5th “Carnival of Carnivals” in the Seychelles
On the picture, Alain St. Ange, Minister of Tourism and Culture.
By Baron Henri Estramant.
The Republic of the Seychelles is to host the world at the fifth edition of the “Carnival of Carnivals” to be held in the capital of Victoria between 24-26 April 2015.
Carnival festivities from around the globe, and cultural troupes are due to partake in the parade organised by the Seychellois Minister of Tourism and Culture, Mr Alain St.Ange.
Minister St.Ange recently participated at the UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture hosted by the Kingdom of Cambodia on 4 February 2015. The Seychellois minister used the opportunity to invite several colleagues as well as His Majesty the former Czar of the Bulgars, Simeon II (former 48th Prime Minister of Bulgaria under the name Simeon II Borisov Sakskoburggotski) to visit the Seychelles, and bring delegations to the “Carnival of Carnivals”.
Seychelles has been independent from the United Kingdom since 29 June 1976. The country has one embassy in Brussels accredited to all three Benelux countries as well as to the international organisations based in The Hague and Brussels.
In addition to its mission in Brussels there are two honorary consuls responsible for the Netherlands; Mr Bartholomeus Maussen in Amsterdam and Mr Viktor André Schoenmakers in Rotterdam.
For more information:
www.seychelles.travel/
Cuban Diplomats Meet & Greet
On Thursday January 22nd, the 1st Cuban Diplomats Meet & Greet was hosted by His Excellency, Fermín Gabriel Quiñones Sánchez, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba and his distinguished spouse.
It was organized at Carlton Ambassador Hotel in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine and Diplomatic Card. The event attracted head of diplomatic missions, dignitaries and distinguished guests. Cuba’s most authentic delicacies were offered to the attendees that enjoyed Cuban canapes and a welcome drink with the renowned Cuban Mojito.
For full photo-album on this magnificent event please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/
This Diplomats Meet & Greet was one of the most successful since Diplomat Magazine introduced this exclusive diplomatic project in August, 2013 at Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague. The Embassy of Cuba screened images and sounds of its culture with selected tourist attractions. It is expected that thanks to the strategies and promotional efforts of the Embassy of Cuba, bilateral trade and tourism with the Netherlands will increase in the next coming years.
Each January 1st, the Cuban people celebrate their Anniversary of its historical Revolution of 1959, a date of great significance to achieve its independence. Freedom started in Cuba in October 10th, 1868 against 400 years of colonialism.
Cuba’s Revolution paved the way to a complete sovereignty and independence. One shall bear in mind that on January 8th, 1959, just a week after the popular victory, Fidel Castro expressed “I think this is the time for our history, tyranny has been overthrown, our joy is immense, although a lot remain to be done…” Few years later, Cuba was able to achieve positive results in terms of health system, education, social security, cultural and general development.
This Diplomats Meet & Greet was one of the most successful since Diplomat Magazine introduced this exclusive diplomatic project in August, 2013 at Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague. The Embassy of Cuba screened images and sounds of its culture with selected tourist attractions. It is expected that thanks to the strategies and promotional efforts of the Embassy of Cuba, bilateral trade and tourism with the Netherlands will increase in the next coming years.
Each January 1st, the Cuban people celebrate their Anniversary of its historical Revolution of 1959, a date of great significance to achieve its independence. Freedom started in Cuba in October 10th, 1868 against 400 years of colonialism.
Cuba’s Revolution paved the way to a complete sovereignty and independence. One shall bear in mind that on January 8th, 1959, just a week after the popular victory, Fidel Castro expressed “I think this is the time for our history, tyranny has been overthrown, our joy is immense, although a lot remain to be done…” Few years later, Cuba was able to achieve positive results in terms of health system, education, social security, cultural and general development.
ICD the cultural organization
Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
ICD Organizational Profile
15 Years of Building Cultural Bridges
In the current increasingly globalized world, individuals, corporations and governments from across the globe are becoming more integrated than ever before and have the ability to exchange information faster and more efficiently; Thus, inter-cultural relations have become increasingly important in the 21st century. Cultural diplomacy has long been recognized as a prime instrument to promote international links and understanding between countries and peoples; The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy was founded with this aim in mind.
