Andrew Carnegie, “the dreamer”
By Willem Post.
They called him a dreamer. The Scottish-American Andrew Carnegie built his way up from humble origins to becoming a steel magnate. The American Dream in a nutshell. But for Carnegie it was not a dream about materialism. The richest man on earth, the Bill Gates of his era, gave away a fortune to build libraries and other useful institutes, in order to educate people about world peace. He funded the building of the PeacePalace in The Hague. In utopian way Carnegie called the new building ‘The Temple of Peace’. He was convinced that the dedication on the 28th of August 1913 was one of the most important events in world history.
But was he naive? A year later the First World War broke out, creating misery on an immense scale.
My answer to the question is ‘NO’ with capital letters. This so called ‘first modern war’ was from a moral and realistic perspective a disaster. Literally the destruction of almost a generation in several countries. And an enormous waste of money and capital goods in the newly industrialized world. In Carnegie’s days the consensus in diplomatic circles was to talk about peace after a war. The 1919 Treaty of Versailles can be placed in this tradition.
In our times there is a vivid, intelectual discussion, influenced also by the withdrawal of the military from Iraq and Afganistan, to implement the principles of ‘Responsibility to Protect’ as adopted by the United Nations in 2005. One of the key principles of this very human doctrine is that we have to invest more in averting war. So the PeacePalace with its courts is a very modern phenomenon. The peaceful settlement of disputes, the core ‘business’ of the Palace is nowadays more important than ever.
Therefore, this Mr Carnegie is a true ‘The Hague world icon’. A man we still have to thank for his inspiration and foresight.
Willem Post is a senior fellow on international affairs at the Clingendael Institute in The Hague and a commentator for several European, American and Australian media
Peace Palace Centenary
By Steven van Hoogstraten, General Director (Carnegie Foundation)
On the 28th of August 2013 the Peace Palace will celebrate its 100th anniversary. This is an important moment for us that we would like to share with you. During the last century, the PeacePalace has become a symbol of the universal strive for peace and justice, and we are still very proud to be the defenders of this ideal. The five institutions in the PeacePalace join their efforts in this regard: the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice, the Peace Palace Library, the HagueAcademy of International Law and the Carnegie Foundation. Peace through law was the dominant theme in 1913, and it very much is the same in 2013.
Everywhere in the building we are called upon duty by the works of art that recall the importance of the harmony that peace and justice bring. The refined art nouveau craftsmanship of the interior demonstrates in an exemplary way how important the work of man is in the pursuit of this universal ideal. The international character of the works of art, many of which are donations by countries that support this ideal, as well as the diversity among the people that come here, demonstrate how international to the core this building is. It is therefore not surprising that this official national monument has also been nominated for the European cultural heritage label. And heritage is something to treasure and to share. The newly opened Visitors Centre gives tourists from all over the world, in nine different languages, the possibility to learn about the history of the PeacePalace, the ICJ and the PCA. There they can discover the important role of the peace movements, how the Courts operate but also how The Hague became the legal capital of the world.
However, to be considered “heritage” is also a challenge, as one should not dismiss its role today. As is the case with all processes within society, change is a continuum, and adaptation to new circumstances often required. The last 100 years have seen many changes in international relations and these are reflected in the large number of legal instruments developed in international law. The need to continuously improve our efforts is also reflected in the program of activities that we are organizing this summer together with the municipality of The Hague and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which the topic will be both the history and the future of our activities. On the 28th of August we hope to hear a speech by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the rule of law in the world. That day a bronze bust of Bertha von Suttner, leader of the European Peace Movement in the late 19th and early 20th century, will be unveiled and a book on the first century of the PeacePalace will be presented.
In September, we will organize a debate on the Future of International Justice, a conference on Peace Philanthropy and together with the universities of Utrecht and Leiden, a two day symposium called Lessons learned from the making of peace treaties. On the 9th of September, a reflective moment is at the heart of an interreligious debate. Furthermore, a number of cultural activities will be organized on the premises of the PeacePalace and in the city, such as a series of concerts, a musical by local high school students and a live streamed concert by Peace One Day on the international day of peace, 21 September. So far, several embassies have expressed an interest to organize an event in order to celebrate the role of the PeacePalace. And in autumn, the ICJ and the PCA will both run a conference.
On our website www.peacepalace.nl you will find the updated calendar of all events organized to celebrate our centenary.
