A tribute to Elena Cornaro Piscopia and Aletta Jacobs
Text and pictures by John Dunkelgrün
On June 27th H.E. Mr. Giorgio Novello hosted a remarkable symposium at the residence of the Italian Embassy. Six eminent speakers described the struggle of women for the right to have an academic education.
Elena Piscopia (1646-1684) was the first woman in Italy and probably in the world to graduate from a university, the University of Padua. She was a true polymath, fluent in seven languages, and an accomplished poet and mathematician. She was also a gifted musician, who mastered half a dozen instruments.
She had wanted to get a doctorate in theology, but for Cardinal Gregorio Barbarigo, the bishop of Padua, that was a bridge too far and she had to switch to philosophy. She received her doctorate in 1678.
Piscopia never married, devoting her life to academic pursuits and charity. Her father was instrumental in having the statutes of the University of Padua amended to allow female students. However, it took over half a century before the next woman obtained her doctorate there.
Ms. Miriam Frosi, Innovation manager at Rijkswaterstaat and member of the city council of Eindhoven.
Aletta Henriëtte Jacobs (1854-1929) was the daughter of a Jewish country doctor in a small town in the North of The Netherlands. From an early age on, she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps, but universities would not allow women students.
Only through the intervention of Thorbecke, a powerful minister and well-known liberal, was she allowed to enter the University of Groningen in 1871. She graduated in 1879, the first female university graduate in The Netherlands. Before setting up practice in Amsterdam, she traveled to London, where she met and was inspired by freethinkers, suffragists, and radicals.
Mr. Fausto Pocar, judge ad hoc at the International Court of Justice.
When she set up her practice, she devoted several mornings a week to the free treatment of poor women. She campaigned for birth control and better working conditions for women.
As time went by, she became more interested in the politics of fighting for women’s rights, education, and health. She traveled all over the world, became a member of many women’s rights associations, and was a vigorous anti-war demonstrator. In 1914, during the first months of WW1, she managed to organize an international women’s conference at the Hague, which included participants from the warring countries.
Mr. Harald Hendrix, professor of Italian studies at the University of Utrecht.
In 1919 women in The Netherlands finally won full voting rights.
Aletta Jacobs was not the first woman to receive a university education. An almost contemporary to Elena Piscopia was Anna Maria van Schurman (1607-1678). She was allowed to attend lectures albeit from behind a curtain in order not to distract thimble students. She was not allowed to graduate. Like Piscopia, she was an amazing linguist who published her correspondence with many of the major thinkers of her time. (With thanks to Harriet Feinberg).
Ms Hélène Pichon, director of the Alliance française de La Haye
The speakers all described different aspects of the arduous heights women had to climb to reach acceptance as intellectual equals and how much there is yet to do. It was an inspiring and important symposium worthy of a much larger audience.
Ambassador Novello, Miriam Frosi and Fausto Pocar.
Speakers:
H.E. Ms. Carolina Olarte Bécares, ambassador of Colombia;
Prof. Emile Schrijver, General Director of the Jewish Cultural Quarter and the Jewish Museum in Amsterdam;
Mr. Harald Hendrix, professor of Italian studies at the University of Utrecht;
Ms Hélène Pichon, director of the Alliance française de La Haye;
Ms. Miriam Frosi, Innovation manager at Rijkswaterstaat and member of the city council of Eindhoven;
Mr. Fausto Pocar, judge ad hoc at the International Court of Justice.
As the summer just began, the Diplomat Magazine organized on June 23rd an event to celebrate and showcase the products and culture of Latin American countries. The event was organized in partnership with La Casa del Habano at the Leonardo Royal hotel in the Hague, and featured the embassies of Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Guatemala, each displaying on their stands the various crafts from their countries.
Each embassy was represented by their dignitaries: Ambassador of Colombia H.E. Ms. Carolina Olarte Bácares, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic H.E. Mr. Juan Bautista Durán, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Venezuela Mr. Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Guatemala Mr. Lesther Antonio Ortega Lemus.
The Ambassador of Colombia H.E. Ms. Carolina Olarte Bácares
The Colombian embassy showcased the product the country is most famous for: coffee. The high quality grounds are sourced from the so-called Triangle of Coffee.
