Diplomatic World_Magazine_77

77

INTERLINKING POLITICS, DIPLOMACY, BUSINESS & FINANCE

ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY, CULTURAL DIPLOMACY & HEALTH

H.E.

EMOMALI

RAHMON

PRESIDENT

OF THE REPUBLIC

OF TAJIKISTAN

H.E.

GIORGIA

MELONI

PRIME MINISTER

OF ITALY

H.E.

KERRIE

D. SYMMONDS

MINISTER OF FOREIGN

AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN

TRADE OF BARBADOS

H.E.

MULAMBO

HAMAKUNI

HAIMBE

MINISTER OF

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

OF ZAMBIA

H.E.

LEJONE

MPOTJOANE

MINISTER OF

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

AND INTERNATIONAL

RELATIONS

OF LESOTHO

Summer 2025 www.diplomatic-world.com Quarterly edition

P409937 - v.u. Barbara Dietrich, Beiaardlaan 25b, 1850 Grimbergen

€9 ,50

DIR 0219 annonce diplomatic world_3_HD.pdf 1 11/03/25 16:42

since 1991.

DIRECT WAY WORLDWIDE

Tel: +32 2 772 00 00

Email: reservations@directwayworldwide.com

We cover more than 650 cities worldwide

www.directwayworldwide.com

3

DIR_0170-2303_diplomatic_world_hd.pdf 2 7/03/16 17:43

INTERLINKING POLITICS, DIPLOMACY, BUSINESS & FINANCE

ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY, CULTURAL DIPLOMACY & HEALTH

Dear Excellencies,

Dear partners,

Dear readers,

DIPLOMATIC WORLD IS A QUARTERLY EDITION

OF PUNCH MEDIA GROUP

www.diplomatic-world.com

CEO AND PRESIDENT

Barbara Dietrich

barbara.dietrich@diplomatic-world.com

CONTRIBUTORS

The Honourable Kerrie D. Symmonds | The Honourable Lejone

Mpotjoane | H.E. Musadik Masood Malik | H.E. Zheenbek

Kulubaev | H.E. Mulambo Haimbe | H.E. Laura Camila Sarabia

Torres | H.E. Rodney Sikumba | H.E. Thandi Moraka |

H.E. Alain Leroy | H.E. Daniel Evina Abe’e | H.E. Ahmed Abu

Zeid | H.E. Sapar Palvanov | H.E. Juan Antonio Fernandez

Palacios | H.E. Tokozile Xasa | H.E. Mary Chirwa | H.E. Eshete

Tilahun | H.E. Anthony B. Severin | H.E. Dato’ Mohd Khalid

Abbasi Abdul Razak | Prince Michael of Liechtenstein |

Saida Mirziyoyeva | Meirzhan Yussupov | Prof. Theodoros

Koutroubas | Jamshed Jumakhonzoda | Reinhold Lopatka |

Matongo Matamwandi | Augustin Tamba | Philippe Courard |

Dr. Loïc Nicolas | Stefano Manservisi | Barbara Dietrich |

Lucy Buchanan of Leny | Rudy Aernoudt | Philippe Billiet |

Stephan Doukhopelnikoff | Bertrand Badré | Koen Vanmechelen |

Dieter Brockmeyer | Marion Fromlet-Bruins | Dr. Marion Agthe |

Haya Mvita | Dr. Estelle Dinh | Alberto Turkstra | Sophie Deravet |

Daan Brink | Séléna Baghumyan | Anna Ignatova |

Subscription Service

redaction@diplomatic-world.com

T +32 475 89 25 37 - ISSN 2995-3655

LEGAL SERVICES FOR DIPLOMACY

The texts were written in English or Dutch and translated in the other language.

Some expressions can change by the translation. To safeguard the language and

tone of all authors, the author’s initial choice of spelling has been maintained as

Billiet & Co lawyers advices and represents States, International Organizations and their

much as possible. The editorial staff has done its utmost to identify and mention

sources and beneficiaries of

diplomatic

the text and

missions

images

in Brussels

used.

—

The

as well

publisher

as members

has

of

made

their staff,

every

international civil servants,

effort to secure permission to government reproduce officials, the listed leading material, multinational illustrations corporations and and photographs. non-governmental organizations.

We apologize for any inadvertent errors or missions. Parties who nevertheless believe they

can claim specific legal rights We are understand invited that to contact you require the unique publisher. and sensitive services, and we are uniquely placed

to provide them, in a range of languages such as English, Dutch, French, Russian, German,

Opinions in this magazine belong Spanish, to Greek, the writers Ukrainian, and and are Romanian. not necessarily endorsed

by Diplomatic World.

The firm has wide experience in legal issues surrounding Seat Agreements, Rights and

All rights reserved. No parts Obligations of this publication of the guest may mission be reproduced, and its hosting stored State, Investor-State in a disputes, Inter-State

retrieval system, or transmitted disputes in any and form all kinds or by of legal any questions means, electronic, involving International mechanical Organizations. We represent

photocopying, recording or

clients

otherwise,

before

without

national and

the

international

prior written

courts

permission

and arbitral

of

tribunals.

the artist and publisher. ©2025 Diplomatic World Magazine.

OUR LEGAL SERVICES FOR DIPLOMACY

Legal compliance with Belgian, European, International laws and regulations

Diplomatic immunity / Consular support

Public International Law / EU Law

Trade and WTO law, treaty interpretation and trade negotiations

International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

Enforcing International Arbitral Awards in Belgian Courts

Enforcement proceedings against State entities

Sanctions law and Export controls

Global fraud and Asset Recovery

Foreign Direct Investment in Belgium, EU, Russia and CIS countries

International Employment and Labour law

Immigration and International Mobility

Avenue Louise 146 | Brussels | +(32) 2 643 33 01 | info@billiet-co.be

KEY CONTACTS

Johan Billiet

johan.billiet@billiet-co.be

Dr. Konstantinos Adamantopoulos

konstantinos.adamantopoulos@billiet-co.be

Philippe Billiet

philippe.billiet@billiet-co.be

Vladimir Lincautan

vladimir.lincautan@billiet-co.be

What a busy first semester it has been! We were proud to

witness first-hand some important milestones, most notably the

first EU-Central Asia Summit, where both sides elevated their

cooperation to the level of a strategic partnership. After a brief

hiatus last year, the Astana International Forum returned as an

important space of reflection and resolve, seeking dialogue and

direction in a turbulent world. And we also put the spotlight on

two recent high-level conferences – the International Conference

on Glaciers’ Preservation and the Samarkand Climate Forum

– whose message was crystal clear: urgent climate action is

needed ahead of and at COP30.

This is also a special year for the African Union-European Union

partnership, celebrating its 25th anniversary and characterised

by a growing momentum. To understand the present and future

of this important partnership, we bring you perspectives from

South Africa, Lesotho and Ethiopia, among others, in addition

to two special features devoted to Cameroon and Zambia, two

fast-growing, emerging African countries with plenty of untapped

potential and opportunity.

At Diplomatic World, we pride ourselves in giving all nations a

voice, because what matters is not the size of the country but the

quality and the value of the ideas which it brings to the table. You

will read high-level contributions from Barbados and St Lucia,

countries at the forefront of the climate crisis and whose voices

need to be heard, and those, like Cuba, advocating for a more

just and equitable international order.

A growing strand of work for Diplomatic World is focused

on nation branding, a vital element of long-term strategy

for countries seeking to shape their place in an increasingly

interconnected world. As global narratives evolve and

competition for attention, trust, and investment grows, countries

that define and communicate their values with clarity and

purpose are better positioned to thrive across all sectors.

Effective nation branding therefore holds the potential to offer

countries a distinct competitive edge.

I wish you an enlightened reading,

Barbara Dietrich

CEO

Diplomatic World

4 5

AD-BillietCo.indd 2 28/07/2020 15:16

THE BELGIAN MONARCHY:

A SOFT POWER AT THE PEOPLE’S SERVICE

Prof. Theodoros Koutroubas

The Belgian National Day is always an occasion to underline

what brings together the components of the rich mosaic of

languages and cultural backgroundswhich make this small bit of

land in the North of Europe truly unique.

A federation of three regions and three linguistic communities,

which enjoy a very large autonomy in governing their own affairs,

Belgium provides its citizens with a full and functioning state of

law, where opinions are freely expressed, top-level quality education

and healthcare are accessible to all, and a public supported

system of solidarity is there to provide decent conditions of life

to those who are going through rough times. All this is of course

perfectible, and one can always argue with good reason that

ideal states and societies only exist in fairy tales; so, our country

has, as any other, its own challenges to face and issues to deal

with. It is however an incontestable truth, that, all things considered,

the Kingdom is still viewed by the majority of its inhabitants

as a good place to live if we believe the latest Eurostat data.

The 21st of July is thus a Day to celebrate our past and present

achievements, our shared values enshrined in the Constitution,

and our friendships, based on this clever win-win spirit of negotiation

and mutual compromise that lies in the core of every

successful relationship, and that has become, along with tasty

chocolate and good beer, the synonym of Belgium.

the visibility of civil society initiatives, highlighting excellence

in the work done by professionals of every sector, encouraging

those who dare innovate in their fields, and putting in the spotlight

successful activities that break stereotypes and promote

social tolerance and understanding.

Their participation in missions aiming at strengthening economic

and cultural ties between our country and other nations is

boosting the interest of foreign investors and of other potential

partners of our enterprises, universities, or research centres, to

build synergies with their Belgian counterparts. The same can be

said for the official visits our Royals are paying to Heads of State

of friendly nations, and for those they receive. Beyond the pomp

and circumstance of the solemn moments of these visits, a vast

preparation from the palace’s team of advisers is always done

to ensure that the King and Queen’s prestige and diplomacy will

be put to good use, for promoting Belgian interests and creating

meaningful partnerships. The success that the recent royal visits

in France a year ago, and in Vietnam and the Czech Republic the

first six months of 2025, had in strengthening bilateral links at all

levels is great evidence of this fact.

Embodying and guaranteeing these values and cherished way of

life, crowning them in a way with its historical continuity and its

international prestige, is the monarchy. An institution of soft power

whose main aim is, as King Philippe has eloquently defined it

Photo: Diplomatic World

at the occasion of Princess Elisabeth’s 18th birthday, to stress

and stimulate the best in each and every one of the citizens.

As is the case in all the very advanced and prosperous European

countries who have chosen constitutional parliamentary monarchy

as a system of organising their democracy, the King of the

Belgians and his family are entrusted with an immense variety

of everyday tasks of representation of the “dignified part” of the

State’s basic law (as in opposition of the “efficient part” according

to Walter Bagehot).

Their visits everywhere in the country, and the audiences they

grant to persons coming from all the sectors of the nation’s economic,

commercial, intellectual, and institutional life, are raising

In parallel, the Queen, in her capacity as President of Honour of

UNICEF Belgium, is undertaking a number of important humanitarian

missions overseas, most recently in Vietnam (May 2023)

and in Costa Rica (February 2025), supporting concrete projects

that improve the life of children and of the most vulnerable, and

discussing ways to make local societies benefit from our country’s

solidarity.

Placed by the Constitution above the unavoidable controversies

of day-to-day politics and governance, the monarchy ensures

that the State, in its highest function, remains respected and supported

by the great majority of its citizens, notwithstanding their

ideological differences and the tensions created by governmental

decisions or parliamentary debates on divisive issues.

Politically neutral by the very nature of his place within our

system of government, the King, as the permanent Head of

the State, is the most experienced observer of the country’s

evolution and public life, as well as of the international scene,

and thus an invaluable source of advise and informed opinion for

his ministers, who change every five years in accordance with

the people’s wishes expressed through the legislative elections.

The hereditary aspect of the system ensures at the same time

that before ascending the throne, the future monarch is well


6 7

prepared for the exercise of his or her tasks (let us not forget that

the Belgian throne is going to pass to a reigning Queen after the

end of King Philippe’s reign), benefiting not only from the best

possible education, but also from the broad experience of his or

her parents in fulfilling their tasks.

The list of the assets of having the crown at the top of our democratic

institutions is long and was discussed in several articles by

the author of these lines. It is important however to add to all the

above the unique impact of what has often been described as

the “royal magic” in achieving a success in all the missions, the

meetings, the contacts, the visits, the King, the Queen, and their

family are carrying out representing the state. A feeling explained

by the institution’s place in so many pleasant stories told since

times immemorial, the monarchy’s charm makes the Royals the

most efficient ambassadors and lobbyists for the country abroad,

and greatly adds to Belgium’s soft power, bringing at the same

time majesty, solemnity and a unique human touch to all duties

they perform at home.

Chosen to commemorate the investiture of our first King, Leopold

I, in 1831, Belgium’s National Day is thus also an occasion

to celebrate the crown, who has accompanied the country’s life

for almost 200 years through a line of Kings, that, despite their

different personalities and the national and international context

that marked their times, have genuinely loved the Kingdom and

its people, and have dedicated their lives to its service at their

best capacities.

Able to evolve along with the society it serves, the Belgian

monarchy continues to provide us with the stability and the

dignity that allows the correct functioning of all our institutions.

The great affection of the majority of our citizens towards the

young Duchess of Brabant, the Heir to the throne, the excellent

education she has received, and the seriousness and charisma

with which she exercises her role these last years, are leading

many of us to strongly feel that the institution will continue to

provide us with good reasons to sing “for the King, for the Law,

for Freedom” in many many years to come.


8 9

IN SAMARKAND,

CENTRAL ASIA AND THE EU UPGRADE

THEIR TIES TO A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

On 4 April 2025, the first Central Asia – European Union Summit

was held in Samarkand. It was chaired by the President of

the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The EU was

represented by the President of the European Council António

Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula

von der Leyen. Together with President Mirziyoyev, Central Asian

countries were represented by the President of the Republic of

Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz

Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, the President of the Republic of

Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of Turkmenistan

Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

This high-level meeting marked a significant milestone in

strengthening interregional cooperation, with the EU and Central

Asia leaders agreeing to elevate relations between the two

regions by establishing a strategic partnership.

The summit focused on deepening collaboration across trade

and investment, sustainable connectivity, energy transition,

climate action, critical raw materials, digital innovation, and

education. It also addressed shared geopolitical concerns, the

importance of maintaining regional stability and supporting

sustainable development.

Leaders supported ongoing efforts towards sustainable transport

connectivity and strengthening economic ties through initiatives

under the Global Gateway Strategy. In this context, leaders highlighted

the progress on the Trans-Caspian International Transport

Route connecting Europe and Central Asia. This route aims to

enhance trade flows and reduce dependency on traditional pathways.

They noted that the mobilisation of EUR 10 billion from

the Global Gateway Investors Forum, held in Brussels in January

2024, is key to setting up transport corridors, logistics, networks

and value chains. They also announced the Trans-Caspian

Transport Corridor Investors’ Forum and the EU–Central Asia

Economic Forum, to be held in Uzbekistan later this year. The EU

leaders reiterated their continuing support towards the accession

of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the World Trade Organisation

(WTO).

To boost cooperation on energy and the green transition, the

summit highlighted the shared EU and Central Asia commitment

to sustainable value chains for critical raw materials, through

the endorsement of the EU-Central Asia declaration of intent on

critical raw materials.

Leaders also welcomed the increasing involvement of the European

Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction

and Development (EBRD) in the region in the specific

areas of energy, water management, connectivity and transport.

Both regions committed to bolstering cultural and educational

exchanges, aiming to strengthen mutual understanding and

cooperation between their populations.

During the summit, leaders expressed their commitment to

regional and global stability, particularly in Afghanistan and

Ukraine, and to the promotion and protection of the rule of law,

human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In her speech at the plenary of the Summit, President of the

European Commission Ursula von der Leyen focused on four

promising areas of cooperation:

10 11

12 13

TRANSPORT CORRIDORS

“Central Asia is the very definition of a global gateway, the beating

heart of Eurasia. This is why our Global Gateway investment

agenda focuses so much on this region. Last year, we pledged

EUR 10 billion to the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. This will

A CLEAN ENERGY HUB

“Wind in Kazakhstan, solar in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan,

hydro in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. And geothermal across the

region. You could produce enough clean energy for your economy

and for export. You could turn part of this energy into clean

H.E. SHAVKAT MIRZIYOYEV, PRESIDENT OF

UZBEKISTAN: WE PROPOSE CONSIDERING THE

ISSUE OF SIGNING A FULL-FLEDGED PARTNER-

SHIP AND COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN

OUR TWO REGIONS

• Conclusion of a multilateral Investment Protection and

Promotion Agreement;

• Establishment of a joint Central Asia – European Union

Chamber of Commerce with broad engagement of the private

sector;

• Adoption of a joint regional program for the support of small

cut the overland journey between Europe and Central Asia by

hydrogen. Together, we are making history at the Rogun Dam in

As the host of the Summit, President Mirziyoyev referred to the

and medium-sized enterprises, especially female entrepre-

around a half. That is down to just 15 days. The corridor will also

Tajikistan. Here the world’s tallest dam will generate electricity for

deep transformation in Central Asia that has gained sustainable

neurs;

unlock untapped potential for business between our regions. And

the region. Combined with the Kambarata Dam in Kyrgyzstan,

and irreversible nature thanks to shared political will which is

• Uzbekistan expressed readiness to host the next EU–Central

it will boost links and trade within your five Central Asian nations.

Central Asia can become a clean energy powerhouse. Driving

facilitating the development of multidimensional cooperation. The

Asia Economic Forum and the Investors’ Forum for Transport

Today I am pleased to announce that a new Investors Forum will

electric trains, industry and mining, and exporting energy to

countries of the region are strengthening trust and good neigh-

Connectivity.

take place in Uzbekistan in 2025. This will secure private funding

neighbours. So let us expand our cooperation. Together we can

bourliness among each other, expanding large-scale collabora-

for the Corridor and allow us to assess progress. In an increas-

advance Central Asia’s energy independence, and the global

tion and cooperation. A vivid example is the recent full settlement

Investments in green energy and ecological environmental sus-

ingly fragmented world, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor will

clean transition.”

and signing of agreements on the delimitation of State borders

tainability are also of strategic significance. The establishment

boost connections between your five countries and Europe. But

between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

of a Central Asia–European Union Partnership on Clean Energy

infrastructure is not everything. Smooth border crossing within

Central Asian and South Caucasus countries is also essential to

reach the Black Sea. After three decades of closure, the opening

ENHANCED COMMUNICATIONS

Illustrating how far the region of Central Asia has progressed

in a short period of time, President Mirziyoyev said that “seven

can become an important platform for engagement. In order to

develop the project financing and facilitate the growth of carbon

credits market, Uzbekistan proposed to form a Working Group at

of the borders of Armenia with Türkiye and Azerbaijan is going

“For many people, internet access is still a far-off dream. Europe

to eight years ago, (…) the borders between certain countries

the level of the heads of relevant agencies.

to be a game changer. And it will bring Europe and Central Asia

has a world-class network of satellites, which can reach the

were closed. There was no trade, no transit, no business, or any

closer together like never before”

most remote areas where data cables may never arrive. This year

humanitarian exchange. The relations were simply frozen. No one

Investments in human capital will expand educational, cul-

alone, we are connecting 2,000 schools and hundreds of villages

could even imagine that in the nearest future we would be rep-

tural and humanitarian exchanges. “This can be facilitated by

COOPERATION ON CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS

in Kazakhstan to European satellites. Then we are extending

to 1,700 villages across the region in the coming years. That is

transformative.

resenting our region together during discussions with European

leaders.”

providing special quotas to the countries of the region as part of

Erasmus+ Program for training highly qualified specialists. We

are ready to establish the office of Horizon Europe Program in

Central Asia is endowed with immense resources. The region has

Among his most notable proposals, President Mirziyoyev pro-

Uzbekistan in order to enhance the scientific and educational

40 percent of the global reserves of manganese, as well as lithi-

It connects communities and people. It attracts new business

posed to consider the issue of signing a fully-fledged Partnership

cooperation with the countries of Central Asia.

um, graphite, and more. These raw materials are the lifeblood of

and investments. And it gives direct access to high-speed

and Cooperation Agreement between the two regions, in addition

the future global economy. Yet they are also a honeypot for glob-

internet, without your neighbours acting as gatekeepers. Now

to the following:

In addition, we propose to develop a joint Program of Scientific

al players. Some are only interested in exploiting and extracting.

we want to work with all of you, so that all Central Asia can enjoy

and Technological Exchanges in the fields of Artificial Intelli-

Europe’s offer is different. We also want to be your partners in

the same opportunities. Central Asia may be landlocked, but it is

• Regular ministerial-level meetings of the heads of foreign

gence, big data, digital transformation and cosmic studies”,

developing your local industries. The added value has to be

certainly not space-locked. And space can be your gateway to

ministries to synchronise on the international and the regional

elaborated the President.

local. Our track-record speaks for itself. European companies are

the world.”

agendas;

already involved in raw materials here in Uzbekistan, with a EUR

• Intensification of inter-parliamentary ties and establishing the

There is a growing significance of cooperation in the fight against

1.6 billion investment at the Almalyk copper mine. They do not

To accelerate progress in these four areas, President von der

Central Asia – EU Inter-parliamentary Cooperation Forum with

common security threats, including terrorism, extremism, radical-

just contribute to extracting minerals but also to processing them

Leyen announced a new Global Gateway Investment Package

its first meeting to be organised this autumn in Uzbekistan;

ism, cybercrime, drug trafficking and illegal migration. President

on site. This creates local jobs and local added value. But there

worth EUR 12 billion, bringing together investments from the EU

• Expanding cooperation among leading think tanks;

Mirziyoyev supported the proposal of European partners to

is so much more we could do across the region.

and Member States. It will launch a new pipeline of projects to

• Holding the EU-Central Asia summit once every two years;

launch a dialogue on counterterrorism, and expand the interac-

Central Asia. The breakdown of the EUR 12 billion is as follows:

• The establishment of a Central Asia – EU Partnership Commit-

tion as part of the Border Management Programme in Central

Together, we could build local industries right along the raw

tee at the level of Deputy Prime Ministers, to meet annually as

Asia (BOMCA) and the Central Asia Drug Action Programme

materials value chain. From mining to refining. From opening

• Transport – EUR 3 billion allocated to improve transportation

a practical mechanism for the implementation of initiatives and

(CADAP).

new research labs, to training local workers. We want to build a

infrastructure and connectivity between Europe and Central

agreements reached at leaders’ level.

long-term partnership. Such a partnership is benefitting both our

Asia.

