Contemporary Philanthropy for International Justice in The Hague

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By Steven van Hoogstraten, Carnegie Foundation, General Director. In September 2013, the International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP) and the Carnegie Foundation organized a two days international symposium on peace philanthropy. The aim of this symposium was to highlight contemporary examples of peace philanthropy and to identify the role of modern philanthropists for world issues like health, justice and environmental protection. In so doing the conference paved the way for new projects to be developed. One of these projects is the long standing wish for a Peace Museum in The Hague, a pluriform showcase where academic and cultural visions of peace can collide. But also other and parallel ideas exist that aim at a dialogue in our field of expertise, and at joining the forces that make The Hague an international city of peace and justice. True and constructive dialogue is only possible if there is room for reflection, for new ideas and for well formulated critique. To put it in a different language, when UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon recently called The Hague “the world’s legal capital, the epicenter of justice and accountability”, he confirmed our mandate but at the same time challenged us to live up to this high standard. It is in the pursuit of this standard, that I suggest that we develop some new ground. This would mean that we do not limit our attention to a deepening of the classical and institutional notions of international law but that we widen our scope to include those political and legal themes that are of utmost importance for the development of a just civil society. Now that the first century of the Peace Palace is behind us, time has come for coordinated efforts in The Hague to find the eyes and ears of the philanthropic world, a world eager to invest money in the public arena for good causes. In order to do this credibly, The Hague’s institutions must show the ambition to be at the leading edge of developing new concepts for global justice and finding alternative ways for dispute resolution. Not every difficult issue can be settled by finding the right page of the law book. I refer to disputes within states, disputes about natural resources, about food and water, or cultural issues. As I see it, The Hague should not be limited to be a fine judicial machine composed of international courts and tribunals, a machine which produces positive outcomes in conflicts by using the relevance of international law. The Hague should also be the place where international legal concepts are being critically reviewed, and where the policies behind the legal rules are explored and brought up to date. In this context I am tempted to think of questions like: “What does global justice mean for the response to threats from narcotic drugs, or from corruption? “; ”How can an international justice system be created which is accessible for other entities than states ? “, and ”Is it wise for the legitimacy of the ICC to try to investigate matters in countries who are not on the list of ratifications?”. A network institution like the Hague Academic Coalition (HAC) could hold the umbrella for akind of “Hague Programme on International Justice”, in which all international organizations are partners, in cooperation with the Hague Institute for Global Justice. I have to make clear at this point that developing this type of activities, is not necessarily the first task of my Foundation as we are so tied to the well-being of the Peace Palace and its important institutions. But the Carnegie Foundation could easily take the role of facilitator/convener for the organizations in The Hague which would like to be part of such an endeavor. Even if this has not been the main focus of our activities, it is an aspect that could be developed in the near future. The Hague – as the world’s legal capital – has an apparent need to develop initiatives that promote the cohesion among its institutions and inhabitants, either local or international. A true cohesion, thus both academic and cultural, could be a very sustainable answer to this need. Our common Hague denominator is after all that each and every institution is related to the promotion of international peace and justice, both in its scope of daily work, and in the more idealistic perspective on the longer term. One aspect that definitely might attract the attention of the philanthropists is the focus on social justice by outreach activities to the different target groups within our civil society. As far as the daily practice of the institutions in the Peace Palace is concerned, the existence of a general public audience does not have a great impact. Clearly the emphasis is on governments seeking a solution, according to “peace through law”. But public support is a factor which cannot be denied. This is true for instance where peace treaties are concerned, but also counts for the overall implementation of international justice. For me, it goes without saying that in The Hague we work for a maximum impact of international justice , and take these and other innovative trends into consideration. Fortunately important work on the innovation of justice is being done by the Hague Institute for the internationalization of Law (HiiL). When looking back to the beginning of the development of the Hague as a city of international law, early 1900, the first thing we see is this collaboration between International organizations and philanthropists. It was the philanthropy of steelmaker Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) that made the creation of the Peace Palace possible in the first place. Carnegie was the classical case of the bell boy who became a millionaire. Born in Scotland, he emigrated to the USA in 1848 where he became over time the most efficient American steel producer. At the age of 60 he sold his business interests to become a philanthropist. In his view the accumulated private wealth of people like himself should serve the public good. Carnegie was passionate about public education and an idealist of international peace. He believed strongly in the then rather novel idea of arbitration as a means to settle international disputes. Today, this philanthropic approach of Carnegie is being kept alive by an international network of Carnegie inspired organizations, part of which is the Carnegie Foundation in the Netherlands. Important organizations are the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, and the 4 UK based Carnegie Institutions in Dumfernline, including the Trust for the Universities of Scotland. One of their ways of rewarding contemporary heroes of private giving is by presenting biannual awards, the so-called Carnegie Medals of Philanthropy. In October 2013, this special medal was handed to Sir Tom Hunter, the Scotsman who started his career with the selling of sports shoes from the back of a van, and once he made his fortune, became a great advocate of “giving back “. By motivating others to join him, he became a catalyst for the changes in contemporary Scotland. Evenly rewarded was her Highness Sheika Moza bin Nasser, Sheika of Qatar, for her immense support for the cause of education, peace and social reform through the Qatar Foundation founded in 1995. Another awardee, the inventor of E bay Pierre Omidyar, held an impressive talk on how empowering the internet has become for the average citizen. In his view, philanthropy should concentrate on investments with a high potential and with some risks, as opposed to safe grants for public causes which would just be spent. Receivers in the past included the great names like Ted Turner, George Soros, Michael Bloomberg, the Gates family and the Rockefeller family. The point of my remarks is that nowadays there still is a lot of private money being destined forpublic causes. The Hague’s institutions should be aware of this, and could present their activitiesin such a way so as to become eligible for funding. In essence, I hope that we can find our placeat the table of international good causes. What we are engaged in here in The Hague, certainly merits the international philanthropists attention and sympathy.