This coffee is grown by cooperatives that promote ancestral artisanal practices, sustainable agriculture and puts forward the important role of women in this industry. As the Colombian Ambassador emphasized in her speech, promoting Colombian coffee across the world contributes to the peacebuilding effort in Colombia by reintegrating rural communities into a virtuous local economy.
The Dominican Republic’s stand featured the country’s finest rhum and cigars. Dominican cigars are some of the most renowned in the world. Ambassador Durán explained how cigars are an integral part of the Dominican culture, as they originate in ancient indigenous crafts and have been prized by the world for centuries.
As Rhum and cigars form strong social binder in Dominican culture, he expressed that how event is an important symbol for Latin American unity.
The Ambassador of the Dominican Republic H.E. Mr. Juan Bautista Durán
On the other side of the Caribbean Sea, the Venezuelan Embassy chose to display different aspects of their culture. Among various brochures about the rich touristic sites and natural treasures around the country, a painting of Maryolga Nieto, Venezuelan artist could be seen at the back of the stand.
The products presented were Venezuelan rhum and chocolate, produced in the unique climates of Venezuela. The Chargé d’Affaires of the embassy announced in his speech the opening of a university degree of chocolate science to expand the knowledge on this resource.
The Embassy of Venezuela’s team at Cigars & Boleros 2023
Finally, the Embassy of Guatemala presented its own rhum products. With an informative exhibit of the rhum making process, the guests could understand better what constitutes the final product. In combination with the renowned Guatemalan coffee, the stand served a newly concocted cocktail of rhum and espresso.
After completing the tour of the various South American products, and listening to the opening speeches of each country’s representative, the guests could enjoy the musical performance of the talented Mildred Latin Show and Jorge Martinez Galan duo. The event was finally concluded with a dancing party, where all the presented delicacies could be enjoyed in a festive spirit.
Mildred Latin ShowCigars & Boleros 2023Cigars & Boleros 2023
Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan – Freedom Future History
By Roy Lie Atjam
Here are the welcome remarks by the Hon. Dr Rena Cristina Koa-Malaya at the cooking demonstration of Filipino Chefs Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico on 16 June 2023.
“On behalf of the Philippine Embassy team and the Ambassador, I welcome all of you to today’s cooking demonstration and luncheon, which will let you experience Filipino culture and heritage through food.”
Filipino Chefs Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico
On-site cooking demonstrations are a great way to show off easy and delicious recipes featuring foods from one’s country. Demos are a good way to promote or highlight less common preparation methods.
Chefs Jacqueline and Laud demonstrated the preparation of Bistek Tagalog (seared beef tenderloin steak in pepper sauce served on sinangag garlic rice wrapped in bok chol topped with grilled onions) which incorporated locally -The Hague purchased ingredients. Also on show was the preparation of the dessert Suman(sticky rice cake layered with coconut cream panna cotta).
The cooking demonstration was part of the Embassy’s commemorative activities for the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. The venue was the garden of the Embassy.
Dr Rena Cristina Koa-Malaya continued to mention that “today’s event is extra special because we are proud to feature two renowned Filipino chefs who will not only cook for us today but also introduce you and give you more insights about Filipino food and tradition.
Although its food might be relatively less known than some of its neighbours in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand and Indonesia, the Philippines is a source of the finest food products because of exquisite ingredients nurtured by its rich soil, varied topography, abundant sunshine, and from its diverse bio and marine diversity. Philippine food showcases a symphony of flavours, enriched by various influences from its Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American heritage, to mention a few. A few years ago, Chefs Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain (yes, him too) called Filipino food the “next big thing.”
I won’t go further in explaining Filipino food as I am sure you will have an engaging time while our chefs share their knowledge and show you how Filipino food is done. Besides, aside from being discussed, food is better experienced.
So let me now introduce you to our chefs this afternoon. Known as the Philippines’ “power culinary couple” Chefs Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico run several sought-after food establishments in the Philippines and are known for their innovations preparing, cooking, and serving Filipino food. Over the years, they have travelled extensively around the world to introduce Filipino food to various audiences. In fact, they have just been to Brussels where they were the featured chefs for the Philippine Culinary Week of the Philippine Embassy in Belgium. Before that, they were in Milan upon the invitation of the Philippine Consulate General.
Ambassador Eduardo Jose Malaya, Chefs Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico together with chefs attending the event.
