. Photography © UPEACE The Hague.
Drs. Petra van der Ham, Managing Director, University for Peace. Photography © UPEACE The Hague.
  Potential research topics may include: Quantitative, econometric, rational choice approaches to the analysis of conflict Behavioural economics and conflict Natural resource economics and conflict Experimental economics and conflict New approaches to the role of the state in conflict, peace and human security Reconceptualising peace in relation to development, security and insecurity Combining qualitative and quantitative methods for studying conflict, warfare and peace Analysing media influences on patterns of violent and non-violent insurgency Impacts of resource scarcity and inequalities (gender, class, identity) on environmental conflicts and peace outcomes Western interventions, local actors and the peace-development-security nexu Mechanisms of conflict prevention, especially involving civil society   Requirements for the research grant: Successful completion of a Master’s programme (minimum average grade 8, merit, or equivalent) before 1 September 2015. Demonstrable interest in, and experience with, research topics within the mandate of the Foundation for Peace Sciences (identifying conditions for peace). Early career researcher, including those who have worked in NGOs with practical experience in peace-building Being allowed to live and work in The Netherlands. Winning candidates will be offered the following facilities for the duration of six months starting 1 November 2015: Research facilities at the International Institute of Social Studies. Feedback by one or more academic staff members of the ISS. A monthly allowance of 1000 euro by the ASN Foundation between 1 November 2015 and 30 April 2016 Opportunity to present the research proposal at a work-in-progress seminar of the ISS. Applications should be submitted before 1 September 2015 to the svwresearchgrant@ISS.nl (please note that we are not in position to answer any questions between 13 July and 8 August). Applications should include:
  1. CV and application letter (maximum two pages each), including contact details, at least two academic references and confirmation of availability for the full duration of the proposal development.
  2. A preliminary research proposal of no more than 3 pages (1500 words, excluding notes and bibliography), detailing the proposed topic, scientific and societal relevance and connection to the work of Foundation for Peace Sciences and ISS.
  A jury chaired by Professor Mansoob Murshed and including a representative of the Foundation for Peace Sciences will assess the proposal. Shortlisted candidates will be informed mid-September and interviews will take place end of September. For more information on the background of the organisations involved: Stichting Vredeswetenschappen: www.stichtingvredeswetenschappen.nl and www.facebook.com/stichtingvredeswetenschappen International Institute for Social Studies: www.iss.nl and www.facebook.com/iss.nl ASN Foundation: http://www.asnbank.nl/particulier/wat-doen-wij/hoe-vullen-we-duurzaamheid-in/asn-foundation.html