With reference to the situation in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan is

citizens, their children, and those of the future. We have already

• Critical Raw Materials – EUR 2.5 billion dedicated to develop-

President Mirziyoyev emphasised that investments in economic

ready to continue the political consultations on peaceful de-

signed Memoranda of Understanding on critical minerals with

ing sustainable supply chains for essential minerals, recog-

and technological modernisation must become the priority of

velopment in Afghanistan. “Regrettably, the global community

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Today we bring this cooperation

nising Central Asia’s significant reserves of resources like

interaction between the to regions.

underestimates all challenges emerging from the territory of this

to a new level – by endorsing a Joint Declaration of Intent on

manganese, lithium, and graphite.

country”, said President Mirziyoyev. “We believe it is important to

Critical Raw Materials. This will attract large-scale private invest-

• Hydropower and Climate Initiatives – EUR 6.4 billion invested

Building on the European partners’ support for the launch of an

actively engage the Afghan side in regional economic processes,

ment throughout the region. It is a partnership that will benefit

in projects promoting clean energy and addressing climate

Investment platform for promoting major regional projects in the

also through implementation of investment and infrastructure

both Europe and Central Asia. Because your strategic autonomy

change challenges in the region.

fields of green energy, innovation, transport, infrastructure and

projects, restoring the social sector. We hope for understanding

on raw materials is our strategic interest.”

• Digital Connectivity – EUR 100 million aimed at enhancing

agriculture, Uzbekistan made a number of new proposals to

and support in facilitating the international community’s con-

digital infrastructure and fostering technological innovation.

bring closer the economic interests of EU and Central Asia:

structive dialogue with the Afghan authorities to meet the current

commitments.”

14 15

H.E. KASSYM-JOMART TOKAYEV, PRESIDENT OF

KAZAKHSTAN: WE PROPOSE ESTABLISHING A

REGIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR RARE EARTH

METALS IN ASTANA

projects of the Norak, Sebzor and Kairakkum hydroelectric

power plants. The call was made for the European Union to

contribute, on a bilateral basis or within the framework of the

Global Gateway initiative, to the construction and modernisation

of hydropower facilities, such as the Rogun Hydropower Plant.

President Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s ambition to become

President Rahmon deliberated on Tajikistan’s plans to increase

a key transit hub linking East and West. Container traffic along

the capacity of electricity generation from solar and wind energy

the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route increased by

to 10 percent of all electricity production in the country by 2030.

62 percent in 2024, reaching 4.5 million tonnes, with a goal of

The European Union’s assistance in the construction of electricity

expanding to 10 million tonnes by 2027.

transmission infrastructure to South Asia through the CASA-1000

transmission line was highly appreciated.

Kazakhstan plays a significant role in clean energy by supplying

approximately 40 percent of the world’s natural uranium. Tokayev

President Rahmon also expressed interest in expanding coop-

noted the establishment of the Regional Project Office on Cli-

eration in the field of education, including opening branches

mate Change and Green Energy in Kazakhstan in 2023 as part of

of European universities in Tajikistan and increasing quotas for

its wider decarbonisation agenda.

studying in European educational institutions.

Tokayev thanked EU partners for supporting the establishment of

Further development of cooperation with the European Union

the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for

within the framework of regional programs, such as BOMCA and

Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. He emphasised its po-

CADAP, was also deemed important.

tential to address social, economic, and environmental challenges

in the region and promote the global 2030 Agenda.

On the subject of critical raw materials, President Tokayev proposed

establishing a Regional Research Centre for Rare Earth

Metals in Astana to serve as a hub for investors and enterprises

seeking reliable data on deposits, technologies, and sustainable

mining practices.

In recent years, Kazakhstan has made great strides in digital

innovation and Artificial Intelligence. The President announced

the creation of the International Advisory Council on Artificial

Intelligence and the training of 100,000 IT specialists. President

Tokayev also proposed launching a Central Asia–EU Innovation

Campus at Astana Hub to strengthen cooperation in digital

H.E. SERDAR BERDIMUHAMEDOV, PRESIDENT

OF TURKMENISTAN: WE ARE READY TO PRO-

VIDE THE CAPACITIES OF THE TURKMENBASHI

PORT IN THE INTERESTS OF THE TRANS-CASPIAN

ROUTE

High importance is assigned to the Trans-Caspian route, said

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, confirming Turkmenistan’s

readiness to provide the capacities of the Turkmenbashi International

Sea Port on the Caspian coast and road infrastructure on

the territory of Turkmenistan in the interests of this project.

“In the communications sector, we also proceed from the

H.E. SADYR ZHAPAROV, PRESIDENT OF THE

KYRGYZ REPUBLIC: WE ARE INTERESTED IN

EXPANDING COOPERATION WITH THE EU IN THE

FIELD OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

President Zhaparov emphasised Kyrgyzstan’s strategic geographical

location and its growing transit potential open up broad

to a green economy and the development of renewable energy

sources is our only path to sustainable development.”

CONCLUSION: THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA FOR

EU-CENTRAL ASIA RELATIONS

innovation.

need and possibility of laying cables along the bottom of the

prospects for trade and investment and called on European

After years of under-engagement, the EU is steadily realising

Caspian Sea,” he said. “In general, I am convinced that the

businesses to take an active part in these projects on a mutually

Central Asia’s strategic role in global supply chains and connec-

Lastly, in the sphere of education and scientific cooperation,

effective investment participation of the European Union in a

beneficial basis. “We invite European partners to join large-scale

tivity. With the adoption of the European Union Strategy for Cen-

President Tokayev proposed establishing a designated Erasmus+

complex of infrastructure projects in the region will be a timely

hydropower projects being implemented in Kyrgyzstan. The flag-

tral Asia (2019), the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between

for Central Asia program for students from the region, focusing

step”, noted President Berdimuhamedov, expressing his readi-

ship Kambar-Ata-1 HPP project occupies a special place in our

the EU and Central Asia (2023), and the momentum from the EU

on training in priority areas such as AI, water resource manage-

ness to provide investors with the most favourable conditions

plans. We have already begun construction of this large hydro-

Global Gateway Strategy, the EU has enhanced its engagement

ment, and biotechnology.

for a significant expansion of trade with Europe.

power plant with capacity of 1,860 MW and a projected output of

with Central Asia. Turbulence in the wider geopolitical arena has,

5.6 billion kWh per year. This project is being implemented jointly

in many ways, further cleared Europe’s path to Central Asia.

H.E. EMOMALI RAHMON, PRESIDENT OF

TAJIKISTAN: WE INVITE THE EU TO CONTRIBUTE

TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND MODERNISATION

OF HYDROPOWER FACILITIES

Having confirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to the development

and expansion of cultural and humanitarian cooperation,

President Berdimuhamedov noted with satisfaction the effectiveness

of educational projects and programs implemented by the

EU in this region over many years. He proposed considering the

possibility of developing a joint project in the field of vocational

with our neighbours Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan,” the President

said.

President Zhaparov said that Kyrgyzstan is interested in expanding

cooperation with the European Union in the field of renewable

energy and energy-efficient technologies: “Over the past year, we

With the region rapidly becoming a focal point for European

investment, a plethora of new areas of cooperation was explored

at the Summit in Samarkand, including digital technologies,

transport, and raw materials. The Summit’s outcomes reaffirmed

the growing strategic relevance of Central Asia for the EU and

laid the foundation for long-term cooperation rooted in mutual

Recalling the contribution of the European Union to the crea-

education, stating that he considers this very important from

have commissioned 18 small hydropower plants, and this year

interests and global priorities.

tion and modernisation of green energy generation capacity in

the point of view of training highly qualified technical personnel

we are building another 15 such plants. At the same time, we

Tajikistan, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, emphasised

working in high-tech enterprises.

have launched solar energy projects with a total capacity of over

All photos: Central Asia – European Union Summit Goverment of

the EU’s successful participation in the implementation of the

400 MW. In the context of global climate change, the transition

Uzbekistan

16 17

SAMARKAND CLIMATE FORUM

Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges:

Consolidation for Common Prosperity

Climate change represents one of the most serious threats of

our time. This issue remains at the forefront of global expert

discussions and is regularly raised on the highest international

platforms. In this regard, UN Secretary-General António Guterres

has described the current situation as a “triple planetary crisis,”

encompassing climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental

pollution.

Both Central Asia and Europe are warming twice as fast as the

rest of the world. And both already feel the impact. In Central

Asia, stretching between icy mountains and burning deserts, the

threat of climate change is existential. Year after year, the snow

line is rising ever higher up the mountains, the melting of glaciers

is accelerating and the water line is falling ever lower in the wells.

The region’s water supply has dropped to a quarter of what it

was just half a century ago.

The Samarkand Climate Forum, held in the historic city of

Uzbekistan on April 4-5 following the Central Asia-European

Union Summit which elevated the cooperation between the

EU and Central Asia regions to the strategic level, provided an

opportunity to identify mutually acceptable solutions for climate

adaptation, draw global attention to regional environmental challenges

and strengthen multilateral cooperation. It counted with

the participation of the presidents of five Central Asian countries

and the presidents of the European Council and European

Commission.

Its significance was further underscored by the participation of

three Under-Secretaries-General of the United Nations, heads of

UN environmental organisations and conventions, international financial

institutions, representatives from more than 30 countries,

international organisations and agencies (UNCCD, FAO, UNIDO,

UNECE, and others), as well as ministers and leading experts

in the field of ecology. This diverse participation underscored a

collective commitment to green transformation and sustainable

development in the region.

UZBEKISTAN: LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Opening the forum, the host, President of Uzbekistan, H.E.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, defined the problem Central Asia faces in

very clear terms:

“Last year was the first one ever when the average global temperature

rose by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. The past decade

was the hottest period in the entire history of meteorological

observations. As the result, today all of us feel the negative effect

of climate crises – growing scales of wildfires and desertification,

melting of glaciers, increasing shortage of water resources, air

pollution. It is estimated that by 2040, with to the reduction of the

flows of Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, the countries of Central

Asia will face an “extremely high” level of water stress. We are

already experiencing the consequences of one of the major tragedies

– the drying up of the Aral Sea.

A key outcome of the event was the presentation of the

Samarkand Forum’s Regional Concept of Green Development,

laying out a strategic framework for investments in green energy

and environmental sustainability, and a consensus was reached

to adopt it at COP30 in Brazil.

Climate change is inextricably linked to food and energy security.

Fertile lands are rapidly decreasing while the region’s population

is growing, and in 25 years from now, it can surpass 100 million

people. Today, over 20 percent of the land in the region is exposed

to degradation. In a quarter of a century, crop yields may

decrease by a third.”

18 19

Today, Uzbekistan is one of the key drivers of regional coopera-

He highlighted several national initiatives to combat climate

tion in addressing climate change and a leading force in trans-

change, including a tree-planting campaign across Kazakhstan,

forming Central Asia into a hub for green economy and clean

a special forest conservation program, the Taza Kazakhstan envi-

energy. Green development has become a top priority of

ronmental campaign to raise awareness, especially among youth,

Uzbekistan’s state policy, reflected in the adoption of several

and also joint work with Uzbekistan on greening the bottom of

long-term strategies aimed at tackling environmental challenges,

the Aral Sea.

preserving biodiversity, and achieving the UN Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs). Moreover, the Uzbekistan Development

According to the President, Kazakhstan is contributing to global

Strategy until 2030 has placed climate issues as a top priority,

efforts to support vulnerable countries and views the green

reinforcing the state’s responsibility in addressing global sustain-

transition as a strategic priority. The country is implementing one

ability challenges. The country intends to increase the share of

of the world’s largest green hydrogen projects, alongside major

renewables to 54 percent in the next five years, which will allow

wind and solar energy ventures with leading global corporations.

for the decrease of greenhouse gas emissions by almost 16

President Tokayev announced plans to build Kazakhstan’s first

million tons.

nuclear power plant to reduce emissions and improve its energy

security, stressing that the country produces nearly 40 percent of

It is also worth noting that in 2023, Uzbekistan joined the Climate

the world’s uranium. This is crucial, given that almost 10 percent

Club – a voluntary coalition of 43 countries with high climate am-

of the world’s electricity is generated by nuclear power plants.

bitions, established at COP28. The club serves as a platform for

The President noted that Kazakhstan’s vast steppes offer enor-

sharing best practices in industrial decarbonisation and enhanc-

mous opportunities for carbon farming and ecosystem restora-

ing global collective climate action. The Climate Club focuses on

tion. He stressed the country’s strength in rare earth and critical

three key areas: implementing transparent emissions reduction

raw materials essential for clean tech production.

policies, transforming industry, and strengthening international

cooperation. Its main objective is to accelerate climate action to

Addressing water security, President Tokayev warned that per

renewable sources, and according to the plan, by 2032 it will

Their number and scale are increasing every year. Over the past

reach global net-zero emissions and support the implementation

capita water availability in Central Asia has declined by 30 per-

completely switch to the production of electricity from renewable

70 years, the area of glaciers in Kyrgyzstan has decreased by

of the Paris Agreement.

cent in the past 20 years, while 70 percent of water resources are

sources.

16 percent, and by 2100 over half of them may be lost.

trans-boundary. He called for international support in advancing

The Samarkand Climate Forum was rich in new and concrete

water-saving technologies, smart irrigation, and hydrological

It was emphasised that the glaciers of Tajikistan are the main

In accordance with the Nationally Determined Contributions,

initiatives, among which the proposal by President Mirziyoyev

monitoring, and proposed the formation of a Central Asian Water

source of water resources in the region, and 60 percent of the

Kyrgyzstan plans to reduce emissions by 16 percent by 2030

to hold a regional tree-planting campaign “Green Belt of Central

and Energy Partnership. On biodiversity, President Tokayev

water in Central Asia is formed within the territory of Tajikistan

under the “business as usual” scenario, and by 44 percent with

Asia” annually on the eve the Navruz holiday. President Mirziyoyev

announced the creation of an International Biodiversity Fund to

President Rahmon expressed concern about the melting of

international support. It plans to achieve carbon neutrality by de-

urthermore proposed to establish the Secretariat of the EU’s

protect endangered species.

glaciers, including the complete melting of about 1,300 out of

veloping renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency,

“Water-Energy-Climate Change” Team Europe Initiative in

14,000 glaciers in Tajikistan over the past fifty years. This is a

reducing coal consumption through gasification, reducing losses

Tashkent to mobilise financing, technologies and competencies.

The Heads of State of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan placed particular

very alarming trend, since the glaciers of Tajikistan are not only a

in the transmission and distribution of electricity, and improving

emphasis on the issue of financing. The President of Tajikistan,

source of water for the region, but also play an important role in

heating systems in cities. To this end, over the past four years,

The European Union is already fighting the effects of climate

H.E. Emomali Rahmon, recalled the annual amount of financing

maintaining the climate balance of the region.

18 small hydroelectric power plants have been commissioned in

change through development projects in the region. The EU

for climate programs in Tajikistan, emphasising that it amounts

Kyrgyzstan. Together with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, a project

is preparing to launch a significant environmental project in

to more than USD 400 million: “In such conditions, only the joint

The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Sadyr Zhaparov, drew

to build the Kambarata hydropower plant has commenced.

Uzbekistan in 2025 aimed at restoring degraded lands in the

efforts of the countries of the region and the support of the

attention to the fact that countries allocate billions of dollars

lower Aral Sea basin. This is helping Central Asia’s farmers adapt

world community will help us overcome these problems”, said

in funding for wars and conflicts, while incomparably small-

In addition, the country is implementing the national program

to a drier climate, using technology to save water and monitor

President Rahmon.

er amounts are allocated for combating climate change and

“Zhashyl Muras” to increase forest cover, with the aim of increas-

its usage. On a more industrial level, the EU is investing in clean

protecting the environment. He also noted that the process and

ing the country’s potential to absorb greenhouse gas emissions.

energy across this region, including the record-breaking Rogun

According to the Head of State, over the past twenty years,

mechanism for obtaining climate financing is still complex, with

Lastly, President Zhaparov expressed gratitude to internation-

dam in Tajikistan and the Kambarata dam in Kyrgyzstan, which

water and climate-related programs proposed by Tajikistan have

financial resources distributed through a large number of different

al partners for the support in the adoption by the UN General

will generate enough energy not only for their two countries but

been actively implemented on the global stage, and special

funds and banking structures, which does not contribute to their

Assembly of the resolution Sustainable Mountain Development at

also to export across Central Asia.

attention is paid to the issues of climate change and environmen-

effective and fair distribution. He proposed restructuring the

Kirgyzstan’s initiative, within the framework of which 2023-2027

tal sustainability: “The adoption of 14 relevant resolutions of the

external public debt of countries through the use of debt replace-

have been declared The Five Years of Action for the Develop-

KEY ISSUES: REGIONAL COOPERATION &

SUSTAINABLE FINANCING

United Nations General Assembly at the initiative of Tajikistan has

laid a solid foundation for achieving coordinated global goals in

the field of water.”

ment/swap mechanisms for specific green projects.

Last year, the Kyrgyz Republic faced a sharp increase in the

number of landslides, which led to significant damage to infra-

ment of Mountain Regions, expected to conclude in 2027 with

the Second Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek+25”, which will

summarise the results of the Five Years of Action and determine

further steps to preserve mountain ecosystems and sustainable

President of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev empha-

It was noted that Tajikistan currently produces 98 percent of its

structure, deaths and displacement of people. In addition, we are

development of mountain regions.

sised the urgent need for coordinated action among Central

electricity from its own hydropower sources, and the country

witnessing intensive melting of glaciers and a reduction in the

Asian countries in response to accelerating climate change.

ranks sixth in the world in terms of green energy production from

area of glaciation, low water levels, drought and desertification.