Rolando Laudico, better known as Chef Lau, is a Dean’s Lister alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America in New York and has worked in numerous restaurants in New York, France, Sydney, and the Philippines. His love and passion for Filipino food have earned him local and international praise and a chef judge stint in the Philippine edition of the global hit cooking shows “MasterChef” and “Junior MasterChef” and in the Asian Food Channel’s “The Amazing Food Challenge”.
Jacqueline Laudico, on the other hand, started baking at the age of five and has never stopped since. She has trained French master pastry chefs and is one of the country’s internationally awarded chocolatiers. Her advocacy for her native cuisine has taken her all to numerous food festivals. She continues to develop traditional and modern Filipino bread and delicacies. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce Chef Lau and Chef Jackie.”
What a delight to have therenownedChef Lau and Chef Jackie with us in The Hague.
The cooking demonstration was attended by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Ambassador spouses, diplomats, friends of the Philippines and other spectators.
The guests enjoyed the dynamism of the Filipino cooking performance shown in front of them and were able to experience Filipino food culture.
Mangoes are hanging like green pendants on trees across Bangladesh.
Mango, sweet mango is internationally venerated at festivals, street processions, and float shows. What is the importance of Mango Festivals? The main point of the Mango Festival is the celebration of the bountiful harvest.
Various mango seasons around the world are running between April and August. Popular mango-producing countries and regions are Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the Caribbean, and the Philippines to mention a few.
H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, his spouse Natalia Shulgina and the ambassador of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah.
Bangladesh ranks seventh in mango production globally, producing nearly a hundred indigenous mango varieties. The mango season in Bangladesh starts around end-May and ends by early August. Most of the indigenous mango varieties have been distinct for their aroma, texture, and taste thanks to the soil and climatic conditions in Bangladesh.
As many in Europe yearn for authentic, quality and tasteful tropical fruits, on 20th June 2023, Bangladesh Embassy in the Netherlands organised a MANGO FESTat Bangladesh House.
Mango Diplomacy
Since last year, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has started mango diplomacy. Sheikh Hasina recently sent 600 kg of mangoes as a gift to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to strengthen bilateral relations. The mangoes included both the Himsagar and Langra varieties.
Mangoes have historically played a role in soothing tense political relations between countries. Examples include Jawaharlal Nehru presenting mangoes to Mao Zedong and Sheikh Hasina sending mangoes as a gift to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
To get an idea of the international veneration of mangoes, there are more than 1,200 varieties of mangoes that come in many different sizes, shapes and colours. Some are heart-shaped, round, oblong and long.
The Dinamulag Festival also known as the Zambales Mango Festival is an annual festival held in the province of Zambales in the Philippines to celebrate the bountiful harvest of the province’s mangoes. Float parades, and street dancers clad in mango-inspired costumes are part of the celebrations.
The Dutch dignitaries and diplomatic corps in attendance were struck by the aroma and taste. Someone even termed the Bangladeshi mango as the “champagne of mangoes”.
All sweet and savoury items on display were mango-made and were creatively conceived and prepared by ladies at the Embassy, starring the murabba, green mango salad, mango custard, mango yoghurt, mango cake, mango halwa, mango Phiri, green mango juice (mildly blended with spice).
Bangladesh mango testing.
Further afield in the Caribbean, particularly in the twin-island state of Trinidad and Tobago, there are also mango events. The theme for 2023 is entitled“Mango, the Super Food, for the Inner and Outer Body”.
The lyrics of a popular folk song in Trinidad and Tobago say “Mangoes, mangoes, mangoes, give meh ah penny to buy mangovert, mango teen…” which goes on to list the many varieties of mango that are found on those islands. The Network of Rural Women Producers of Trinidad and Tobago (NRWPTT) in collaboration with the Faculty of Food and Agriculture of the University of the West Indies (UWI) will launch its 17th annual mango festival in July, showcasing Trinidad and Tobago’s various mangoes (70) and their economic potential. The festival also aims to boost the local tourism sector while fostering the expansion of the mango industry.
Bangladesh mango delight.
Gia Gaspard Taylor, president of the NRWPTT, said “The fruit lovers’ affair has also received backing from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in Malta and the Commonwealth Women in Government Conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh” (17-19 June 2023). The 17th Trinidad and Tobago Mango Festival will take place at the UWI on the 16th -17th of July 2023, payinghomage to the King of Tropical Fruit, the Mango!
It is alleged that a former palace chef, John Higgins, told the National Post: besides duck and chocolate cake “The Queen really enjoyed mangoes”.