Through these activities we hope to obtain a stronger sense of awareness about the important role that the PeacePalace can play in today’s world. A role which is not limited to international law, but which embraces the general hopes and aspirations of a more peaceful world.
Learning the art of violin maker in Den Haag
FINE-VIOLINS MEET FINE-ART: RUSSIAN TOUCH TO NOORDEINDE
31 May 2013, The Hague — Violinmaker Dmitry Badiarov will open an art-gallery and violin
atelier on Noordeinde – The Hagueʼs most popular high-street famous for its royal Noordeinde
Palace, art galleries and all-things-refined. The opening of Badiarov Violins galleryatelier
will take place on the 1st of June at 17:00. It is expected to attract the art and music
community of the city.
The gallery will be dedicated to the contemporary art of violinmaking
and the art inspired by music. It will also host permanent exhibition of instruments
created by Dmitry Badiarov as well as violin-making school for beginners and professionals.
The founder believes in the cultural value of violin-making and its profound connections
with European art and music traditions.
It will be the place where art, music and violins are
an inseparable whole. Apart from violins by the founder, it will promote the work of other
violin-makers as well as art inspired by music. The first temporary exhibition will feature
fine instruments by Russian-Italian violin-maker Vladimir Cubantsev from Cremona (Vladimiro
Cubanzi). There will also be a selection of paintings by a reknown Polish artist Helena
Olewicz. The two artists enjoy international careers, presenting their works in a number
of international shows.
Badiarov Violins Ltd.
Dmitry Badiarov – director,
Noordeinde 117,
2514GE The Hague,
The Netherlands.
bv@badiarovviolins.com
www.badiarovviol
The gallery will be dedicated to the contemporary art of violinmaking
and the art inspired by music. It will also host permanent exhibition of instruments
created by Dmitry Badiarov as well as violin-making school for beginners and professionals.
The founder believes in the cultural value of violin-making and its profound connections
with European art and music traditions.
It will be the place where art, music and violins are
an inseparable whole. Apart from violins by the founder, it will promote the work of other
violin-makers as well as art inspired by music. The first temporary exhibition will feature
fine instruments by Russian-Italian violin-maker Vladimir Cubantsev from Cremona (Vladimiro
Cubanzi). There will also be a selection of paintings by a reknown Polish artist Helena
Olewicz. The two artists enjoy international careers, presenting their works in a number
of international shows.
Badiarov Violins Ltd.
Dmitry Badiarov – director,
Noordeinde 117,
2514GE The Hague,
The Netherlands.
bv@badiarovviolins.com
www.badiarovviol YU ZU TANG SPA in Den Haag, Traditional Chinese therapy
Yuzutang offers preventive health care and wellness under one roof, based on traditional Chinese health science and reflex zone therapy.
4,5 million people visit Yuzutang’s 65 local stores in mainland China each year.
A first time visit at Yuzutang begins preferably with a health check. This is an analysis of you as an individual for your own preventive treatment advice. Our experts then map your meridian system to be able to design an individual plan that will balance your body, mind and energy flow consistently.
http://www.yuzutang.nl/
4,5 million people visit Yuzutang’s 65 local stores in mainland China each year.
A first time visit at Yuzutang begins preferably with a health check. This is an analysis of you as an individual for your own preventive treatment advice. Our experts then map your meridian system to be able to design an individual plan that will balance your body, mind and energy flow consistently.
http://www.yuzutang.nl/ Powerboat in Scheveningen
Powerboat and Rib boating activities in Scheveningen
If you are looking for a spectacular activity at sea in Scheveningen, The Hague, for example, for your corporate event , group outing, bachelor party, or a nice day out, then you have Powerboat Scheveningen to the right place. We ensure you a memorable trip in one of our rib powerboats experience in the North Sea off the coast of Scheveningen, The Hague.
Boarding Place
2nd inner Scheveningen Dr. Lelykade for No. 24 2583 CM The Hague061 458 5475
Send your mail to info@powerboat-scheveningen.nl http://www.powerboat-scheveningen.nl/PC Refresh for diplomats
PC Refresh – The cost-effective and sustainable alternative to buying new computers
The current economic climate calls for an innovative approach to save on costs in a sustainable way. The Hague-based company PC Refresh employs a smart way to extend the lifespan of computers; it has specialized in refreshing, or reinstalling, PC’s and laptops to return them to brand-new condition.