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) was founded in 1999 with the particular goal of promoting global peace and stability by strengthening and supporting intercultural relations at all levels. The ICD is an international, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization with its headquarters in the highly international and cultural capital of Germany, Berlin. The ICD believes that inter- and intra-cultural relations can be strengthened, maintained and promoted through dialogue and so its focus has been to bring individuals from all walks of life together in order to begin this dialogue. This kind of dialogue thus leads to a better understanding and greater trust between cultures, preventing misunderstanding, improving communication and cooperation and helping to reduce the likelihood of socio-cultural conflicts.
The role of the ICD is to extend research, programs and practices in the field of cultural diplomacy. The ICD aims to create an international platform for exchange in order to sustain inter-cultural dialogue at all levels, as well as supporting cultural diplomacy as an academic discipline from which we all can learn. Over the past decade, the ICD has developed into one of Europe’s largest and most influential cultural exchange organizations and hosts numerous international events, conferences and seminars with a focus on facilitating interaction and dialogue between individuals of cultural, academic and professional backgrounds across the globe.
Since it was founded in 1999 the ICD has had major accomplishments in the field of Cultural Diplomacy. The ICD has been successful in encouraging academic research in the field of cultural diplomacy. The most important means to encourage further academic research in the field of cultural diplomacy has been to engage students with this topic. In 2011, the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy successfully developed the first ever MA and PhD graduate programs in the field of cultural diplomacy. These programs have been highly popular and have helped in raising awareness of cultural diplomacy for the younger generation and beyond.
In addition, The ICD has raised awareness of cultural diplomacy and soft power through holding numerous international conferences and seminars across the globe, bringing together renowned speakers from politics, diplomacy, academia and the arts to discuss and debate themes related to cultural diplomacy. ICD conferences and seminars have also been successful in engaging politicians with the concept of cultural diplomacy by holding panel discussions, question and answer sessions, and by allowing participants to present their own papers related to cultural diplomacy. This has allowed participants and speakers to communicate and spread their own ideas related to cultural diplomacy, thus allowing a mutual understanding of the concept.
The ICD promotes cultural diplomacy through its distinct institutions, focused on strengthening intercultural understanding within a specific field: The ICD House of Arts & Culture, the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy, the Organization for Youth Education and Development and the Inter Parliamentary Alliance for Human Rights & Global Peace
The ICD House of Arts & Culture hosts all of the activities of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, ranging from academic programs and research to intensive cultural exchange.
The Academy for Cultural Diplomacy is the academic department within the ICD, which works to analyze and raise awareness of the practice of Cultural Diplomacy by governments and non-state actors, and to explore new strategies for the strengthening of intercultural relations in general.
The Organization for Youth Education & Development (OYED) places an emphasis on youth empowerment and education, with the belief that improving opportunities for education and youth advancement across the globe will contribute to a more stable global society.
The Inter Parliamentary Alliance for Human Rights & Global Peace was established to raise awareness of the universality of fundamental human rights, to promote social and economic development in developing countries across the world, and to strengthen intercultural relations between peoples and their communities at all levels in order to achieve global peace and stability.
Border Crossing a New DM’s Diplomatic Academic Chapter
By John Kennedy Stewart.
International Relations and Academic diplomatic researcher.
When a publication like Diplomat Magazine -conceived by and for diplomats since June, 2013- achieves such a great success, when from Paris an international organization and diplomats contact Diplomat Magazine to help them emulate the same concept in France, one can realize how proud diplomats and volunteers behind Diplomat Magazine can feel. Not to say its 60,000+ and increasing readers of Diplomat Magazine in The Netherlands and around the world!!
As per Diplomat Magazine’s publisher says, its initial policy and feature also lies on the academic-research sections known as “Breaking News”, “Diplomatic Pouch”, and the ambassadorial blog at the top of the Web site where ambassadors and dignitaries are regularly invited to write. Moreover, in addition to these sections, in order to benefit the entire diplomatic corps, international organizations, the academia and the public in general, a new academic diplomatic chapter has been added to that list of monthly columns of Diplomat Magazine, called BORDER CROSSING (BC), edited by renowned international affairs & diplomatic researchers volunteering for Diplomat Magazine.
