The Embassies of Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Peru, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and the Tropenmuseum will celebrate the “Inti Raymi-Willka Kuti” or “Festival of the Sun”, on 22 June 2013 from 10:00 to 18:00 and the “Inti Raymi-Willka Kuti” ceremony from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam.
The “Inti Raymi-Willka Kuti” or “Festival of the Sun” is a traditional Andean expression of the indigenous people that takes place during the solstice in June in order to celebrate the union of the forces of the Sun and Mother Earth. The ancient cultures of the Andean region of South America have recognized the Sun as a source of life for over five thousand years. The Sun has been worshiped by farmers since until now it has provided them with good harvests and food for their families. People from the region have devoted exceptional celebrations in the Sun’s honor, especially for its arrival at the winter solstice, which the Andean calendar marks as the beginning of a new year.
This event is the first of its kind to take place in the Netherlands organized by seven Embassies jointly with the Tropenmuseum and will provide the perfect opportunity to share with the Netherlands and its people the richness and variety of the culture, art and music that Latin American countries have to offer.
The agenda of the “Inti Raymi-Willka Kuti” includes a whole day programme with different activities including: an exhibition of handicrafts and products from Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela; a video about the Inti Raymi – Willka Kuti; an Inti Raymi – Willka Kuti ritual ceremony; live music and dance performances by various groups from the countries that will take place in the event.
Open the following invitation, free admission, click here to open the invitation: Inti.Raymi.Invitation
By Martin Valentino, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta.Malta – A country with a Euro-Mediterranean vocation for peace and security. As a European country with a vocation to promote a Euro-Mediterranean dialogue, Malta has over the years undertaken initiatives which led to the establishment of permanent institutions, both of a regional and international character which promote the political, intellectual and cultural link both to the north and the south but also beyond.
Malta is host to the European Commission-League of Arab States Liaison Office which has the objective of formalizing relations between the European Commission and the Arab World and in 2008 hosted the first ever European Union – League of Arab States Ministerial meeting. The hosting in Malta of the Second Summit of the Western Mediterranean Forum, better known as the 5 + 5 in 2012 was yet another successful initiative by Malta in maintaining the open dialogue at the highest political level between the North and South.
Also the recent appointment of Ambassador George Saliba as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, which has a membership of 43 countries from the Euro-Mediterranean region, gives added value and reinforces Malta’s deep interest and visibility in its role in the region. Another important initiative was the establishment in 1990 of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) which is an institution that offers advanced degrees in diplomacy and conflict resolution with a focus on Mediterranean issues for young diplomats from the Mediterranean region and beyond. MEDAC today has over 500 alumni from 53 different countries and has become a success story with young diplomats who today hold high and influential positions in their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Missions. The Hon. Dr. George Vella, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malta, has recently stated that “the Government of Malta is committed to continue supporting MEDAC. The current situation in the Mediterranean region needs more trained diplomats to be able to deal with different situations, conflicts and the building of new institutions since the Mediterranean is going through a period of change.”
As an island State, Malta has vested interests in the sea that surrounds us but also beyond our shores and another important institution based at the University of Malta is by far the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI). IMLI is an international institution dedicated to the training of lawyers in international maritime law, including marine environmental law, law of the sea, shipping law and legislation drafting. IMLI was established by a statute promulgated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and under an agreement concluded between the IMO and the Government of Malta, and began to operate in October 1989. To date, the Institute has a total of 568 graduates from over 122 States and over the twenty-three year period since the inception of the Institute, students from the European and Mediterranean region and beyond have benefited from the high-level courses. These courses bring together lawyers specializing in maritime law who contribute to the common interests in this field and similar to MEDAC graduates today they hold senior positions within the maritime industry, both in the governmental and private sectors.
