Two-Faced Buildings

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Two-Faced Buildings

By Professor Richard T. Griffiths

There are not many two-faced buildings in the World. One of the best-known is the former Moskva hotel that was built in Moscow in the 1930s. As you can see in the photograph, the layout of the two wings of the building are completely different. The building, on the site of an existing hotel had already started when a sea-change occurred in Soviet architecture.

Stalin had never liked the modernism of the early Bolshevik artists and architects and, in the early 30s swung towards a more classic style. In 1931, the architect Alexey Shchusev was commissioned to redesign the whole building. Legend has it that he presented Stalin with two alternatives for the exterior. When Stalin signed-off his approval, the signature was in the middle of the document, so that it was unclear which he preferred. The solution ā€“ build both!

The Moskva Hotel, photographed in 2010

The truth, however, is rather more prosaic. Weaknesses in the structure of the former building incorporated into the new structure required a more substantial structure. Shchusev was temporarily disgraced in the purges of 1937 but survived to die a natural death in 1949. The Moskva Hotel was demolished in the Four Seasons Hotel Moscow was erected on the site ā€“ maintaining the asymmetry of the original.

This excursion into quirky hotel architecture is not prompted by nostalgia for my visits to frequent Moscow in 1990s and early 2000s, although you could hardly miss seeing it on visits to Red Square.

Rather, it was prompted by the research I was undertaking for the Venice site in the Silk Road Virtual Museum. If you look closely at the faƧade of the Dogeā€™s Palace overlooking the lagoon in Venice, you will see that it too is asymmetrical ā€“ the two upper floor windows on the right are placed lower and are more ornate, and above them, square windows have been added, in addition to the round ones on the rest of the frontage.

Dogeā€™s Palace, Venise.

In this case the answer was easy. The architect Filippo Calendario was hanged on 16 April 1355 from the balcony of his uncompleted building.. It was not because he was a bad architect, nor because he was fraudulent. It was becauseā€¦.

It is easiest to explain, if we start at the beginning. Venice was a republic, in contrast with the nobility that rules all the other city states in Italy at the time. However, it was a republic but only in the sense that a small elite of noble families were allowed to participate in the elections of their leader, the Doge. There was always a friction between the powers of the Doge and those of the Great Council that had elected him. In the background there was also the Council of Ten, charged with investigating and preventing plots against the state.

In 1297 the decision was taken to significantly increase in the number of people who had the right to participate in meetings of the legislative assembly meetings. This meant that the existing buildings were too small and it was decided to redesign the entire site, starting with the frontage facing the lagoon. Filippo Calendario was the architect in charge. Building on the new site started in 1340. We know little about Filippo, him than the fact in that year that he owned two boats for transporting stone to the site, and that a year later he had acquired three more. I know that this fact carries with it a whiff of corruption, but that was not the reason for his demise.

In 1348 work on the palace were suspended for several years when Venice was struck by the plague that went on to wipe out one third of Europeā€™s population. Such events often lead to unease and unrest among the population, but disquiet with the ruling elite increased in November 1354 when the city suffered a naval defeat at the hands of its arch rival, Genoa. Two months earlier, the Grand Council had elected a new Doge, the eighty-year-old Marino Faliero. Interspersed with other high-points of his career, he had served frequent stints in the Council of Ten. Judging the mood of the city ripe for rebellion, he conceived a conspiracy of his own. On 15 April, he would announce an impending Genovese naval attack on the city. Amid the ensuing panic, the conspirators, including his architect Filippo, would murder the leading patricians in the city. Marino Faliero would then declare himself sole leader, and saviour, of the city.

News of the plot conspiracy had leaked. The Council of Ten acted fast and rounded up the conspirators. Justice was swift. Ten conspirators were sentenced to death and hanged the following day. Marino Faliero was beheaded on the steps oof the palaceon 17 April 1355. There is a saying that ā€˜revenge is a dish best served coldā€™. Marino Faliero was buried in an unmarked grave, with his head placed between his legs. His portrait in the Grand Council Hall was painted over in black and adorned with a banner reading Hic est locus Marini Faletro decapitati pro criminibus (This is the space reserved for Marino Faliero, beheaded for his crimes). Filippo Calendarioā€™s building was completed by a architect with different ideas on exterior design.

