The Amazing Milestones the OPCW Has Achieved Since the CSP-27

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The Amazing Milestones the OPCW Has Achieved Since the CSP-27

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Twenty-Eighth Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CSP-28) has started in The Hague on 27 November 2023. During the opening of the Conference, Ambassador Fernando Arias, the Director-General of the OPCW emphasized the importance of the conference in light of the current developments in peace and security, which increase the risk of chemical weapons utilization. As the highest decision-making body of the Organization, the Conference is to take decisive actions to maintain the norm against chemical weapons.

Suljuk Mustansar Tarar Ambassador of Pakistan, Chairperson (CSP-28).

Take a look at the amazing milestones that the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has achieved since the 27th session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-27). Here is one of the key events that have taken place over the past year.

The OPCW has achieved several milestones related to the implementation of the Convention. The end of destruction of all declared chemical weapons stockpiles. On 7 July 2023, the OPCW verified that all chemical weapons stockpiles declared by the 193 States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention since 1997, totalling 72,304 metric tonnes of chemical agents, have been irreversibly destroyed under the OPCW’s strict verification regime.

H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica during his intervention / 28 Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CSP-28). 28 Nov 2023 The Hague.

This was an important milestone for the Organisation and a critical step towards achieving its mission to free the world of chemical weapons. It represented a historic success of multilateralism in the field of disarmament, and the work of a generation of diplomats and experts over the past 26 years. Kudos to the OPCW team!

The accomplishment recently achieved by the Organisation marks a significant milestone and a crucial step in their mission to eliminate chemical weapons globally. It is a monumental achievement in disarmament, made possible by the hard work of dedicated diplomats and experts over the past 26 years. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the OPCW team on this impressive feat.

H.E. Mr. Modi Ephraim, Ambassador of Israel / Twenty-Eighth Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CSP-28)

As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.

For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.

H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento, Ambassador of Bolivia and Vice-Chair of CSP-28. 28 Nov 2023 The Hague.

“Our priority is to help the EU integration of Georgia – if they wish”

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“Our priority is to help the EU integration of Georgia – if they wish”

Ambassador Petr Kubernát, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Georgia

The Caucasian Journal recently had the opportunity to interview His Excellency Petr Kubernát, who assumed the role of Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Georgia in August 2023. With an extensive background in diplomatic and governmental service, coupled with noteworthy experience in the private sector, Mr. Kubernát brings a wealth of expertise to his new post in Tbilisi.

Alexander Kaffka, editor-in-chief of CJ: Your Excellency, Let me first congratulate you with the Czech national holiday – the Freedom and Democracy Day – which is celebrated on November 17. If I’m correct, throughout your career you have been working primarily in Western Europe. Does Georgia seem like a terra incognita to you? 

Petr Kubernát: I was in Georgia for the first time in 1982. It was during my study at the Taras Shevchenko University in Kiev. I studied international law and international relations there, and my specialization was international economic relations.  We decided with one of my friends to see a little bit outside of Ukraine. So we went to the Caucasus republics, starting with Tbilisi and continuing to Yerevan and Baku.  

It was more than 40 years ago. I still remember the “Tarkhun” – that green lemonade. I like it very much, and I am very glad that I found it again here. Then I remember from that time, there was already the statue – Mother Georgia, and she’s still there. And then I remember the Rustaveli Avenue, which was very nice, and now it’s even better and nicer, I think. But all the other things have changed – changed in very positive ways, including the people. So this is my second time in Georgia.

The people are really very friendly. And since presentation of my credential to Madame President on August 17, I have had the privilege to meet very friendly Georgian people and to experience a great hospitality, to taste your delicious cuisine and excellent wine. So, now I know that I will really enjoy my stay here in your country. But, of course, I can’t say that I knew everything about Georgia before coming here.

AK: I think it is quite advantageous for Georgia to get such an experienced professional as you serving as ambassador here – and not only for Czech-Georgia relations.  In the 1990s-2000s you have played a key role in Czechia’s preparation to accession into the EU. From that standpoint, how do you assess the situation with Georgia’s EU membership bid?

PK:  You are right; most of my working area was in the Western part of Europe.  And, maybe it was also the reason that I was a little bit tired of the Western Europe. I was serving in the European Union member states, and the job of an ambassador there is a little bit different from the job of an ambassador outside of the EU.  

So I said to myself – let’s try to go somewhere outside of the EU, where it’s different but still close to what I have done so far. And because I was very much involved in the European integration business, I thought it would be nice to look around for a country which was negotiating the membership. 

AK: I’m sorry to interrupt. This is a bit unusual – could you actually decide where to go for your service?

PK: We can choose some options. I wanted very much Georgia, but, in my case, it was not 100 percent guaranteed that I get what I want. But I have succeeded. I had some expectation, as I know a little bit Georgia, and I can communicate very easily in Russian. Of course, we had much in common… For many years we have been under the Soviet regime or very close to the Soviet regime. It was the case for us and for the Georgians. So I had the feeling that I knew already the country, or at least it was quite close to me, and that I could understand the nature of the people.

AK: Do you observe any parallels between the Georgian and the Czech EU membership bids, or is each accession process a completely unique case? In my view, it would be a shame not to take advantage of your experience, at such a decisive moment for Georgia’s EU aspiration. Do you think you would have a chance to contribute your piece of advice here in Georgia?

PK: I was responsible for the coordination of internal preparation of my country for accession, and also I was a part of the negotiation team. So I think that I have quite good and solid knowledge of the whole accession process and also the negotiation process. And now, during my courtesy visits and calls, I am offering to share my  know-how and my experience –  if they wish, of course, as I can’t push them. It’s up to them [the Georgia’s authorities]. So far, there is a positive reaction at the different ministries, and also in the Parliament. I had meetings with the Prime Minister, the Speaker, the chair of the Integration Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee. They are happy to know that there is somebody who can tell how it was during our accession time.