The ambassador of Bangladesh and the Ambassador of Suriname, H.E. Mr. Rajendre Khargi.
Mango, some call it a symbol of the joy of life. May the 2023 mango festivals in the Philippines, India, on the island of Nevis and other venues around the world bring joy to the heart of all mango lovers.
Kudos to the Bangladesh Embassy for showcasing and highlighting mangoes from their country. It is an excellent way to bring awareness, agriculture development and goodwill to Bangladesh mango production.
The Hague. The Irish and British Ambassadors in the Netherlands, Ambassador Brendan Rogers and Ambassador Joanna Roper, along with Leiden University – Faculty of Humanities jointly hosted a panel discussion on the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement on 25 May 2023.
Introductory speeches were delivered by Ambassador Brendan Rogers, and Ambassador Joanna Roper followed by Mr. Joost van Dieren, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
From left to right, Katy Radford, Bronagh Hinds, David Cooney. Picture’s credit Leiden University.
The event brought together a panel of speakers who were either involved in the negotiations which brought about the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 or who have first-hand experience of Northern Ireland and insight into the outcome of the Agreement. The participants in the panel discussions were:
David Cooney, Secretary General of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs from 2009 to 2014, former Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and a member of the Irish Government team for the negotiation of the Good Friday Agreement.
Bronagh Hinds, a key participant in the Good Friday Agreement negotiations for the Women’s Coalition and the former Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
Dr. Katy Radford, Chair of British Council Northern Ireland’s Advisory Committee and UK Electoral Commissioner with responsibility for Northern Ireland.
Dr. Joost Augusteijn of Leiden University, the foremost specialist on Irish Affairs in the Netherlands, served as moderator.
British Ambassador, H.E. Joanna Roper. Picture by Leiden University.
April 10, 2023, marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) also called the Belfast Agreement. The Good Friday Agreement is both a peace agreement and the basis for a reformed and inclusive Government in Northern Ireland. The vision of the Agreement is based on hope, inclusion, power sharing, and on peace and reconciliation.
The Agreement has led to sustained peace in Northern Ireland; addressed many of the issues that underpinned conflict during the previous decades and has now become a model for addressing other entrenched conflicts across the world. This is more pertinent in a context where we have witnessed the return of major inter-state wars to the European continent.
This anniversary year is an opportunity to reflect on the Peace Process and on the progress that Northern Ireland has made over the past quarter of a century. It is also a time to celebrate what was a transformative moment for Northern Ireland and the relationships within and between the two islands.
Northern Ireland has changed over the last 25 years. In an increasingly interconnected world, it has become more diverse, more prosperous, and more outward looking. The Good Friday Agreement challenged our assumptions of what we once thought possible. It offered a pathway to a better future and has provided the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous society. It remains, despite difficulties and challenges, the foundation for a hopeful future as we look to what the current generation of leaders and peacemakers can achieve in the next 25 years.
From left to right, Joost Augusteijn (University Leiden), Katy Radford, Joanna Roper, Brendan Rogers, Bronagh Hinds and David Cooney. Picture credit Leiden University.
The Ambassador of Ireland recounts his experiences as he said
“I am a child of what we euphemistically call “The Troubles”. I was entering my teenage years when Belfast and other Northern cities and towns burst into flames after the simmering resentments and discrimination of a couple of generations could no longer be contained. And coming from Dundalk on the border I could not shield myself from the physical reality of a murderous, inhuman conflict being waged a few miles down the road. Some of which I witnessed.
I was a student in Dublin and less than a kilometre from the bombs that tore the centre of Dublin in May 1974, killing 26 and injuring hundreds. It’s hard to believe that in 1972, 479 people lost their lives. 79 of those were 18 years or younger. Around 50, 17 or younger.
Proportional to population size, that is the equivalent of 4,311 Dutch citizens. The Troubles claimed 3,598 lives by the time the GFA was signed. Or, again, equivalent to 32,382 Dutch citizens.
The Good Friday Agreement or Belfast Agreement signed in April 1998, brought, for all intents and purposes the conflict to an end.
We are here today, as we have reached 25 years since the GFA to reflect on what has been achieved. We are also here to dialogue on how the Agreement has continued to shape the politics of Ireland, the relationship between the two islands and how it has itself been shaped by more recent events.