We invite you to take a look at our home page “Diplomat Magazine Production” section, or simply browse http://issuu.com/diploflying/docs/bordercrossing-ole_odgaard/1 to access Border Crossing. BC Publisher Eugene Matos De Lara (alumni of the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Civil Law and international relations researcher), editors and contributing writers will gather soon in Ottawa, Canada to officially launch Border Crossing in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine. After checking out Diplomat Magazine’s first printed version launched in November, 2014, http://issuu.com/yumipepijnudo/docs/binnenwerk_dm_small it is impressive to read who are its contributing writers, the rich content of the articles, the quality of its graphic design and last but not least the brilliant idea to combine a diplomatic magazine as an event diplomatic organizer, first of its kind in the Netherlands.
“A media leader covering a wide range of diplomatic events…one of the most important feature of the magazine it that it is edited and published for diplomats, a useful tool that facilitates our daily professional work” wrote about Diplomat Magazine on its introductory letter H.E. Carlos Jose Arguello, Ambassador of Nicaragua, Dean of the Diplomatic corps in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Note: Border Crossing was officially launched in Ottawa on 31st, January, 2015 at the impressive Chateau Laurier Hotel, besides the Rideau Canal and Canadian Parliament Hill.
IOM Annual Embassy Reception 2015
By Roy Lie A Tjam
The International Organization for Migration, IOM hosted their annual Embassy reception at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel on Thursday 29 January 2015.
A review issued by the IOM is hereto attached.
TRQN Volunteers Presenting Humanitarian Assistance Work During IOM NL Yearly Embassy Reception
At its annual New Year’s Reception in The Hague IOM informed guests about its work and established or renewed relations. The reception was well-attended by representatives from Embassies, Consulates and the Dutch government.
IOM highlighted its role in global emergency crises, focusing on vulnerable mobile populations or communities requiring assistance. Zhian Sarraj, medical doctor and Nesar Ahmad Seddiqi, Orthopedic Traumatologist, briefed the audience about their work in emergency situations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Both doctors participate in IOM’s Temporary Return of Qualified Nationals Project. They work and live in the Netherlands but return temporarily to their countries of origin to transfer their knowledge and offer practical training on the spot. In some countries their assignment can lead to their involvement in emergency situations.
Northern Iraq, overwhelmed by internally displaced people and Afghanistan, still facing instability and security incidents, are in need of acute medical assistance.
Both doctors offered their help. Dr. Sarraj worked with a team of the Kurdistan Medical Charity Foundation (KMCF) to provide medical assistance in refugee camps. Her work in northern Iraq was shown in a clip of the documentary Surprising Europe, to be shown of Dutch national TV.
Professor Seddiqi trained orthopedic surgeons of the Sardar Daud Khan and Shah Ghazi Amanullah Khan Hospitals in Kabul. Prof. Seddiqi showed the audience how he introduced new techniques to treat limb injuries as a consequence of landmines and bomb attacks, aimed at a complete reintegration in society. Both doctors stressed the importance of their specific skills in combination with their cultural background.
With projects such as TRQN, IOM develops the potential of the diaspora for the benefit of their native country. The project aims to contribute to sustainable development and reconstruction of nine target countries.
Doctor Zhian Sarraj and Doctor Nesar Ahmad Seddiqi.
IOM highlighted its role in global emergency crises, focusing on vulnerable mobile populations or communities requiring assistance. Zhian Sarraj, medical doctor and Nesar Ahmad Seddiqi, Orthopedic Traumatologist, briefed the audience about their work in emergency situations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Both doctors participate in IOM’s Temporary Return of Qualified Nationals Project. They work and live in the Netherlands but return temporarily to their countries of origin to transfer their knowledge and offer practical training on the spot. In some countries their assignment can lead to their involvement in emergency situations.
Northern Iraq, overwhelmed by internally displaced people and Afghanistan, still facing instability and security incidents, are in need of acute medical assistance.
Both doctors offered their help. Dr. Sarraj worked with a team of the Kurdistan Medical Charity Foundation (KMCF) to provide medical assistance in refugee camps. Her work in northern Iraq was shown in a clip of the documentary Surprising Europe, to be shown of Dutch national TV.
Professor Seddiqi trained orthopedic surgeons of the Sardar Daud Khan and Shah Ghazi Amanullah Khan Hospitals in Kabul. Prof. Seddiqi showed the audience how he introduced new techniques to treat limb injuries as a consequence of landmines and bomb attacks, aimed at a complete reintegration in society. Both doctors stressed the importance of their specific skills in combination with their cultural background.
With projects such as TRQN, IOM develops the potential of the diaspora for the benefit of their native country. The project aims to contribute to sustainable development and reconstruction of nine target countries.