I wish to mention that Malta also hosts the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea which was established under the Mediterranean Action Plan of the UNEP, as well as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM). The Headquarters of the General Secretariat of PAM were established in Malta in November 2007, in recognition of Malta’s strategic role and commitment in organizing the PAM. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) is the forum where the Parliaments of the Euro-Mediterranean region come together and operate to reach those common objectives towards the creation of the best political, social, economic and cultural environment and conditions for the fellow citizens of the member states. PAM is a regional interstate organization, and an Observer at the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Assembly plays a fundamental role as an organization whose activities are firmly rooted as a complementary asset to the work of other regional and international bodies entrusted with the responsibility to foster security, stability and peace in the Mediterranean. PAM has established itself as the main actor in parliamentary diplomacy in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
These are only some of the institutions located in Malta and it is through institutions such as these that Malta, also through its foreign policy, will continue to play a proactive role in the promotion of peace and stability in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
By H.E. Yasumasa Nagamine, Ambassador of Japan.
I should like to congratulate on the launch of the new magazine, Diplomat Magazine, in The Hague specializing in diplomacy and diplomats.
I have been asked to write an article about activities of Asian Ambassadors in The Hague, since I have been serving as an Asian coordinator Ambassador for the Dean of the Diplomatic Corp. Although I have still only limited experience in the role, I should like to touch upon its activities.
There are more than 100 Embassies located in The Hague, a large number in deed. There is the Dean of the Diplomatic Corp, H.E. Ambassador Arguello Gomez of Nicaragua. All Embassies and Ambassadors are indebted to his leadership and services. At the same time, other Ambassadors are in a position to assist the Dean in his duties. Therefore a system of regional coordinators has been established and each region is supposed to nominate a coordinator ambassador for this purpose. For Asian region, a regional coordinator has been established rather recently. Currently I am functioning as such, hence I am writing this article on behalf of the region.
Asian Ambassadors are meeting more often, however, in different contexts. There are many informal and volunteer gatherings where Asian Ambassadors have lunch together or hold meetings for discuss on various issues. There are also regional meetings in the context of International Organizations located in The Hague, such as the International Criminal Court (the ICC) or the Chemical Weapons Organization (the OPCW). Here the coordinating activities are frequent and substantive. Through these meetings and contacts, Asian Ambassadors are constantly working together and forming friendly relations quickly.
Talking about the diplomacy in The Hague more in general, I observe that Ambassadors’ work here is more or less equally divided into bilateral and multilateral diplomacies, depending on with which International Organizations a country associates itself. On the one hand, as our host nation, the Netherlands, is very active in its external activities, therefore bilateral diplomacy is dynamic and requires large portion of Embassy’s resources and Ambassador’s attention. On the other hand, Ambassadors are sitting in many meetings of, for example, the OPCW or Assembly of State Parties of the ICC. Ambassadors in general are certainly required to have proficient knowledge on many different subject matters, but especially here in The Hague, they must be experts on international justice including criminal justice or weapons of mass destruction (i.e. chemical weapons). These give a unique character for the diplomacy here which is a source of interest for many Ambassadors and of challenges for every Ambassador.
For a Japanese Ambassador serving in The Hague is a privilege and delight. Japan and the Netherlands enjoy a significant history of mutual contacts for more than 400 years. We have strong and time-honored economic ties. The friendly relations between Japan’s Imperial Family and the Royal Family of the Netherlands are a symbol of our closeness. We are two mature democracies faced with many common challenges, such as revitalizing the economy, securing safe navigation, coping with aging society, and stimulating science and technology. Therefore our two countries work together in many fronts, which give a Japanese Ambassador extra mission to fulfill.
At the same time, Japan has been active in the activities related to the rule of law, international criminal justice and disarmament issues. Again multilateral diplomacy requires Japanese Ambassador here to do commensurate work to be fulfilled.
I truly believe The Hague is one of the most exciting centres of diplomatic activities in Europe in which I enjoy to work cooperatively with fellow Ambassadors from the Asian region and beyond.
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By Dr. Bob van den Bos, former Member of Parliament (First and Second Chambers) and former staff member of the Institute for International Relations Clingendael.
It is a great pleasure and honour indeed to write my first contribution to this new Diplomat Magazine. I would like to bring an important initiative to your attention: the establishment of The Hague Political Academy.
This initiative has been taken in order to meet the needs of diplomats in The Hague for a better understanding of Dutch society and politics.
The Academy starts this autumn with a high level course on Dutch politics and foreign policy for foreign diplomats, scheduled for October 21st until November 18st.