Our challenge in Ireland and the UK, and with our friends further afield, is how best to ensure that the peace, prosperity and well-being tare evident in the streets of Belfast today and which remains the reality for future generations in NI and indeed on the island of Ireland.
And with that, I look forward to listening to our excellent panellists here today. At an anniversary moment such as this one, it is important to take some time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements, while also remaining mindful that the work of embedding peace, building prosperity and ensuring that everyone has a decent life must continue every day.”
The twenty-fifth Good Friday Agreement Anniversary 2023. Picture by Leiden University.
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland echoed these sentiments by stating: –
“It is important that we hold this event together with the Irish Embassy to reflect on the last 25 years and look forward.
The anniversary marks a historic and shared achievement for Northern Ireland and the UK and Irish governments. In the 25 years since its signing, we still share a steadfast commitment to upholding the Agreement in all its dimensions, and the peace and prosperity it brings to Northern Ireland. The nature of life on the island of Ireland is unique and the bilateral relationship and the continued dialogue between our countries is vital to maintaining it. If the last 25 years have been about peace, then we hope the coming 25 will enable us to focus on building upon that firm foundation to achieve even greater reconciliation and economic prosperity for all communities in Northern Ireland.
The Agreement itself commits to the achievement of reconciliation, tolerance and mutual trust. Twenty-five years on, we are no less committed to this aim. Although substantial progress has been made, we recognise that there is more to be done. But today is a moment to recognise this shared achievement that has benefitted and continues to benefit all of Northern Ireland. Twenty-five years on, the Agreement is just as important today as it ever was.”
Panel discussion on the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement on 25 May 2023 at Leiden University. Picture by Leiden University.
The event concluded with a showing of a short film from the British Council to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which brought together twenty-five young people from across Ireland and the UK. Capturing the voices and sentiments of those impacted by the Agreement, this group of young people reflected on the last 25 years and consider what peace has meant to them. They looked forward to the next 25 years, and highlighted their hopes for the future, building on the foundation provided by the Agreement.
Diplomats at the commemorative event were the Ambassadors of, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Rwanda, and other representatives from the diplomatic community, academia and civil society.
Thursday, 22 June 2023, Düsseldorf, NRW, Germany: The state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the United States of America are linked by a history of around 340 years. With no other region outside Europe does North Rhine-Westphalia maintain comparable relations in politics, business, science, culture and society as with the USA. The state government would like to pay special tribute to this relationship and has proclaimed 2023/2024 the NRW-USA Year under the motto “A Perfect Match”.
The official starting signal for a NRW-USA Year with diverse events, festive receptions, concerts, cinema evenings and exhibitions was given on 22 June with a kick-off event on the occasion of the 247th Independence Day of the United States of America. The two hosts, U.S. Consul General Pauline Kao and Premier of NRW Hendrik Wüst, together with US Ambassador Dr Amy Gutmann and Minister of International Affairs Nathanael Liminski, will be inviting guests to the Ständehaus K21 to mark the occasion.
Premier Hendrik Wüst said as per statement linked below: “North Rhine-Westphalia and the USA are linked by a deep and long-standing friendship. Today, our relations are more lively than ever. Things simply fit between us – and this will be celebrated in the NRW-USA Year. At the same time, we want to further raise our profile as an innovative and dynamic business location this year and work together on sustainable solutions, especially with a view to transforming our economy towards climate neutrality.”
Dr Amy Gutmann, US Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany: “When President Kennedy came to Bonn in 1963, he said words of great significance: he called Bonn the capital and centre of the free world.
For our renewed German-American partnership after the war was born here on the Rhine and Ruhr. Former enemies became loyal friends who shared common values and interests. So the official partnership between North Rhine-Westphalia and my home state of Pennsylvania fills me with particularly great joy.”
With more than 1,700 companies, the USA is one of the country’s most important foreign trade partners and one of the largest foreign investors in North Rhine-Westphalia. There are 33 city partnerships, 98 school partnerships and 290 university partnerships, all of which ensure a vital and intergenerational exchange of people on both sides of the Atlantic.
Nathanael Liminski, Minister of Federal, European and International and Media Affairs: “At the latest since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, everyone should be aware of the value of our transatlantic friendship. The NRW-USA Year offers the opportunity to further expand our economic and value partnership. We want to build a stage for the people and associations that bring the transatlantic partnership to life every day.”