To see the artistic treasures of Venice from these times, please visit the Silk Road Virtual Museum at https://silkroadvirtualmuseum.com. If you know of any other two-faced buildings please get in touch with the editors of the Diplomat Magazine.

An Italian artist on diplomatic wings

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An Italian artist on diplomatic wings

By Alexandra Paucescu

With her aristocratic and distinguished looks, Elizabetta Siggia sends a strong message to anyone who has the pleasure to meet her. But if you get to know her better, you discover, above appearances, a fascinating woman, with an educated vibe and a tireless mind.

Born in Rome, from a renowned painter mother and an engineer father, she cultivated her love for art and artistic talent from an early age. ā€˜I was fortunate to grow up in a family where art was at the center of our interestsā€™, she says to me. She graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts and later specialized in fresco and oil painting restoration. She started her career as a high-school teacher, but found her passion working for over 28 years at the Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia in Rome, as an Art Historian.

Mistery books, Elisabetta Siggia

ā€˜Working in a museum has been a great cultural experience for me, enriching my life with new daily discoveries. Moreover, I had the privilege of working in one of Rome’s most beautiful places, the summer residence of Pope Julius III, adorned with valuable frescoes and stucco, housing the most important collection of Etruscan art. Alongside my museum work, I opened, together with a colleague, an oil painting restoration studioā€™.

But life had much more to offer and took her around the world, enhancing even more her artistic universe.

ā€˜I met my husband at a dinner with friends, and only one year later we got married, just as he was leaving for Dhaka, Bangladesh as Ambassador of Italyā€™.

China, Germany and Belgium have been ā€˜HOMEā€™ for her during her husbandā€™s long diplomatic career. She remembers dearly about Shanghai, ā€˜the most active and interesting periodā€™, but eventually they decided to stay in Brussels, where their son lives and where they have an active and fulfilling family and social life.

ā€™Undoubtedly, the wife of a diplomat has the opportunity to live in different countries and immerse herself in different cultures. This has allowed me to broaden my knowledge of traditions, learn new languages, experience fascinating places and create unforgettable memories while enriching my cultural perspectives,. However, diplomatic life can be demanding and requires flexibility, but such challenges helped me develop a greater adaptability and maturityā€™.

History books, Elisabetta Siggia

She recalls that leaving a familiar place behind, after a few years, was often challenging.

ā€˜It’s natural to develop an affection for the environment around you, the streets, the parks, the places you have frequented, to build memories and a sense of belonging. Leaving all of that can be emotionally distressing. Furthermore, the friendships you have formed during your stay in a foreign country can be deep and meaningful. You have shared moments of joy, challenges, cultural experiences, and created a social support network.

Losing these relationships can leave a void in your heartā€™.

That is diplomatic life for all of us, diplomatic spouses, but it teaches about improving our social skills and emotional intelligence with each new diplomatic posting.

Elisabetta talked to me also about the role that we have in our husbandsā€™ careers and in the diplomatic world, in general.

ā€˜A common misconception about diplomatic spouses is that they are merely decorative figures. This idea often stems from gender stereotypes. However, a diplomat’s wife can have a very important and influential role in supporting her husband’s work and promoting the interests of their country. She can fulfill a variety of functions, from organizing social events to establish diplomatic relations, supporting cultural and humanitarian activities, and representing the country on various official occasions. I really think it is essential to promote greater awareness and understanding of the diplomatic spousesā€™ role.

They deserve respect and recognition for their work. Through education and promotion of gender equality, a new modern society can be created, where the role of diplomats’ partners is fully recognized and appreciatedā€™.


Meanwhile Elisabetta reminded about one of the main goals of diplomatic work, to maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy among countries in order to foster open and constructive communication and peacefully resolve any differences. She also noted that certain actions or words can create tensions or conflicts between countries and undermine the progress of international relations. She certainly understands what diplomacy is all about and clearly contributed in an active way, over the years, in building diplomatic bridges.