Five sessions will provide participants with a better understanding of Dutch society and the way in which politics works in public and behind the scenes. After an introduction to the historical background, attention will be paid to the governmental and opposition parties and their policies. Also the impact of the media on policymaking will be explained. Special focal points will be the Dutch foreign policy and the role played by the Netherlands in the European Union. At the end of the course the participants will visit the Dutch Parliament.
The lectures will enable participants to report with more authority on Dutch politics and to participate at a high level in discussions on Dutch domestic issues. As course supervisor I will draw on my extensive personal political experience as a Member of the national and European Parliament. Moreover, several distinguished guest speakers are invited to share their views with the participants: politicians, academics and journalists.
During and after the sessions there will be ample opportunity to maintain informal contacts with other participants. It is also possible to arrange specific sessions at your Embassy.
Dear readers,
The Netherlands may be considered to have been the first globalized state in the world. This early openness came in the wake of its great commercial and maritime achievements and its well established tradition of welcome and fair treatment of political and religious exiles. Today The Netherlands is still one of the great commercial powers and is still a society generally open to the world. It contributes substantially to the international organizations, including the United Nations, and still dedicates important sums to development aid.
Dealing with these issues would normally be considered a full time job for any diplomat. But they constitute only part of the tasks involved in serving in The Hague. The other dimension, of great interest to any diplomat, is the fact that the Netherlands, basically The Hague, houses more than 130 international organizations, including one of the principal organs of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice. The international community involved in these activities is substantial. It employs nearly 20,000 persons.
Why does this relatively small city house so many important institutions?
Looking back on the diplomatic history of the Netherlands we encounter a most significant world event that took place in The Hague between 18 May and 29 July 1899. The First Hague Peace Conference was convened by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and the venue he selected was that of the land of Queen Wilhelmina, Grand Daughter of Queen Ana Paulowna.
This Conference was the first world conference in the sense of the world as understood at that time by the leading powers. In any case, it was not solely a meeting of European States like the Congress of Vienna in 1815 or that which adopted the First Geneva Convention in 1864. There were 27 States present in The Hague representing not only the major European powers but also the independent Asian states of China, Iran, Japan, Thailand and Turkey as well as two states from the New World the United States of America and the United States of Mexico.
The Conference not only ended with Declarations attempting to “humanize” war, but also with the establishment of mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
This unique experience of The Hague at the close of the 19th Century has evolved during the 20th Century and has made it what is today referred to as the International City of Peace and Justice.
The initiative of publishing this Diplomatic Magazine is well considered and will undoubtedly be received with enthusiasm by the large international community in The Hague. This community needs and deserves a medium of communication not only for its own internal uses but more importantly as a means of communication with the larger local community of which they form an occasionally not well understood part.
I wholeheartedly welcome Diplomatic Magazine and congratulate all those who have made it possible.
Sincerely,
Carlos Argüello Gómez
Ambassador of Nicaragua
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in The Hague
Click the link below to read the original document from H.E. Ambassador Argüello Gómez.
By H.E. Mr. Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the Court.
Par S. Exc. M. Philippe Couvreur, Greffier de la Cour.
For the last 25 years, the workload of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been steadily increasing. States are turning more and more frequently to the Court to resolve a whole array of disputes concerning, for example, treaty interpretation, land and maritime frontiers, the environment and the conservation of living resources, and even the use of force. As a result, the Court has delivered more judgments in the last 22 years than during the first 44 years of its existence. It currently has 11 contentious cases pending before it, involving a total of 19 States from all continents: seven Central and South American States (Peru v. Chile; Ecuador v. Colombia; Costa Rica and Nicaragua in two cases; Bolivia v. Chile); four African States (Democratic Republic of the Congo v. Uganda; Burkina Faso and Niger); four States from the Asia‑Pacific region (Cambodia v. Thailand; Australia v. Japan); and four European States (Hungary and Slovakia; Croatia v. Serbia).
The ICJ is the highest court in the world, the oldest, and the only one with both general and universal jurisdiction; it is also the only court whose Members are elected by both the Security Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations. Its mission is to decide contentious cases submitted to it by States. In doing so, it contributes to maintaining international peace and security by ensuring the peaceful settlement of disputes. Moreover, the decisions it renders serve as guidelines for avoiding and resolving disputes which may arise between other States. In addition, the Court responds to requests for advisory opinions from organs and specialized agencies of the United Nations; it thus also makes a contribution to preventive diplomacy and to the development of international law.