20 21

H.E. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan,

translate these goals in concrete projects we have to deliver on

spoke of his country’s efforts in preserving and strengthening

the ground. President von der Leyen encouraged all countries

good-neighbourliness, development and cooperation in Central

in the region to join the effort, “because every country in Central

Asia, for example, through the establishment of the Regional

Asia has huge potential for sustainable energy – you know the in-

Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia in

gredients, from wind to solar, from hydro to geothermal.” That is

Ashgabat. Moreover, in order to establish a mechanism for water

why the European Union is investing in clean energy across Cen-

use from trans-boundary rivers in the region, Turkmenistan has

tral Asia, including the record-breaking Rogun dam in Tajikistan,

proposed at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly to es-

and the Kambarata dam in Kyrgyzstan. They will power up new

tablish a UN Regional Council on water management in Central

strategic industries, for instance to process raw materials. They

Asian countries with headquarters in Ashgabat and to acceler-

will help electrify transport corridors and produce clean hydrogen

ate the process of adopting the UN Conventions on the Amu

that could be sold abroad.

Darya and Syr Darya Rivers. Once operational, the UN Regional

Council, in close cooperation with all Central Asian states, will

And third: critical raw materials are crucial to the global clean

coordinate actions on water management, organise interaction

transition. Central Asia boasts a significant share of global

between departmental structures of the region, and develop a

reserves: almost 40 percent of all manganese, 30 percent of

legal framework for water use.

chromium, as well as titanium, graphite and rare earths. The

EU is not interested in extracting and exploiting Central Asia’s

URSULA VON DER LEYEN: EVEN IF SOME

COUNTRIES HAVE DECIDED TO LOOK AWAY,

THE PROTECTION OF OUR NATURE MUST

CONTINUE TO BE AT THE TOP OF OUR GLOBAL

AGENDA

resources. Rather, “we want to build local value chains for these

critical minerals. We can help extract them while respecting the

environment, that is so important. And we want to boost your

processing capacity and research facilities”, concluded President

von der Leyen.

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der

Leyen reassured her fellow leaders that climate security and the

A RESULTS-ORIENTED FORUM

management-based jobs and small and medium enterprises; and

climate change mitigation, and the sustainable use of natural

protection of nature will have a central place in the new strategic

One of the major outcomes of the Samarkand Climate Forum

investments in nature-based tourism and protected areas.”

resources. The document aims to implement specific measures

partnership announced between Central Asia and the EU. Her

was the launch by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protec-

in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, support the country’s sustaina-

messages were threefold:

tion, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan and the World Bank of

Uzbekistan has limited forest resources. According to data, the

ble, climate-resilient, and low-carbon development, and help fulfil

the Resilient Landscapes Restoration Project (RESILAND). The

forest-covered land area under the Forestry Agency amounts to

international agreements.

First, Europe wants to work alongside Central Asia in adapting

World Bank will provide USD 153 million in financing to support

4.4 million hectares, which makes up 10.6 percent of the total

to a changing climate. Already today, climate adaptation is a

project activities, which are part of a broader regional program

land area. Over the past 10 years, serious attention has been

In addition, a Memorandum was signed between the Ministry

crucial part of the EU’s Global Gateway investment agenda:

supporting five Central Asian countries in rehabilitating degraded

given to increasing forested areas in the Republic. One example

of Ecology of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Natural Resources

“For instance, we are creating a new green belt in the Aral Sea

forests and lands.

of this is the significant expansion of afforestation on the dried

of Kyrgyzstan to allocate quotas for training specialists at the

basin, bringing life back to what is now a salty desert. And

seabed of the Aral Sea.

Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change

we are helping Central Asia’s farmers adapt to a drier climate,

The project aims to expand sustainable landscape manage-

Studies (Green University). Under the agreement, up to nine

using technology to save water and monitor its usage. This is

ment, restore degraded forested lands across Uzbekistan, and

“The World Bank is proud to support the government of

quotas will be provided to students from Kyrgyzstan. The goal is

the same transition that many farmers in the European Union

strengthen regional cooperation on trans-boundary landscape

Uzbekistan in its efforts to restore degraded lands,” noted

to enhance regional cooperation and train qualified professionals

are also going through. Those same European farmers are now

restoration. The relevant project activities will be implement-

Tatiana Proskuryakova, World Bank Regional Director for Central

in the fields of ecology and climate change.

exploring innovative solutions for instance, by using our satellites

ed in six provinces across the country, including Samarkand,

Asia. “Through this new project, the country will join the Resilient

to monitor the soil, and adopting new genomic techniques with

Surkhandarya, Syrdarya, Jizzakh, Namangan, and Kashkadarya

Landscapes in Central Asia Program (RESILAND CA+), funded

Lastly, a Strategic Cooperation Agreement was signed with the

climate change-resistant plants. So let us join forces on innova-

provinces.

by the World Bank. The Program is designed to increase resil-

UNICEF Representative Office in Uzbekistan. It envisions joint ef-

tive solutions and address the new reality of a changing climate

ience to climate change in urban and rural areas of Kazakhstan,

forts to protect the environment, adapt to climate change, reduce

together.”

“The project we launch today jointly with the World Bank will

the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

the risk of natural disasters, and ensure inclusive and sustainable

help the government achieve the goals under the Concept for

The regional cooperation component of the RESILAND Project

services for children. Special attention will be given to increasing

Second, joining forces to speed up the global transition to clean

Developing Uzbekistan’s Forest System until 2030. These

will enable Uzbekistan to restore degraded forests and lands in

children’s participation in addressing urgent environmental issues

energy. Last year, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan joined

include expanding the area of forests across the country to 6.1

trans-boundary landscapes”.

and safeguarding their health and well-being.

the EU-UAE-led Global Pledge to triple renewable energy capac-

million hectares by the end of this decade,” noted H.E. Aziz

ity and double energy efficiency gains worldwide by 2030 that

Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection,

The Ministry of Ecology, environmental protection and climate

All photos: Central Asia – European Union Summit Goverment of

was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai

and Climate Change of Uzbekistan. “Through tree-based land-

change of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a number of other

Uzbekistan

(COP28). In January, the Global Energy Transition Forum was

scape restoration interventions in areas with degraded lands, the

agreements on the sidelines of the Forum. A Memorandum of

launched in the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos

project will contribute to increased resilience of landscapes, food

Understanding was signed with the German Society for Interna-

to keep the momentum of this agreement and, importantly, to

systems, people, and infrastructure; creation of natural resource

tional Cooperation (GIZ) in the fields of environmental protection,

22 23

Saida Mirziyoyeva, Advisor to the President of the Republic

of Uzbekistan, participated in the high-level dialogue “Climate

Change in Focus: Shaping the Future Through Collective Action”

as part of the Samarkand Climate Forum on 4-5 April.

The Central Asian region, with its diverse ecosystems – from

glaciers to deserts – is particularly vulnerable. Over the last 70

years, temperatures here have risen 1.5-2°C, well above the

global average.

SAIDA MIRZIYOYEVA

ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT

OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

Climate knows no borders – neither should solutions

No example illustrates the consequences of environmental

degradation better than the tragedy of the Aral Sea. Once the

fourth-largest lake in the world, it has been reduced to a fraction

of its former size, leaving behind the Aralkum Desert. The toxic

dust from the exposed seabed accelerates glacial melt making

the Aral Sea crisis, a global issue, which necessitates a global

call for action.

In response, H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan,

proposed the development of the Central Asian Green Development

Concept at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. This

concept aims to strengthen regional cooperation on several key

fronts:

• Enhancing climate resilience and adaptation;

• Promoting sustainable urban development;

• Advancing green technologies and renewable energy;

• Protecting public health and addressing climate-induced

migration;

• Developing sustainable tourism.

By facing this common challenge together, we can transform

Central Asia into a global leader in sustainable growth, ensuring

a greener, nurturing, more prosperous future for generations to

come.

We look forward to adopting Central Asian Green Development

Concept at the upcoming UN Climate Conference COP30 in

Brazil.

Last year, President Mirziyoyev has entrusted me with leading the

development of the Aral Sea region and Karakalpakstan. As a citizen

of Uzbekistan and a mother, this mission is deeply personal

to me, because it is about restoring life to our communities and

securing a better future for our children.

WE ARE ADDRESSING THIS CRISIS THROUGH

THREE KEY PILLARS:

POLICY REFORM

Uzbekistan has declared the Aral Sea region a “zone of environmental

innovation”, focusing on sustainable water management,

climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy.

We are also working closely with our neighbours on trans-boundary

water governance – because rivers do not stop at borders,

and neither should solutions.

ECONOMIC INVESTMENT

Our government has committed over USD 80 million this year

to modernize infrastructure, build schools and hospitals, and

improve water supply. Through the UN Multi-Partner Human

Security Trust Fund, we have also mobilized USD14 million for

community-driven projects.

CULTURAL REVITALIZATION

Healing ecosystems goes hand in hand with healing communities.

In the next two days, we will launch the Aral Culture Summit

in Nukus – a unique platform uniting artists, scientists, and activists

to explore creative paths toward environmental and social

renewal. I warmly invite you to attend.

Climate action is about more than policies – it’s about people,

stories, and shared hope. The revival of the Aral Sea region depends

on global expertise and passion – from hydrologists and

agronomists to engineers and now artists.

Across Central Asia, climate change demands collective responses,

shared resources, and mutual support. From glaciers in

Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to the deserts of Kazakhstan and

Turkmenistan, we are all connected. Our shared resilience depends

on unity and commitment.

Let us turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities – for

the Aral Sea, for Central Asia, and for our planet.

Photo: Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of The Republic of Uzbekistan

Photo: Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of The Republic of Uzbekistan

24 25

LEADERS OF CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES

AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

VIEWED AN EXHIBITION DEDICATED

TO THE ARAL SEA CULTURE SUMMIT

After the first high-level official meeting in the “Central Asia –

European Union” format, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on 3-4

April, Central Asian and EU leaders jointly visited the exhibition of

the Island Culture Summit.

The exhibition showcased unique initiatives aimed at restoring

the Aral Sea ecosystem, preserving the region’s cultural heritage,

and promoting sustainable development. Here, visitors can

explore the natural and cultural richness of the Aral Sea through

visual, sensory, and interactive tools.

The exhibition includes the works of Iwan Baan, a famous

photographer specializing in architecture and landscape

photography, a floristic composition made of reeds, a plant

typical for Karakalpakstan, as well as traditional products of

the Aral Bay – saxaul seeds, shells, natural salt, dried incense,

patterned felt and many other exhibits.

Photos: Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and

Climate Change of The Republic of Uzbekistan

26 27

Photos: Diplomatic World

28 29

THE HONOURABLE KERRIE D. SYMMONDS

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

AND FOREIGN TRADE OF BARBADOS

I genuinely feel that Barbados finds itself

at a transformative point

Meeting with HRVP Kaja Kallas

BARBADOS IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE

CLIMATE CRISIS. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

AHEAD OF COP30?

I will tell your readers honestly that I approach COP very cautiously.

My ambitions are very few, and frankly very guarded. I

have no doubt that you will ask me why, and my answer to that

would be that we are confronting two serious challenges as we

go into COP. The first, and perhaps most significant, is that we

have to manage a mounting sense of frustration on the part of

people in the developing South. In the islands of the Caribbean,

in particular, there is a sense of despondency about the amount

of conversations we have had, the frequency with which we

report that there have been commitments, but then there is a

shortfall in the context of delivery. In Egypt, at COP28, we got the

loss & damage commitment. Three years later, only 760 million

US Dollars have been pledged towards the loss & damage fund.

I am not sure even half of that has been realised in terms of

actual delivery.

By way of illustration, last year Hurricane Beryl swept through the

Caribbean impacting both St. Vincent and Grenada. In each case

the loss and damage easily exceeded 700 million US Dollars.

Clearly, there is an under-delivery, and that is the root of the

frustration and disappointment.

At the same time, there is the reality that the major polluters of

the world are distracted and revenue expenditure is now being

increased for defence purposes in Europe.

The second challenge is related to those who think that climate

change is a hoax. Until everyone sees climate change as a real

threat, and an existential threat, they will not be taking it seriously.

And that is why my expectations are rather low.

LAST YEAR BARBADOS MADE HISTORY BY

LAUNCHING THE WORLD’S FIRST DEBT-FOR-

CLIMATE-RESILIENCE OPERATION. THE DEAL

GENERATED USD 125 MILLION IN FISCAL SAVINGS

WHICH WILL BE CHANNELLED INTO NEW RESIL-

IENCE INVESTMENTS

The Debt-for-Climate Resilience Conversion is a ground-breaking

initiative, the first of its kind, which we hope will be a catalyst for

new, innovative climate investments.

The debt-for-climate swap allows Barbados to invest in building

resilience in the island without increasing our debt burden and

is being channelled into upgrading our water infrastructure. In

the south coast of Barbados, a state-of-the-art sewage treatment

plant will treat wastewater to the tertiary level and provide

reclaimed water for agriculture and aquifer replenishment.

Considering the changing climate patterns, Barbados sometimes

experiences periods of substantial flooding and on other occasions

periods of extended drought. Two years ago, we had six

months of drought and the rainfall pattern was probably less than

50 percent than would have been the normal over the past 30-40

years. Therefore, we have to treat water as a very scarce and

precious commodity.

I wish to take a moment to emphasise that the debt-for-climate

resilience conversion exemplifies measures that Barbados and

like-minded partners have been calling for under the Bridgetown

Initiative: namely affordable, long-term climate finance tailored

for vulnerable states. This project is a practical demonstration

wherein the reforms proposed in the Bridgetown Initiative are

being put into action.

We are convinced that this model is scalable and can be used

by other climate-vulnerable nations facing high debt burdens.

We also consider that the model can be applied to sectors other

than climate, such as a debt-for-social swap targeting education,

health, or poverty reduction. We must create a system where

resilience financing is accessible, affordable, and transformative.

CURRENTLY, BARBADOS HOLDS THE CHAIR-

MANSHIP OF THE CLIMATE VULNERABLE FORUM

(CVF), A GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP OF COUNTRIES

THAT ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED

BY THE CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE.

WHAT PRIORITIES IS THE COUNTRY PURSUING?

We are keeping our eyes on the ball! That is the most important

thing for the disproportionately impacted countries of the South.

We have to continue hammering home the message that climate

change is not a hoax. This is a matter of life and death for us.

One of the important issues to which we want to focus the

attention of the world is the way in which we treat the insurance

aspect of the climate crisis. We have seen the slow but certain

retreat of insurance companies along the Western Seaboard

United States, insofar as that part of the world is impacted by

wildfires. We have seen rising premiums. We have seen the lack

of desire to continue to offer insurance products in some parts

of South Eastern Seaboard of the United States because of the

massive amounts of loss. Those are things that the US can

Meeting with OACPS Secretary-General, H.E. Moussa S. Batraki

30 31

absorb. Small islands of the Caribbean cannot. Therefore, we

have to keep the insurance companies at the table.

Also, we have new types of financing, such as debt-for-climate

swaps, which are maybe more complex to put together but they

allow us to bypass capital markets in order to borrow. And of

course, we would like to see more flexibility in the operations of

multilateral banks. For example, the World Bank has so-called

THE OLDEST SURVIVING INTEGRATION MOVE-

MENT IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD. PRIME

MINISTER MOTTLEY HAS STATED THAT “WE

HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO REFORM THIS IN-

STITUTION”. WHAT ARE THE REFORMS THAT ARE

NEEDED TO MAKE CARICOM FIT FOR PURPOSE

IN THE 21ST CENTURY?

We are really indebted to the European Union. Part of the reason

we are here is because I wanted to have some face-to-face

conversations with the leadership of the EU. There is active collaboration

and cooperation between the EU and Barbados – as

well as the Caribbean – in several sectors. These areas include

pharmaceutical research and production, energy transition and

renewable energy generation and storage, digital transformation,

water management and fighting sargassum.

catastrophe drawdowns, which are development policy loans

Indeed, Prime Minister Mottley said those words at the opening

with a catastrophe deferred drawdown option. This is a contin-

of 48th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government Confer-

In the areas of pharmacological production our relationship with

gent financing line that provides immediate liquidity for countries

ence. The reforms needed are very simple. We have to anchor

the European Investment Bank has enabled Barbados and the

to address shocks related to natural disasters and/or health-re-

our own financing. What we have witnessed very recently – the

Co-operative Republic of Guyana to enter into a partnership.

lated events. However, this is usually attended by a requirement

confirmation of the intention by the US to substantially cut

After the COVID-19 experience, we realised it was very difficult to

for oversight of a country’s macroeconomic activities.

funding to the UN – should send a clear signal to all multilateral

access vaccines. Now we are trying to be self-sufficient.

agencies that you are not well served if you do not protect your

The question now is whether this should be the criteria for ac-

own interests. We have to anchor the financing for the Secretariat

In our agricultural sector, we are now doing vertical farming in

cessing emergency funding. Of course, we all should aim to have

of the Caribbean Community and the administration of its day-to-

Barbados. We have started to make our poultry production in

sound macroeconomic management. But is that criteria which

day business.

climate-controlled circumstances, after having lost tens of thou-

is truly appropriate for emergency responses when schools and

sands of birds in the heat of summer.

hospitals have to be urgently rebuilt? Surely no country should

In the minds of our leaders there are a couple of options. One of

have to choose between dealing with a disaster and providing

which may well be to use the fact that the region is one of the

These are some of the developments which come about as a

social services to its citizens.

most sought after in the planet in terms of tourism performance.

result of our partnership with the EU and its financial institutions.

Perhaps this can take the form of some adjustment to the entry

BARBADOS HAS BEEN ADVOCATING FOR A

REFORM OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AND FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE – INCLUDING

CLIMATE FINANCE – THROUGH THE BRIDGETOWN

INITIATIVE. WHAT ARE THE MAIN CALLS FOR

ACTION INCLUDED IN THIS INITIATIVE?

fees into our territories, so that this small fee can be utilised and

segregated for the purpose of the management of the CARICOM.

Our region is also very much sought after in terms of renewable

energy investments. The issuing of licenses could be a way

in which we can solve the problem of anchoring our financial

requirements for the management of the secretariat, without

impacting the cost of living in the region.

WHAT PROGRESS IS BARBADOS MAKING

TOWARDS THE 2030 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOP-

MENT GOALS? HOW IS THE GOVERNMENT OF

BARBADOS INTEGRATING AND MAINSTREAMING

THE SDGS INTO ITS NATIONAL PROGRAMMES

AND POLICIES?

Opening of the Chancery

In the field energy, we aim to cut our dependency on fossil fuels

completely by 2035 – but this entails substantial investments

via climate financing processes to attain technologies enabling

We recognise that resilience will remain elusive if the global finan-

Mainstreaming is key to it. We see each of the 2030 SDGs as

Research & Innovation (R&I) and at the same time tackling SDG

cial system is not reformed. This is why the priorities of the third

The second thing is governance, and I am talking to you in

being cross-cutting themes in all of the policy interventions which

ambitions.

iteration of the Bridgetown Initiative include:

Brussels: here you have a Commission, a Council, and a Parlia-

we are shaping. In addition to that, climate itself is now being

• Scaling debt for development swaps through the establish-

ment. We have neither the equivalent of the Commission nor the

treated as a cross-cutting into all of the policy interventions.

All this is part of the economic transformation of the country,

ment of a USD 1 billion guarantee pool.

Parliament. I think this is what our Prime Minister is signalling, to

which is an agenda that sees us to be able to become SDG

• Scaling local currency solutions to unlock domestic private

deepen some of the political response capacities of CARICOM,

For example, take SDG 1, which pertains to poverty reduction:

compliant and climate responsible at the same time.

capital.

as part of the reform process.

Coastal Barbados is full of fishing communities, whose live-

• Addressing bottlenecks in post disaster contingent financing to

enhance recovery in vulnerable countries.

In other words, we have to try to make more use of the new

types of funding initiatives such as a debt-for-climate, sustainability

swaps, and others. We need to remove the bottlenecks for

drawdowns of financing in the event of catastrophe.