And of course it will not be similar, because, first of all, the time element. We have entered in 2004, so next year it will be already 20 years since our entry into EU.  Of course, there have been changes since then. Still, I think that the basis remains the same. I remember that when we were starting the negotiation, we had been told that the acquis communautaire [accumulated legislation, legal acts and court decisions that constitute the body of European Union law since 1993 – CJ] is about 85,000 pages long! I don’t know how much it is now – probably more, but at the same time some of this legislation is already abolished, or there are some changes and amendments. Anyway, it’s a lot of pages, I’m sure. It will also be the case with Georgia, when you start to negotiate. 

The first stage of negotiation is the process of screening, when you are comparing your legislation with the acquis. All this negotiation is about these differences and how to accommodate them, because sometimes they are difficult to adopt, and you need some transitional period. The length and the substance of this transitional period is exactly the subject of negotiation. 

I’m trying to tell my Georgian partners, that a very important part of EU preparation is communication strategy. You should communicate to your people, and this communication must be very well-targeted”.

And then what is also different is the starting point. When we have started our negotiation, it was 1998, and Georgia will start – nobody knows yet, but definitely there will be a different starting position, and this is why the process also will have some differences.

What I would like also very much mentioning – and I am doing this during all the courtesy calls – is that when I came at the airport and was coming to the city, I was surprised by such a big number of EU flags.  I said to myself, maybe I am already in a member state? And the second thing that came to my mind, as I am very much business-oriented, was that it was a good business to produce the flags, because they were in such a huge demand.

I was also positively surprised by the high support of the Georgian population – to have the support of more than 80 percent is really great. But I also understand that the people are feeling rather “by heart” that they would like to be a part of Europe.  In our case, it was the same. Maybe it’s difficult for somebody to understand, but I remember that we were saying we would like to go back to Europe, as we had always been a part of it, unfortunately separated for more than 40 years by the “iron curtain”.

So I fully understand that there is such a support, and that it’s just a feeling of the heart, without knowing much about the European Union, how it functions, without knowing much about all the rights and duties.  

And this is why I’m trying to tell my Georgian partners, that a very important part of your preparation is so-called communication strategy. You should communicate to your people, and this communication must be very well-targeted, as the communication with the general public is different from communication with the businesspeople, or students, teachers, children, youth, and so on.

I think that it is very important to avoid the frustration of the people, because I have the feeling sometimes – and that’s not a criticism from my side, it’s just status quo – that  a lot of people believe that once Georgia is granted with the candidate status, everything would be solved. Just overnight, problems and complications would disappear, and Georgia would become a big paradise, which is, of course, not true.  I think it’s normal, because the people are like this; and it was the same feeling in my country for some groups of people.

 I have the feeling that a lot of people believe that once Georgia is granted with candidate status, everything would be solved overnight, problems would disappear, and Georgia would become a big paradise.

This is why it is important, in my view, to inform the people objectively, to give them the argumentation, to tell them about all the rights, but at the same time to tell that there are also duties, that they have to follow concrete rules and limits, and that there would be influence practically on everybody, each day from the EU membership. In my view, this is the task of the politicians to do it -the parliamentarians, the government, to inform the people. 

AK: Unfortunately, nobody is doing this, neither politicians nor the mass media.  We are trying to contribute what we can. I’m very glad that you are attaching such a high importance to this. 

PK: Of course, and there are some limits on your side, I guess.  About this communication strategy, I would like to add that, you still have some time. It’s not really a priority for tomorrow to do it immediately, but you have to start, because it’s a long, long way. And to avoid the frustration of the people, they have to be informed. In our case, it was even more appropriate, because we had the referendum at the end.

So we wanted that the people are very well informed to decide whether to go to European Union or no –  to decide it on a solid basis of argumentation. And not just “I slept badly so I say no to the European Union”, or vice versa… I suppose that in case of Georgia, there will not be any referendum about the accession of your country. But anyway, it doesn’t mean that the people wouldn’t like to be informed.

And this is very crucial, in my view.  All this harmonization of legislation is rather technical.  I have been so many times informed that during the last year you have adopted hundreds of new laws to approximate with the EU legislation. I said, wow, it’s really a huge number. But then I’m always saying – OK, to adopt a new law is one part, but then there is the case of the implementation. And it’s very difficult to judge now about the implementation if a new law was just adopted. You need some time to see how it functions in practice. I think it’s very important.

During this harmonization of legislation, it’s important to inform the people that if we change this law, there would be some impact. For example, you will need to pay higher taxes, because it’s needed for better environment protection or for recycling. (And I was surprised that there is hardly any recycling here, and I have difficulty to dispose of a bottle to an appropriate designated garbage can, because in my country, we are separating all the waste).  All these things are very important to the people.

To complete about this communication strategy – we were speaking about the internal part, but there is also the external part. As you are a future negotiating country, you should inform also externally the current EU member states who you are, what is your tradition, habit, history, and so on. I’m sure you have something concrete with which you can enrich the European “table” of culture, education, etc.

The current EU member states will decide about your membership but, frankly speaking, not so many of them know you.

And this is also very important because the current member states will decide about your membership but, frankly speaking, not so many know you. We can say that we know you not by a hundred percent, but better than the others. And for the others who do not know you yet, you have to organize some kind of external communication strategy. 

It was also in our case and was quite important, even though we are in the center of Europe, and so many people are traveling as tourists to Czechia and know about the beer, the Škoda cars, the mountains and so on. But anyway, even we had to organize such an external communication to present who we are, that we have a very rich past, and we can share it with the world.  So this external part of communication strategy is also very important.

Again, it’s not a priority for tomorrow, but you should think now how to start, to prepare a little bit. I remember that time, when we organized it as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We were like an umbrella organization, covering all other ministries and state institutions as a manager of the process. And I remember that the communication strategy had an internal and external part. We have announced the tenders, and a lot of NGOs were participating in organizing seminars and presentations; we even organized quizzes and tests for children. We had money for that, and the NGOs participated with pleasure because for them it was also a very interesting and important issue. 

AK: So the external part consisted of events organized within European Union, but sponsored by the Czech government or NGOs?