Children books by Elisabetta Siggia

While living her diplomatic life in different parts of the world, she never silenced her artistic talent and always found new ways to express her creativity.

ā€˜During the diplomatic years abroad, I wrote and self-illustrated several fairy tale books for children. In Shanghai, I had the great satisfaction of seeing three of my books published, even translated into Chinese and English, and which the local authorities then distributed to elementary schools in the city. I felt particularly proud and it was an incredibly gratifying experience to see my work come to life. The Vice Mayor of the city organized presentations, with music and speeches, to celebrate each book launch. It was something that filled my heart with joy and gratitude. Upon returning to Rome, I continued publishing other books related to the world of childrenā€™.

A lover of cuisine, she has also published books of recipes and the history of cooking. In recent years, she started writing a series of detective novels, centered on the art world. I discovered many of these books and also some of her trompe- style paintings, as I joined her art studio in Brussels, where she teaches decorative painting, initiating others in the world of art and beauty, that she so much adores.

Her artistic activity mainly revolves around trompe-l’oeil painting which she has exhibited in various galleries and cultural institutions. She also tells me that she is now documenting for a new mystery novel.

How exciting, how fascinating this woman truly is!



About the author:

Alexandra Paucescu

Alexandra Paucescu- Author of ā€œJust a Diplomatic Spouseā€ Romanian, management graduate with a Master in business, cultural diplomacy and international relations studies.

She speaks Romanian, English, French, German and Italian,  gives lectures on intercultural communication and is an active NGO volunteer.



‘Circle of Life’ exhibition being hosted at The Divan – The Arab Cultural House in Germany

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‘Circle of Life’ exhibition being hosted at The Divan – The Arab Cultural House in Germany

The Divan – The Arabic Cultural House, in collaboration with the Embassy of Lebanon in Germany,  opened the exhibition “Circle of Life” featuring renowned artists, the Lebanese-Italian Giorgia Fonnesu and Lebanese Emmanuel Guiragossian. The exhibition will be on view at the Arabic Culture House from 1 July to 30 July 2023. The vernissage thereto took place on Friday, 30 June. Both the Ambassador of Lebanon in Germany, Dr. Mustapha Adib, Doyen of the Arab Diplomatic Corps and the Secretary-General of The Divan, Asma Al Bakr welcomed the invited guests. 

Emmanuel Guiragossian is one of Lebanon’s most significant contemporary artists and one of the most sought-after artists in the international art scene. He was born in Lebanon in 1954 as the eldest son of the legendary painter Paul Guiragossian (1926-1993). His paternal grandparents were survivors of the Armenian genocide during the First World War. Their experiences, along with his grandmother’s accounts of the horrifying events of their survival and their experiences during two world wars and civil wars, had a profound impact on the young Emmanuel. His painting talent emerged early. After receiving a scholarship to study at the Dresden Art Academy (1974 – 1979), his international career began. He has been a professor since 1984 at the AcadĆ©mie libanese des beaux- arts (ALBA) and the American University (AUB) in Beirut, despite the difficult situation due to the Lebanese Civil War (1975- 1990) that occurred during these years.

Emmanuel Guiragossian is a master in the depiction of the human figure and animals. In many of his paintings, humans are central, not as individuals but in groups. It is characteristic that many people stand together, closely together, leaning on each other, intertwined. These are abstract compositions of woven human figures that symbolize the collective nature of humanity. In the 1980s, the horse became a subject in his work. In many pieces, the horse is central, such as in the “Circle of Life” painting that can be seen in the Divan.

Exhibitions have taken place in countries such as Lebanon, Germany, Canada, the USA, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. Beyond focusing on his own artistic career, he closely worked with his father, Paul Guiragossian. In 1991, the EMMAGOSS Art Gallery was founded in Lebanon in partnership with his father and with the support of his family. In 2007, the gallery expanded with the opening of a second location in Dresden.

Emmanuel lives between Beirut, Dresden, and Berlin. In Berlin, he maintains a studio where he regularly stays for extended periods. 