Pauline Kao, US Consul General for North Rhine-Westphalia: “US-NRW relations are already so multi-faceted. American players are at home in North Rhine-Westphalia’s professional sports clubs, students from North Rhine-Westphalia deliver top performances at American universities and city partnerships such as the one between Münster and Fresno have great appeal. On this foundation, we want to lead our relations into the future together. The NRW-USA Year is for everyone! Join in, share your story, let’s create a legacy together.”
Friday, 23 June 2023, Düsseldorf, NRW, Germany: Premier Hendrik Wüst received the President of the Italian region of Piedmont and partner region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Alberto Cirio, for talks at the State Chancellery. Topics of the exchange included perspectives for further cooperation, the challenges of transforming the economy and dealing with the consequences of the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine. European Affairs Minister Nathanael Liminski also partook in the meeting.
Premier Hendrik Wüst said as per statement provided below in its native German language: “North Rhine-Westphalia and the Piedmont region have a lot in common: a long industrial history, a comparable structure of the economy and similar challenges of industrial change. We can learn and benefit from each other on key issues for the future. With President Cirio, we have agreed to continue the successful exchange of expertise on the important topics of hydrogen, artificial intelligence, autonomous driving and agriculture. In addition, we are working together to bring young people from North Rhine-Westphalia and Piedmont together – for example, through the exchange of schoolchildren.
Minister for Federal, European and International Affairs and the Media, Nathanael Liminski: “Like North Rhine-Westphalia, our partner region Piedmont lies at the heart of Europe. Our common interest is a strong European Union. With our regional partnership, we strengthen cohesion in Europe and at the same time create clear added value for both partners – by working together on future issues, cooperating in Brussels and bringing young people together.”
The Italian region of Piedmont and North Rhine-Westphalia had laid the foundation for intensive cooperation with a partnership agreement in February 2022. The Piedmont region has 4.3 million inhabitants and is the largest mainland region in Italy in terms of area, with external borders with Switzerland and France. North Rhine-Westphalia is home to over 141,300 people with roots in Italy – one in four Italians living in Germany. With a trade volume of 23.8 billion euros, Italy ranks sixth among North Rhine-Westphalia’s trading partners, ahead of Poland and after the USA. Around 400 Italian subsidiaries with 16,400 employees are based in North Rhine-Westphalia. There are 17 city partnerships, including Cologne with Turin, Unna with Pisa, Bonn with Frascati and Oberhausen with Iglesias.
On his first visit to North Rhine-Westphalia, President Alberto Cirio was accompanied by Minister for Industry Andrea Tronzano.
The Italian Embassy in Athens and the Italian Institute of Culture in Athens present the art exhibition RIFLESSIONI by Antonello Ghezzi & Christina Nakou, in the garden of the Embassy.
On June 21, the day of the summer solstice, the “Riflessioni” exhibition was inaugurated in the garden of the Italian Embassy in Athens. The exhibition is the result of the meeting between the Greek artist Christina Nakouand the artistic duo Antonello Ghezzi (Nadia Antonello and Paolo Ghezzi).
Christina Nakou, Paolo Ghezzi, H.E. Ambassador Patrizia Falcinelli and Nadia Antonello.
Through their artistic dialogue, the artists attempt to highlight the Mediterranean as a place of reflection, a place that allows us to imagine and, above all, to remain human, accepting the fact that life is full of transformations and reflections. The exhibition draws inspiration from Nuccio Ordine’s book “The Threshold of the Shadow. An introduction to the philosophy of Giordano Bruno”, where spirituality is found in nature and where a connection of the individual reason with the universal is attempted.
The reference to Narcissus, the search for light in the shadow and nature as a kingdom of transformations and reverberations, are the main elements of inspiration that underpin the presentation of the exhibition inside the Embassy garden. The works invite visitors to listen to their inner world as a reflection of the universe and to experience the garden as a peaceful place in which they can tune in, becoming an invaluable part of universal Nature.
In her works, Christina Naku draws inspiration from the Byzantine mosaics of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna and from the works of the Italian architect Carlo Scarpa in Venice. In the first part of the exhibition, a series of mosaics using the technique of opus vermiculatum, (i.e. with very small mosaics) are presented that depict the refraction of light in the sea and the emergence of colors and their infinite alternations. Presented in the garden, the works invite the visitor to wander through space and time, traveling towards the second part of the exhibition dedicated to the night.