PK: Yes, it was the external part of communication with the support of the Czech Embassy abroad.  So, I remember the budgets of the embassies in the current member states were increased a little bit to cover this public diplomacy, so they organized all kinds of projects. It was always very good to involve a local player as well.

So, it was very good. Let’s say a hectic time, but also very interesting, because for me it was an experience for the rest of my life. I can live on such experience, and I have got a lot of knowledge on the horizontal level, from across different spheres such as agriculture, industry, economics, finance, and so on. And I am really very pleased that I was a part of that process.

AK: I am sure you are formulating some priorities for your Embassy. What are they like for the coming months? 

PK:  I have three main priorities. The first one is to help the integration of Georgia. If they wish, of course. Also, I’m sure you know, we are quite strong in the field of development cooperation and the transition programs. And the third priority is the business, because, as I have mentioned, I am quite business-oriented. So I would like to increase the trade turnover between Czechia and Georgia.

It’s not so bad, I have to say. Last year, in 2022, we reached about 200 million EUR. But I think there is always a potential to improve it, and in this respect I would like to do my best. 

You know that Energo Pro is the biggest investor from my country; Škoda Cars and some other companies are active in the Georgian market. For example Škoda Transportation is interested in the public tender on the metro reconstruction and railway carriages.

So these three main priorities.  

AK: Let’s face it: Georgia is a small country and not all attach a great significance to her role. How is Georgia – and the whole South Caucasian region – viewed from Prague?

 Georgia is among six priority countries in the whole world for my country, as regards the development cooperation and transitional program, and it will remain so in the future as well…

PK: The South Caucasus region has always been very close to our heart, if I may say so. We have, in fact, opened embassies in all the three republics – Baku, Yerevan, and Tbilisi. Our embassy in Tbilisi was the first one in the region. Georgia is among six priority countries in the whole world for my country, as regards the development cooperation and transitional program, and it will remain so in the future as well. So we are doing a lot of projects in this field and we will continue to do so. 

I’m even asking myself: Maybe I will need more time to spend in Georgia? That’s because I’m meeting a lot of people who know much about the Czechs and about Czechia, and I think there is some special “chemistry” between the Georgians and the Czechs, but I don’t know exactly what is it.

Maybe we have some common experience from the past, and we have more or less the same future.  What is this? I don’t know yet exactly what is it.

AK: Let me think about this. The first thing that comes to my mind is that maybe they have read Jaroslav Hašek? The Czech culture has been well known not only in Georgia, but all over the Soviet Union.  And if you show one of good Georgian comedies in Czech Republic, I’m sure most people would understand the humour. I had recently interviewed a German who is producing a comedy series about a Georgian, an Armenian, and an Azerbaijani students living in the same apartment (link), and I am sure you will understand a lot of this humour. At Caucasian Journal we generally pay special attention to the relationship between the three Caucasian countries.

PK:  But your humor is a little bit different, no? And there is classical music, and many other aspects which are composing this mosaic of close ties and relationship between the Georgians and the Czechs, so I think we are close to each other.

You touched a very important point about the regional cooperation. I still remember, during our time, the European Commission and the Union said: “You should prove that you are able to regionally cooperate because if you are, you will be able also to cooperate inside the European Union”. So it’s very important to prove this ability.

AK:  I wish to congratulate you once again with the Czech national holiday, thank you sincerely for giving the interview to Caucasian Journal, and wish you a very successful and enjoyable ambassadorial term in Georgia.  

—————–

Published by Caucasian Journal on 18/11/2023

Ambassador Sheikh Belal Secures Landslide Re-election as Managing Director/CEO of CFC

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Ambassador Sheikh Belal Secures Landslide Re-election as Managing Director/CEO of CFC

In a historic turn of events at the 35th Annual Meeting of the Governing Council held in The Hague, the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) has declared the resounding re-election of Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal as its Managing Director. Ambassador Belal, now holding the rank and status of Under Secretary-General (USG), secured a landslide victory for a second and final term.

The election, held on November 22, 2023, at the Marriott Hotel in The Hague, witnessed the participation of representatives from CFC member countries. Ambassador Belal’s triumph, with a two-thirds majority in the first round, marked a significant milestone in the 34-year history of the CFC, being the first instance of any candidate securing such overwhelming support in the initial round. He garnered just over 68% of the votes, surpassing his Italian counterpart, who secured 31%.

The CFC, an autonomous intergovernmental financial institution operating within the United Nations framework, was established through negotiations at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) from 1976 to 1980, officially coming into effect in 1989.

Ambassador Belal, CFC Managing Director

Operating on an IMF-style election method, the CFC allocates votes to countries based on a weighted average of their share capital, with a winning candidate requiring a two-thirds majority of the votes cast. Ambassador Belal, in his re-elected capacity, is set to steer the CFC through a decisive four-year term, overseeing crucial growth and impact initiatives.

The announcement of Ambassador Belal’s re-election follows a contested and democratic process, underscoring the CFC’s commitment to transparency and effective leadership. The session, chaired by H.E. Dr. Eniola Ajayi, Ambassador of Nigeria to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, saw Ambassador Belal securing a two-thirds majority from the members present.

CFC Chair, H.E. Dr. Eniola Ajayi, Ambassador of Nigeria to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The session was formally inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina

President, African Development Bank Group (AfDB) through a video message. In his message, President Akinwumi, among others, stated that AfDB “count on the Common Fund for Commodities’ impact-driven strategy to help turn this around. It is important to support organisations like this Fund – because your activities are reaching smallholder farmers and other beneficiaries across Africa’s agriculture value chains. I commend the creation of a new “Agricultural Commodity Transformation Fund,” to unlock local agriculture sector potential by providing affordable finance, reducing risks facing investors, and delivering technical expertise to create equitable low-carbon supply chains. This will bring us closer to overcoming challenges in the food systems”. The message of the AfDB President Akinwumi could be found here.