The second exhibition at the Divan – The Arabic Cultural House features the Italian – Lebanese artist Giorgia Fonnesu, who creates objects and sculptures out of clay. Giorgia, born in 1974, grew up on the shores of the Mediterranean between Lebanon and Sardinia.

“The sea has always surrounded my life, furthermore, the Mediterranean influenced my way of thinking, especially when I noticed the great connection between my homeland Sardinia and Lebanon,” says Giorgia. From an early age, she was fascinated by sea urchins, not just because of their appearance, but also because of the significance they hold. “Sea urchins,” she says, “are seen as guardians of the marine ecosystem. That interested me.” Her installation shown at the Divan refers to the importance of sea urchins and their role in climate change.

For the conception of the exhibition, the Arabic Cultural House has enlisted the internationally renowned art historian and curatorĀ Karin Adrian von Roques. During her studies of Islamic Art History, she specialized in contemporary art from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in the 1990s. For more than 20 years, she has curated exhibitions worldwide in museums and cultural institutions. She has particularly witnessed the changes in the Gulf states, such as Qatar, and how they have affected the art scene.

For The Divan – The Arabic Cultural House, it is part of the program to address current and controversial topics, such as the thematic complex of women planned for the beginning of 2023, and for the future, the topics of nature, environmental problems, and sustainability. For this purpose, various events are designed and displayed, ranging from panel discussions to lectures or readings and art exhibitions.

The Arabic Cultural House is convinced that art can particularly change the way we think. The vision of the Arab Culture House is not only to bridge the gap between German and Arab culture but also to build a bridge between nations and cultures internationally, as in this exhibition between Qatar, Germany, Lebanon, and Italy.

For further information

https://derdivan.org

Decoding the AI Act ā€“ From the EU to the world

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Decoding the AI Act ā€“ From the EU to the world

By Henri Estramant, LLM

On 21 April 2021, the European Commission unveiled its proposal for a Regulation on Artificial Intelligence, henceforth referred to as the ā€œAI Actā€. This seminal legal proposition seeks to establish a harmonized set of rules governing the creation, marketing, and application of AI within the European Union.

The specific stipulations, chiefly pertaining to data integrity, transparency, human supervision and accountability, are contingent upon the risk stratification of the AI under consideration. This risk spectrum spans from high to low, with an outright proscription of certain AI applications. In an analogous fashion to the GDPR, the AI Act is anticipated to be a cornerstone legislation for the European Union, including an extraterritorial ambit and substantial penaltiesā€”including potential fines of up to ā‚¬30 million or 6% of global annual turnover of a company found in breach thereof.

The most recent development transpired on Wednesday, 14 June 2023 with a plenary vote at the European Parliament. The voted proposal included a litany of proposed amendments that had already been included by the relevant committees back on 11 May 2023. The most prominent key revisions were:

  • Universally applicable AI principles: Newly instated provisions contain ā€œgeneralā€ AI principles applicable to all AI systems, regardless of whether they are ā€œhigh-riskā€. This substantially broadens the AI Actā€™s jurisdiction. Simultaneously, MEPs extended the classification of high-risk applications to include those that pose threats to human health, safety, fundamental rights or the environment. Of particular note is the inclusion of AI in recommendation systems employed by social media platforms (with a user base exceeding 45 million under the EUā€™s Digital Services Act) to the high-risk category.
  • Prohibited AI practices: MEPs significantly revised the ā€œunacceptable risk/prohibited listā€ to include invasive and discriminatory uses of AI systems. These prohibitions now apply to several uses of biometric data, including the indiscriminate harvesting of biometric data from social media for the creation of facial recognition databases.
  • Foundation models: Although previous iterations of the AI Act primarily focused on ‘high-risk’ AI systems, MEPs introduced a new framework for all foundation models. This framework, which mandates providers of foundation models to ensure robust protection of fundamental rights, health and safety, the environment, democracy, and the rule of law, would particularly impact providers and users of generative AI. These providers would also need to evaluate and mitigate risks, comply with design, information, and environmental requirements, and register in the applicable EU database.
  • User obligations: ‘Users’ of AI systems are now referred to as ‘deployers’, a welcome clarification given that the previous term did not adequately distinguish between the deployer and the ā€˜end userā€™. This change infers ‘deployersā€™ must now adhere to an expanded range of obligations, such as the duty to conduct an extensive AI impact assessment. Concurrently, end user rights are enhanced, with end users now accorded the right to receive explanations about decisions made by high-risk AI systems.