The approach is not new, but is often seen as a hassle and is therefore mostly avoided by computer users and specialists. If done right, however, it is the most thorough way to clean up a computer, removing all traces of viruses, unwanted software and other left-overs that slow down or destabilize a computer, without losing important data.
PC Refresh works for both consumers and businesses in The Hague area. Ben van den Dungen is a Dutch Jazz musician and managing director of the Jazz & World music Agency. For him, the benefits are clear: “We have an office with six computers, and were about to replace them with new equipment. That’s until we heard about PC Refresh. Reinstalling our PC’s turned out to be a great alternative. We saved thousands of euros and will be able to use our current infrastructure for a few more years. In the current economic situation, that’s the only way to keep up-to-date with our IT.”
In just over a year, PC Refresh has already ‘refreshed’ over 300 PC’s and laptops in The Hague, thereby optimizing the process for speed and cost effectiveness. Reinstallation usually takes 24 to 48 hours, with costs varying between 100 and 200 euros, considerably less than a new PC. On top of a reinstallation, older PC’s can be made faster even by adding system memory and a faster hard drive, in which case the computer speed can match or even exceed that of a new PC.
Together with a network of partners, PC Refresh also offers additional services like hardware repairs, network management, backup services and tailor-made computer lessons and workshops.
PC Refresh was founded by Sander Vayez Maatman Msc., who has a 15+ year track record in IT and business development, mostly as an entrepreneur, but also with a telecom operator and a research institute.
If you are in need of computer services, repairs or advice, you can contact PC Refresh on +316 330 36 596 or at info@pcrefresh.nu
The website (in Dutch) is available at www.pcrefresh.nu
The Hague Canal Tour
The Hague Canal Tour, for English speaking people.
From July till September you can see The Hague from a different perspective in an open boat. The Hague Canal Tour takes you through old and new parts of The Hague, including under low bridges and through narrow tunnels.
From July till September Foundation De Ooievaart gives you the opportunity to buy one or more tickets for this Boat Trip.
The Hague Canal Tour.
Few people know that The Hague also has lovely canals and that a boat tour of these canals, De Ooievaart, is available. The canals on The Hague are almost 400 years old and were created for the city’s defenses around 1612.
You will see a variety of beautiful buildings and special places, among them the Royal Stables and the Royal Gardens.
You will also see the former houses of famous Dutch historical figures such as the 17th century artists Paulus Potter, Jan Steen and Jan van Goyen and the Jewish Pantheist Benedict (Baruch) Spinoza.
Information and Booking.
Price for The Hague Canal Tour for the duration of 90 minutes on an open Boat:
You will see a variety of beautiful buildings and special places, among them the Royal Stables and the Royal Gardens.
You will also see the former houses of famous Dutch historical figures such as the 17th century artists Paulus Potter, Jan Steen and Jan van Goyen and the Jewish Pantheist Benedict (Baruch) Spinoza.
Information and Booking.
Price for The Hague Canal Tour for the duration of 90 minutes on an open Boat:
- Adults (13 years and older) € 11,00 per persoon.
- Children (from 4 to 12 years old) € 7,50 per persoon.
- Little Children / babies (younger than 4 years) Free of charge, while seated on the lap of an Adult.
Exploring the Maltese Islands
By Martin Valentino, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta.
The Maltese Archipelago consisting of mainland Malta, and the two sister islands Gozo and Comino, are situated at the centre of the Mediterranean between Europe and Northern Africa offering a unique holiday destination which is truly a Mediterranean experience for all.
With a population today of 420,000, with just 316 square kilometres in area and its 7,000 years of history, Malta has seen successive civilizations from the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians to the Ancient Romans, the Byzantines, the Normans, the Aragonese, the Knights of St. John, the French and the British.
Malta offers to its visitors not only sun, sea, sand and a mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year, but also a rich history, architectural wealth, archaeological sites and many cultural treasures. The seven megalithic temples found on the islands of Malta and Gozo are the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, some of which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Valletta, the capital city of Malta is built on a peninsula, encircled with fortifications and bastions and has several Auberges that today house various government offices and museums. Following the Great Siege in 1565, the Knights of St John decided to build a city that could withstand future threats.