In view of its pre‑eminent role and its constantly increasing activity, the ICJ represents a particularly cost‑effective means of settling disputes peacefully.
The Registrar of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, wishes the team at “Diplomat Magazine” every success with the launch of its first edition and hopes that the publication will also welcome French‑language content.
_________________________________________________
La CIJ connaît une activité particulièrement soutenue
Par S. Exc. M. Philippe Couvreur, Greffier de la Cour
Ces 25 dernières années, l’activité de la Cour internationale de Justice (CIJ), organe judiciaire principal de l’ONU, n’a pas cessé de croître. Les Etats se tournent de plus en plus souvent vers elle pour régler leurs différends les plus divers concernant, par exemple, l’interprétation de traités, leurs frontières terrestres et maritimes, l’environnement et la conservation des ressources biologiques, voire même le recours à la force. Ainsi, la Cour a rendu davantage d’arrêts au cours de ces 22 dernières années que durant ses 44 premières années d’existence. La Cour est actuellement saisie de onze affaires contentieuses, qui impliquent au total 19 Etats de tous les continents, à savoir: sept Etats d’Amérique centrale et du sud (Pérou c. Chili; Equateur c. Colombie; Costa Rica et Nicaragua dans deux affaires; Bolivie c. Chili); quatre Etats africains (République démocratique du Congo c. Ouganda; Burkina Faso et Niger); quatre Etats de la région Asie-Pacifique (Cambodge c. Thaïlande; Australie c. Japon) ainsi que quatre Etats européens (Hongrie/Slovaquie; Croatie c. Serbie).
La CIJ est la plus haute juridiction du monde, la plus ancienne, la seule à être dotée d’une compétence à la fois universelle et générale, la seule aussi dont les membres sont élus à la fois par le Conseil de sécurité et l’Assemblée générale de l’ONU. La Cour a pour mission de traiter les affaires contentieuses qui lui sont soumises par des Etats. Elle contribue ainsi au maintien de la paix et de la sécurité internationales en garantissant le règlement pacifique des différends entre Etats. De surcroît, elle rend des décisions qui servent de lignes directrices pour éviter ou régler des différends qui risqueraient de naître entre d’autres Etats. La Cour répond en outre aux demandes d’avis consultatif émanant des organes ou institutions spécialisées de l’ONU. Ce faisant, elle participe également à la diplomatie préventive et au développement du droit international.
La CIJ constitue, au vu de son rôle prééminent et de son activité en croissance constante, un mode de solution pacifique des différends d’un rapport coût/efficacité particulièrement exceptionnel.
Le Greffier de la Cour internationale de Justice (CIJ), organe judiciaire principal de l’ONU, présente ses vœux de réussite à l’équipe de « Diplomat Magazine » à l’occasion du lancement du premier numéro de cette nouvelle publication, et espère qu’elle ouvrira ses pages à la langue française.
By Bonnie Klap.
Within the short time span of just a few months three important events have taken place or are about to take place in The Netherlands. First of all, on April 30 the Coronation of the new Dutch King Willem-Alexander took place. He succeeded his Mother, Queen Beatrix, to the throne, after her 33 years of reign. In August, on the 28th to be exact, the world famous icon of Peace and Justice, the Peace Palace in The Hague, will celebrate its centennial anniversary. And last but certainly not least, I would like to present to you the very first edition of the Diplomat Magazine of The Hague. The Hague is known as the International City of Peace and Justice. It is not only the home to the Diplomatic Corps, but it also has 131 International Institutions and Organizations.
Diplomat Magazine, inaugural issue, 2013, The Hague
Moreover, and perhaps unknown to many, The Hague is the United Nations’ second city only after New York. Hence it is obvious that, considering the high number of Diplomats and the thousands of people working toward world peace in The Hague, introducing the Diplomat Magazine will almost certainly fill a need. In several major cities such as London, Paris, Berlin and Ottawa, to name a few, a Diplomat Magazine has been available for some time and with good reason! It is a well known fact that Diplomats are very busy people, but at the same time, they want to stay informed in a convenient and efficient manner.