Ambassador Pizarro will host DMG on 6 February

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                            His Excellency  Ambassador Eduardo Pizarro Leongomez will be hosting Diplomats Meet & Greet on Thursday, February 6th at Carlton Ambassdor Hotel in The Hague. The evening is already announced with many surprises from this beautiful South American destination. Invitation.Embassy.Colombia

The Académie française elects Canadian to occupy fauteuil number two (F2)

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By Roy Lie. On 12 December 2013, Dany Laferrière, a sharp-witted novelist, has become the first Quebecer and the first Haitian to be elected as an immortal of the prestigious Académie française. He was elected in the first round of balloting and will assume the second chair of the Académie. The Académie française was officially established in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu, the chief minister to King Louis XIII. Suppressed in 1793 during the French Revolution, the Académie was restored in 1803 by Napoleon Bonaparte. The goals of the Académie française are to maintain the purity of the French language, publish an official dictionary of the language and promote eloquence in the arts and sciences. The Académie consists of forty members. All are elected for life. The 40 members of the Académie française are referred to as immortelle. Ofcourse this does not imply they will never die but alludes to the immortality of the French language. Past members include Voltaire, Montesquieu, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas fils, Senegal‘s president Léopold Senghor. Émile Zola never managed to be selected, despite applying many times. At his induction ceremony Mr Laferrière (F2) will be expected to wear a gold-threaded tailcoat, bicorne hat and sword. The Haitian city of Port-au-Prince had much to celebrate on 12 December 2013, it was the day Dany Laferrière learned of his election to fauteuil 2 (F2)at the Académie française and, by coincidence,Dany Laferrière was in town to launch the first International Book Fair in Haiti. Days after his nomination, Dany also paid a surprise visit to his hometown Petit-Goâve in the South. There he shared some of his success and new fame. Petit-Goâve is celebrating its 350th anniversary. Laferrière  intends to take  Haitian Creole (vocabulary) as well as some of the Quebec vernacular to the Académie française. How many important people, after being admitted to such a prestigious institution as the Académie française, would wish the world to know about their humble upbringing? Dany Laferrière is proud of his roots and that is what makes his election so special. In 2010, the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM) awarded Dany Laferrière a doctorate for his literary commitment and the remarkable influence of his work in French literature, reflecting cultural diversity and the Quebec of the past 30 years. When asked what the secret of his success is, Laferrière said, ‘I have no secret. It’s the job and the arrogance to believe that nothing is impossible’.   Notable felicitations: Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and acclaimed author, whose works have been translated into over fifteen languages said ‘my sincere congratulations to Dany for this exceptional recognition by the most prestigious and revered institution of La Francophonie. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada: ‘The presence of a Canadian in the Académie française will surely help this prestigious institution achieve its objectives’. Michel Martelly, President of Haiti, is elated and tweeted the news to his plethora of followers: Haiti Observer (Haitian Creole newspaper), Ekrivin Dany Laferrière Antre Nan Akademi France, Se Gro Zafè Oiu. Mezanmi, me yon examp po montre kapacite Ayisien. Ekrivin Dany Laferrière konyer-a fè pati de gro tet yo nan institisyon sa yo rele  nan Lang France :”Académie française” Se pou nou toujou enkourage moun ki ap fe efor, especialman lè ke moun sa soti laky nou. Dany Laferrière monte Fyerte nou tout Ayisyen. (Translation  by R.L) Author Dany Laferrière joined the important French entity the Académie française. It’s a marvelous demonstration of what we Haitians are capable off. Furthermore, it’s an encouragement to all Haitians who aspire to achieve their dreams. Dany Laferrière, you have made us proud! Accolades to Canada, Haiti and the Caribbean, for an eminent Caribbean son has been elevated to such an august institution, L’ Académie française.  