Francesco Laparelli, one of the finest exponents in the art of military fortification at the time, was commissioned to help design the new city. The foundation stone was laid on 28th March 1566 by Grand Master de La Vallette. It took less than five years to build the main fortifications, a venture that involved 8,000 persons.
After World War II, there was a considerable decline in Valletta’s population, however, people are now flocking back, partly due to the city’s unique characteristics. Valletta has become a hub of commerce, civil administration and business activities, abounding with quaint cafes, restaurants and international brand shops.
In Valletta one finds a host of churches together with the magnificent St. John’s Co-Cathedral, considered unique for its treasures. In fact it incorporates a gem of Baroque art and architecture, as well as a Museum that displays the beheading of St. John, considered as one of the greatest masterpieces of Michelangelo Merisi, better known as ‘Caravaggio’. Last May, Valletta has been declared European Capital of Culture for the year 2018 by the Councils of Ministers of the European Union during a meeting of the same Council of Ministers responsible for Culture.
Malta’s beautiful year-round weather makes it ideal for a number of sports and outdoor leisure activities. Deep sea diving is quickly becoming more and more popular not only with local enthusiasts but also with tourists who visit the island to witness Malta’s stunning underwater world of dive sites. To this extent, this year the MalteseIslands have once again been awarded 3rd place in the category of ‘Best Diving Destination of the Year’, in the international Diver Magazine voting poll, making the Islands the top diving location in the Mediterranean.
One can also opt to board a yacht and sail around the islands or else take a special tour of Malta’s countryside on a bike adventure. Cultural attractions on the islands are abundant. Cities such as Valletta, Mdina, Rabat and the Three Cities hold cultural gems and sites found only in Malta. Brave the Mdina Dungeons, explore Malta’s religious history, take a Medieval pilgrimage or experience an unforgettable night of Maltese folklore and Mediterranean cuisine and enjoy the village festas especially during the summer months.
Whether you’re in or above the water, the Maltese Islands are full of natural wonders and distinctive beauty. Explore the picturesque cave of the Blue Grotto, and the tranquil and open spaces in the countryside of Malta’s sister Island in Gozo by taking just a 25 minute ferry crossing from the Cirkewwa port or else by seaplane from the Grand Harbour. Retrace part of Homer’s Odyssey at Calypso’s Cave, where the beautiful nymph Calypso is said to have kept Odysseus as a prisoner of love for seven years, and marvel at the spectacular natural Azure Window, which is a giant doorway through which you can admire the blue expanse beyond the cliff. In addition, explore the tiny Comino just a stone’s throw away from Gozo, with the glistening jewel of the Blue Lagoon and its own share of bays to enjoy.
The MalteseIslands are renowned for being a fun and cosmopolitan destination. With many top-notch hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues to suit all tastes and budgets, one is spoilt for choice. Eating out is a treat, not only for the quality and freshness of the food, but for the location of some restaurants with spectacular views and backdrops. The islands are not short of entertainment either, with an events calendar packed with activities for people of all ages; concerts like the Isle of MTV Malta Special, theatrical and musical performances, sporting events like the Rolex Middle Sea Race and a myriad of exhibitions, to mention a few, are on all year round.
Whatever the reason you choose to visit Malta, rest assured a warm Mediterranean welcome awaits you!
Francesco Laparelli, one of the finest exponents in the art of military fortification at the time, was commissioned to help design the new city. The foundation stone was laid on 28th March 1566 by Grand Master de La Vallette. It took less than five years to build the main fortifications, a venture that involved 8,000 persons.
After World War II, there was a considerable decline in Valletta’s population, however, people are now flocking back, partly due to the city’s unique characteristics. Valletta has become a hub of commerce, civil administration and business activities, abounding with quaint cafes, restaurants and international brand shops.
In Valletta one finds a host of churches together with the magnificent St. John’s Co-Cathedral, considered unique for its treasures. In fact it incorporates a gem of Baroque art and architecture, as well as a Museum that displays the beheading of St. John, considered as one of the greatest masterpieces of Michelangelo Merisi, better known as ‘Caravaggio’. Last May, Valletta has been declared European Capital of Culture for the year 2018 by the Councils of Ministers of the European Union during a meeting of the same Council of Ministers responsible for Culture.