As an international organization, the CFC plays a crucial role in providing financial support to projects across commodity value chains in its member countries. These projects, supporting businesses, cooperatives, and institutions engaged in commodity production and trade, contribute to sustainable development.

Ambassador Ajayi and Ambassador Belal.

The 35th Governing Council meeting, hosting representatives from 101 member countries and international organizations, served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration. Discussions highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by commodity-producing nations, emphasizing the need for visionary leadership.

In his capacity as the re-elected Managing Director, Ambassador Belal expressed his commitment to the CFC’s unique mandate, stating, “The CFC is a unique institution with a great history. I come as a firm believer in its mandate to help alleviate as many smallholders as possible from poverty through our technology-enabled impact investment.”

As news of Ambassador Belal’s successful re-election resonates globally, it reflects the confidence and support placed in the leadership of the Common Fund for Commodities. This outcome positions the CFC to continue its vital work, positively impacting the lives of individuals in member countries.

The Governing Council also ceremonially elected H.E. Margaret Shava, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya, and H.E. Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya of the Philippines to the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the new chairpersons of the Governing Council and Executive Council, respectively.

The CFC, with a partnership of 101 member states and nine institutional members, opens its membership to states that are members of the United Nations, its specialized agencies, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and intergovernmental organizations focusing on regional economic integration and possessing expertise in the CFC’s areas of operation. It is worth recalling that Ambassador Belal was initially elected as Managing Director of the CFC in 2019, triumphing over candidates from five other member states.

Transcript of the remarks of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group

21-22 November 2023 – The Hague, The Netherlands

The Chairperson and Distinguished members of the Governing Council of the Common Fund for Commodities, Good morning – Goede morgen (Khoo-duh-mor-khen) It is my pleasure to address the Common Fund for Commodities during its 35th Governing Council.

First, I would like to recognize the Chairperson of the Governing Council, Her Excellency Eniola Ajayi, Ambassador of Nigeria to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Thank you for your leadership and stewardship. I wish that I could join you physically, but I am unable to due to other engagements that I have in Berlin on the G20 Compact with Africa Conference with the German Chancellor and African Heads of State.

I took time out during the meetings to write this speech and do the video recording because I believe strongly in the work of the Common Fund for Commodities and the work of the Governing Council.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, you all gather from around the world for the Governing Council of Common Fund for Commodities. You gather at a time that the world is facing geopolitical tensions and conflicts that are fuelling global inflation and worsening food insecurity for billions of people. The Russian-Ukraine war led to soaring of prices of wheat, maize and fertilizers. The recent ban on the export of rice by India, which could be followed by other large rice exporters, will worsen global price volatility and calls for greater efforts to support Africa to feed itself. I say this because I know that Africa is of great interest to the Common Fund for Commodities. Nearly half of the Fund member countries are African, and the continent benefits from 70% of Fund investments.

Your prioritizing Africa makes a lot of sense and is strategic in terms of how we will feed the 2.5 billion people in the world by 2050. That is because Africa accounts for 65% of all the remaining uncultivated arable land left in the world. so, what Africa does with agriculture will determine the future of food in the world. Yet over 250 million Africans go to bed hungry daily.

These challenges are compounded by the threat of climate change and environmental degradation. Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it is the region at greatest risk when it comes to the impacts of climate change. Nine of ten countries that are most vulnerable to climate change are in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ladies and gentlemen, we can’t let this stand. These challenges are interconnected and addressing them requires a comprehensive strategy. Africa must adapt, to survive and thrive. It has the resources and technology to achieve that. We count on the Common Fund for Commodities’ impact-driven strategy to help turn this around. It is important to support organisations like this Fund – because your activities are reaching smallholder farmers and other beneficiaries across Africa’s agriculture value chains. I commend the creation of a new “Agricultural Commodity Transformation Fund,” to unlock local agriculture sector potential by providing affordable finance, reducing risks facing investors, and delivering technical expertise to create equitable low-carbon supply chains. This will bring us closer to overcoming challenges in the food systems.

The African Development Bank Group is also ‘walking the talk’ toward agricultural transformation. The continent’s food and agribusiness will be worth $1 trillion by 2030. We must fully unlock these potentials and opportunities. Like the Common Fund for Commodities, one of our strategic objectives at the African Development Bank is to boost smallholder farmer productivity, food security and incomes.

Under our “Feed Africa” strategy, the African Development Bank supports African countries to build resilience in the continent’s food systems. Furthermore, through the Bank’s Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation programme, our investments are delivering climate-smart agricultural technologies for millions of farmers. We also deploy innovative financial instruments to de-risk lending to agriculture and provide mechanisms to adapt to or manage climate risk.

Since the launch of the Feed Africa strategy in 2016, we have invested more than $8 billion in agriculture. Over a quarter of a billion Africans have benefitted from the Bank’s interventions and support. Despite these achievements, many African countries remain dependent on agriculture, extractive exports and other commodities. Far too much of what comes from the African soil, is exported as raw material for processing and value addition abroad. Consider, for example, cocoa. More than 60% of the global cocoa supplies come from West Africa. Yet Africa processes only a fraction of that raw product into chocolate and other consumer goods. What is true for cocoa, is true for too many of Africa’s commodities.

The mission of the Common Fund for Commodities is as relevant today as it was when it was created: to reduce commodity dependence, especially in Africa. Africa cannot continue to export raw commodities, which are subject to low prices and significant volatilities. The export of raw commodities is the door to poverty, while value addition and exports of value-added products is the highway to wealth.

Ladies and gentlemen, excellencies, distinguished guests…it is time for Africa to reap more of what we sow and other natural resources. It is time that developed countries, within and outside the European Union, do more to implement and support innovations that add value to commodities in Africa. I believe that one of the solutions is the Bank’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones initiative (SAPZs). These zones concentrate production, processing, storage, transport and marketing of commodities – like cotton, cocoa, and cashew – in areas with high agricultural potential.

These zones target secondary cities and are designed to boost or revitalize rural areas of under-development, effectively transforming them from zones of economic misery to new zones of economic prosperity. The African Development Bank has committed $853 million to develop 25 Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones in 11 countries and this investment has further attracted $661 million in co-financing from our partners.