VI President of Zambia elected
By Duke Michael of Mecklenburg.
On 23 January 2015, Edgar Lungu became the sixth President of Zambia after a close voting.
Mr Lungu is a former Minister of Defence, and prior to that held the post of Minister of Justice. He heads the Patriotic Front party. His win was the closest call in Zambian presidential voting history hitherto.
Zambia is a stable democracy, and the voting procedures are deemed to be free and fair by international standards. Now it is up to President Lungu to find, and expand ways to further increase economic performance to guarantee the flourishing of Zambia’s future.
Diplomat Magazine wishes a lot of successes to President Lungu!
India’s Republic Day in The Hague
On the picture H. E. Rajesh Prasah Ambassador of India and Jozias van Aartsen mayor of The Hague.
The Embassy of India in The Hague organized two events on January 26th, 2015 to celebrate the 66th Republic Day of India. Both began on Monday morning with a flag hoisting ceremony, followed by the National Anthem, at the Gandhi Centre in the presence of H.E. Mr. Rajesh Nandan Prasad, Ambassador of India, the staff of the Embassy of India, and distinguished guests.
Inside the Gandhi Centre’s main hall, H.E. Mr. Prasad read the President of India’s inspiring national address. A rendition of patriotic songs followed. Tea and refreshments were served to the attendees, including diplomats, dignitaries, and members of the Indian diaspora.
In the evening, the Embassy of India held a reception in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, The Hague. Guests were treated to a video of the Republic Day parade in Rajpath, New Delhi and the Tabla Ensemble with Lenneke van Staalen on the violin. The evening function attracted a significant audience; over two hundred and fifty people enjoyed this exceptional occasion.
For complete set of pictures, please open:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157650570138000/
In addition, to mark the Republic Day, the Embassy of India organized an Indian Food Festival at the Hotel Crowne Plaza in collaboration with said hotel and the India Tourism office in Amsterdam. This is the first India Food Festival of its kind and scale held in The Hague to popularize authentic Indian cuisine.
Renowned master chefs Shri. Prat Kumar and Shri. Arjun from prestigious five star hotels in India were present The festival started on January 23rd and concluded on January 26th.
History of India’s Republic Day
Republic Day is one of three national holidays in India, the other two being Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti. Republic Day is celebrated in New Delhi with a grand military parade, which starts at the Raisina Hill near the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan, and continues along the Rajpath past India Gate.
The Prime Minister of India lays a floral wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti to honour the unknown soldiers. Then, the President’s Bodyguards on horseback escort the President of India to Rajpath where he joins other dignitaries to hoist the National flag. After, the National Anthem is sung and a 21 gun salute is sounded in honour of the flag.
Medals and awards of bravery are presented by the President to soldiers, civilians, and children. During the military parade, the President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. The parade consists of multiple military regiments, vehicles, and Special Forces and is followed by tableaux exhibiting different cultural aspects of the various states and union territories of India.
The parade traditionally ends with acrobatics by the motorcycle units of the Armed Forces and a flypast by the Indian Air Force jets.
The Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi are broadcast nationwide by radio, television, and online live stream. It should be noted that all capitals of the different states have their own celebrations. The Republic Day celebration ends three days later on the evening of January 29th with ‘Beating the Retreat’, which is performed by the bands of the three military branches: the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force
In addition, to mark the Republic Day, the Embassy of India organized an Indian Food Festival at the Hotel Crowne Plaza in collaboration with said hotel and the India Tourism office in Amsterdam. This is the first India Food Festival of its kind and scale held in The Hague to popularize authentic Indian cuisine.
Renowned master chefs Shri. Prat Kumar and Shri. Arjun from prestigious five star hotels in India were present The festival started on January 23rd and concluded on January 26th.
History of India’s Republic Day
Republic Day is one of three national holidays in India, the other two being Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti. Republic Day is celebrated in New Delhi with a grand military parade, which starts at the Raisina Hill near the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan, and continues along the Rajpath past India Gate.
The Prime Minister of India lays a floral wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti to honour the unknown soldiers. Then, the President’s Bodyguards on horseback escort the President of India to Rajpath where he joins other dignitaries to hoist the National flag. After, the National Anthem is sung and a 21 gun salute is sounded in honour of the flag.