Publisher Robert Buurke and Dr. Eugenio Matos, Honorary Associate Publisher, currently Charge d’affaires a.i. at the Dominican Republic Embassy in The Hague, in front of the Peace Palace before Diplomat Magazine’s launching.
From now on that information, be it local news, entertainment, interviews, events, leisure or entertainment suggestions are just a mouse-click away. Speak to any Diplomat posted in The Hague and they will praise the international flavor of The Hague. What better way is there to improve their impression of this vibrant and cosmopolitan city than to keep them up-to-date on everything newsworthy for the Diplomatic Community by reading the Diplomat Magazine?
What’s more, in this era of speedy, accessable information, the Diplomat Magazine of The Hague is a welcome addition to the list of “Favorites” to click onto on your computer. I hope and expect that the Diplomat Magazine of The Hague will from now on provide you with all the news you require and will make living and working for the Diplomatic Community here an even more interesting and pleasant experience.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
In ancient times, diplomatic correspondence between the Egyptian pharaohs and kings in Assyria, Anatolia and Mesopotamia took place via clay tablets. In 1887, 350 of these clay tablets, referred to as the Amarna Letters, were unearthed in the ancient city of El-Amarna in Egypt. Communication in general has come a long way since the times of the Amarna Letters.
As of June 2013, communication within the diplomatic community in the Netherlands will be bolstered by the introduction of an online Diplomat Magazine.
As we approach the second half of 2013, which so far has been an inspiring year. Major events have taken place worldwide, from the election of Pope Francis in March, to Paris Saint-Germain winning the football championship in France, and the inauguration of former ICC judge Anthony Carmona SC as president of Trinidad and Tobago.
On the 19th of June 2013, another significant event will take place at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague. The first ever electronic magazine for diplomats in the Netherlands will be launched by the Mayor of The Hague, the city of peace and justice, Mr. Jozias van Aartsen. The magazine will be known as the Diplomat Magazine.
The Diplomat Magazine is the brainchild of Dr. Eugenio Matos G, Minister Counselor at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic and a team of lawyers and diplomats in The Hague.
The magazine will be issued monthly with the objective of maximising effective communication and provoking intelligent discussion within the diplomatic and international community in the Netherlands. The Diplomat Magazine, as well as providing a plethora of useful information, will also be an excellent platform for diplomatic missions, international institutions and others to share information about their activities.
Bienvenue to the Diplomat Magazine, let’s all make our personal contribution to its success.
FOR FULL PHOTO-ALBUM OF THIS EVENT PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/72157634347253758/First co-founders of Diplomat Magazine in front of the Peace Palace.Publisher Robert Buurke and Dr. Eugenio Matos G, Honorary Associate Publisher in front of the Peace Palace in The Hague.The author is Associate Editor of Diplomat Magazine and a dedicated expat-international and diplomatic community chronicler in The Hague.
By Petra van der Ham,Managing Director UPEACE The Hague, Peace Palace.
The University for Peace (UPEACE) has been founded in 1980 by the General Assembly of the United Nations in order to give substance to its peace and security objectives. UPEACE fosters strong ties with various components of the UN-system, among which the UN Secretariat. The mission of UPEACE is to become an international institute for higher education for the entire humanity.
The headquarters of UPEACE are situated in Costa Rica, with its own campus and various facilities for students, employees and visitors. At this international academic institution for peace and peace related issues, research and education go hand in hand. At UPEACE, experts are brought together with students from all over the world, in order to educate a new generation of peace negotiators. They are being trained to bring peace to a global level, to manage conflicts and to uphold human rights. Mobilizing worldwide support, awareness and education of the (world) population plays an important role.
Throughout its over thirty years of existence, UPEACE has developed a range of master- and capacity building programmes in the field of peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Its core staff, together with visiting professors: mainly UN personnel, (former) diplomats, academics and experts from all over the world, provide courses and trainings for students as well as for professionals from different backgrounds.
Currently UPEACE offers 11 master programmes for approx. 200 master students from 100 different countries. Besides, approx. 150 students study at the affiliated centres. About half of these students are from developing countries; they can often apply for scholarships with the UPEACE Scholarship programme. In recent years UPEACE has also substantially invested in the development of online programmes and “distance learning”.