Earlier this month, at the Africa Investment Forum in Morocco, the founding members of a new private sector-focused Alliance for Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones announced $3 billion in new investment for the initiative. The Alliance, made up of development financial institutions, the private sector and development-oriented technical partners from around the world, will also help to streamline the development and delivery of at least a dozen additional zones.

The African Development Bank is also working with the Government of Canada to set up the $85 million Agri-food Small and Medium Enterprise Catalytic Financing Mechanism. The mechanism blends finance with innovative financial products to strengthen agricultural value chains and improve food security across the continent.

The mechanism represents the Bank’s first blended financing facility to target agriculture-related small and medium enterprises. The mechanism also supports partial risk guarantee instruments available under the African Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, which seeks to enhance pan-African agricultural productivity by promoting the use of fertilizers. We look forward to working with the Common Fund for Commodities for concessional financing to African farmers and small and medium sized enterprises, as well as to de-risk lending by financial institutions to agricultural value chains.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, as the Governing Council of the Common Fund for Commodities reviews the year’s activities and votes on its future, I urge you to do so mindful of renewed political commitment of African leaders to not only feed Africa, but to unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector. This was clearly demonstrated at the Feed Africa Summit, which the African Development Bank organized together with the Government of Senegal and the African Union in January of this year. Attended by 34 Heads of State and Government, the Summit developed and agreed on food and agricultural delivery compacts for 41 countries. I am delighted that we have mobilized $72 billion to help support the implementation of these compacts.

Therefore, the Common Fund for Commodities’ resources should leverage on these food and agricultural delivery compacts, to support smallholder farmers, especially women and the youth, and small and medium sized enterprises to produce, process and take greater advantage of trade. Together, let us turn the sweat of farmers into wealth. I wish you excellent and productive Governing Council sessions.

Soirée littéraire – Embassy of Kosovo

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Soirée littéraire – Embassy of Kosovo

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Embassy of Kosovo and Carabela Books, an independent and non-profit publishing house, organized the poetry collection “Girl of Monday”, at the Kosovo Chancellery in The Hague, on 18 November 2023.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Dren Doli, a professional lawyer, referenced the ability of literature to aid in comprehending legal texts through literary interpretation.

The poetry collection is the first of its kind. It is trilingual and an ongoing conversation in verse of twenty-eight Dutch and Albanian poets who have written about love, motherhood, women and girls, not from an imposed adoration of enamoured men, but from their recognition of women’s role in their lives. 

Soirée littéraire – Embassy of Kosovo
Shqipe Doli and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.

Participating artists read from their work: Alban Bala, Erik Lindner, Gerard van Hameren, Jantine Dijkstra, Juan Heinsohn Huala, Leo Stilma, Liridon Mulaj, Marco Nijmeijer, Ramon Haniotis, Shqiptar Oseku, Albana Shala, as well as the daughter of Moikom Zeqo, who departed two years ago. The well-known artist Hajrije Preniqi animated the evening with her songs. The organizers plan to host a more elaborate literary evening next time. Typical delicious food by Xhevat Ilazi, from Catering Bollenstreek were served. What a marvellous evening!

H.E. Ambassador Dren Doli during the presentation – Soirée littéraire – Embassy of Kosovo

Mame Mandiaye Niang, concludes his visit to the Central African Republic 

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Mame Mandiaye Niang, concludes his visit to the Central African Republic 

The Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mame Mandiaye Niang, concludes his visit to the Central African Republic  on the occasion of the signing of two memoranda of understanding, deepening cooperation and complementarity with the national justice system.

On 21 November 2023,  Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang signed in Bangui, on behalf of Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC, Memoranda of Understanding (“MoU”) with the Government of  the Central African Republic (“CAR”) and the Special Criminal Court for the Central African Republic (“SCC”).  The signing of the MoUs reflected a joint commitment to strengthen and deepen cooperation between the Office of the Prosecutor (“Office”) of the International Criminal Court and CAR national justice stakeholders to effectively combat impunity for international crimes committed in CAR.

The MoU signed between the Deputy Prosecutor and the CAR Government, represented by the Minister of State for Justice, the Promotion of Human Rights and Good Governance, Keeper of the Seals, Mr. Arnaud Djoubaye Abazene, reinforces the existing cooperation framework and extends its scope to complementarity initiatives. It implements the Prosecutor’s vision expressed in his letter of 16 December 2022 announcing the closure of the investigative phase in relation to the situation in CAR, while focusing the Office’s work on the pending cases before the ICC. In his letter, the Prosecutor also highlighted his focus on increasing support for national justice efforts, in particular the SCC, to maximise the impact of bringing justice closer to affected communities.

In his remarks following the conclusion of the MoU with the CAR Government, Deputy Prosecutor Niang recalled: “Since taking oath, the ICC Prosecutor has been clear that the flag behind the jurisdiction which brings hope to the victims does not matter. We are determined to work closely with the national justice system in CAR, in particular the SCC, to ensure that investigations and prosecutions at the domestic level are supported through the sharing of information and expertise, as necessary. The signing of this MoU reflects the Office’s commitment to support national initiatives in CAR whenever possible to bring to justice those responsible for committing international crimes through concrete actions including information and expertise sharing.”

During the signing of the MoU with the SCC at its headquarters in Bangui, Deputy Prosecutor Niang recalled that it was his second visit to the SCC with an important message of support from Prosecutor Khan: “Today, I am honoured to sign this MoU on behalf of the Prosecutor which is an illustration of the strong cooperation between our two institutions. This MoU reflects a dynamic approach to complementarity, and a commitment to joint collaboration to increase the impact of justice locally. This further step in our cooperation with the SCC builds on the significant progress that has recently been made, particularly in prioritising requests for assistance from the SCC and mobilising resources to address them.”

Deputy Prosecutor Niang signs the Memorandum of Understanding with the Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic on 21 November 2023.