These are not radical ideas. They are practical solutions to aid

in the adaption and mitigation that vulnerable countries must

undergo in the face of the climate crisis.

THIS YEAR, BARBADOS IS ALSO CHAIRING

THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM),

Of course there are some things you have achieved in Europe

that we have not, even though we are one of the longest established

integration movements. One of our ambitions is to achieve

full free movement between CARICOM members, and part of the

reform process must be about removing the impediments that

still exist.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN VECTORS OF COOPERA-

TION BETWEEN BARBADOS AND THE EU? HOW IS

THE EU SUPPORTING BARBADOS IN ACHIEVING

SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

ALIGNED WITH THE GLOBAL GATEWAY STRATE-

GY?

lihoods we must protect. Which means we must protect our

nearshore activity, we must avoid pollution on our beaches, we

must protect the coral reef – and that is a climate issue.

There is also SDG 6, concerning access to clean water. Barbados

has been subjected to periods of significant drought, and we

tackle this from many angles. One is the debt-for-climate swap,

so we can dedicate resources to our agriculture sector. We have

also begun the process of replacing 2,500 kilometres of mains

(pipes) across the island which were laid a century ago by the

British colonisers. Those mains have rusted and leaking badly –

and we are now at the stage in which we lose 40 percent of the

water we produce. We have to replace those pipes, which can

come at a substantial cost, into the billions of dollars.

SINCE THE PANDEMIC, GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS

HAVE CONTINUED TO FACE CHALLENGES. THOSE

COUNTRIES WHICH STAND TO FEEL THE BRUNT

HARDEST ARE SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING

STATES (SIDS), LIKE BARBADOS. HOW HAS YOUR

COUNTRY WORKED TO FIND WAYS TO RESTRUC-

TURE SUPPLY CHAINS AND INCREASE THEIR

RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY?

Last year, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNC-

TAD) and the Government of Barbados organised the first Global

Supply Chain Forum in Barbados. The forum was well attended,

we had over 1,000 participants visit the island for it.

32 33

That is talking the talk. The country has also set the example by

walking the walk. To that end, we have invested heavily in partnership

with countries like Guyana, which is along with Belize the

agricultural basket of the Caribbean. Guyana is very close to us

and we are now establishing a relationship where a lot of investment

in agricultural produce will be made in Guyana, brought into

Barbados, where value added will be done – the blast freezing,

the packaging, the marketing and the movement of the produce

across the island chain, and perhaps even into the diaspora

in Europe. In that regard what we are doing is removing the

middleman, making ourselves less dependent and equally more

self-sufficient in the context of food security.

The supply chain between Barbados and Guyana is a perfect

example of South-South cooperation and creation of new supply

chains, giving us a level of food security that we would not

ordinarily have if we have to rely entirely on the existing supply

IN RECENT YEARS, THE TERM “DIASPORA

DIPLOMACY” HAS EMERGED TO DESCRIBE AN

IMPORTANT AREA WITHIN THE DIPLOMATIC

AGENDA, AS GOVERNMENTS HAVE BECOME

MORE ATTENTIVE TO THE POTENTIAL AND IN-

FLUENCE OF THOSE CITIZENS WHO ARE RESID-

ING OUTSIDE OF THEIR NATION’S BORDERS AND

HAVE GROWN TO RECOGNISE THE VALUE IN HAR-

NESSING THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THEIR

DIASPORA. BARBADOS HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL

IN INSTITUTIONALISING DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT

WITHIN A FRAMEWORK OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC,

AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT. BEYOND REMIT-

TANCES, HOW ARE YOU ENGAGING THE DIAS-

PORA TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ECONOMIC AND

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT OF BARBADOS?

chains. Another example is that we have adjusted our trade ar-

The remittances have never been a major focus of Barbados’

rangements with Colombia (we have now a CARICOM-Colombia

relationship with the diaspora – and that is perhaps a good thing,

trade agreement) and that will enable us to get produce made in

it suggests we were able to function without having to rely too

Colombia, like coffee and so on, more easily and less expensively.

heavily on them.

We still rely on existing supply chains, which we do not intend to

But the truth is that we want to work more closely with the

replace, but are creating new alternatives that gives the consum-

diaspora. This year, 2025, is the year of what we call WeGatherin’

er the chance to source less expensively and have other options.

2025, an open invitation for Bajans around the world to recon-

It is all about diversification.

nect with their roots. We have invited the diaspora from around

the world to come to Barbados – this is a year-long experience.

Throughout the year, every parish, from the cliffs of St. Lucy to

the markets of Bridgetown will be buzzing with events that touch

Bridgetown Parliament Buildings

on everything we hold dear: faith, heritage, friends and family,

community, sports and our environment.

The objective is not only to get people to return for a visit, but we

are also enabling the diaspora to harness their skills. We want to

see them as potential investors in Barbados. Very often we speak

about Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the context of the large

capitalists coming from Europe. There are a number of people in

NATIONAL DECADE FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN

DESCENT TO CONFRONT THE LEGACIES OF

ENSLAVEMENT AND COLONIALISM, DELIVER

REPARATORY JUSTICE, AND SECURE THE FULL

HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF PEOPLE OF

AFRICAN DESCENT WORLDWIDE?

North Atlantic. This brain drain deprives us of opportunities, but

we can now do the reverse and help you, Europeans, because

part of our core business that we do at a globally competitive

level is education.

That type of cooperation with the industrial North is something

we have to look at doing. I equally feel that South-South cooper-

the Barbadian diaspora who have, by dint of hard work, pulled

I think that a long conversation is still going to go on the topic of

ation should be strengthened, building bridges with the Caribbe-

themselves up by their bootstraps and are now in a position to

reparations. Beyond reparations, there is an opportunity for us

an and African communities, which we have romantically thought

repatriate funds and to make concrete investments in business-

during this Second Decade to ask ourselves what we can do dif-

about it before, but in a concrete way. Part of this decade I think,

es, particularly SMEs, and help employ people in Barbados.

ferently, and even perhaps change the nature of the relationship

it the decade when we must now try and remove the middleman,

we have had with the industrialised world. As post-colonial coun-

and pull the South closer together.

We are also working with our diaspora in an unprecedented way

tries, we have done some things extremely well. In Barbados,

– helping them be more effective in their communities.

we built an education system which we believe is comparable to

Let me conclude by saying that I genuinely feel that Barbados

anyone to be found in Europe or North America. We have built a

finds itself at a transformative point. Our mission is to make

We are paying close attention to the challenges confronting

healthcare system which we believe is virtually second to none.

Barbados the transformation story of the century. In doing this,

Barbadian and CARICOM Diaspora in the United States. Our

there is going to be a lot of heavy lifting, but we have a vision of

Embassies are prepared to give them the kind of support they

We are now in a position in which we could offer to the EU to

technology change in the country, a vision of using the reputation

may need if such becomes necessary.

send some of their young people who need to be trained in nurs-

of the country and its voice of influence, thought leadership and

ing or in medicine, to us. The exposure they can get in Barbados,

socio-economic progress, wherever possible.


FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF BARBADOS, WHAT

IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A SECOND UN INTER-

enables us, at scale, to do more training. Rather than continue to

have a set of circumstances where those that we train, and this

is particularly true of nurses, are then pilfered away to work in the

All photos: Embassy of Barbados

34 35

Photo: Istock

Photo: Istock

36 37

THE HONOURABLE LEJONE MPOTJOANE


AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF

THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO

Lesotho may be small in size, but we are mighty in potential.

We are ready, and we invite the world to climb with us

On the sidelines of the third EU–AU Ministerial Meeting, held in

Brussels on May 22, 2025, Diplomatic World sat down with Hon.

Lejone Mpotjoane, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International

Relations of Lesotho, to discuss the future of the EU–AU partnership,

Lesotho’s nation branding strategy, climate resilience,

and the Kingdom’s unique positioning as a regional power in

renewable energy and water diplomacy.

THE 3RD EUROPEAN UNION-AFRICAN UNION

MINISTERIAL MEETING WAS HELD IN BRUSSELS

21 MAY 2025 TO TAKE STOCK OF PROGRESS

MADE SINCE THE SIXTH EU-AU SUMMIT OF

FEBRUARY 2022. FURTHERMORE, THE EU-AU

PARTNERSHIP MARKS ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

THIS YEAR. FROM LESOTHO’S PERSPECTIVE,

WHAT IS THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF THE

EU-AU PARTNERSHIP TO CONTINUE DELIVERING

BENEFITS FOR BOTH SIDES?

The relationship between Africa and Europe is rooted not only in

shared history, but also in deep geographic and strategic proximity.

We often forget that at its narrowest point, the distance between

our two continents is just 14 kilometres. That’s a symbolic

reminder of how close we truly are – politically, economically, and

culturally.

Together, the African Union and the European Union represent

over 40 percent of the United Nations General Assembly. This

gives us a shared responsibility – and an enormous opportunity

– to influence the global agenda. Whether we are speaking of

peace and security, sustainable development, or global governance,

we are stronger when we act together. Because when we

are together – through our two institutions, the African Union

and the European Union – we serve hundreds of millions of

citizens. We are both facing challenges – from security threats to

climate crises – and we must respond to them collectively. We

see conflicts in Europe and conflicts in Africa, and we believe

that through shared commitment, we can work toward resolving

them.

Haya Mvita Diplomatic World, Lejone Mpotjoane Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho, Mantoetsi Mohatonyane Ambassador of the Kingdom

of Lesotho and Yvan De Mesmaeker Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Lesotho

For Lesotho, the EU has always been a close and valuable

partner. Our development is intertwined – we export to European

markets, we consume European goods, and we benefit from EU

cooperation in multiple sectors. In May, I had the honour of chairing

the Lesotho-EU Partnership Dialogue, which brought together

five of our ministers and 14 representatives of EU missions.

The conversation revealed the enormous potential for further

cooperation – from climate resilience and energy to institutional

capacity-building.

Let me say it clearly: cooperation between the AU and EU is

no longer optional – it is imperative. We belong together. Our

challenges are interconnected, and so must be our solutions.

LESOTHO WAS FOUNDED UNDER THE VISIONARY

LEADERSHIP OF KING MOSHOESHOE I ON THE

PRINCIPLE OF PEACE, ‘KHOTSO’. HOW HAS

THIS INSPIRED AND GUIDED THE COUNTRY’S

APPROACH FOREIGN POLICY AND INTERNATION-

AL RELATIONS?

Indeed, our national identity is built on the foundation laid by

King Moshoeshoe I, a true statesman and diplomat long before

the term existed in its modern sense. He would often say,

“Khotso ke kgaitsedi ea ka” (meaning: peace is my sister). Even

in the era of tribal wars, he opted for diplomacy over conflict.

When other tribes prepared for battle, he would propose marriage

alliances to turn enemies into allies.

This commitment to peace is not a relic of the past. It is deeply

embedded in our national DNA. As a kingdom, Lesotho continues

to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation, whether domestically

or in our international relations. We believe that sustainable

development cannot be built on conflict. There is no real victory

in war – only loss. Even the so-called victor pays a heavy price.

That is why, even today, we advocate for peaceful resolution

of disputes. Whether in Africa or beyond, we call for inclusive

dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and mutual understanding.

Our foreign policy reflects this spirit – principled, constructive,

and committed to peace.

Lejone Mpotjoane Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of

38

Lesotho

39

GIVEN ITS SMALL DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND

LANDLOCKED GEOGRAPHY, HOW IS LESOTHO

ADVANCING ECONOMIC INTEGRATION WITHIN

THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COM-

MUNITY (SADC) AND THE AFRICAN CONTINENTAL

FREE TRADE AREA (AFCFTA)? HOW CAN LESOTHO

CAPITALISE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE

AFCFTA?

Lesotho is often referred to as the “Water Tower of Southern

has experienced record-breaking heatwaves and erratic weather

patterns. In 2023–2024, the harvest season was severely

disrupted. Crops failed. The government had to declare a state of

emergency. This is not just an environmental crisis – it is a human

crisis, especially for smallholder farmers.

We are responding on several fronts. We are working closely with

international partners, including GIZ from Germany, to strengthen

water management systems and build institutional capacity.

We’re also forming regional water governance bodies with South

for Nutrition. We are building agricultural aggregation hubs

to support rural farmers and link them to regional and global

markets. This is how we make our national brand not just visible

– but valuable.

WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY MESSAGE TO

POTENTIAL INVESTORS AND INTERNATIONAL

PARTNERS?

vast and the door remains open to all who share our values of

partnership, sustainability, and long-term impact. Lesotho stands

ready to collaborate with responsible investors who see the value

in sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Lesotho may be small in size, but we are mighty in potential. We

are ready – and we invite the world to climb with us.

Editorial Note: while the interview focused on Lesotho’s external

relations and strategic positioning, it is important to highlight

Africa.” Our highlands are the source of most major rivers in the

Africa and Botswana to jointly manage shared resources, such as

Water. That is the word I would start with. Our message is clear:

the country’s internal development efforts as well. Lesotho has

region, including those supplying Johannesburg with water – one

the Senqu River Basin.

water is our greatest asset, and through it, we offer energy

aligned its National Strategic Development Plan II with the United

of Africa’s biggest economic hubs. This is regional integration.

security, industrial opportunity, and regional stability. We invite

Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), plac-

This natural gift is more than a source of pride. It is a strategic

Domestically, we are implementing climate-smart agriculture and

partners to join us in harnessing it for energy, for industry, and for

ing particular emphasis on poverty reduction, gender equality,

asset. We are now extending water supply to Botswana, and

investing in forestation to reverse land degradation. We have also

sustainability. Investing in Lesotho means investing in the future

education, climate resilience, and access to essential services.

Namibia is next. This is how we build interconnected infrastruc-

developed our National Adaptation Plan and are active partici-

of Southern Africa. We welcome partners in mining, renewable

Ongoing reforms, including the expansion of decentralised agri-

ture that strengthens regional development. This is real regional

pants in COP negotiations. Our contribution to global emissions

energy, agro-processing, tourism and technology infrastructure –

cultural hubs, women’s economic empowerment programmes,

integration in action.

is negligible, but the impact we endure is severe. We call on

including data centres.

and investments in water infrastructure and renewable energy,

major emitters to act responsibly.

demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusive and sustainable

We are also investing heavily in renewable energy. With our

European nations, Australia, China and others are already pres-

development.

abundant water, sunshine, and wind, Lesotho is well-positioned

Climate adaptation is not easy for a small state like ours. But we

ent in our mining and textile sectors. But the potential remains

to become a net exporter of clean energy. Our goal is to produce

are resilient. We are working not just to survive the climate crisis

over 5,000 Megawatts, not just to power Lesotho, but to fuel the

– but to lead in sustainable water diplomacy for the region.

entire region.

Moreover, our high altitude and naturally cool climate make

Lesotho an ideal location for data centres, which require stable

electricity and low temperatures to operate efficiently. This presents

exciting opportunities for digital infrastructure investment.

We are also scaling up our bottled water sector. The purity of our

mountain water means minimal processing is required, making

it ideal for export across Africa and beyond. And of course, our

diamond industry continues to flourish, with high-quality stones

LESOTHO HAS HIGH POTENTIAL IN NATURAL

RESOURCE-BASED INDUSTRIES, A STRONG

CULTURAL IDENTITY AND A UNIQUE GEOGRAPH-

IC POSITIONING. HOW IS THE COUNTRY SHAPING

ITS NATIONAL BRAND ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

– PARTICULARLY IN THE CONTEXT OF TOURISM,

FOREIGN INVESTMENT AND CULTURAL

DIPLOMACY?

exported to Europe – including Belgium – and beyond.

We have outgrown the narrative of being “a small country inside

South Africa.” We now define ourselves as a great nation on top

As a signatory and active participant in the AfCFTA, we see con-

of Africa. That is not just poetic – it is geographic truth. Lesotho

tinental trade as the future. We aim to develop textile manufac-

is the highest country in the world in terms of base elevation.

turing and agricultural value chains, so that African products are

When you are in Lesotho, you’re literally on top of the continent.

traded within Africa – not just abroad. The promise is immense.

We take pride in our monarchy, our traditions, and our peaceful

governance. These are not symbols of the past – they are pillars

IN LESOTHO, CLIMATE CHANGE IS EXACERBAT-

ING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION, IMPACTING

AGRICULTURE, WATER RESOURCES AND ENER-

GY SUPPLIES. HOW IS LESOTHO RESPONDING

TO THESE CHALLENGES? WHAT ACTIONS IS IT

TAKING TO BUILD RESILIENCE AGAINST CLIMATE

SHOCKS AND TO ENSURE EFFICIENT USE OF

WATER?

of our future. We are using our cultural heritage, natural beauty,

and environmental assets to position ourselves as a destination

for eco-tourism, investment, and innovation.

Take our dams, for instance – architectural and engineering

marvels embedded in the mountains. They do not just generate

power – they tell a story of sustainable progress. We want the

world to come and see Lesotho: the landscapes, the people, the

potential.

Climate change is indeed affecting us – more extreme heat,

erratic rainfall, and floods that destroy infrastructure. Our country

On top of that, His Majesty the King is the African Union’s

Champion for Nutrition and FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador

Photo: Istock

40 41

H.E. MUSADIK MASOOD MALIK

PAKISTAN’S FEDERAL MINISTER

FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

AND ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATION

Outside of the Poles, Pakistan has the largest

number of glaciers, 13,000 or so.

When they start to melt, you can imagine the consequences.

FROM PAKISTAN’S PERSPECTIVE, WHAT IS

THE FUTURE OF THE INDUS WATERS TREATY

AFTER INDIA ANNOUNCED THE TREATY TO BE

“IN ABEYANCE”?

I have three views this topic. My first view is the macro view.

This Treaty has no provisions for anyone to withdraw from it.

We can talk about the treaty, we can renegotiate the treaty, but

no country can unilaterally withdraw. We do not recognise the Indian

suspension, because there is simply no clause under which

either country can withdraw from the Indus Waters Treaty.

Having said that, were this to be true, then I ask a very simple

question, particularly to the European Union and to the rest of

the world: is any treaty worth the weight of the paper on which it

is printed? Because any country now can take any treaty, throw

it in the face of the world and say: I’m out! What kind of world

would it be, in which the relative decency, rules-based regime,

that we have observed since World War II, is no longer there?

The second concern that I have is that 70 percent of the countries

in the world are lower riparian, and most of which do not

have any treaties – just a basic, decent understanding of water

sharing as a human right. Based on this fundamental human

right, upper riparian countries afford that basic human right

of access to water to lower riparian countries. Stopping the water

from flowing to another country is against the Charter of the

United Nations. If India, hypothetically, were to be given a right to

get out of this treaty and to stop the flow of water from an upper

riparian (them) to a lower riparian country (us), does it mean that

all those 70 percent of the countries in the world which are lower

riparian now have no such fundamental human right? Does it

mean that every country that is upper riparian is now going to

stop the water to lower riparian countries? The implication of this

Indus Waters Treaty is not limited to India and Pakistan. This has

created a precedent by which every country has been afforded

a right to choke and stop the flow of water from one country to

another.

The Indus River provides key water resources for Pakistan’s

economy: 50 percent of the livelihoods of people in Pakistan

is associated with agriculture, 25 percent of Pakistan’s GDP is

associated with agriculture. We depend on it for 100 percent of

our food security.

And third. If India believes it has the right to stop our water, then,

considering that one third of Indian water is coming from another

country, which is upper riparian to India: is India now giving that

country the rights to stop its water as well?

If you put all of these arguments together, what you end up

seeing is a very crazy world. I want to make one thing clear, and

H.E. Musadik Masood Malik, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination

Photo: Samarkand Climate Forum Government of Uzbekistan

we say this with humility but from a place of confidence and

a position of strength. India asked for ceasefire, we welcome

that, and we would like to move a step forward and change this

ceasefire into peace. Militarily we are superior, but does military

superiority mean that we do not care about the poor people of

our countries? Should we make them a fodder to our frenzy of

war and this new doctrine of Hindutva, which Prime Minister

Modi is propagating? We come here, to Brussels, in spite of

having military superiority, and we are talking about dialogue

based on equality and without hegemonic designs; peace and

fundamental human rights, in terms of access to water. The only

word that we have from Indian side is unilateralism and war.