Dr. Bernard Bot

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By Bonnie Klap. Dr. Bernard Bot is a career diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2003 till 2007. His distinguished career includes postings as Ambassador of The Netherlands to Turkey and Brussels, where he was the Permanent Representative of The Netherlands to the European Union. Prior to this, Dr. Bot was Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague. Dr. Bot receives us in his elegant office in the center of The Hague and is ready for his first question. What is more important in foreign policy: pursuing the country’s interests or pursuing its values? “I believe these are two issues that are intrinsically linked. On the one hand our interests: our prosperity, economic growth and the security of the citizens. 70% of our income comes from foreign trade, so we are dependent on good and transparent relations with the rest of the world. Moreover we live in a 24-hour economy and a global society and we also want to safeguard our values, but this can best be done by combining interests and values. It is also important for us that these values : the rule of law, democracy and respect for human rights, are part of our foreign policy. Those values guarantee stability, which is in our interest. Human rights have always been a spearhead of our foreign policy. By respecting human rights turmoil and uprisings can be prevented, which otherwise could hamper trade and threaten our security. So it becomes clear that combining interests and values actually and indirectly also promotes our interests. Much is being made of the Dutch dilemma: Merchant or preacher? I would prefer the term ‘enlightened businessmen’. You need to combine these two issues in a changing world. That is the backbone of a healthy society.” Is it important for The Netherlands to participate in foreign missions, such as Mali? “You have to be prepared to put your military boots where your mouth is. We did not take the decision to go to Mali purely out of self-interest.We can not leave the responsibility of promoting stability and democracy and fighting terrorism solely to the US. We live in a global society and we should feel and accept responsibility and translate that responsibility into action. Visibility is another very important issue. We sent support missions to Afghanistan and Iraq. It promoted our image worldwide and at the same time we were inspired to do so by the suffering of the people. As for the Mali mission: it also sends a message to neighboring countries such as Niger or Chad not to attack, as there will always be countries which are willing to step in.” Will there be a coordinated European foreign policy in the near future? No. Not in the near future. At least once a month the Ministers of Foreign Affairs meet in Brussels to coordinate their foreign policy, but there is no obligation to follow this coordinated approach. For example: the UK has special interests in Asia and The Netherlands has interests in Indonesia and Surinam. With all these different interests it becomes very difficult to have a common policy. The second reason why this can not yet work is that the EU member states are all commercial competitors of each other. Outside of Europe we are in fierce competition with each other. Commercial interests are closely linked to foreign policy, as we are inclined to promote our own interests, inside as well as outside the EU. Creating a Banking Union will hopefully also contribute to a better common policy influence, but if you want to implement things too quickly, you create revolt and unrest. In the past ten years integration has gone too fast. If you want it to be successful, you have to do it at a slower pace. An additional worrying element is the fact that many Members of Parliament have no international experience. So, coming back to your question, no, I don’t expect a truly coordinated European foreign policy anytime soon.”