The “Little Letter to J.”, is presented between the two tall cypress trees in the garden. A small round mosaic acts as a mirror that invites the viewer to face their reflection together with the sky, recognizing the vertical axis that connects us to the universe. In the second part of the exhibition, “Reflections of the Universe” and “Sea-Night” draw inspiration from the reflections of light on water.
At the end of the exhibition, visitors encounter the work “Reflections of the Sea”, a large-scale work designed in silver on sheets of black sheet metal that evokes the nocturnal reflections of the sea. Set in front of a dark shallow pool of water that allows light to reflect, the work meets its reflection in the water, creating a vertical axis that connects us to infinity.
With this conceptual inversion, between the bottom and the top, we arrive at the work “Shooting Stars”, a sound installation by Antonello Ghezzi. Thanks to a live broadcast of the signal coming from the Northern Cross Radio Telescope, visitors will be able to listen to sounds coming from the atmosphere and in particular to hear the shooting stars live during their visit to the exhibition. Thanks to the frequent falls of meteorites in the part of the sky that covers the Mediterranean, the two artists from Bologna, bring to Athens a machine of wishes and emphasize the need to dream and wish something for the future. Περισσότερα για αυτό το κείμενο-πηγή
The Ambassador of Italy in Athens, H.E. Mrs. Patrizia Falcinelli, emphasized the following in her speech at the opening of the exhibition: “The main mission of the Italian Embassy in Athens is to create opportunities for meeting and cooperation between Italy and Greece in every field. For this reason, I am particularly happy to be able to host in the garden of our Embassy the exhibition “Riflessioni”, which originates from the collaboration of the Italian artistic duo Antonello Ghezzi (consisting of Nadia Antonello and Paolo Ghezzi) with the Greek artist Christina Nakou.The exhibition combines an original approach to the ancient mosaic technique (which both Italy and Greece preserve beautifully samples), with the sound installation “ShooTng Star”, which broadcasts live sounds from the universe.
Artists Nadia Antonello and Paolo Ghezzi.
The combination of art and technology, ancient techniques and science, seems to me to best represent the current reality of our two countries which, having been friends for millennia, they both look to the future, without at the same time neglecting their privileged relationship with the immense cultural heritage that unites them.
I hope the Athenian audience will appreciate these “Reflections of the Sea and the Sky”, which prompt us to reflect on our relationship with nature and our role in the Universe along with Giordano Bruno, whose philosophy has inspired some of the works.
While Mr. Francesco Neri, Director of the Italian Educational Institute emphasized: “I am happy that the Italian Educational Institute collaborates, together with the Italian Embassy in Athens, in the organization of the exhibition “Riflessioni”. Nadia Antonello and Paolo Ghezzi are two Italian artists who have collaborated with our Institute in the past, who will present their work this year at Kalamata International Dance Festival. Christina Naku, a Greek mosaic artist, is now collaborating with them to create an original work in which they recall the sea and the stars, in the light of the cosmic contemplation of Giordano Bruno, as presented by the philosopher Nuccio Ordine in his recent book ” Threshold of the Shadow”. Their meeting produces a fascinating work that encourages visitors to seek a deeper connection with nature and its transformations. I wish this beautiful initiative good success and I hope it will be the trigger for new collaboration experiments between Italian and Greek artists”.
Short biographies of the artists
Christina Nakou https://christinanakou.gr / https://www.transiensnostrum.com Christina Nakou studied painting, mosaic and sculpture at the Athens School of Fine Arts. She has presented her work in individual and group exhibitions and artistic ventures in Greece, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Italy. Next to her visual work, she has thoroughly researched and studied ancient mosaics, traveling throughout the Mediterranean. Her work focuses on the materiality and process of the mosaic technique, proposing an interpretation of the works as material records of the fragments of time. In 2021 she presented her works at the Archaeological site of Ancient Messina as a dialogue with the ancient monuments. In recent years he has been collaborating with the sound performer Anna Pangalou in the artistic project Transiens Nostrum.
Antonello Ghezzi www.antonelloghezzi.com Antonello Ghezzi is an artistic duo formed in 2009 by Nadia Antonello and Paolo Ghezzi at the Bologna Academy of Fine Arts, where they both studied. Their research focuses on lightness and magic. Their works, which have seen them exhibited in many parts of the world and in very different institutional spaces, try to make fairy tales tangible. A door that only opens if you smile, soap bubbles that tear down the walls, a wishing machine with shooting stars, small sculptures between lovers, starry skies of the future. Stairs, clouds and blue beacons that – thanks to Gianni Rodari – give us the green light to fly. As if they were winged sandals or mirrors that, like Athena’s shield, help Perseus face Medusa.