What is their message? Has anyone heard the word “peace”

or “dialogue” coming from India? No.

During this war, India attacked Neelum Jhelum hydropower station

with rockets. This is an attack on civilian water infrastructure,

and we reserve the right to do the same. But we do not want to.

We want to sit and speak to them. But they do not wish to speak

to us either bilaterally, multilaterally or through friends such as

the UK, the EU or Belgium. If they do not wish dialogue, is war

the only option we have left between two nuclear-armed states?

Our case is based upon equality, no hegemonic designs. We’d

like to talk and engage. And we’d like to have peace. But if you

mess with us, please do not fool yourself, we know how to take

care of our borders, as we have shown.

GLACIERS ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF THE PLAN-

ET, AND THEIR PRESERVATION IS NOT JUST AN

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPERATIVE BUT A SURVIV-

AL STRATEGY FOR HUMANITY. AS PAKISTAN IS

HOME TO MORE GLACIERS THAN ANYWHERE IN

THE WORLD OUTSIDE THE POLAR REGIONS AND

RECOGNISES THE URGENCY OF SAFEGUARDING

THESE NATURAL WATER TOWERS AGAINST

CLIMATE CHANGE, COULD YOU BRIEF OUR

READERS ON PAKISTAN’S EFFORTS IN GLACIER

CONSERVATION AND RALLYING INTERNATIONAL

SUPPORT FOR THIS NOBLE CAUSE?

The damage is being done. 47 percent of the carbon dioxide

emissions of the world are done by two countries, and one of

them has pulled out of all treaties. Just in our neighbourhood,

40-45 of global carbon dioxide emissions takes place. In terms

of our commitments, this year we are 37 percent under our target

42 43

in terms of tCO2e (tons of carbon dioxide equivalent). We are a

developing country which needs energy, which needs to move

forward, which needs to create economic growth opportunities

for our children.

What can we do more in the way of mitigation? Outside of the

Poles, we have the largest number of glaciers, 13,000 or so, and

some of them tens of miles in length. When they start to melt you

have oceans brewing within these glaciers, and when they burst,

you can imagine the consequences: mudslides, landslides. It

can ruin any civilisation that stands in its way. While we have no

contribution towards it, Pakistan has been ranked as the most

vulnerable country to climate change, according to data in the

Climate Risk Index. So the world has to wake up.

If we cannot do much in terms of mitigation, then we focus as

much as possible on adaptation. We are trying to do our best,

with our own resources, with many of our partners, putting rock

walls together, moving the communities out of the harm’s way...

But you have seen the damage that flooding has done in Pakistan

over the past decade. Just a few years, ago 50 percent of the

province of Sindh was under water – thousands of years of civilisations

buried: churches, synagogues, Hindu worship places,

mosques, hospitals and schools.

We do our best, but the world reacts very slowly. There are large

commitments, with nearly no drawdowns. No one fulfils their

commitments, no money is flowing, and even when it is, we do

not get the kind of share we are supposed to get. We appreciate

the support we are getting from multilateral institutions, but in

this new world order, the multilateral contributions are slowing

down, the bilateral donations are almost gone. So this is a whole

new world, and we are all on our own.

Between 8 to 10 countries of the world produce about 75 percent

of the carbon dioxide. These same countries get 80 to 85

percent of the green financing, while we, the most vulnerable, we

feel the devastation of their carbon emissions, and they are the

ones using green financing? Are we the vagabonds which are

going to be left out at the periphery of the world? From where are

we going to get the financing? There should be some sensible

parity, there should be some sense of justice.

Here I would like to also refer to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment

Mechanism (CBAM), a great idea to make this world green.

But it resembles an industrial policy of the 1970s and 1980s if the

financing to get through the CBAM hurdles is not provided to the

developing economies.

We do not have the consultants who know how to do carbon

tracking; let alone the actual investments needed to go green

and come up with renewable solutions. If the funding patterns do

not change, then the very-well intended CBAM policy is going to

become another industrial policy. And countries like ours will be

left out, our economies will shrink, our exports will reduce further,

we will not have the money to go green.

I am sitting in Brussels for this interview, and I would like to

express my gratitude to the EU for the leadership in going green,

but I’d encourage and request them that some kind of financing

commensurate with the requirements is well warranted, and

would go a long way in creating a more equitable and fair world.

ONE NOTABLE PROGRAMME THAT PAKISTAN IS

IMPLEMENTING IS THE LIVING INDUS BASIN

RESTORATION PLAN, DESIGNATED AS A WORLD

RESTORATION FLAGSHIP BY THE UN ENVIRON-

MENT PROGRAMME. WHAT IS THE CURRENT

STATE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRO-

JECT AND EXPECTED BENEFITS IN TERMS OF

SAFEGUARDING BIODIVERSITY, CLIMATE CHANGE

MITIGATION AND SUPPORT TO LOCAL LIVELI-

HOODS?

Financing is lacking! I can give you colourful brochures and

bigger ideas, but the truth is that financing is not coming forward.

The Living Indus is a fantastic idea, which we are going to do

anyway, for our own children, but if you look at the actual drawdowns,

if you look at the actual financing that was committed to

us, a significant chunk of it is already been pulled out. One of the

biggest funders has pulled out.

Now we are seeking alternative funding – but you know that we

are under an IMF bailout programme, and therefore with limited

financing capacity. We have a window with the World Bank and

the IMF in terms of resilience funds and we will use that.

IN APRIL, YOU PARTICIPATED AT THE HIGH-LEVEL

SAMARKAND CLIMATE FORUM, AND SPOKE AT

THE HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE “CLIMATE CHANGE

IN FOCUS: SHAPING THE FUTURE THROUGH

COLLECTIVE ACTION”. WHAT WERE YOUR KEY

MESSAGES? HOW DOES PAKISTAN INTEND TO

STRENGTHEN COOPERATION WITH THE OTHER

CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES THROUGH REGION-

AL RESEARCH, JOINT PROJECTS, AND COORDI-

NATED PROGRAMS?

Both regions face environmental challenges: the drying of the

Aral Sea disaster, the rapid melting of glaciers in Pakistan’s north,

desertification, water challenges, etc.

Therefore, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to strengthen

bilateral collaboration on environmental sustainability and

proposed the creation of a trans-regional “Green Corridor”

linking Central and South Asia.

The corridor would serve as a transnational initiative to scale

up afforestation campaigns, promote biodiversity, and facilitate

sustainable development projects across Central and South Asia.

I am following up on it.

The second item we discussed is the idea of establishing a

Green University, a regional hub for climate education, innovation,

and joint academic ventures. We have a framework for

a green university, Tashkent just opened one last year, so we

need to connect the dots. This university will serve as a platform

for collaborative research and student and faculty exchange

between our nations.

I am getting a lot of receptive responses for these two ideas.

44 45

Photo: Istock

Photo: Istock

H.E. ZHEENBEK KULUBAEV


OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

We will push for stronger global action

on climate adaptation, sustainable mountain development,

and the protection of fragile ecosystems

COULD YOU INFORM OUR READERSHIP ABOUT

THE MAIN PRIORITIES OF THE CANDIDACY OF

THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC TO A NON-PERMANENT

SEAT AT THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL FOR THE

PERIOD 2027-2028?

Kyrgyzstan’s goal is to help build a safer and more prosperous

world for future generations. Our main priorities are:

We want to raise awareness and support for development in

Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. Our focus is on economic

growth, food and energy security, and tackling climate

change.

5. UN Security Council reform: We believe the Security Council

should better represent developing countries, including those

from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, so that smaller nations

can have a stronger voice in decisions.

Minister Kulubaev and UN Secretary General

IN PARTICULAR, HOW DOES THE KYRGYZ

REPUBLIC INTEND TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT

THE INTERESTS OF MOUNTAINOUS, SMALL

ISLAND STATES AND LEAST DEVELOPED

COUNTRIES?

Kyrgyzstan wants to be a bridge-builder at the UN, making sure

the concerns of small island and mountainous states are heard. If

elected to the Security Council, we will work to make the Council

more open and transparent, especially for smaller and vulnerable

countries affected by climate issues.

1. Promoting peace and preventing weapons of mass destruc-

Finally, a recent success has been peacefully resolving border

The world is facing many serious and connected challenges

We also recognise that climate change and ecosystem damage

tion:

issues with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Central Asia is showing

like conflicts, climate change, and economic inequality. Small

in mountains affect millions of people beyond just mountain

Kyrgyzstan leads the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone

how regional cooperation and trust can lead to lasting peace.

states, developing countries, landlocked nations, least developed

communities. To address this, Kyrgyzstan:

in Central Asia and supports global efforts to eliminate nuclear

Kyrgyzstan’s candidacy reflects our region’s commitment to

countries (LDCs), and small island developing states (SIDS) are

• Helped create the Mountain Partnership group within the UN

weapons. We believe security comes from cooperation and

contributing to global peace and stability.

among the most vulnerable.

Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

trust, not weapons. That’s why we decided to join the Treaty

• Supports the Dialogue on Mountains and Climate Change

on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). We want a

As a mountainous country directly affected by climate change,

within the UNFCCC, which had its first global expert meeting

world free of nuclear threats for future generations.

Kyrgyzstan understands these shared challenges. We will push

and is gaining strong international support.

2. Strengthening trust and cooperation in the UN: We want to

for stronger global action on climate adaptation, sustainable

These actions show Kyrgyzstan’s dedication to tackling climate

avoid divisions and “bloc mentality” in the Security Council.

mountain development, and protecting fragile ecosystems. This

challenges and promoting sustainable development worldwide.

Instead, we will support dialogue, preventive diplomacy, and

includes support for early warning systems, including climate

With our experience in Central Asia, a region with complex

mediation to resolve conflicts peacefully.

risks in peacebuilding efforts.

geopolitics, Kyrgyzstan will bring a unique perspective to the

3. Supporting stability in Afghanistan: Regional security depends

Security Council. We will promote preventive diplomacy and

on peace in Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan has provided humanitar-

For example, the recent Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond

regional cooperation that includes the voices of small and vulner-

ian aid to help Afghan people, especially women and children.

National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) helps protect small island states,

able countries.

We also back projects like CASA-1000, which will improve

which face rising sea levels and climate impacts despite produc-

energy and transport links between Central Asia, Afghanistan,

and South Asia.

4. Focusing on sustainable development in the Global South:

ing very little pollution. Kyrgyzstan stands in solidarity with these

islands and calls on wealthy countries to provide more funding to

fight climate change.

A ROBUST INTERNATIONAL SECURITY SYSTEM IS

ESSENTIAL TO ADDRESS THE PRESSING GLOBAL

46 47

CHALLENGES AND THREATS FACING THE WORLD

TODAY, WITH THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL AT ITS

CORE. WHAT PROPOSALS DOES KYRGYZ REPUB-

LIC INTEND TO PUT FORWARD TO ENHANCE THE

EFFICIENCY, FAIRNESS, AND REPRESENTATIVE-

NESS OF THIS AUGUST BODY?

Kyrgyzstan opened an embassy in Ethiopia to build strong ties

with African countries and the African Union, where we want to

become an observer.

Kyrgyzstan supports Africa’s wish to increase Security Council

seats and fix past imbalances. Many countries, including

Kyrgyzstan, have never been on the Council, while some have

This event helped countries work together on how to deal with

climate change and support sustainable growth in mountain

areas.

Kyrgyzstan is carrying out a Five-Year Action Plan (2023–2027)

to develop mountain regions. This plan focuses on adapting

to climate change, improving the economy, environment, and

social conditions of mountain communities, and ensuring people

The European Commission announced a big investment plan of

EUR 12 billion under the Global Gateway program. This program

will help improve transport, raw materials, digital technology,

and energy cooperation. These areas match Kyrgyzstan’s own

development goals up to 2026.

One key area for Kyrgyzstan is digitalisation. The country is working

to modernise public services using digital technology. Joint

The world must recognise that sustainable development is very

served many times. We think adding more members will make

in these areas have access to healthcare, education, and other

projects called “Team Europe” will help reduce the digital gap

important for peace and security. Kyrgyzstan knows that security,

the Council more inclusive, transparent, and effective. This

services. The government is working on this plan at both the

and support Central Asia’s shift to a digital economy.

development, and humanitarian issues are closely linked. We

reform should help all countries, especially smaller ones from

national level (with a Roadmap) and the international level (with

focus on solving the root causes of conflicts, supporting sustain-

Africa, Asia, and Latin America, to have a say in decisions.

a Global Action Plan), which were shared at the UN in 2023 and

Another important area is transport. The EU is helping develop

able development, and helping people affected by crises.

2024. Besides the 2025 conference, Kyrgyzstan will also host

the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which is an

Since becoming independent, Kyrgyzstan has followed a

balanced foreign policy based on international law, like the UN

Charter. We respect the equality of all countries, do not use

force, avoid interfering in other countries’ affairs, respect borders,

and seek peaceful solutions to conflicts. These are key for

global peace. Many people criticise the Security Council for not

acting quickly on conflicts in places like Palestine, Ukraine, Syria,

Yemen, Haiti, South Sudan, and Mali.

If Kyrgyzstan is chosen, we will work to make the Council more

efficient and open, and we want to add more members to better

represent different regions. The Security Council must lead in

keeping peace and security worldwide.

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC,

IN COLLABORATION WITH INTERNATIONAL PART-

NERS, HOSTED THE GLOBAL MOUNTAIN DIA-

LOGUE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ON

24-25 APRIL 2025 IN BISHKEK. THIS HIGH-LEVEL

CONFERENCE WILL STRENGTHEN INTERNATION-

AL COOPERATION ON CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN MOUNTAIN RE-

GIONS. WHAT WERE ITS KEY OUTCOMES?

Kyrgyzstan, a country with many mountains, feels a strong responsibility

to support the well-being and development of mountain

regions. In April 2025, Kyrgyzstan, together with international

a World Festival of Mountain Youth in August 2025 at Issyk-Kul

Lake. Finally, in 2027, Kyrgyzstan plans to hold the Second

Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek+25” to review the results of

the Five-Year Plan.

THE HISTORIC FIRST-EVER EU-CENTRAL

ASIA SUMMIT WAS HELD IN EARLY APRIL IN

SAMARKAND, GIVING ADDITIONAL IMPETUS TO

RELATIONS BETWEEN BOTH SIDES. IN WHAT

FIELDS IS THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC INTERESTED IN

EXPANDING COOPERATION WITH THE EUROPEAN

UNION?

important way to move goods between Europe and Asia.

Kyrgyzstan is also focused on completing the China-Kyrgyzstan-

Uzbekistan railroad, which will open access to global markets.

We hope the EU will join related infrastructure projects too.

Green energy is also a priority. Kyrgyzstan has lots of hydropower

potential, and its biggest project is the Kambarata hydropower

plant (HPP-1), which will be the largest in the region.

Kyrgyzstan also sees strong opportunities for cooperation with

the EU in education, science, the environment, and regional

security.

All photos: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Kyrgyz Republic

partners, hosted the Global Mountain Dialogue conference in

The first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit in April in Samarkand was

Since Africa makes up 70 percent of the Council’s agenda

Bishkek.

a historic event. The EU and Central Asian countries agreed to

and has 54 countries with a large population and economy,

build a stronger, strategic partnership.

48 49

H.E. LAURA CAMILA SARABIA TORRES


OF COLOMBIA

Colombia Chooses Life

Peace in Colombia is a daily achievement. It is built and defended

in neighbourhoods, towns, schools, universities, shops,

markets, and in spaces where ideas are debated. Because however

difficult it may be, living in peace is our most courageous

collective decision.

On June 7, that decision was attacked. In Bogotá, in broad daylight,

while participating in a public event, senator and presidential

candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was the target of an assassination

attempt. The perpetrator: a minor. A child with a gun. A

scene that reminded us of barbarity.

It was not only an attack on a political figure. It was a shot

against the very possibility of participating in democracy without

fear. Against the right to speak, to listen, to participate, to debate,

to converse, to recognise each other.

But Colombia has responded with unity and courage. We have

done it with our voice, not with violence. We have done it with

gestures of unity that crossed parties and generations. With a

calm but firm conviction: we will not go backwards. Violence will

not win the battle.

share a common ethic with Europe. And in that context, Europe

has understood that Colombia’s peace is not a distant matter,

but part of a common cause: that of two peoples seeking a more

just world.

That is why, now more than ever, we want Europe to remain by

our side. The challenges we face—polarisation, disinformation,

political violence—are not foreign to other regions of the world.

Colombia is writing a new story. It is doing so with difficulties,

with scars, with contradictions. But also with a deep conviction:

that it is possible to build a country where people listen more

than they shout, where politics ceases to be a battlefield, and

where choosing life is not a heroic act, but a norm.

Yes, we choose life. And we do not want to do it alone. Looking

to Europe today, in the midst of uncertainty, reaffirms that we

must not lose sight of our shared goal: the ideals of equality,

democracy, diversity, peace, and dignity.

Let’s keep moving forward.

MAISON LEEA

FURNITURE THAT TRANSCENDS TRENDS

AND STANDS THE TEST OF TIME

Colombia has learned to resist and to transform pain into action.

And to understand that living in a democracy means rejecting not

only weapons, but also the discourses that dehumanise and the

indifference that normalises the unacceptable. In this, political

leaders—perhaps like never before—have accepted our share of

the blame and committed to lowering our guard, de-escalating

our language, and contributing to a new way of doing politics. To

changing our history.

The new story that refuses to accept barbarity has a young face.

It deserves something different: we deserve to grow up in a

country where we don’t have to choose between fear and rage.

We deserve a story in which living is not an exception. And we

are going to write it ourselves, the young people. With our hands,

with our words, with our decisions. A story of peace, democracy,

dignity, and life.

All of this unites us with Europe. We share the defence of democratic

values, the rule of law, and social justice. Ultimately, we

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia

50 51

THE ASTANA INTERNATIONAL FORUM 2025:

A KEY PLATFORM FOR SHAPING CHANGE

Lucy Buchanan of Leny,

Senior Advisor, Diplomatic World

Hosted in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, from 29 to 30 May,

the 2025 Astana International Forum marks Kazakhstan’s

dedication to dialogue and cooperation in an age of increasing

uncertainty and geopolitical division. As a rapidly growing major

international and regional platform, the Astana International

Forum (AIF) made a much-welcomed return in 2025 after last

year’s unprecedented flooding in Kazakhstan meant the 2024

edition could not take place.

The theme for AIF 2025 was “Connecting Minds, Shaping the

Future”. As the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E.

Mr Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, remarked during his speech at the

opening plenary session of AIF 2025, this theme is “both a call

and a conviction”. He believes that global challenges require

more than formal diplomacy and that diplomacy must evolve into

more human forms of connection. He remarked that Kazakhstan

is committed to its position as “a convener of ideas, a builder of

consensus, and a trusted partner across regions and cultures.”

In his speech, President Tokayev described the Forum as a

“space of reflection, but also of resolve”, seeking “dialogue, but

also direction.” The AIF is more than just a platform for dialogue;

it actively shapes practical solutions for global challenges.

President Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s unwavering commitment

to the non-proliferation of nuclear and biological weapons,

highlighting the country’s decision to relinquish its nuclear

arsenal in the interest of global peace. In an era where modern

technologies have fundamentally altered the nature, and potential

devastation, of conflict, Kazakhstan remains dedicated to advancing

peace and stability. It is encouraging to see Kazakhstan

standing firmly in its convictions and this was certainly reflected

at the Forum. The AIF offers a platform for dialogue that strengthens

multilateral cooperation, not by imposing rigid frameworks,

but by cultivating environments where new ideas can take root.

Diplomacy is at the heart of the AIF, inviting the exploration of

cross-regional collaboration. This forward-looking approach sets

the Forum apart, not just as another international event, but as a

key platform for shaping global change.