From a Shared Past to the Common European Future

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By Pierre-Louis V. Lorenz, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Ambassador Pierre.Lorenz.LuxembourgRepresentatives of today’s Limburg and Luxembourg were consulting each other on matters of common interest as early as 1600.  Both countries became closer associated during most of the 19th century when in 1815 the Congress of Vienna entrusted the then grand duchy as private property to the King – Grand Duke Willem 1st to be governed separate from the kingdom, but in personal union.  This era came to an end in the year 1890 when Luxembourg changed for its own separate dynastic head of State.  The original of the equestrian statue of Willem 2nd  that can be visited on the Buitenhof in The Hague is standing in Luxembourg’s central square ‘Guillaume II’ as a reminder and tribute to that shared past. Cooperation in the 20th century with growing interdependence in manufacturing, commerce,  infrastructure and communications evolved into a next logical stage together with our common neighbour Belgium in the framework of Benelux as a regional initiative, complementary of the common European project.  The Benelux experience was considered so beneficial that a new, enlarged, Benelux Treaty was negociated and signed in The Hague in 2008 and entered into force in 2012.  Benelux has and continues to inspire many successful cross-border projects and increasingly includes the larger region like neighbouring Germany. At the start of 2014 the yearly rotating Benelux presidency was handed from Luxembourg to the Netherlands. Luxembourgers believe in their European destiny, looking out to their capital’s skyline marked by the distinct architecture of the manifold European institutions based in the european quarter of the Kirchberg.  The country today is multicultural with 45% of its resident population holding European and other nationalities, and multilinguism is part of its educational system. Its economy is future oriented, investing into innovation and research, communications, logistics, and intellectual property.  Its financial service sector with a 32% share of the European fund industry is adapting to post-crisis requirements. Our economies being interdependent, the port of Rotterdam, together with the port of Antwerp are vital connection hubs for land-locked Luxembourg.  The Netherlands are Luxembourg’s 4th economic and commercial partner. The local Dutch community in Luxembourg is one of the largest national groups and its vitality contributes to our multicultural diversity.  Dutch visitors and tourists alike appreciate trips to the wooded and rugged landscapes of Luxembourg’s North where they often take up half or more of the recreational tourist offer. Bilateral relations today are at their best.   Memories of the shared past come alive when like in 2013 newly enthroned King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima choose Luxembourg as the destination for their first official visit abroad. It is the story of an ongoing successful relationship, working together for our common European future.   And even if we might not see eye to eye on all matters, we always share many attitudes and closeness of views.  Or as we once in a while like to remind ourselves, even so we do not speak the same language, we certainly have a good and close understanding of each other.
Top picture: DL_129864.jpg: © Christof Weber / SIP, all rights reserved. 
 

Business diplomacy in multinational corporations: new actors in the diplomacy arena

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By Dr. Huub Ruël, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences – Zwolle. Multinational corporations (MNCs) operate in a complex international business arena. They face various global, national and local pressures and requirements from various stakeholders while increasing their presence in countries and markets around the world. Governments as well as non-governmental organizations need to be dealt with and to succeed, MNCs need the ability to manage complex interactions in order to gain and maintain a ‘license to operate’ and legitimacy in a foreign business environment. As a result more and more MNCs actively conduct business diplomacy to establish and maintain long term relationships with various stakeholders. MNCs pro-actively seek dialogues, interact, and negotiate with foreign local authorities, and at the same time they need to be sensitive to the wishes and demands of the increasing number of local and international NGOs that monitor global companies as they conduct business.  Working conditions, environmental standards and employment practices should all be taken into account to prevent conflicts that can affect an MNC’s reputation. In order to get a more in-depth picture of how MNCs conduct business diplomacy, we interviewed high-level representatives of eight large, Dutch MNCs. We found that seven out of the eight MNCs conducted business diplomacy intensively. None of them applied a clear and organization-wide business diplomacy policy, but general guidelines existed in five MNCs. In all MNCs, the responsibility for business diplomacy was largely decentralized to the foreign subsidiaries. All MNCs deployed a wide range of business diplomacy means: direct stakeholder dialogues, events, forums, meetings, industry associations, social projects and social partnerships. The findings of our study further suggest that industry-specific factors affect the business diplomacy intensity of MNCs and that firms operating in countries with weak institutions recognize the importance of business diplomacy more and hence implement it more intensively. MNCs clearly have entered the diplomacy arena and are there to stay. This has an impact on ´traditional´ diplomacy and on the way diplomats work and are able to achieve results in today´s international relations.    