Malta’s beautiful year-round weather makes it ideal for a number of sports and outdoor leisure activities. Deep sea diving is quickly becoming more and more popular not only with local enthusiasts but also with tourists who visit the island to witness Malta’s stunning underwater world of dive sites. To this extent, this year the MalteseIslands have once again been awarded 3rd place in the category of ‘Best Diving Destination of the Year’, in the international Diver Magazine voting poll, making the Islands the top diving location in the Mediterranean.
One can also opt to board a yacht and sail around the islands or else take a special tour of Malta’s countryside on a bike adventure. Cultural attractions on the islands are abundant. Cities such as Valletta, Mdina, Rabat and the Three Cities hold cultural gems and sites found only in Malta. Brave the Mdina Dungeons, explore Malta’s religious history, take a Medieval pilgrimage or experience an unforgettable night of Maltese folklore and Mediterranean cuisine and enjoy the village festas especially during the summer months.
Whether you’re in or above the water, the Maltese Islands are full of natural wonders and distinctive beauty. Explore the picturesque cave of the Blue Grotto, and the tranquil and open spaces in the countryside of Malta’s sister Island in Gozo by taking just a 25 minute ferry crossing from the Cirkewwa port or else by seaplane from the Grand Harbour. Retrace part of Homer’s Odyssey at Calypso’s Cave, where the beautiful nymph Calypso is said to have kept Odysseus as a prisoner of love for seven years, and marvel at the spectacular natural Azure Window, which is a giant doorway through which you can admire the blue expanse beyond the cliff. In addition, explore the tiny Comino just a stone’s throw away from Gozo, with the glistening jewel of the Blue Lagoon and its own share of bays to enjoy.
The MalteseIslands are renowned for being a fun and cosmopolitan destination. With many top-notch hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues to suit all tastes and budgets, one is spoilt for choice. Eating out is a treat, not only for the quality and freshness of the food, but for the location of some restaurants with spectacular views and backdrops. The islands are not short of entertainment either, with an events calendar packed with activities for people of all ages; concerts like the Isle of MTV Malta Special, theatrical and musical performances, sporting events like the Rolex Middle Sea Race and a myriad of exhibitions, to mention a few, are on all year round.
Whatever the reason you choose to visit Malta, rest assured a warm Mediterranean welcome awaits you! H.E. Sa’ad Abdul Majeed Ibrahim Al-Ali, Ambassador of Iraq
His Excellency Sa’ad Abdul Majeed Ibrahim Al-Ali is the new Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Kingdom of The Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW. His name is mentioned in the Encyclopaedia of distinguished Iraqi figures of the twenty century.
Ambassador Al-Ali speaks English and Arabic and has a great technical background, thanks to his studies in Zoology, Microbiology and Biochemistry.
His Excellency started his career back in 1976 as a Lecturer in the Department of Medical Technology of the Ministry of Higher Education. Later on, he held the role of Lecturer in the Chemistry Department of the College of Science for Women, in Baghdad University. In 2006 he became a member of the Iraqi National Assembly and, one year later, in 2007, he was named Advisor of the Iraqi Prime Minister and Director of the Education Office, Primer Minister Advisory Commission (PMAC).
Ambassador Al-Ali participated in several National and International conferences and meetings. He wrote three remarkable books, Biochemistry for Medical Technologists (1981), Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (1986) and Development of Technical Education in Iraq (1983) and a variety of outstanding technical publications.
Youth unemployment and geographic mobility in the EU
EUKN Publication
The current recession has increased unemployment levels in the EU Member States. Young people are hit hardest: one out of three young people in the EU is currently unemployed while the unemployment rates are rising rapidly. The increasing numbers of unemployed affect social cohesion. Furthermore, the economic crisis has reinforced not only economic but also demographic disparities between and within European regions. What are possible and effective strategies in times of crisis? The new publication of the European Urban Knowledge Network (EUKN) intends to provide an impetus for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities. The publication starts with setting the scene, by outlining relevant EU policies. Next, EUKN presents data and characteristics of the youth unemployment situation. The subsequent section focuses on the issue of geographic youth mobility and how governments may create favourable conditions for mobility, taking into account both the interests of migrants and those of the regions of origin and departure.
Finally, EUKN discusses the perspective of cities and local governments. Attracting and developing human capital is vital for the prosperity of cities. What are implications of this insight for tackling youth unemployment and dealing with the consequences of youth mobility within and between countries? The paper concludes with an overview of the policy-relevant conclusions, questions and implications. Please download the publication from the EUKN-website.