This comes at a crucial moment in time when Kazakhstan is at

a turning point, experiencing unprecedented economic growth,

sweeping institutional reforms and new multilateral partnerships.

President Tokayev noted the recent limitation of the presidential

term to a single seven-year mandate, which he himself initiated.

Furthermore, the electoral system has been overhauled with a

simplified registration process, and the Constitutional Court has

been re-established. President Tokayev has been instrumental

in supporting nation-building efforts to realise a “Just and

Fair” Kazakhstan. At the global level, the development of the

Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or the ‘Middle

Corridor’, is positioning Kazakhstan as a major international

transit hub. This year there were around 3,000 participants,

including an array of high-level panellists, world experts, heads

of organisations, diplomatic officials and revolutionary thinkers.

Among this year’s special guests were President of North

Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of Rwanda

Paul Kagame, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Alain Berset, and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The second day of the Forum began with a visit from Italian

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, marking her first official visit to

Kazakhstan since the start of her term as President of the

Council of Ministers of the Republic of Italy. With Italy as

Kazakhstan’s biggest European trading partner, Prime Minister

Giorgia Meloni’s attendance at the Forum was a much-welcomed

addition.

With over 40 panel discussions, several high-level one-to-one

interviews, various side events and unparalleled networking

opportunities, the vision of the Forum was able to take root.

Over this two-day event, relationships were formed between

key international stakeholders, and as a result of the high-level

discussions, practical solutions to global challenges were able

to emerge. For President Tokayev, diplomacy thrives on human

connections over formal procedures. Diplomacy is at the core

of the Forum, and the connections made are crucial in the effort

towards building solutions to global challenges.

The expanded agenda for this year’s edition of the Forum

covered a comprehensive scope of pertinent topics on both a

regional and international scale. This included energy security,

climate action, technological innovation, sustainable development,

international trade and geopolitical cooperation.

Critical issues and their solutions were discussed at the Forum.

Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, delivered

a speech at the Forum’s opening plenary session calling

for a “New Democratic Pact”. He explained that democracy is

increasingly under threat from internal erosion and, as such,

52 53

democracy requires its own security strategy. He explained

that we are living through a crisis of “the order itself” and that

democratically aligned countries must stand together to protect

democratic values. The Secretary General outlined three urgent

priorities of this New Democratic Pact: to educate “so we can

tell truth from lies”; to protect, reinforcing “democracy wherever

it is in retreat”; and to innovate, adapting “our institutions to

fast-moving, cross-border, hybrid threats.”

Furthermore, in her speech at the opening plenary session,

President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova

called for more gender-balanced leadership in the United Nations

and beyond: “In a world dominated by strong men with weapons

we need strong women with wisdom.” She emphasised that the

“feminisation” of politics is not about replacing men, it is about

rebalancing power in politics. She noted that for nearly 80 years

since the founding of the United Nations there has never been a

female Secretary-General, to which she said that it is time for the

UN to “not only to rethink its structures, but also its leadership,

and that means giving serious consideration to electing a woman

as Secretary-General.” Furthermore, she supported President

Tokayev’s call to rethink the core structures and to expand the

United Nations Security Council, as he explained: “Critical decisions

that affect billions of lives cannot be made by a handful of

nations alone.” In a similar manner, President Siljanovska-Davkova

said that the Security Council should be “expanded, democratised,

and made more accountable.”

industries, and the efforts of the AIF and other such platforms,

investing in Kazakhstan has never been more promising.

The Astana International Forum 2025 comes at a pivotal moment

for Kazakhstan and its global partners. Amid far-reaching domestic

reforms and the forging of new multilateral alliances, the

trajectory of Kazakhstan’s future holds significant global interest.

The world is watching closely as the country redefines its role in

regional and international affairs. The AIF embodies Kazakhstan’s

active participation in guiding the world towards a more peaceful

future. This ethos is what positions the Forum as a key platform

for shaping global change both now and in the future.

All photos: Aqorda

The economic impact of the Astana International Forum is significant,

not just through the additional economic activity generated

by Forum visitors, but also through its role in attracting foreign

investment. As visitors and delegates from around the world congregated

in Astana for the Forum, their expenditure on transport,

accommodation, dining and other activities was estimated to

generate over USD 5 million for the economy. Kazakh organisations

such as KazMunayGas, Kazakhstan’s national operator of

the oil and gas industry, and Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), a

leading diversified natural resources group, were able to discuss

and advertise new developments in a bid to attract investors.

Visitors could speak to representatives of projects such as the

revolutionary Alatau New City project, a ‘smart city’ where key

infrastructure will be completely automated. Sectors including

healthcare, transport and security will benefit from smart technologies.

Alatau is projected to be a metropolis with a special

economic zone spanning approximately 100,000 hectares.

The Astana International Forum presents a remarkable opportunity

to attract investment in the country. President Tokayev noted

that despite the current global climate, Kazakhstan’s economy

experienced a 5.1 percent growth in 2024, with foreign direct

investment at a record high. The AIF paves the way for more

strategic investments to promote growth in key sectors to drive

sustainable progress. With high growth projections, booming

54 55

KAZAKHSTAN AND ITALY

NEW VISIONS FOR COOPERATION

Lucy Buchanan of Leny,

Senior Advisor, Diplomatic World

May 30 was a historic day for Italy-Kazakhstan relations. It not

International Transport Route, also known as the ‘Middle

only marked Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia

Corridor’. By leveraging its strategic position on the Mediterrane-

Meloni’s first official visit to Kazakhstan since the start of her

an, Italy intends to serve as a logistical bridge to improve market

term, but it also marked the inaugural Italy-Central Asia Summit.

access for Central Asian exports across Europe and Africa.

Prime Minister Meloni made a much-welcomed visit to the 2025

Astana International Forum where she heralded this day as a

Among Italy’s partnerships in the Central Asian region, its rela-

celebration of “cooperation, vision, [and] responsibility.”

tionship with Kazakhstan stands out for its depth, longevity,

and strategic relevance. Kazakhstan stands as Italy’s leading

Italy is a key European partner for Central Asia. Prime Minister

trade partner in Central Asia, while Italy holds the position of

Meloni recalled in her speech that “Italy was the first nation in the

Kazakhstan’s top European trading partner. At the Italy-Central

EU to decide to invest in relations with Central Asia.” This has

Asia Summit President Tokayev announced that “in 2024, the

contributed to the ever-strengthening relations between Europe

volume of bilateral trade increased by 24 percent, reaching a re-

and Central Asia, culminating in the inaugural EU-Central Asia

cord USD 20 billion” and Italian investment into Kazakhstan has

Summit. This Summit, hosted in Samarkand in April 2025, saw

now “exceeded USD 7.6 billion.” He noted that there are now

the EU and the Central Asian nations elevate their relations to a

around 270 Italian companies operating in Kazakhstan including

strategic partnership, along with the announcement of the EU’s

Eni — a world-leading energy company, partly owned by the

EUR 12 billion Global Gateway investment package into Central

Italian government, contributing to the production of approxi-

Asia.

mately 40 million barrels of oil annually in Kazakhstan and playing

an instrumental role in Kazakhstan’s energy transition. Italy also

The Italy-Central Asia Summit marks a key development in Italian-

sources a significant share of its energy needs from imported

Central Asian relations. Alongside Prime Minister Meloni, the

crude oil from Kazakhstan which accounted for 14.9 percent of

inaugural Italy-Central Asia Summit was attended by President of

Italy’s total oil imports in 2024. Furthermore, the two nations have

the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President

had long-lasting diplomatic ties forming a strategic partnership

Prime Minister Meloni commented that their collaboration in crit-

of a rules-based international system. The parties also empha-

of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic

over 15 years ago with the 2009 Treaty on Strategic Partnership

ical raw materials aims to “generate shared benefits and mutual

sised a joint commitment to the protection of human rights and

of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar

between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Italian Republic.

opportunities.” She noted that their cooperation in the energy

the peaceful settlement of disputes in their joint statement. Prime

Berdimuhamedov, and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

While Italy has committed to developing ties across Central Asia,

sector can help shape a more sustainable future, where critical

Minister Meloni expressed that the nations must continue to join

Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Prime Minister Meloni remarked in her

its bilateral engagement with Kazakhstan has taken on particular

raw materials are essential to the sustainable energy transition.

efforts to “defend our security, the security of our citizens, the

speech that Italy’s path to deeper relations with Central Asia

prominence, both economically and diplomatically.

As part of their joint efforts addressing environmental challenges,

security of our peoples” in her speech at the Astana International

has been a long-standing pursuit, and that she is proud of this

Prime Minister Meloni highlighted Italy’s contribution to Aral Sea

Forum.

choice.

Prime Minister Meloni’s official visit to Kazakhstan’s capital

regeneration efforts, expressing her intention to leverage the

Astana, at President Tokayev’s invitation, was an opportunity for

Italian Climate Fund to further support and expand joint initiatives

Prime Minister Meloni’s official visit to Astana and participation in

She explained that Central Asia is not only a “crossroads be-

key discussions on the future of Italy-Kazakhstan cooperation.

in this area.

the inaugural Italy-Central Asia Summit underscored Italy’s com-

tween the West and the East” but also “occupies a strategic role

mitment to regional partnerships. From infrastructure and critical

in the global scenario”, especially now considering the challeng-

The parties adopted a joint statement in which both parties re-

Additionally, as part of their joint statement, and in honour of

raw materials to energy and climate, the resulting agreements

es of our current global climate. Prime Minister Meloni drew a

confirmed their commitment to “deepen and diversify privileged

the United Nations 80th anniversary, the parties reaffirmed their

signal a forward-looking partnership anchored in a shared vision

parallel between Central Asia’s role as a “bridge” between conti-

relations in the spirit of a vibrant strategic partnership.”

dedication to “strengthening peace, security, and stability at both

between Italy and Kazakhstan. As we turn to the next chapter of

nents to Italy’s position between Europe and Africa. She empha-

global and regional levels.” They also emphasised their “firm

Italy-Kazakhstan relations, this renewed drive for collaboration

sised that Italy’s approach is to foster cooperation not only with

They identified key sectors for future cooperation to enhance

adherence to international law and the fundamental principles of

paves the way for greater cross-regional connectivity and an

its neighbours but also with more distant partners with whom it

their trade and investment partnership including the oil and gas

the UN Charter”, explicitly highlighting mutual respect for sover-

enduring partnership built on mutual benefit, shared values, and

shares no historical ties. Prime Minister Meloni aims to develop

sector, critical raw materials, renewable energy, water manage-

eignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as the invio-

a common commitment to global stability.

digital and physical infrastructures as part of Italian cooperation

ment, mechanical engineering, and the agro-industrial sector. In

lability of internationally recognised borders. This holds particular

with Central Asia. This includes the critical pursuit of infrastruc-

particular, they signed a Joint Declaration of Intent for long-term

significance amid current geopolitical tensions, as both nations

All photos: Aqorda

tural development facilitating trade through the Trans-Caspian

cooperation in the critical raw materials sector. In her speech,

reaffirm their commitment to international law and the principles

56 57

In advance of the 2025 Astana International Forum, H.E. Roman

Vassilenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of

Kazakhstan, held a briefing to discuss several pertinent topics

ranging from Kazakhstan’s approach to foreign policy, energy

security, technological innovation, to domestic and international

initiatives. According to Mr Vassilenko, Kazakhstan is witnessing

a “transformative period”. The nation has undergone significant

political and socio-economic reforms, and a modernised system

of governance. Kazakhstan now stands on the cusp of a new

era.

A NEW ERA FOR STRATEGIC COOPERATION

BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION

AND CENTRAL ASIA

These sweeping changes have included limiting the President’s

mandate to a single seven-year term without the right to re-election,

an initiative spearheaded by President Kassym-Jomart

Tokayev himself. In striving for a more democratic system,

changes have also been made to the electoral system, with a

simplified registration procedure for new political parties, and the

Constitutional Court has been re-established. Furthermore, Mr

Vassilenko explained how Kazakhstan is determined to promote

the protection of human rights and a strengthened rule of law

through actively pursuing and implementing relevant initiatives

and reforms.

Occurring simultaneously to Kazakhstan’s domestic restructuring

is that of ever-strengthening multilateral co-operation. Recently,

a truly historic event took place for the future of European

and Central Asian co-operation: the inaugural EU–Central Asia

Summit. Held in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) in April, this first-ever

summit between these two regions saw their leaders agree to

elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership. This was

accompanied by the announcement of a EUR 12 billion pledge

of the ‘Global Gateway’ investment package in Central Asia

targeting the priority sectors of transport, critical raw materials,

green energy and digital connectivity. From the EUR 12 billion

pledge, this sum will be allocated across the priority sectors:

EUR 3 billion for transport; EUR 2.5 billion for critical minerals;

EUR 6.4 billion for hydropower and climate, and EUR 100 million

for satellite internet. Mr Vassilenko remarked that the summit was

“long overdue” and fully supports raising the regions’ relationship

to a strategic partnership.

Kazakhstan, as a middle power, is uniquely positioned to foster

peace and help shape a more inclusive global order to which

Kazakhstan is prepared to embrace. Spanning nearly 3,000

kilometres in width and strategically located between China,

Russia, and the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan is a gateway connecting

East and West. Mr Vassilenko emphasised that “time is of the

essence” to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport

Route (TITR) – a revival of the ancient Great Silk Road traversing

Central Asia, the Caucasus, and connecting the Caspian and

Black Seas. The TITR, also known as the ‘Middle Corridor’, has

experienced remarkable growth over the past four years, with

cargo volumes increasing eightfold. Showing great potential,

Kazakhstan can leverage its unique geographic positioning and

develop the Middle Corridor, fostering a more interconnected

Central Asia and Europe. In addition to its strategic location,

Kazakhstan boasts vast reserves of critical raw materials, which

Mr Vassilenko emphasised are essential for the use of technologies

that shape this modern age. Kazakhstan already supplies

over 40 percent of the world’s uranium, an element essential

to the production of nuclear energy, and produces “over half of

the 34 critical raw materials deemed vital by the international

markets.”

President Tokayev has already introduced several initiatives to

enhance inter-regional engagement, including the proposed establishmentof

a Regional Research Centre for Rare Earth Metals

in Astana. Amid the recent discovery of Kazakhstan’s largest

deposit of rare earth metals to date in the Karaganda region, with

an estimate of near a million tonnes of reserves – and the larger

Zhana Kazakhstan strata-bound area projected to hold over

20 million tonnes, research into rare earth metals is crucial for

Kazakhstan to truly grasp the potential of the region’s resources.

The Regional Research Centre for Rare Earth Metals will provide

investors and companies with up-to-date information on the status

of deposits, technologies, and future development prospects.

The distribution and collaboration on research are instrumental in

developing this sector, and President Tokayev is embracing the

vision of utilising Kazakhstan’s unique resource abundance to its

fullest.

Additionally, President Tokayev proposed launching a Central

Asia – European Union Innovation Campus at Astana Hub to

foster cooperation in digital technology. The expansion and

development of the Erasmus+ programme that funds academic

mobility and cooperation is introducing new student exchange

quotas in Central Asia, fostering a more interconnected higher

education landscape. There are already several European-led

initiatives, such as Horizon Europe and the Bologna Process,

that are transforming Kazakhstan’s higher education system

and facilitating the exchange of students, ideas, and research

between the regions.

Kazakhstan has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by

2060. However, Mr Vassilenko recognises that Kazakhstan

currently sits only at a 6 percent share of renewable energy in its

total energy mix and the government has set a target of 15 percent

by 2030. Kazakhstan joined the Minerals Security Partnership

(MSP) Forum in July of last year, which is “setting the stage

for greater collaboration”. The MSP Forum aims to ensure a more

diverse and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, with a

focus on responsible mining and processing. Additionally, cooperation

with German company HMS Bergbau AG will see the

development of lithium deposits in the East Kazakhstan region.

Progress in this sector is mutually beneficial for both Europe’s

economic resilience and Kazakhstan’s industry. Accordingly,

Kazakhstan and the EU have adopted a Joint Roadmap for

2025-2026 to the advancement of these goals.

Following a referendum in October 2024, when the majority

of the voters supported the construction of the country’s first

nuclear power station, four international suppliers have been

shortlisted: Rosatom (Russia), CNNC (China), KHNP (South

Korea), and EDF (France). Mr Vassilenko emphasised that the

government will be the client procuring the services from a

consortium, encouraging international expertise and investment

into Kazakhstan’s nuclear energy sector. This is just the beginning

as Kazakhstan will need not just one but several nuclear

power stations to meet the country’s energy needs. In addition

to its nuclear energy plans, Kazakhstan is venturing into the

development of hydrogen-based energy production through its

wind and solar energy capacity. Kazakhstan has partnered with

the Germany-based SVEVIND Energy Group for the Hyrasia One

project. The aim is to produce up to 2 million tonnes of hydrogen

annually, beginning in 2032.

Touching on foreign policy orientation of Kazakhstan,

Mr Vassilenko said that his country “prioritises both bilateral

and multilateral ties with our neighbours” – “a successful

Central Asia means a successful Kazakhstan”. Recently

Kazakhstan, along with Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, signed a

Memorandum of Understanding to export green electricity to

Europe. With the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), this initiative

establishes a framework that encourages cross-border electricity

trade. This development of a green energy corridor through a

power line running under the Caspian Sea, with plans to connect

with a line across the Black Sea, will enable the export of electricity

to Europe.

Kazakhstan’s belief in the power of diplomacy is evidenced

by all these revolutionary developments to new and existing

international initiatives. These developments will not only change

H.E. Roman Vassilenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of

Kazakhstan and Lucy Buchanan of Leny, Senior Advisor, Diplomatic World

the face of Kazakhstan’s industry but will advance technology,

sustainable energy production, and the global economy. This is a

new era for Kazakhstan and for diplomatic ties between Central

Asia and Europe. Kazakhstan has the largest economy in Central

Asia and is a key investment destination, having attracted USD

450 billion in foreign investment since 1993.

According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazakhstan’s approach

to foreign policy is characterised by a measured, constructive

and practical stance, fostering dialogue and respect among

nations. Kazakhstan upholds its stance for nuclear disarmament

and non-proliferation, and, as Mr Vassilenko reminded, was the

“first country to voluntarily renounce one of the world’s largest

nuclear arsenals.” Vassilenko added that Kazakhstan initiated

the platforms of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence

Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and the Congress of Leaders of

World and Traditional Religions. Further, Kazakhstan has served

as a host for international negotiations from Astana Process on

Syria and discussions on the Iranian nuclear programme. He

added that Kazakhstan is in support of a United Nations reform

to expand the Security Council ensuring the UN remains relevant,

reflecting a broader range of international interests.

Mr Vassilenko believes that Kazakhstan’s engagement as a

‘middle power’ can help “glue the fracturing world and galvanise

better relations” by promoting co-operation focused on achieving

mutually beneficial outcomes. In his own words, using analogies

from the realm of medicine and health: “While great powers can

be seen as bones holding the carcass of our world, the middle

powers can be termed as cartilages – without which bone rotations

would be impossible.”

58 59

FINANCE AS A TOOL FOR

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

In Conversation with Bertrand Badré, Managing Partner

and Founder of BlueOrange Capital

Former Managing Director of the World Bank

purpose of the company, they came around. In fact, the poet’s

great-grandson now sits on our sustainability advisory board.

AS A PANELLIST AT THE ASTANA INTERNATIONAL

FORUM 2025, WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON

KAZAKHSTAN’S INVESTMENT IN THE SUSTAINA-

BLE ENERGY SECTOR PARTICULARLY REGARD-

ING NUCLEAR ENERGY?

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOUND BLUE LIKE AN

ORANGE SUSTAINABLE CAPITAL FOLLOWING

YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR

AND AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE WORLD

BANK?

of Finance’, meaning I happened to be there when pivotal things

were happening, but I didn’t know why I was there. I saw the

bubble, I saw the World Trade Centre collapse, I was with one of

the largest banks in the world at the time of the global financial

crisis, and at the World Bank during all these international accords.