Carlton Ambassador Europe’s best Luxury City Hotel

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Carlton Ambassador Hotel selected as Europe’s best Luxury City Hotel Boutique hotel in The Hague receives World Luxury Hotel Award 2013 THE HAGUE, 7 NOVEMBER 2013. The Carlton Ambassador Hotel has been presented with the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Award. This four-star boutique hotel in The Hague has been selected as Europe’s best ‘Luxury City Hotel’. This award reflects international hotel guests’ appreciation of the Carlton Ambassador’s renovation and introduction of the Signature Rooms, in which the hotel recently invested to enhance its luxury boutique elegance. The World Luxury Hotel Award is accepted as the world’s most prestigious and exclusive award in the luxury hotel sector. More than a thousand hotels, lodges and resorts from 87 countries were nominated in fifty categories in 2013. Award winners were announced during the annual World Luxury Hotel Awards gala in Phuket, Thailand. The Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague was proclaimed best ‘Luxury City Hotel’ in Europe. Marinique de Wet, Director at World Luxury Hotel Award, editor’s choice notes state: “A lane bordered by old chestnut trees, a fitting environment for this quiet, elegant boutique hotel with its tasteful interior and superb service that is The Carlton Ambassador Hotel, situated in the city centre of The Hague. Experiencing this exquisite hotel as a haven of relaxation is only one of the many things guests had to say. There are also the people who like adventures and discovering the city of The Hague with its elegant town houses, renowned museums and variety of beautiful stories, theatres and art galleries. Going home to this hotel is pure bliss, this is made more special because of their culinary excellence.“We are incredibly proud to have won this international award for our new boutique style”, said Arwin Paulides, General Manager of the Carlton Ambassador Hotel. “The granting of this World Luxury Hotel Award is an endorsement of our hotel’s unique and charming character. The new Signature Rooms certainly do seem to have the ‘wow’ factor for our guests. The room styling combines luxury elements and modern technology with attention given to the smallest details.” Rooms with a Signature The new Signature Rooms ensure the Carlton Ambassador is a prominent boutique hotel with international allure. The new room type is decorated in a Dutch boutique style with elements from Hindeloopen, Delft Blue accessories and ‘Hague Blue’ upholstery. The rooms are equipped with a modern one-touch panel and the first wireless music system developed specially for the hotel industry, which enables guests to enjoy their own music via a bluetooth connection. The Signature Rooms are furnished with flat screens, Nespresso coffee machines and of course, the highest quality beds and bedding. The Hague grand city trip The Carlton Ambassador is one of the pearls of the Carlton Hotel Collection and is renowned in The Hague. The hotel’s charming character and boutique style offers a unique experience, not only for diplomatic and business guests but for leisure travellers too. Carlton Ambassador guests find themselves within a stone’s throw of the Binnenhof, Paleis Noordeinde, art galleries, shops, bars and restaurants, and the beach. …………………………………………………………………. End. For further information please contact The Carlton Ambassador Hotel: Nienke Bons| +31 (0)70 36 30 363 | nbons@ambassador.carlton.nl About the Carlton Ambassador Hotel The Hague The four-star Carlton Ambassador boutique hotel is located in the centre of The Hague, a stone’s throw from the Binnenhof and Noordeinde with its many art galleries, shops, bars and restaurants. This distinctive hotel with 78 charming guest rooms and suites is characterised by its uniquely elegant building, stylish ambiance and sublime and attentive service. The recent addition of twenty beautiful Signature Rooms, furnished entirely to optimise guest comfort, makes the Carlton Ambassador Hotel an excellent base for business, diplomatic and leisure guests. The Carlton Ambassador is part of the Carlton Hotel Collection, with hotels including The Dominican in Brussels and Banks Mansion in Amsterdam. These hotels have received many prestigious awards. The Carlton Hotel Collection has hotels in UK, Netherlands and Belgium.