The AI Act proposal has now moved forth to the final stage of the legislative process, commencing tripartite negotiations with the European Council and the European Commission on the AI Act’s definitive form; in EU jargon it is the so-called ā€˜trilogueā€™ phase.

If timelines are adhered to -very unlikely-, the AI Act may become a pioneer legislation in this field, leaving behind other major global players; just as with the GDPR it may become a paradigm for those late-coming regulators.

What about the United Kingdom?

Europe does not equal the EU, and so the AI Act will not cover non-EU member, the United Kingdom, albeit it will likely be incorporated into the legal framework of Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein that are non-EU members but European Economic Area member states.

In September 2021, the UK government announced a 10-year plan, described as the ā€˜National AI Strategyā€™. The National AI Strategy aims at investing and planning for the long-term needs of the AI ecosystem, support the transition to an AI-enabled economy and ensure that the UK gets the national and international governance of AI technologies ā€˜rightā€™.

More recently, on 29 March 2023, the UK Government published its long-anticipated Artificial Intelligence white paper. Branding its proposed approach to AI regulation as ā€˜world leadingā€™ in a bid  to ā€˜turbocharge growthā€™, the whitepaper provides a cross-sectoral, principles-based framework to increase public trust in AI and develop capabilities in AI technology. The five principles intended to underpin the UKā€™s regulatory framework are:

  1. Safety, security and robustness;
  2. Appropriate transparency and explainability;
  3. Fairness;
  4. Accountability and governance; and
  5. Contestability and redress.

The UK Government has said it would avoid ā€˜heavy-handed legislationā€™ that could stifle innovation which means in the first instance at least, these principles will not be enforced using legislation. Instead, responsibility will be given to existing regulators to decide on ā€˜tailored, context-specific approachesā€™ that best suit their sectors. Already London has become the first non-US home for an OpenAI office, albeit the UK market limps behind the EU in terms of potential regulation. On the other hand, the English language and the welcoming approach by the British government to AI technologies is noteworthy. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has himself described the UK as ā€˜global home of artificial intelligence regulationā€™, although concrete legislation has yet to materialize.

May Switzerland serve as a further hub?

The Swiss government’s commitment to fostering an innovation-friendly environment sets it apart on the international stage. This commitment was clearly evidenced by the establishment of the ‘Crypto Valley’ in the Canton of Zug, a highly successful initiative that has attracted a multitude of blockchain and cryptocurrency firms. This willingness to embrace new technologies, combined with Switzerland’s robust yet ā€˜flexibleā€™ regulatory environment, provides an ideal setting for AI companies to thrive. Just as Zug became the hotspot for blockchain, it could similarly serve as the focal point for the country’s burgeoning AI sector?

Switzerland lies outside the European Economic Area (EEA), companies operating there however have managed to conduct business within the EEA through bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU. While not an EU member state, Switzerland has over 120 bilateral agreements with the EU, which allows her to partake in the EU’s single market. This means that businesses in the Swiss Confederation can trade with EEA countries virtually as if they were part of the EEA themselves. It remains to be seen whether the latter model can be replicated for AI companies wishing to settle their headquarters in Switzerland.

Thus far companies based in Switzerland often establish subsidiaries, or branches within the EEA, providing a direct presence in the area. Ergo, they ensure compliance with EU laws and regulations wherein they operate.

About the author:

Henri Estramant

Henri Estramant, LLM is a former consultant at the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology of the European Parliament. He is an expert in AI & Crypto regulation ā€“ certified in Conversational and Deploying AI.

Currently he is enrolled in the ā€˜Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Businessā€™ Executive education program from MIT Sloan School of Management and the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL).