After their stay in Costa Rica, UPEACE alumni frequently return to their home countries to work at (inter)national government institutions, NGOs, universities or in the private sector. In many countries they are actively involved in the process of peacebuilding and -keeping.
Meanwhile there are centres in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Manila, Montevideo, Seoul and, from 2012 on, The Hague, resulting in UPEACE increasingly becoming a global network organization. In addition, numerous cooperation agreements have been established with universities and peace organizations worldwide. The new Centre in The Hague, as the representative of UPEACE in the European Union, will constitute an important part of this international network. As of January 2012, this centre, in short UPEACE The Hague, is located in the AcademyBuilding of the PeacePalace.
UPEACE The Hague focuses on education and research in the field of peace issues, in close cooperation with renowned academic and policy-oriented institutes in The Hague region. This focus on cooperation is an important principle of the new Centre: UPEACE The Hague aims to be complementary to existing organizations by specifically focusing on peace education, an area that is still relatively underdeveloped.
UPEACE The Hague is an autonomous institute with sufficient academic freedom to develop its own programmes. Its mission and objectives fall within the framework of the Charter of the University for Peace, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Earth Charter. In this way, UPEACE The Hague supports and strengthens the international academic expertise of UPEACE, in cooperation with its affiliated centres and offices worldwide.
For the time being UPEACE The Hague focuses on three areas where it can be innovative and complementary: Peace and Conflict Studies, Water and Peace, and Urban Peace and Security. An important characteristic is the emphasis on interaction between theory and practice, with a strong policy-oriented character. This combination makes its programmes attractive to students, academics and professionals alike.
In the academic year 2012-2013 it has contributed to the educational curricula of Leiden University College The Hague and The Hague University of Applied Sciences, by offering courses on Peace and Conflict Studies to their bachelor students. Further cooperation is foreseen for the coming years, resulting in, for instance, a joint master program in Peace and Conflict Studies.
Furthermore UPEACE The Hague has entered into partnerships with International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (2010) and with UNESCO-IHE Delft (2011). The purpose of these partnerships is to develop joint research and educational programmes and to promote exchange of lecturers and students.
In this way, UPEACE The Hague aims to grow into a European UPEACE expertise and knowledge Centre. The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice, with its growing constellation of international institutes in these areas, is considered a perfect city for such ambitious outreach.
More information: www.upeace.nl and www.upeace.org
Also the recent appointment of Ambassador George Saliba as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, which has a membership of 43 countries from the Euro-Mediterranean region, gives added value and reinforces Malta’s deep interest and visibility in its role in the region. Another important initiative was the establishment in 1990 of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) which is an institution that offers advanced degrees in diplomacy and conflict resolution with a focus on Mediterranean issues for young diplomats from the Mediterranean region and beyond. MEDAC today has over 500 alumni from 53 different countries and has become a success story with young diplomats who today hold high and influential positions in their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Missions. The Hon. Dr. George Vella, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malta, has recently stated that “the Government of Malta is committed to continue supporting MEDAC. The current situation in the Mediterranean region needs more trained diplomats to be able to deal with different situations, conflicts and the building of new institutions since the Mediterranean is going through a period of change.”
As an island State, Malta has vested interests in the sea that surrounds us but also beyond our shores and another important institution based at the University of Malta is by far the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI). IMLI is an international institution dedicated to the training of lawyers in international maritime law, including marine environmental law, law of the sea, shipping law and legislation drafting. IMLI was established by a statute promulgated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and under an agreement concluded between the IMO and the Government of Malta, and began to operate in October 1989. To date, the Institute has a total of 568 graduates from over 122 States and over the twenty-three year period since the inception of the Institute, students from the European and Mediterranean region and beyond have benefited from the high-level courses. These courses bring together lawyers specializing in maritime law who contribute to the common interests in this field and similar to MEDAC graduates today they hold senior positions within the maritime industry, both in the governmental and private sectors.