Carlton Ambassador Hotel

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Simply the best hotel for diplomats in The Hague. www.carlton.nl/ambassador/default-en.html

Bringing the Heritage of Past into the Future

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By Randy Berry, Consul General of the United States of America in Amsterdam. Consul General of the USA Randy BerryWhen I took up my post as Consul General for the United States in Amsterdam, I was keenly aware that I’d inherited a rich and complicated legacy in the form of the building in which the current Consulate General is housed.  As a former history teacher, I have been enthralled with proper study and researching the past; as a diplomat, I’m cognizant of the need not only to preserve cultural heritage, but also to project a hopeful and inclusive image for the future. The current location of the Consulate General began its existence one century ago as a home in the prestigious Museumplein region of Amsterdam.  Mr.Willem Frederick van Heukelom, a prosperous trader in the Dutch East Indies, purchased the lot at Museumplein 19 in 1912 and hired architects T.G. Schill and D.H. Haverkamp to design a villa for his family.  Van Heukelom also hired Johan Adam Pool of the highly regarded furniture workshop Onderden St. Maarten to design the interior of the house as a fitting showcase for his collection of Chinese porcelain, the most valuable in the Netherlands at that time. The Van Heukelom family owned Museumplein 19 until January 1938, when Willem Frederick’s widow, Catharina Digna Peereboom Voller, sold it to the German government to be used as its consulate.  Germany declared war on the Netherlands in May 1940, and a year later, Dr. Hans Böhmker, the Deputy Reichskommissar for Occupied Holland, established his office at Museumplein 19.  The occupation transformed the district into Nazi headquarters, as the German army and police moved into buildings adjacent to Museumplein 19.  The green space of the museum square became the location, first, of rallies in support of the Nazi cause, and, later, of barricades, barbed wire, and bunkers as Allied bombers flew overhead. After World War II ended, the transition of Museumplein 19 back to peacetime functions took place rapidly.  Less than a month after Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 1945, U.S. Consul General Albert M. Doyle visited Amsterdam in search of a building in which to reopen the Consulate General of the United States of America.  By the beginning of August, Doyle hadsettled on Museumplein 19 as the location, subject to permission from the Dutch government, which was subsequently granted.  Doyle and his colleagues offered the first consular services from the building on September 6, 1945, and the United States of America purchased the building from the Dutch government in March 1948.  The Consulate General has called Museumplein 19 its home ever since. The villa’s historic and architectural significance wassolidifiedwhen it was designated by the Netherlands government as a Rijksmonumentin 1996.  As stewards of a property vital to the urban design history of the city, the State Department’s Office of Overseas Buildings and its newly created Cultural Preservation Department teamed up with the Consulate Generaland several students of the University of Amsterdamto createa detailed historic structures report.  The aim is to document the development, significant features, and condition of the stately villa atMuseumplein 19.  It will also determine a period of significance indicating in which era the building had its most noteworthyperiod of history.The report is expected to be released in the coming months and this“period of significance”will serve as a blue print and guide on how to best conserveour “home”in Amsterdam. In an effort to be thorough, we visited a number of institutions such as the Stadsarchief and Netherlands Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies in the Netherlands who helped us assemble accurate information needed to create the Historical Structures report.  In just a few weeks, February 2014to be exact, we will publish the final report on our websitewhich will includesubstantial new information regarding the history and use of our building gleaned from Amsterdam’s various historical archives.  The partnership and supportwe’ve received from Amsterdam-area institutions and individuals has been tremendous, and I’m particularly happy that our research project was undertaken with key student support. The historical information unearthed will form the backdrop, not onlyfor ongoing restoration work in the villa, but also futureprograms, engagement, and discussions centering on the essential values of diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism –key elements, indeed, that both America and the Netherlands share as part of our national identities.We anticipate that 2014 and 2015 will see these programs take shape, and I look forward to sharing that with you in the future.