Deputy Prosecutor Niang also held meetings at the ICC Field Office with representatives of the diplomatic corps in CAR and representatives of civil society organisations, and met members of the press on 22 November 2023. 

On 21 November 2023, the Deputy Prosecutor  briefed the diplomatic community on the signing of MoUs with the Government and the SCC, the Office’s activities in CAR, as well as developments in the cases before the Court. Stressing the Office’s commitment to support complementarity initiatives in CAR, Deputy Prosecutor Niang called for increased support by stakeholders to national justice – the SCC in particular – and coordinated efforts in this regard.

During his meeting with civil society organisations, Deputy Prosecutor Niang recalled that CSOs play an essential role in support of the Office’s activities, representing crucial partners in collective efforts to deliver justice for affected communities.

Mame Mandiaye Niang, concludes his visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Mame Mandiaye Niang, concludes his visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mame Mandiaye Niang, concludes his visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the occasion of the roundtable on the status of the handling of priority cases by Congolese judicial authorities.

On 16 November 2023, the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mame Mandiaye Niang, concluded an official visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during which he participated in the roundtable on the status of the handling of priority cases by Congolese judicial authorities.

This visit followed the earlier mission by Prosecutor Karim AA Khan KC to the DRC, in June 2023, on the occasion of which he signed a memorandum of understanding to reflect a new approach of complementarity and cooperation in the fight against impunity. This agreement foresaw a series of measures to help accelerate the implementation of the DRC national strategy for the prosecution of international crimes through the priority cases.

The roundtable, which gathered the provincial military prosecutors responsible for the priority cases, United Nations representatives, and other technical partners, is an important milestone in the implementation of this new approach promoted by Prosecutor Khan. It was an opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the national strategy for the prosecution of international crimes and to discuss approaches in order to increase the impact of the fight against serious crimes committed in the DRC.

At the outset of the roundtable, the Deputy Prosecutor stated: “Today’s activity, marking the launch of our exchanges on the priority cases, is an eloquent manifestation of the meeting of common wills between the ICC Office of the Prosecutor and the DRC”.

The meeting addressed the efforts made in various DRC provinces in the handling of the priority cases despite the challenges. Encouraging this work, which has led to the opening of a significant number of cases and convictions, the Deputy Prosecutor recalled: “The Office of the Prosecutor will continue to support the conduct of genuine national investigations and prosecutions. We will continue to do our best to strengthen the capacity of the national judicial systems. And where those jurisdictions lack the means to act or need support to conduct genuine proceedings, our Office will be there. This is the vision of complementarity promoted by Prosecutor Khan”.

He further emphasized the importance of accompanying partners in support of national prosecutorial efforts and invited the technical partners to pursue this necessary collaboration: “Given the complexity of the situation, cooperation and good coordination are essential to increase the impact of criminal justice in the face of crime and its disastrous consequences on the victims, the communities and the Congolese population. The implementation of a national consultation forum on the priority cases, as recommended by the participants, makes sense. I invite all the participants, national authorities as well as technical partners, to take ownership of this forum in order to deepen the exchanges and develop the necessary synergies to reinforce the efforts in the handling of priority cases and strengthening the technical capacity of national judicial actors , including in the field of forensics”.

During his meeting with civil society organizations, Deputy Prosecutor Niang recalled that “CSOs play an important role in supporting the Office’s activities; they are privileged partners who we rely on to enhance the dialogue in the implementation of our mandate”.

Celebrating 48 Years of Independence: Ambassador Maria Isabel Encoge Highlights Angola’s Progress

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Celebrating 48 Years of Independence: Ambassador Maria Isabel Encoge Highlights Angola’s Progress

On the occasion of the 48th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Angola, the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mrs. Maria Isabel Encoge, hosted a grand Independence Day Reception. Diplomats, Dutch civil servants, friends of Angola, and Angolans gathered at the event, which was both solemn and colorful. Ambassador Encoge, who holds the distinguished position of Dean of the African diplomatic corps, delivered an insightful speech that reflected on Angola’s journey since proclaiming its independence on November 11, 1975.

Deputy head of mission, spouse, Ambassador of Angola.

Ambassador Encoge began her speech by expressing her satisfaction and privilege in addressing the audience on this joyous occasion. She commemorated the forty-eighth anniversary of Angola’s independence, a significant milestone achieved under the leadership of Dr. António Agostinho Neto, the First President and Founder of the Nation.

Ambassador Encoge with her entire staff.

Reflecting on Angola’s history, Ambassador Encoge highlighted the country’s transition from years of conflict to a new era marked by peace, achieved on April 4, 2002. This crucial period of National Reconciliation among Angolans laid the foundations for reconstruction and the realization of rights outlined in the Constitution of the Republic.

Under the leadership of H.E. President João Gonçalves Lourenço, Angola has committed to consolidating the Democratic State and the Rule of Law. Ambassador Encoge emphasized the dedication to establishing the foundations of a dynamic, efficient, and inclusive market economy. Several political, economic, and social reforms have been implemented, including the reformulation of private investment laws, which increased tax incentives for national and foreign investors and improved the overall business environment. “This reform included exemption from tourist visas for a period of up to 30 days for citizens of 98 countries, including Europe, the Caribbean and Pacific, America, Africa, Oceania and Asia”.

Ambassador and Head of Missions with the Ambassador of Angola, H.E. Mrs. Maria Isabel Encoge.

Ambassador Encoge underscored Angola’s efforts towards economic diversification, with programs such as Propriv and Prodesi, as well as the integrated intervention plan in municipalities (PIIM). These initiatives have played a pivotal role in enhancing the institutional, technical, and human capacity of public and private bodies.

“On the other hand,” ambassador said “in order to face the difficulties that the world is facing with wars and the food crisis, the informal economy reconversion program (PREI), the integrated program for local development and combating poverty, of panagrão, was implemented.” These initiatives aim to contribute to achieving food self-sufficiency, developing agriculture, and creating jobs for the economic and social development of Angola.