I wish to mention that Malta also hosts the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea which was established under the Mediterranean Action Plan of the UNEP, as well as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM). The Headquarters of the General Secretariat of PAM were established in Malta in November 2007, in recognition of Malta’s strategic role and commitment in organizing the PAM. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) is the forum where the Parliaments of the Euro-Mediterranean region come together and operate to reach those common objectives towards the creation of the best political, social, economic and cultural environment and conditions for the fellow citizens of the member states. PAM is a regional interstate organization, and an Observer at the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Assembly plays a fundamental role as an organization whose activities are firmly rooted as a complementary asset to the work of other regional and international bodies entrusted with the responsibility to foster security, stability and peace in the Mediterranean. PAM has established itself as the main actor in parliamentary diplomacy in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
These are only some of the institutions located in Malta and it is through institutions such as these that Malta, also through its foreign policy, will continue to play a proactive role in the promotion of peace and stability in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Also the recent appointment of Ambassador George Saliba as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, which has a membership of 43 countries from the Euro-Mediterranean region, gives added value and reinforces Malta’s deep interest and visibility in its role in the region. Another important initiative was the establishment in 1990 of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) which is an institution that offers advanced degrees in diplomacy and conflict resolution with a focus on Mediterranean issues for young diplomats from the Mediterranean region and beyond. MEDAC today has over 500 alumni from 53 different countries and has become a success story with young diplomats who today hold high and influential positions in their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Missions. The Hon. Dr. George Vella, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malta, has recently stated that “the Government of Malta is committed to continue supporting MEDAC. The current situation in the Mediterranean region needs more trained diplomats to be able to deal with different situations, conflicts and the building of new institutions since the Mediterranean is going through a period of change.”
As an island State, Malta has vested interests in the sea that surrounds us but also beyond our shores and another important institution based at the University of Malta is by far the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI). IMLI is an international institution dedicated to the training of lawyers in international maritime law, including marine environmental law, law of the sea, shipping law and legislation drafting. IMLI was established by a statute promulgated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and under an agreement concluded between the IMO and the Government of Malta, and began to operate in October 1989. To date, the Institute has a total of 568 graduates from over 122 States and over the twenty-three year period since the inception of the Institute, students from the European and Mediterranean region and beyond have benefited from the high-level courses. These courses bring together lawyers specializing in maritime law who contribute to the common interests in this field and similar to MEDAC graduates today they hold senior positions within the maritime industry, both in the governmental and private sectors.
I wish to mention that Malta also hosts the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea which was established under the Mediterranean Action Plan of the UNEP, as well as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM). The Headquarters of the General Secretariat of PAM were established in Malta in November 2007, in recognition of Malta’s strategic role and commitment in organizing the PAM. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) is the forum where the Parliaments of the Euro-Mediterranean region come together and operate to reach those common objectives towards the creation of the best political, social, economic and cultural environment and conditions for the fellow citizens of the member states. PAM is a regional interstate organization, and an Observer at the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Assembly plays a fundamental role as an organization whose activities are firmly rooted as a complementary asset to the work of other regional and international bodies entrusted with the responsibility to foster security, stability and peace in the Mediterranean. PAM has established itself as the main actor in parliamentary diplomacy in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
These are only some of the institutions located in Malta and it is through institutions such as these that Malta, also through its foreign policy, will continue to play a proactive role in the promotion of peace and stability in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Currently UPEACE offers 11 master programmes for approx. 200 master students from 100 different countries. Besides, approx. 150 students study at the affiliated centres. About half of these students are from developing countries; they can often apply for scholarships with the UPEACE Scholarship programme. In recent years UPEACE has also substantially invested in the development of online programmes and “distance learning”.
After their stay in Costa Rica, UPEACE alumni frequently return to their home countries to work at (inter)national government institutions, NGOs, universities or in the private sector. In many countries they are actively involved in the process of peacebuilding and -keeping.
Meanwhile there are centres in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Manila, Montevideo, Seoul and, from 2012 on, The Hague, resulting in UPEACE increasingly becoming a global network organization. In addition, numerous cooperation agreements have been established with universities and peace organizations worldwide. The new Centre in The Hague, as the representative of UPEACE in the European Union, will constitute an important part of this international network. As of January 2012, this centre, in short UPEACE The Hague, is located in the AcademyBuilding of the PeacePalace.
UPEACE The Hague focuses on education and research in the field of peace issues, in close cooperation with renowned academic and policy-oriented institutes in The Hague region. This focus on cooperation is an important principle of the new Centre: UPEACE The Hague aims to be complementary to existing organizations by specifically focusing on peace education, an area that is still relatively underdeveloped.