So, I say, maybe it was not entirely coincidental, but I have

I think Kazakhstan is a very interesting case in this context,

though of course, its history is closely tied to the Soviet Union

whose legacy is filled with all the fossil fuels and uranium deposits

you can imagine.

My friends joke that Kazakhstan is like the Mendeleev periodic

table – it has all the elements. I recently had a conversation with

I have spent most of my life exploring the various dimensions of

had to draw lessons. And that lesson is that we must shift and

Kazakh representatives on their energy transition, and I believe

finance. I worked as an investment banker in London, New York

rethink the system, and I want to do it in a practical way.

they are very serious about it. We will see how it evolves over

and Paris during the dot-com bubble and the aftermath of 9/11.

time. They recently held a referendum on nuclear power which is

Later, I was an adviser to President Jacques Chirac of France on

development finance. I collaborated with the British Prime Minister

Gordon Brown on the establishment of the Global Alliance

for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), including the financing

mechanisms behind it. I also helped develop the solidarity tax on

airline tickets that financed Unitaid (a global health organisation

COULD YOU PLEASE SHARE THE STORY BEHIND

THE NAME “BLUE LIKE AN ORANGE” AND WHAT

THIS SYMBOLISES FOR YOUR MISSION?

I am not a serial entrepreneur; it was the first time in my life I was

particularly intriguing.

Being French, we naturally have a certain nuclear bias, and after

a period of hesitation we are ready to ramp up nuclear energy

production again. That’s why I think it’s important, when we

talk about the energy transition, we should consider, or at least

Bertrand Badré, Managing Partner and Founder of BlueOrange Capital

and former Managing Director of the World Bank

which makes new health products available and affordable for

creating something of my own. So, I wanted to find a name that

remain open to, all available options.

people who need them most), which was quite an interesting

would be truly special. While thinking about it, I remembered a

experience.

book I had written about water nearly twenty years earlier, which

Of course, nuclear energy raises several questions, notably

When you let finance run unchecked and grow too big, as history

I co-authored with the former Managing Director of the IMF,

including what to do with the waste. This is a major issue world-

shows, you run into problems. Consider the two moments in

I went on to serve as Group CFO of the banks Crédit Agricole

Michel Camdessus. I had begun that book by referring to a quote

wide, as there is still no definitive solution except burying it deep

recent Anglo-American history when finance represented the

and Société Générale during the global financial crisis. Subse-

by the French surrealist poet Paul Éluard.

underground. Even so, I believe it remains part of the solution,

largest share of GDP – 1929 and 2007. Unsurprisingly, both

quently, I was headhunted to join the World Bank in Washington

and I am comfortable with that idea. I am genuinely interested

preceded major crises. So, it is about keeping finance in balance.

D.C. as Managing Director and CFO of the World Bank Group.

One of his poems is titled “The Earth is Blue Like an Orange”

to see how Kazakhstan will shape its energy transition in the

We have this amazing tool, so what do we do with it?

There, I was deeply involved in the 2015 discussions on financing

(La terre est bleue comme une orange, 1929) and I loved the

decades ahead.

for the development of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustain-

idea. In fact, when writing that book on water, I reflected on

My point is that it is a way to change and save the world. We can

able Development Goals. I came rather happily to the conclusion

that while it was easy to agree on goals, it was far more difficult

to agree on how to achieve them.

There was no real conversation on how much it would cost, who

was going to foot the bill or whether the system was even fit for

how the ‘Earth’ might just as well have been called ‘Ocean’,

because it is indeed, blue like an orange. Of course, the phrase

is itself puzzling, in 1929 no one could have imagined that the

Earth would appear blue from space. That knowledge came with

NASA’s pictures many decades later. Yet, the idea of Earth as

something both very rich and fragile, like an orange, really spoke

YOU MENTIONED YOUR BOOK ‘CAN FINANCE

SAVE THE WORLD?’ (2018) – LOOKING TO THE

FUTURE, WHAT ROLE WILL SUSTAINABLE

FINANCE PLAY ON THE GLOBAL STAGE?

drive it in the direction that we collectively agreed upon in 2015

with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement

and Financing for Development. We are celebrating their 10th

anniversary this year, but they remain binding frameworks, which

are signed and agreed, still very much relevant.

purpose. So, when I left the World Bank, I spent a year at a think

to me.

I believe that the main message of the book is that finance, much

Sometimes we forget this, but we have committed to shifting our

tank in Washington called The Peterson Institute, and I started to

like technology, is one of the most powerful tools we have at our

economies toward greater sustainability, resilience, and inclusion

reflect on what was necessary to change finance. That led to the

One of my early investors said it was a great name: first, because

disposal. Here we are in Astana, and with your telephone, you

– and finance has a crucial role in that transition. To bring about

publication of my book, Can Finance Save the World? (2018).

it is very unusual so people would remember it; second, because

can invest ten thousand kilometres away from here, for over the

this transition, we need to think about the system itself, specifi-

it links back to my earlier book on water, showing I did not dis-

next 50 years. Finance helps overcome the tragedy of ‘here and

cally the operating system of finance. Everything today is predi-

Some people said, “It’s great that you’re discussing this, but why

cover sustainability the day before while thinking about it at the

now’ – hic et nunc. It is a powerful instrument, and like technolo-

cated on what was mentioned by Milton Friedman in his famous

not walk the talk?” That is how I made the decisive switch from

hairdresser’s; and lastly, I can be sure I will be asked the question

gy, it must be used intentionally.

article published in The New York Times on 13 September 1970.

working within big organisations to creating my own, alongside

every time.

my partners. It has been a long journey, but this book was a

My point is that as with any tool, one must control the tool. There

At the time Americans were debating the corporate governance

turning point – it was a way to reflect on what I had seen. In the

At one point, we had some issues with the poet’s family, who ob-

is a popular saying: “The hand must control the tool, not the tool

of General Motors, the then-largest company in the world and

introduction of this book, I nicknamed myself the ‘Forrest Gump

jected to our use of the name, but once we explained to them the

the hand.” I think it is very wise but not always followed.

a symbol of American capitalism. There was the famous notion:

60 61

what is good for America is good for General Motors, and what

is good for General Motors is good for America. General Motors

wanted to open its board to public interest. Milton Friedman’s

response was unequivocal – No way!. He famously wrote: “The

social responsibility of business is to increase its profits”. Yet,

this is still the system in which we live today. Profit is an end to

an end, meaning the goal of business is to make profit. Now, I

believe it is time to shift to a model where profit is not an end to

an end, but a means to an end.

business; in accounting standards, compensation policies, governance

frameworks – all the nitty-gritty mechanics that shape

the day-to-day operations of companies.

I often say, I have two jobs. My day job is to run Blue Like An

Orange, and to show that even in our system there still can be an

impact, and you still have meaningful finance. But my night job

is to say that if we are capable of changing the system, it will be

easier and better.

To quote the former Dean of Oxford’s Saïd Business School,

Colin Mayer: “The purpose of the business is to produce profitable

solutions to the problems of people and planet, not profiting

from producing problems”. That is the pivot we must make. Profit

is a means to an end, and this requires change at the very core of

This interview was conducted by Senior Advisor of Diplomatic

World Lucy Buchanan of Leny on the sidelines of the 2025

Astana International Forum

Photo: Istock

62 63

KAZAKHSTAN AND

THE GLOBAL TRANSITION

Meirzhan Yussupov,

CEO of Kazatomprom

Tackling energy security and climate challenges means nuclear

energy’s role has never been more critical. Reliable, scalable, and

essential for climate goals, nuclear power nonetheless depends

on sustainable and secure uranium supplies.

As the world’s largest uranium producer, Kazakhstan is uniquely

positioned to be a key partner in this global transition. It provides

the essential fuel powering reactors worldwide and advancing

international clean energy ambitions.

As the world accelerates decarbonisation efforts, nuclear power

is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero emissions by

2050.

At COP28, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

highlighted the urgent need to expand nuclear power to reach

net-zero carbon goals. This urgency was reaffirmed at COP29,

where 31 countries committed to tripling nuclear capacity by

2050. These developments underscore the growing recognition

of nuclear energy’s role in delivering reliable, low-carbon electricity

essential for a sustainable future.

Kazakhstan’s strategic importance in global energy security lies

not only in its resource wealth but also in its unwavering commitment

to a multi-vector foreign policy. Our country prioritises

constructive diplomacy over geopolitical competition, fostering

stable, mutually beneficial relationships across continents. This

balanced approach allows Kazakhstan to serve as a trusted

partner in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Kazatomprom stands at the forefront of this transition, accounting

for approximately 21 percent of global uranium production. In

2024, our consolidated revenue reached a record USD 3.9 billion,

Meirzhan Yussupov, CEO of Kazatomprom

and adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders (excluding

one-off items) amounted to USD 1.2 billion – clear evidence of

robust market demand amid the pursuit of energy resilience and

climate stability. In the same year, we secured new exploration

licenses in high-potential areas.

Kazatomprom’s ISR operations are highly automated and continuously

monitored. Our facilities meet or exceed international

standards for industrial safety and environmental performance.

SUSTAINABLE FOOTPRINT

IN-SITU RECOVERY: KAZAKHSTAN’S ENVIRON-

MENTALLY RESPONSIBLE MINING MODEL

In Kazakhstan, natural uranium is produced using in-situ recovery

(ISR) mining – a method that avoids conventional excavation.

ISR involves injecting a low-pH solution through wells into the

underground ore body. As the solution moves through uranium-bearing

rock, it dissolves uranium compounds, which are

then pumped to the surface through production wells.

Nuclear energy’s minimal carbon footprint makes it indispensable

in fighting climate change, offering dependable baseload power

when wind and solar falter. Its resilience is also vital amid volatile

fossil fuel markets and rising geopolitical risks.

Kazatomprom’s sustainability vision extends beyond uranium

supply. Our Decarbonisation and Carbon Neutrality Strategy is

centered on reducing environmental impact through advanced

technologies and efficient operations.

Unlike traditional open-pit or underground mining, ISR leaves

the surface largely undisturbed – no soil subsidence, no tailings

storage, and no need for managing large volumes of waste rock.

Key uranium processing steps occur deep underground, reducing

surface impact, minimising costs, and enhancing operational

safety.

In 2024, we invested around USD 30 million in environmental and

labour protection initiatives, fire and industrial safety programs.

With focused efforts on emissions reduction, energy efficiency,

and low-carbon innovation, Kazatomprom demonstrates how

industrial leadership can align profitability with environmental

responsibility, helping to shape a sustainable global economy.

64 65

Over the past 28 years, Kazatomprom has reliably supplied

uranium to utilities across China, East and South Asia, Europe,

and North America. These enduring partnerships support civilian

nuclear applications in power generation, healthcare, research,

and innovation – laying the groundwork for a cleaner, safer future.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Kazatomprom’s commitment to social responsibility reflects a

broader global imperative: to ensure growth that is inclusive and

equitable.

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

Innovation is at the heart of Kazatomprom’s long-term strategy.

We are building a culture of continuous improvement based on

lean manufacturing principles – streamlining operations, cutting

waste, and improving safety. Ongoing projects include the development

of spheroidized metal powders from tantalum, niobium,

and their alloys for use in 3D printing. We are also working with

international scientific institutions to advance medical radioisotope

development. Additionally, we are investigating the concurrent

extraction of rare metals – such as scandium, vanadium,

and rhenium – during uranium production. These initiatives are

pushing the boundaries of technology and increasing efficiency

across our operations.

FROM SUPPLIER TO STRATEGIC PARTNER:

KAZAKHSTAN’S GLOBAL ROLE

Kazakhstan is increasingly recognised not just as a uranium supplier,

but as a strategic player in nuclear energy governance and

collaboration. Our commitment to peaceful nuclear development,

non-proliferation, and multilateralism cements Kazakhstan’s position

as a reliable partner in the global transition. A key milestone

was the IAEA’s 2017 selection of the Ulba Metallurgical Plant to

host the Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank. This initiative ensures

fuel availability for IAEA Member States lacking enrichment

capabilities, reducing proliferation risks while supporting nuclear

energy expansion. By 2019, Kazatomprom had completed final

deliveries for the LEU Bank, further affirming our commitment to

the peaceful use of nuclear technologies.

Through job creation, tax contributions, and local infrastructure

development under subsoil use obligations, we help build

resilient communities in Kazakhstan. We also invest in education

and skills development, fostering the next generation of energy

professionals. Our scholarship programmes for underserved students

and partnerships with international academic institutions

demonstrate how corporations can be part of the solution to

global challenges such as education access and social mobility.

NUCLEAR IS THE PATH FORWARD

Nuclear energy often plays second fiddle to solar and wind in

energy discourse. Yet, unlike intermittent renewables, nuclear

provides consistent, carbon-free power – a critical component

of a balanced energy mix. While renewables are indispensable,

nuclear energy is equally essential to meeting growing demand

for clean, stable electricity. As the world confronts both climate

and energy security challenges, the case for nuclear has never

been stronger.

Kazatomprom is prepared to lead this transition ensuring stable

uranium supply, driving innovation, and embedding sustainability

at the core of our strategy. Nuclear energy is not just part of the

solution – it is central to it.

All photos: Kazatomprom

Kazatomprom also plays an active role in global nuclear forums

such as the World Nuclear Association (WNA), contributing

to international policies, safety frameworks, and sustainable

development strategies. Through these efforts, Kazakhstan is

transitioning from a resource supplier to a full-fledged contributor

to global energy security and climate action.

Meirzhan Yussupov, CEO of Kazatomprom and Lucy Buchanan of Leny

66 67

HIGH-LEVEL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

ON GLACIERS’ PRESERVATION

Dushanbe, Tajikistan, May 2025

At the end of May, the capital of Tajikistan hosted a pivotal

conference to accelerate the collective efforts of the international

community to address the pressing issue of glaciers’ preservation.

The High-Level International Conference on Glacier Protection

brought together over 2,500 participants from 80 countries,

and marked a milestone in global efforts to combat the alarming

shrinking of glaciers, for which there is no precedent in human

history, highlighting the importance of immediate action and

international collaboration to secure a sustainable future.

The Conference was hosted by the Government of the Republic

of Tajikistan in cooperation with UN Agencies (notably, UNESCO

and the World Meteorological Organization) and other partners

in line with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution

A/RES/77/158 adopted on 14 December 2022 declaring 2025

the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. This initiative is

a testament to Tajikistan’s leadership and commitment to raising

awareness and expanding international cooperation to tackle

the impact of climate change on water resources and glaciers,

particularly through the International Decade for Action “Water

for Sustainable Development” 2018-2028 and the International

Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, 2025-2034, a

significant milestone to strengthen scientific understanding and

develop effective strategies for glacier preservation.

The Conference provided a unique platform for the world

community to advance global efforts in climate adaptation and

resilience, with a specific focus on promoting and facilitating

actions and sustainable measures towards preserving glaciers,

as well as its integrated management at all levels through transformative

glaciers-related actions and commitments. The event

and its strategic collaborations aimed to foster greater awareness

and knowledge exchange, enhance technical capacities,

and promote the dissemination of best practices, emphasising

climate-responsive and transformative solutions, adopting an

integrated and trans-boundary approach to mitigate the adverse

impacts of glacial melting on water security, food security, and

community resilience.

The Conference adopted a multi-stakeholder approach, bringing

together diverse groups and actors engaged in the implementation

of water-related goals and targets. Participants included

high-level representatives from UN Member States, UN entities,

international and regional organisations, international financial institutions,

the private sector, civil society organisations, academia,

local governments, communities, and other stakeholders.

PRESIDENT EMOMALI RAHMON: EVERY LOST

DROP OF GLACIERS CONTRIBUTES TO THE

GROWING DANGERS FOR THE FUTURE OF

HUMANITY

Opening the forum, the host, President of Tajikistan, H.E.

Emomali Rahmon, defined the problem Central Asia and the

world face in very clear terms. President Rahmon emphasised

that glaciers are not just ice, but the foundation of freshwater

resources, climate stability, and sustainable development.

68 69

The accelerated melting of glaciers is not just an environmental

ters related to water, including rapid melting of glaciers.

active involvement of scientists and researchers, civil society,

• Effective use and mobilisation of financial and technical re-

problem, but is closely related to many aspects of human life.

So far, out of 14,000 glaciers, which are the source of 60 percent

and other stakeholders, to address the problem of melting

sources for the practical implementation of glacier preservation

Glaciers are considered to be one of the main sources of drinking

of drinking water in the region, 1,300 have completely melted,

glaciers and its far-reaching consequences.

initiatives and make contributions to the United Nations Trust

water on our planet, and their protection provides the necessary

and the process of rapid melting is still continuing. The loss of

• Conduct comprehensive monitoring and scientific research to

Fund in Support of Activities for Glaciers’ Preservation.

conditions for achieving many of the Sustainable Development

glaciers threatens not only the natural heritage but also the lives

better understand the dynamic changes of glaciers and the

• Development and implementation of strategies and action pro-

Goals (SDGs).

of millions of people in the region.

impacts on ecosystems, water resources, socio-economic

grams at national and regional levels. I also propose to develop

issues, and global climate change. To address this issue, it

a global strategy for glaciers’ preservation at the global level.

Along with this, the rapid melting of polar ice caps is causing

President Rahmon noted that Tajikistan’s scientific and technical

is proposed that countries with the ability to collect accurate

flooding in coastal countries and cities, leaving millions without

shelter. Moreover, this process leads to a decrease in the land

area of countries and becomes a factor in population migration.

capabilities, like those of dozens of other countries with glaciers,

are limited. Therefore, “we need to expand effective cooperation

with all partners for the comprehensive monitoring of glaciers, as

data on the state of glaciers, particularly through satellites,

shall establish a regular exchange of information with countries

that lack such capabilities.

MELTING GLACIERS: A THREAT TO HUMANITY

“I want to note clearly that glaciers’ preservation is not just a

well as for the planning and implementation of urgent measures

• Implement collective actions to address the socio-econom-

The Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan, as well as the Tian Shan and

problem of countries with glaciers but rather a global crisis that

to protect glaciers. In this context, intellectual innovations, to-

ic consequences of glacier melting, including its impact on

the Hindu Kush – Himalayas, are home to an extensive network

deserves the immediate attention of the international communi-

gether with financial and technical assistance, are also needed.”

accessing water, ensuring food security, producing electric-

of glaciers – including some of the largest in the world – and gla-

ty”, said President Rahmon.

Given the importance of the statements above, Tajikistan calls

ity, protecting cultural and natural heritage, etc. In particular,

cial lakes. Together with ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica,

on the international community to take urgent and decisive

urgent measures must be taken to protect flora and fauna

glaciers cover only 10 percent of the Earth’s surface, but they

Rapid glacier melt disrupts water supply processes, threatens

measures to protect glaciers. In this regard, Tajikistan proposes

that become deprived of their usual habitats as a result of the

are essential for all life on our planet. They play a vital role in

food security, and negatively affects the production of clean elec-

the following immediate actions to reduce the process of glacier

melting of glaciers.

regulating the climate and store about 70 percent of the world’s

tricity. This process, in most cases, creates many risks, increas-

melt:

• Most measures aimed at protecting glaciers are closely aligned

freshwater. Glaciers and ice sheets also play a key role in ocean

ing economic inequality and the vulnerability of the population.

with measures aimed at addressing climate change. Therefore,

circulation.

Especially in mountain areas, the rapid melting of glaciers is

• Raise the awareness of the global community about the vital

there is a need to assist countries in implementing climate

causing flooding, mudslides, and landslides, damaging infra-

role of glaciers in ensuring drinking water resources and ad-

change adaptation programs and strategies, including in vul-

Yet, they are retreating at an alarming pace. In Central Asia, this

structure significantly. Tajikistan, with 93 percent of the territory

dressing a set of interrelated sustainable development issues.

nerable regions, through integrated approaches, such as early

is a serious regional concern, as these glaciers feed major river

covered by mountains, remains vulnerable against natural disas-

• Strengthen international cooperation, including through the

warning systems and disaster risk reduction.

systems. The Vanch Yakh Glacier – the largest in the region – has

70 71

Melting glaciers also drive sea-level rise, endangering coastal

• Strategic global partnerships should be engines for the design

megacities and displacing millions downstream. The significant

and delivery of ambitious, economy-wide Nationally Deter-

presence of high-level representatives from Small Island

mined Contributions (NDCs) – as we go to Belém in Brazil later

Developing States (SIDS) at the conference, shows the global

this year. These should not only as climate pledges, but as

nature of this phenomenon. Vice President of the Maldives, H.E.

investment of roadmaps that drive SDG implementation.