Women, University and the Advancement of Knowledge

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Women, University and the Advancement of Knowledge

A tribute to Elena Cornaro Piscopia and Aletta Jacobs

Text and pictures by John DunkelgrĆ¼n

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 HenriĆ«tte 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 fatherā€™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 womenā€™s rights, education, and health. She traveled all over the world, became a member of many womenā€™s rights associations, and was a vigorous anti-war demonstrator. In 1914, during the first months of WW1, she managed to organize an international womenā€™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 HĆ©lĆØne Pichon, director of the Alliance franƧaise 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 BĆ©cares, 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 HĆ©lĆØne Pichon, director of the Alliance franƧaise 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.

Cigars, Rhum, Coffee & Boleros

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Cigars, Rhum, Coffee & Boleros

By Swami Jonard

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 BĆ”cares, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic H.E. Mr. Juan Bautista DurĆ”n, ChargĆ© dā€™Affaires of the Embassy of Venezuela Mr. Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara and ChargĆ© dā€™Affaires of the Embassy of Guatemala Mr. Lesther Antonio Ortega Lemus.

The Ambassador of Colombia H.E. Ms. Carolina Olarte BƔcares

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 Republicā€™s stand featured the countryā€™s finest rhum and cigars. Dominican cigars are some of the most renowned in the world. Ambassador DurĆ”n 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 DurƔn

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 ChargĆ© dā€™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 countryā€™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 Show
Cigars & Boleros 2023
Cigars & Boleros 2023

125th Anniversary Proclamation Philippine Independence: cooking demo

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125th Anniversary Proclamation Philippine Independence: cooking demo

Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan ā€“ 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 oneā€™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 Embassyā€™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 ā€œtodayā€™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 ā€œnext big thing.ā€

I wonā€™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 Philippinesā€™ ā€œpower culinary coupleā€ 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.ā€

What a delight to have the renowned Chef 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.

Bangladesh Mango Fest 2023Ā Ā 

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Bangladesh Mango Fest 2023Ā Ā 

By Roy Lie Atjam

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 FEST at 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 thatĀ 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 PhilippinesĀ to celebrate the bountiful harvest of the province’s mangoes. Float parades, and street dancers clad in mango-inspired costumesĀ 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 blendedĀ withĀ 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 ā€œMango, the Super Food, for the Inner and Outer Bodyā€.

The lyrics of a popular folk song in Trinidad and Tobago say ā€œMangoes, mangoes, mangoes, give meh ah penny to buy mangovert, mango teenā€¦ā€ 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 Tobagoā€™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 ā€œThe fruit loversā€™ affair has also received backing from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in Malta and the Commonwealth Women in Government Conference in Dhaka, Bangladeshā€ (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 ā€œThe Queen really enjoyed mangoesā€.

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 twenty-fifth Good Friday Agreement Anniversary 2023

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The twenty-fifth Good Friday Agreement Anniversary 2023

Working Together to Fulfil the Promise of Peace

By Roy Lie Atjam

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 Irelandā€™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 Womenā€™s Coalition and the former Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

Dr. Katy Radford, Chair of British Council Northern Irelandā€™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

ā€œI am a child of what we euphemistically call ā€œThe Troublesā€. 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. Itā€™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.ā€

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: –

ā€œIt 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.ā€

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.

“A Perfect Match”: NRW-USA Year 2023/2024

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“A Perfect Match”: NRW-USA Year 2023/2024

Thursday, 22 June 2023, DĆ¼sseldorf, 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 GeneralĀ Pauline KaoĀ and Premier of NRWĀ Hendrik WĆ¼st, together with US AmbassadorĀ Dr Amy GutmannĀ and Minister of International AffairsĀ Nathanael Liminski, will be inviting guests to theĀ StƤndehaus K21Ā to mark the occasion.

Premier Hendrik WĆ¼st 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 MĆ¼nster 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.”

For further informationĀ 

Government of NRW:Ā https://www.land.nrw/pressemitteilung/perfect-match-ministerpraesident-wuest-und-us-generalkonsulin-kao-geben

U.S. Consulate General in NRW: https://de.usembassy.gov/consul-general-dusseldorf/

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