Addressing climate change concerns, Ambassador Encoge detailed Angola’s initiative to mitigate the effects of drought by constructing the CAFU canal. This water transfer system, spanning approximately 160 thousand kilometers, reduces transhumance caused by water scarcity and benefits around 235 thousand people, 250 thousand head of cattle, irrigates about 15 thousand hectares of land, and guarantees 3,275 thousand jobs.

Angola National Day. Celebrating 48 Years of Independence.

Highlighting cooperation relations, Ambassador Encoge expressed Angola’s openness to establishing new partnerships and deepening bilateral relations with the Netherlands. She noted the historical ties between the two countries, dating back to February 1976, and emphasized the positive outcomes of an Angolan Business Mission visiting the Netherlands in September.

Ambassador Encoge stressed the importance of gender perspective in peace processes, emphasizing the crucial role of women in negotiations, construction, and peace operations. Angola actively contributes to international peace and security, with President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço championing peace and reconciliation in Africa.

The Ambassador of Angola, H.E. Mrs. Maria Isabel Encoge.

In closing, Ambassador Encoge reiterated Angola’s commitment to cordial diplomatic relations, defending principles of international law, and advocating for a world of peace, mutually advantageous relations between states, and a more balanced world order. As Angola celebrates its 48th year of independence, the nation looks toward a future marked by continued progress, cooperation, and global harmony.

Brazil’s Contribution to the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

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Brazil’s Contribution to the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

Brazil’s Contribution to the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes between States at the International Court of Justice

By  H.E. Judge Leonardo Brant

For over a century, through remarkable jurists, Brazil has stood out as a fervent defender of the principles of equality among nations, peaceful dispute resolution, the preservation of peace, and the humanization of international law. In these times of uncertainty marked by a resurgence of armed conflicts on the global stage, the Court has never been more solicited. In this context, as the sixth Brazilian judge to have the honour of sitting on the world court, my mandate will be guided by these fundamental principles for which my predecessors tirelessly advocated and which, in my view, will ensure fairness and justice in a world darkened by adversity.

Introduction

Brazil’s contribution to the development of international law, and in particular to the peaceful settlement of disputes between States, has historically been based on four fundamental principles: the prohibition of the use of force, the principle of legal equality between States, whether rich or poor, the strengthening of international jurisdiction and the humanization of international law. Eminent Brazilian jurists have successively embodied the defense of these principles, which have become an integral part of contemporary international law. In so doing, they have contributed not only to the emancipation of Brazil and the states of Latin America, but also to all the nations of the global South.

Brazil’s Doctrinal Contribution to the Establishment of Peaceful Dispute Settlement and the PCIJ.

At the 1907 Peace Conference, eminent jurist Rui Barbosa played a prominent role as head of the Brazilian delegation and left a lasting impression. During this conference, his influence enabled him to rally the support of Latin American nations against the initiative to create an international court whose composition did not conform to the principle of equality between great powers and small states. At a time when this principle had yet to be established, jurist Rui Barbosa was already arguing that: “Sovereignty is the fundamental right par excellence of constitutional and independent states” and that “sovereignty means equality”.

H.E. Judge Epitácio Pessoa, former President of Brazil, played a major role in the codification of international law and the affirmation of equality between states. Leading the Brazilian delegation at the Paris Conference, he publicly opposed the aspirations of powerful states to form an influential group, reiterating that all countries should participate in peace negotiations on equal terms. As the President of the Advisory Committee appointed by the League of Nations, he contributed to the development of a Code of International Law. Finally, he was one of the initial judges to sit on the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ) from 1922 to 1930.

The contribution of Brazilian diplomat H.E. Mr. Raul Fernandes is also hailed as invaluable. He staunchly opposed the special procedures for appointing judges that favoured the great powers of the time, and instead advocated a single procedure for permanent and non- permanent judges. This procedure was intended to preserve equality between all States. H.E. Mr. Raul Fernandes is also known for advocating the binding effect of the Court’s judgments and for making its jurisdiction compulsory. As this proposal was not accepted by some nations, H.E. Mr. Raul Fernandes skillfully suggested the historic article that became article 36 (2) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the optional clause of compulsory jurisdiction, thus setting a lasting mark on the settlement of disputes between States.

Brazil’s Judicial Contribution to the International Court of Justice.

It is also opportune to highlight the invaluable contribution of Brazilian judges to the International Court of Justice in the second half of the twentieth century. We should first mention the significant contribution of H.E. Judge José Philadelpho de Barros e Azevedo, in particular his participation in the Corfu Channel judgment, which contributed to the development of the regime of State responsibility for actions affecting international waters. H.E. Judge Levi Fernandes Carneiro’s legal legacy includes his involvement in the Monetary Gold Removed from Rome in 1943, which was of great importance in international law, particularly with regard to the immunity of a state’s property from foreign jurisdiction in wartime. Finally, as a member of the International Law Commission, a well-deserved tribute must be paid to H.E. Judge José Sette-Camara, the last Brazilian judge to sit on the Court as Vice-President, from 1982 to 1985.

In the twenty-first century, H.E. Judge Francisco Rezek first marked the ICJ with his commitment to peace, justice, and respect for law in international relations. Among the high-profile cases to which he contributed his invaluable expertise was the Lagrand case, in which the Court ruled for the first time that orders indicating provisional measures are binding, and thus gave itself the means to intervene in the most violent conflicts, to propose measures to mitigate their consequences, and to prevent their escalation. Finally, tribute must be paid to the contribution of H.E. Judge Cançado Trindade, particularly his vision of “humanized international law”, based on the concept of a “new jus gentium”. In his individual opinions and dissenting votes, he consistently emphasized the central role of human beings as the ultimate beneficiaries of all legal norms.

In the first year of my mandate many different cases have been solicited at the Court concerning Racial Discrimination, Financing Terrorism, Genocide, Human Rights Violations etc. and I am inspired by my predecessors to renew my commitment and contribute to the peaceful settlement of disputes and the progressive development of International Law made by the Courts jurisprudence.