UPEACE The Hague is an autonomous institute with sufficient academic freedom to develop its own programmes. Its mission and objectives fall within the framework of the Charter of the University for Peace, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Earth Charter. In this way, UPEACE The Hague supports and strengthens the international academic expertise of UPEACE, in cooperation with its affiliated centres and offices worldwide.
For the time being UPEACE The Hague focuses on three areas where it can be innovative and complementary: Peace and Conflict Studies, Water and Peace, and Urban Peace and Security. An important characteristic is the emphasis on interaction between theory and practice, with a strong policy-oriented character. This combination makes its programmes attractive to students, academics and professionals alike.
In the academic year 2012-2013 it has contributed to the educational curricula of Leiden University College The Hague and The Hague University of Applied Sciences, by offering courses on Peace and Conflict Studies to their bachelor students. Further cooperation is foreseen for the coming years, resulting in, for instance, a joint master program in Peace and Conflict Studies.
Furthermore UPEACE The Hague has entered into partnerships with International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (2010) and with UNESCO-IHE Delft (2011). The purpose of these partnerships is to develop joint research and educational programmes and to promote exchange of lecturers and students.
In this way, UPEACE The Hague aims to grow into a European UPEACE expertise and knowledge Centre. The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice, with its growing constellation of international institutes in these areas, is considered a perfect city for such ambitious outreach.
More information: www.upeace.nl and www.upeace.org 
Currently UPEACE offers 11 master programmes for approx. 200 master students from 100 different countries. Besides, approx. 150 students study at the affiliated centres. About half of these students are from developing countries; they can often apply for scholarships with the UPEACE Scholarship programme. In recent years UPEACE has also substantially invested in the development of online programmes and “distance learning”.
After their stay in Costa Rica, UPEACE alumni frequently return to their home countries to work at (inter)national government institutions, NGOs, universities or in the private sector. In many countries they are actively involved in the process of peacebuilding and -keeping.
Meanwhile there are centres in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Manila, Montevideo, Seoul and, from 2012 on, The Hague, resulting in UPEACE increasingly becoming a global network organization. In addition, numerous cooperation agreements have been established with universities and peace organizations worldwide. The new Centre in The Hague, as the representative of UPEACE in the European Union, will constitute an important part of this international network. As of January 2012, this centre, in short UPEACE The Hague, is located in the AcademyBuilding of the PeacePalace.
UPEACE The Hague focuses on education and research in the field of peace issues, in close cooperation with renowned academic and policy-oriented institutes in The Hague region. This focus on cooperation is an important principle of the new Centre: UPEACE The Hague aims to be complementary to existing organizations by specifically focusing on peace education, an area that is still relatively underdeveloped.
UPEACE The Hague is an autonomous institute with sufficient academic freedom to develop its own programmes. Its mission and objectives fall within the framework of the Charter of the University for Peace, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Earth Charter. In this way, UPEACE The Hague supports and strengthens the international academic expertise of UPEACE, in cooperation with its affiliated centres and offices worldwide.
For the time being UPEACE The Hague focuses on three areas where it can be innovative and complementary: Peace and Conflict Studies, Water and Peace, and Urban Peace and Security. An important characteristic is the emphasis on interaction between theory and practice, with a strong policy-oriented character. This combination makes its programmes attractive to students, academics and professionals alike.
In the academic year 2012-2013 it has contributed to the educational curricula of Leiden University College The Hague and The Hague University of Applied Sciences, by offering courses on Peace and Conflict Studies to their bachelor students. Further cooperation is foreseen for the coming years, resulting in, for instance, a joint master program in Peace and Conflict Studies.
Furthermore UPEACE The Hague has entered into partnerships with International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (2010) and with UNESCO-IHE Delft (2011). The purpose of these partnerships is to develop joint research and educational programmes and to promote exchange of lecturers and students.
In this way, UPEACE The Hague aims to grow into a European UPEACE expertise and knowledge Centre. The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice, with its growing constellation of international institutes in these areas, is considered a perfect city for such ambitious outreach.
More information: www.upeace.nl and www.upeace.org