Medals and awards of bravery are presented by the President to soldiers, civilians, and children. During the military parade, the President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. The parade consists of multiple military regiments, vehicles, and Special Forces and is followed by tableaux exhibiting different cultural aspects of the various states and union territories of India.
The parade traditionally ends with acrobatics by the motorcycle units of the Armed Forces and a flypast by the Indian Air Force jets.
The Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi are broadcast nationwide by radio, television, and online live stream. It should be noted that all capitals of the different states have their own celebrations. The Republic Day celebration ends three days later on the evening of January 29th with ‘Beating the Retreat’, which is performed by the bands of the three military branches: the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force Liberation The Hague & Hilton close partnership
Photo: Frits Huffnagel, Chairman RG Ruijs Foundation and Jolijn Zealanders, Hotel Manager Hilton The Hague .
The Liberation Hague has partnered with Hilton The Hague. Frits Huffnagel, president of the organizing RG Ruijs Foundation, made the announcement that Hilton The Hague will provide the upcoming anniversary edition for the first time an exclusive VIP Lounge for the present captains of industry, politicians, sponsors and NGO’S.
Celebrating 70 years of liberation
Jolijn Zealanders, Hotel Manager at Hilton The Hague, is proud of the collaboration: “On 5 May, we celebrate that we live in freedom in the Netherlands. May 5 is also a day to reflect on the importance of freedom and to realize that freedom is fragile. For that reason we have decided to make this year the Liberation Hague embrace and facilitate the organization with a fully catered VIP Lounge for all organizations like us to celebrate 70 years of liberation! ”
For more information: www.bevrijdingsfestivaldenhaag.nl
Bemba et al. case: ICC Presidency constitutes Trial Chamber VII
On 30 January 2015, the Presidency of the International Criminal Court (ICC) constituted Trial Chamber VII, which will be in charge of the Central African Republic’s case of The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Aimé Kilolo Musamba, Jean-Jacques Mangenda Kabongo, Fidèle Babala Wandu and Narcisse Arido.
Trial Chamber VII is composed of Judge Olga Herrera Carbuccia (Dominican Republic), Judge Robert Fremr (Czech Republic) and Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji (Nigeria).
On 11 November 2014, Pre-Trial Chamber II partially confirmed the charges of offences against the administration of justice for Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Aimé Kilolo Musamba, Jean-Jacques Mangenda Kabongo, Fidèle Babala Wandu and Narcisse Arido and committed the five suspects to trial.
The Chamber found there were substantial grounds to believe that the suspects committed offences against the administration of justice in connection with witnesses’ testimonies in the case of The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo.
The offences, all allegedly committed between the end of 2011 and 14 November 2013 in various locations, would include corruptly influencing witnesses by giving them money and instructions to provide false testimony, presenting false evidence and giving false testimony in the courtroom, all perpetrated in various ways including by committing, soliciting, inducing, aiding, abetting or otherwise assisting in their commission.
Might by Amos Ben-Tal | OFFprojects
By Nicole Pierre.
I recently had the privilege of attending a rehearsal of the group OFFprojects who will be taking part in the CaDance Festival and was completely blown away by the way in which the piece awakened my senses and curiosity. Following the rehearsal, the dancers and choreographers were kind enough to talk to the attendees about the upcoming performance.
Located in the heart of The Hague’s cultural center, the CaDance Festival, a festival for modern contemporary dance, proposes a variety of premiers and special festival projects from already known, as well as upcoming, choreographers. The festival which starts on January 30th will have as its closing act, on February 13th and 14th, a particularly intriguing performance: Might by choreographer/musician Amos Ben-Tal and his group OFFprojects. The piece will be performed at the Theater aan het Spui in the center of The Hague.
Seven exceptional dancers from different nationalities will capture your attention as they move and intermingle through a maze of walls, constantly changing the space which is visually accessible to the audience. The experience for each spectator therefore proves to be uniquely different as the dancers appear and disappear, exhibiting different relationships and non-verbal dialogues. The performance is a sensual trip that explores notions of individuality and one’s personal space, thus bringing each individual face-to-face with pertinent questions about perspective and intimacy.
More information about the CaDance Festival and OFFprojects: Performance info: Might by Amos Ben-Tal | OFFprojects Cadance Festival / Theater aan het Spui Friday, February 13, 21:00 Saturday, February 14, 19:30 Tickets: €18 (€16 for online reservations)
Reservations: www.cadance.nl / 070 3637540