The Diplomat Magazine’s “Guys Night Out”

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The Diplomat Magazine’s “Guys Night Out”

In an extraordinary display of camaraderie, diplomats and their spouses from nine countries—Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Malta, Philippines, and Switzerland—gathered last Saturday Nov 18 for a memorable evening. The initiative, aptly named the “Guys Night Out,” brought a group of diplomats, including the Ambassador of the Philippines, Mr. Eduardo Jose Malaya, for a night filled with sports, friendship, and celebration.

The charismatic Jens-Volker Ginschel, Armament Attaché at the Embassy of Germany, took charge of leading the group through an evening that would be etched in their memories. The journey began with a lively borrel at Het Plein in Den Haag, setting the stage for an evening of laughter, bonding, and shared experiences.

The highlight of the night was the group’s journey to Amsterdam, culminating at the iconic Johan Cruyff Arena. The purpose of this adventure was to witness the Netherlands national men’s soccer team in action against Ireland in the European Qualifiers. The sold-out arena buzzed with anticipation as the two teams battled it out on the field.

The Netherlands emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, securing their second-place finish in the qualifiers, trailing only behind France and surpassing strong contenders like Greece, Ireland, and Gibraltar. This triumph earned the Dutch team direct qualification for the European Championship 2024 in Germany, a feat celebrated with jubilation and live music in the stadium after the match.

The majority of the diplomatic group, positioned in a VIP-like setting with their own bar, reveled in the joy of supporting the Netherlands. The unique experience of being surrounded by passionate Dutch supporters added an extra layer of excitement among the diplomats.

The great atmosphere in the stadium, coupled with the thrill of the match, blended seamlessly with the camaraderie that had developed during the pre-game borrel, the train journey, and the shared enthusiasm for soccer. The evening became an unforgettable opportunity of diplomatic relations, sportsmanship, and cross-cultural connections.

As the night concluded, the resounding call for a repetition echoed among the diplomats. The success of the “Guys Night Out” was not just in the victory of the Netherlands on the soccer field but in the bonds forged and memories created among diplomats from diverse corners of the globe. The Diplomat Magazine’s “Guys Night Out” proved that diplomacy extends beyond formal meetings and negotiations—it can also thrive in the camaraderie of a shared passion for sports and celebration.

The Hague’s Annual Diplomatic Corps Reception: A Blend of Culture, Diplomacy, and Commitment to Global Issues

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The Hague’s Annual Diplomatic Corps Reception: A Blend of Culture, Diplomacy, and Commitment to Global Issues

The Mayor of The Hague, Mr. Jan van Zanen, once again played host to a prestigious annual event that brought together members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of international organizations, and distinguished guests from the Royal Household. This tradition, which has become a hallmark of The Hague’s diplomatic calendar, showcases the city’s commitment to promote international relations and cultural exchange.

Last year’s reception at Panorama Mesdag set a high bar for excellence, with its unique venue and Mayor van Zanen’s warm accessibility leaving a lasting impression, especially on the new diplomats in the city. This year, the spotlight turned to the contemporary art museum, Sculptures by the Sea, nestled like a hidden jewel in the Scheveningen dunes.

Established nearly thirty years ago by avid sculpture collectors Theo and Lida Scholten, and built by King Willem I for his wife Frederica Louise Wilhelmina, the museum exclusively focuses on contemporary sculpture.

The Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen welcome the Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Ms Marisol Aguero Colunga.

The Diplomatic Corps, representing nearly every country in the world, answered Mayor van Zanen’s call, highlighting the international significance of The Hague as the City of Peace and Justice. The city, home to the Dutch government, the king’s workplace, and numerous international organizations, including the U.N.’s International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, stands as a global hub for diplomacy and justice.

Mayor van Zanen, often affectionately referred to as “our Mayor” by the diplomatic community, embodies a perfect blend of warmth, diligence, awareness of international issues, and an effective people-to-people approach. His role extends beyond representing the local population to also being a mayor for the thousands of internationals temporarily residing in the city.

Mayor van Zanen welcome the Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Brendan Rogers.

The evening’s program began with the arrival of guests at 18:00, followed by speeches from Mayor van Zanen and the museum director, Ms. Brigitte Bloksma, at 18:30. Mayor van Zanen’s speech touched on the geopolitical situation, natural disasters, and the importance of maintaining and sustaining monumental buildings in the city.

Reflecting on the corrosive nature of the sea and the impact on historic buildings, the Mayor emphasized the need for Tender Love and Care (TLC) for embassies, residencies, and international organizations housed in such buildings. He connected the city’s ambition to be climate neutral by 2030 to the global effort, inviting diplomats to a round table on climate action on November 28.

Den Haag, 16 november 2023 Jan van Zanen, burgemeester van Den Haag, ontvangt her Corps Diplomatique in museum Beelden aan Zee Foto MARTIJN BEEKMAN / GEMEENTE DEN HAAG

Addressing global challenges, including earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco, the situation in Ukraine, and geopolitical developments, Mayor van Zanen urged a commitment to a peaceful and just world. He thanked diplomats for their daily work towards this goal and highlighted the importance of open dialogue and maintaining connections.

The evening also featured the recently opened exhibition of sculptor Tom Claassen, whose collection showcased archetypal characteristics of people, animals, and objects. The monumental sizes and diverse materials used added an artistic touch to the diplomatic gathering.

Mayor van Zanen and H.E. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil.

Accompanied by music from students of the Royal Conservatoire, the reception created a perfect blend of diplomacy, culture, and art. The event concluded at 20:00, allowing attendees to explore the exhibition further and engage in meaningful conversations.

In essence, The Hague’s Annual Diplomatic Corps Reception, under the gracious leadership of Mayor Jan van Zanen, continues to be a symbol of the city’s dedication to international collaboration, cultural exchange, and addressing global challenges. The melding of diplomatic discourse, artistic expression, and the warm hospitality of the Mayor create an atmosphere that fosters connections and promotes the values of peace and justice that The Hague proudly represents on the world stage.

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