Information The exhibition is hosted in the garden of the Embassy of Italy in Athens (entrance: Sekeri, 2 – 10674 Kolonaki). The public will be able to visit the exhibition on pre-determined days and times until July 13, 2023, subject to online registration. After the opening night, the opening hours will be as follows:
Wednesday 28 June 20.30-22 Thursday 29 June 16.30-18 Monday 3 July 10.30-12 Wednesday 5 July 20.30-22 Monday 10 July 10.30-12 Wednesday 12 July 20.30-22 Thursday 13 July 16.30-18
The 9th edition of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) unfolded in grandeur at Koninginnenhoofd Quay in the Port of Rotterdam on June 21, 2023. This vibrant celebration, organized by the Embassy of India in collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the City of Rotterdam, marked a significant event as part of the “Ocean Ring of Yoga.”
Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Unifying Power of Yoga
The theme for this year’s IDY was “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” emphasizing the unifying power of yoga. Yoga, as a practice, has the extraordinary ability to bring people together, transcending boundaries.
International Day of Yoga 2023. Port of Rotterdam.
Innovative Events to Commemorate IDY
To make this year’s IDY unique, several innovative events were organized, including the “Ocean Ring of Yoga,” “Yoga from Arctic to Antarctica,” and “Yoga at North Pole and South Pole.” These events aimed to showcase the universal reach and inclusivity of yoga, transcending geographical constraints.
Global Yoga Celebration Led by Indian Prime Minister
In a remarkable display of commitment to spreading awareness about yoga, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, led the yoga celebrations at the UN Headquarters in New York. This global participation highlighted the international recognition and importance of yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being.
United Nations’ Recognition of Yoga
The United Nations officially designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 at India’s initiative. This acknowledgment underscores that yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being and is beneficial for the global population. Since then, the International Day of Yoga has been enthusiastically observed worldwide.
The Ambassador of India with members of Port Authorities in Rotterdam.
Health Benefits of Yoga
Yoga offers a multitude of health benefits, promoting physical well-being, flexibility, balance, and mental calmness. Its positive impact is touching the lives of millions across the globe, making it a popular choice for those seeking a holistic approach to health.
Government Initiatives to Promote Yoga Worldwide
The Government of India is actively taking steps to promote the positive benefits of yoga globally. Initiatives like the International Day of Yoga serve as platforms to encourage people from all corners of the earth to embrace this ancient practice for a healthier and more balanced life.
Yoga Day 2023.
IDY Celebrations Across the Netherlands
The Embassy of India in the Netherlands has been actively celebrating IDY since 2015. This year, as part of the celebrations, yoga sessions were organized in eight cities, including Utrecht, Eindhoven, Amstelveen, The Hague, Rotterdam, Roermond, Wageningen, and Leeuwarden. More than 1000 people joined these events, contributing to the global celebration of the unifying power of yoga.
The celebration of the International Day of Yoga in Rotterdam and around the world underscores the significance of this ancient practice in promoting harmony, well-being, and a sense of global kinship. As yoga continues to weave its way into the fabric of diverse societies, its impact on the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of individuals remains undeniable.
OTTAWA, Canada.- H.E. Ambassador Kamal Bashah Ahmad, dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Canada, granted special recognition for the second time to the Dominican Eugene Matos G., professor of public diplomacy at the University of Ottawa and a law graduate from the Law School of that institution.
“I am pleased to present this scroll to Dr. Matos, a long-time diplomat and one of the first public diplomacy specialists in the Americas, who has been a collaborator for more than three decades on behalf of our diplomatic and consular corps in Canada,” Kamal Ahmad said.
The delivery took place on the occasion of the 4th Canada’s Ambassadors of the Year Awards Ceremony, held at the Professional Development Institute of the University of Ottawa.
The event was attended by 48 ambassadors accredited to Canada, senior officials of the Canadian Foreign Ministry, representatives of international organizations, members of the consular corps, the Canadian press and special guests.
Other merit awards were received by the Director of Protocol of the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Civil Law at the University of Ottawa and the publisher of The Hill Times newspaper.