Hussain Mohamed Latheef, underscored the Maldives’ profound

• Ensuring that national climate plans set measurable adaptation

concern over the accelerating loss of glaciers and its far-reaching

targets across water, infrastructure, energy, and food systems

consequences.

to build resilience, secure financing, and protect livelihoods.

These plans need to be linked to national budgets to optimise

The Vice President highlighted that the Maldives has submitted

resource allocations, avert losses, and build institutional ca-

its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) this year,

pacities to fill gaps in technical expertise but also to create an

outlining an ambitious pathway towards resilience and low-car-

enabling environment for large scale and urgent investments.

bon development. In his statement, the Vice President urged all

• Identify pipelines of market-ready investments, backed by

countries to submit updated NDCs before COP30, calling for

high-quality data and evidence-based tools that forecast re-

greater ambition, transparency, and urgency.

turns, demonstrate co-benefits for job creation and economic

growth, and unlock new financial services.

The Vice President also stressed the critical need for targeted international

support for Small Island Developing States, advocating

for tailored strategies, concessional climate finance, adapted

technologies, and meaningful capacity-building efforts to meet

their specific challenges.

WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION:

WE NEED MORE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in collaboration

Strategies for glacier preservation must enable integrated, inclu-

with UNESCO, is leading efforts for the International Year of

sive, data-driven and locally grounded adaptation responses that

Glaciers’ Preservation 2025.

meet the needs of those most vulnerable.

Andrea Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteoro-

Investing in adaptation should be recognised as a catalyst of

logical Organization, called for increased investment in scientific

sustainable growth and resilience. Yet, adaptation and risk

research. She pointed out that funding for glacier and climate

reduction tools cannot succeed without sustained, predictable

process studies is extremely limited, while science is crucial

lost approximately 16 cubic kilometres in volume and 45 square

loss, infrastructure, and the stability and health of communities

financing to support resilience-building at every level, said Amina

for predicting risks and developing mitigation strategies. Saulo

kilometres in area in recent decades. That’s the equivalent of 6.4

worldwide. Billions of people depend on glaciers for drinking

Mohammed.

urged governments, international funds, and the private sector to

million Olympic swimming pools and 6,000 football fields worth

water, irrigation, livelihoods, and energy production, making

support the creation of a sustainable monitoring system and pro-

of ice.

their preservation essential for human survival and sustainable

The UN Deputy Secretary General urged the international

vide opportunities for scientists to work. In particular, she offered

development. Beyond the physical impacts, glacier loss is also

community to use all relevant platforms – COP30 in Brazil, the

five urgent and action-oriented solutions:

Nepal recently declared the loss of Langtang’s Yala Glacier.

an erosion of culture, history, and identity. Communities tied to

Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the UN Food Systems

Venezuela has become the second country in the world after

mountain landscapes face the disappearance of ancestral lands,

Summit Stocktake in Addis Ababa, the Second World Summit

• Tackle the root cause: global warming. We must slash green-

Slovenia to lose all its glaciers. With a third of mountain ice

traditional knowledge, and linguistic heritage, severing connec-

on Sustainable Development in Doha, and next year’s UN Water

house gas emissions. 2025 is the year we update our climate

already lost due to climate change, these consequences will only

tions that have existed for generations. Glaciers are present in

Conference – to elevate political will and sharpen our focus on

pledges. The next round of Nationally Determined Contribu-

intensify without immediate mitigation measures to keep global

over 120 UNESCO-designated sites, including biosphere re-

glaciers for people, planet and prosperity.

tions (NDC 3.0) must be ambitious. 1.5°C is not a preference

temperatures within the 1.5 degrees threshold.

serves, global geoparks and world heritage sites. In fact, a 2022

– it’s a Must.

UNESCO study highlighted that the glaciers in one third of these

In particular, this year’s Fourth Financing for Development

• Strengthen our monitoring systems. We can’t manage what

The State of Global Water Resources 2023 report, published by

world heritage sites are projected to disappear by 2050.

Conference presents an opportunity to ensure that development

we don’t measure. We need more investment in our National

the World Meteorological Organization, reveals that glaciers lost

funding is not just allocated, but strategically risk-informed

Hydrometeorological Services. We need more high-elevation

over 600 gigatons of water in 2023, the largest mass loss re-

The UN Deputy Secretary General, H.E. Amina J. Mohammed,

– across all types of shocks – strengthening resilience and

weather stations. Better satellite coverage. And long-term,

corded in the past 50 years. While this may temporarily increase

similarly illustrated the scale of the problem in her keynote

safeguarding development gains. Every dollar spent on resilience

ground-based glacier tracking. We need an Earth System

downstream water availability, it underscores a critical long-term

address: “Since 1975, over 9,000 billion tons of ice have dis-

enhances early warning systems, safeguards infrastructure, and

approach and better models.

concern: the reduction in water stored as snow and ice will have

appeared – equivalent to a 25-meter-thick block covering all of

protects livelihoods from extreme climate events. It reinforces

• Unlock the power of partnership. Initiatives like WMO’s Global

profound consequences for the availability of water resources for

Germany. At current rates, many glaciers may not survive this

food and water security and strengthens economies against

Cryosphere Watch and Early Warnings for All are helping to

people, ecosystems, and economies.

century, reshaping landscapes, ecosystems, livelihoods and

future shocks.

bridge science and service. But to scale them, we need more

water security on a global scale. This is not just a mountain

data sharing, more regional collaboration, and stronger political

The death of a glacier means much more than the loss of ice. It

crisis – it is a slow-moving global catastrophe with far-reaching

As we embark on the Decade for Glaciers’ Preservation, UN

will. Our Third Pole Regional Climate Centre is already helping

is a mortal blow to ecosystems, economies, and social fabric.

consequences for planet and people.”

Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed delivered three key

Himalayan nations build resilience – let’s expand and replicate

Glacier loss threatens water and food security, biodiversity

messages:

these models.

72 73

• Turn science into policy. Data must drive decisions. Glacier

and hydrological insights must shape everything from disaster

risk plans to river basin management strategies. We must

therefore make sure that the data is shared. It’s a question of

trust. No country can manage climate risks alone. We must

stand together.

• Invest in people. Let’s empower the next generation of glaciologists,

hydrologists, and climate experts – especially women

and young scientists. Knowledge must be sustained, shared,

and passed down. For the sake of future generations.

A GLOBAL STEP TOWARD GLACIER

PRESERVATION

A significant moment at the conference was the announcement

of Tajikistan’s official membership in the International Union for

Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an organisation with over 1,400

members worldwide, including governments, NGOs, and scientific

institutes. This membership will provide Tajikistan access to a

global network of experts, knowledge, and funding for conservation

projects, and enable the country to more actively participate

in international environmental initiatives.

The results and outcomes of the Conference, such as policy recommendations

and scientific insights, will be integrated into into

broader global platforms to ensure sustained action on glacier

preservation and will lay the foundation for the formation of a

new Dushanbe Process for Glaciers’ Preservation.

One of the conference’s key outcomes was the adoption of the

Dushanbe Declaration, an important international document that

united the positions of dozens of countries on glacier conservation.

The declaration underscores the rapid melting of glaciers,

posing a threat to millions of people who rely on mountain rivers

and freshwater resources.

Participants acknowledged the urgent need for action and

called for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a shift to

eco-friendly production, and the implementation of glacier monitoring

systems. The document also emphasises the importance

of developing scientific research and sharing knowledge between

countries to find effective solutions.

Glaciers are the foundation of community life all over the world.

They sustain ecosystems, regulate water cycles, and glacier-fed

systems provide drinking water and economic livelihoods for

countless millions. Glaciers are not relics of the past. They are

pillars of the present day.

All photos: Government of Tajikistan

To ensure these commitments lead to tangible action, the creation

of an international coalition was announced. This coalition

will include countries, scientific institutes, international organisations,

and social movements, with the aim of coordinating efforts

to protect glaciers, monitoring the implementation of the declaration’s

provisions, sharing best practices, and attracting investments

for environmental projects and technological innovations.

The conference also proposed integrating environmental programs

into educational systems, particularly in mountainous

regions. The idea is that the more people understand nature,

climate, and resource conservation methods, the more effectively

they can participate in environmental protection efforts. This includes

adding glacier-related topics to school curricula, organising

training sessions, educational projects, and engaging with

youth and local communities. The goal is to make environmental

literacy part of daily life.

States and international and regional organisations were encouraged

to make financial contributions to the newly established

Trust Fund in Support of Activities for Glaciers’ Preservation,

coordinated by the UN Secretary-General, to ensure its effective

operation.

74 75

TOURISM IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN:

DEVELOPMENT DYNAMICS

AND GLOBAL POTENTIAL

Jamshed Jumakhonzoda,

Chairman of the Committee for tourism development

under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan

Tajikistan’s authoritative international recognition, exceptional

natural resources, rich cultural and historical heritage, and consistent

state policy are transforming the country into one of the

most promising tourist destinations in Central Asia. With a history

stretching back millennia and a diverse geography, Tajikistan is

strengthening its position on the global tourism map. Tourism is

now regarded as a strategic pillar of the national economy and a

powerful engine for social and economic development - particularly

in rural and mountainous regions.

STRATEGIC VISION AND INTERNATIONAL

RECOGNITION

The forward-looking initiatives of the Founder of Peace and

National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic

of Tajikistan, H.E. Emomali Rahmon, have laid the foundation for

a comprehensive and modern tourism policy. The designation

of 2018 as the Year of Tourism and Folk Crafts, followed by the

2019–2021 period as the Years of Rural Development, Tourism,

and Crafts, catalyzed the integration of tourism into national and

regional development agendas.

In line with the National Development Strategy until 2030, tourism

is identified as a key sector for economic diversification and

an essential contributor to the national GDP. Tajikistan’s growing

international visibility is marked by its full membership in the UN

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the inclusion of Dushanbe

in the World Federation of Tourist Cities, and the UNESCO World

Heritage recognition of key cultural and natural sites, including

Sarazm, the Tajik National Park, and elements of intangible heritage

such as Chakan, Navruz, Plov, Falak, and Shashmaqom.

76 77

INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND PROMOTION

Tajikistan has significantly intensified its presence on the international

stage, participating in major tourism exhibitions and

forums in Germany, the UK, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE,

Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, Türkiye, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan,

and more. These efforts are vital in promoting Tajikistan’s tourism

brand globally and attracting both visitors and investors.

NATURAL AND CULTURAL ASSETS

Tajikistan’s geography offers dramatic contrasts—from the subtropical

heat of Shahritus at +40°C to the snow-covered peaks

of the Pamirs in a single day’s journey. The country is endowed

with 947 water bodies, towering mountain ranges, glaciers,

mineral springs, and over 3,000 officially registered historical and

cultural monuments. These attributes make it a prime location

for eco-tourism, adventure tourism, wellness travel, and heritage

tourism.

ECONOMIC INCENTIVES AND INVESTMENT

CLIMATE

Tourism development in Tajikistan is closely linked to improvements

in the business environment. The government has introduced

a wide range of fiscal and customs incentives to attract

investment, including:

• A five-year profit tax exemption for tourism companies;

• Exemption from VAT and customs duties on imported equipment

and building materials for tourism infrastructure;

• Long-term multiple-entry visas (up to five years) for foreign

investors contributing over USD 1 million.

• These policies have spurred the implementation of numerous

infrastructure projects, including hotels, cable cars, wellness

resorts, and integrated tourism complexes.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

Tajikistan is at the forefront of digital innovation in tourism

facilitation. The launch of the national e-visa platform (evisa.tj),

combined with a visa-free regime for citizens of 107 countries

and simplified visa procedures with 140 others, has significantly

enhanced the country’s accessibility. According to global

rankings, Tajikistan’s e-visa system is among the top five most

user-friendly worldwide.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND SECURITY

As of 2024, the tourism sector in Tajikistan includes:

• 200 registered tour operators;

• 216 hotels;

• 55 hostels and motels;

• 57 sanatoria and 10 wellness centers.

To ensure visitor safety, a dedicated unit of the Tourism Police

was established in 2018 under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

This specialised service maintains close coordination with the

private sector and plays a vital role in enhancing the country’s

reputation as a safe travel destination.

HUMAN CAPITAL AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

To support long-term sectoral growth, the government has invested

in tourism education. The International University of Tourism

and Entrepreneurship was established based on the Institute

of Tourism, and 20 additional institutions across the country are

training tourism and hospitality professionals, ensuring a robust

pipeline of qualified personnel.

The capital city, Dushanbe, serves as both a cultural epicentre

and a modern transit hub. Urban projects include five-star hotels,

water parks, museums, traditional teahouses, and religious landmarks—carefully

blending national identity with modern hospitality

standards.

TOURIST FLOW AND SECTORAL GROWTH

According to official data:

• In 2019, Tajikistan welcomed 1,257,300 international tourists;

• In 2022 – 999,300;

• In 2023 – 1,201,000;

• In 2024 – 1,400,200.

The number of tourism companies grew from 146 in 2018 to 200

by 2024, reflecting an expanding private sector interest in the

country’s tourism market.

CONCLUSION

Tourism has emerged as a strategic sector in Tajikistan’s economic

transformation. Its growth not only enhances the country’s

international image but also drives sustainable development, job

creation, regional revitalisation, and foreign investment. With its

diverse climate, rich cultural heritage, strong institutional backing,

and increasing digital readiness, Tajikistan is positioning itself

as a dynamic and welcoming destination for travellers worldwide.

As the country continues to implement forward-thinking reforms

and forge new international partnerships, its tourism sector is

poised to become a model of sustainable and inclusive development

in the heart of Central Asia.

All photos: Committee for Tourism Development under the

Government of the Republic of Tajikistan

78 79

LOCAL LEADERSHIP, GLOBAL VISION:

THE TERRITORIAL DIPLOMACY

OF CAMEROON’S COMMUNES

Augustin Tamba,

President of the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon (CVUC)

At the forefront of a new wave of local governance, the President

of the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon (CVUC), Mr.

Augustin Tamba, is spearheading an ambitious and innovative

form of diplomacy—territorial diplomacy. Under his leadership,

communes are no longer just administrative units but dynamic

engines of development, dialogue, and global partnerships. In

this in-depth interview, he shares his strategic vision for turning

municipalities into levers of economic growth, cultural pride, and

international cooperation.

YOU ARE THE ARCHITECT OF AN AMBITIOUS

TERRITORIAL DIPLOMACY IN CAMEROON,

WHERE LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES ARE EMPOWERED

AS KEY DRIVERS OF DEVELOPMENT THROUGH

YOUR CONCEPT OF “COMMUNES DE PRODUC-

TION”. COULD YOU EXPLAIN THIS VISION AND

HOW IT TRANSFORMS THE APPROACH TO DE-

CENTRALIZED COOPERATION IN CAMEROON?

The concept of “commune de production” is quite simple yet

strategic. Cameroon, as part of its 2030 economic agenda, faces

a major challenge: reversing the trade imbalance by reducing imports

and increasing exports. This means producing more locally

and building resilient economic ecosystems.

Under the 2019 decentralization law, local governments are

not only administrative units but strategic actors in the national

economic plan. As President of the CVUC, we embraced this

opportunity to turn our municipalities into development poles,

hubs of wealth creation, and solutions to urban overcrowding

and youth unemployment. Our philosophy encourages reversing

rural exodus—transforming it into rural revival.

We began by analyzing the economic and territorial potential of

each commune—whether in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry,

ecotourism, or renewable energy. With support from the National

Institute of Statistics and the Special Council Support Fund for

Mutual Assistance (FEICOM), we conducted a comprehensive

diagnostic of local comparative advantages and development

assets. This gave us credible, localized data to guide strategic

planning.

From there, we classified municipalities by dominant sector to

group them into inter-communal production clusters—creating

economies of scale and synergies around shared economic

strengths. For instance, communes rich in timber are now collaborating

on sustainable forest management and wood transformation.

Agricultural regions are working to create value chains from

production to export.

But we knew that local planning alone wouldn’t be enough. We

needed to communicate these opportunities to the world. That’s

how our strategy of territorial diplomacy was born. It is rooted

in showcasing our regional assets, building trust-based partnerships,

and attracting targeted investment to Cameroon’s municipalities.

Territorial diplomacy becomes the tool to communicate

these opportunities abroad and bring investors to the table.

We toured nearly every continent in order to take this vision

abroad—to China, Türkiye, Morocco, Israel, the US, France,

Belgium and beyond—where we engaged with investors, technical

experts, and local authorities. To scale this effort further,

we created JEICOM: the Journées Économiques Internationales

des Communes du Cameroun. Held every two years since 2021,

80 81

JEICOM brings together mayors, investors, and stakeholders to

Our missions abroad have led to the birth of thematic partner-

This legal framework protects transparency, accountability, and

connect on sector-specific opportunities, and build entire value

ships and economic alliances. These are not limited to traditional

good governance. The process begins with the municipal council

chains. For example: planting maize to make poultry or fish feed,

North-South frameworks but include strong South-South ties as

granting deliberative approval for the creation of a local enter-

raising and distributing fish, or growing cassava to produce

well. Municipalities from the North are now engaging directly with

prise. Once formed, these entities act as vehicles to implement

starch for the pharmaceutical industry. These are not theoretical

those in the South, forming alliances on shared themes—from

economic projects, attract investors, and operate within the

projects—they’re in motion. This is the logic behind our model.

climate action and digital governance to infrastructure, agricul-

market—independent from the political administration.

ture, and youth employment.

Today, we are moving from idea to action. That’s what I call turn-

This structure is clear and guided by a strong legal framework.

ing strategic reflection into transformation. In short, our mission

Our goal is not philanthropy. We’re not seeking handouts. We are

It enables public-private cooperation that is professional and

is to transform each commune from a simple administrative body

building structured, economically viable partnerships where each

well-regulated. Municipalities act as facilitators—not operators—

into a true economic actor. This is how we believe local develop-

side brings something valuable to the table. Cameroon’s local

of business. They create the enabling environment, while legal

ment becomes national progress.

governments offer human capital, rich territorial potential, and

enterprises engage directly in project implementation.

project credibility. In return, we seek appropriate technologies,

SINCE YOUR ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF THE

CVUC IN 2020, YOU HAVE LED MISSIONS TO

CHINA, TÜRKIYE, MOROCCO, ISRAEL, THE US,

FRANCE, BELGIUM, AND MORE. IS THIS GLOBAL

ENGAGEMENT PART OF A DELIBERATE STRATEGY

TO OPEN CAMEROON TO NEW PARTNERSHIPS

BEYOND TRADITIONAL DIPLOMACY?

Absolutely. What we are building is not an isolated diplomacy of

the territories. It is a conscious and strategic effort to combine

the diplomacy of the State with the diplomacy of the local territories—forming

a more operational and credible whole.

Our diplomatic missions abroad, especially Cameroon’s embassies,

have greatly supported us and contributed to this effort. It is

truly the convergence of these two diplomatic forces—territorial

investment capital, and technical support.

Through this new diplomatic framework, we are shaping

decentralized cooperation that is modern, mutually beneficial,

and resilient. These new paths allow us to create added value,

develop integrated value chains, and unlock synergies between

cities, communities, and countries. This is the diplomacy of the

future—and Cameroon is proud to lead by example.

IN YOUR ROLE AS MAYOR, ENTREPRENEUR, AND

PRESIDENT OF THE CVUC, HOW DO YOU SEE

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CONTRIBUTING—WITHIN

THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK—TO ATTRACT AND

STRUCTURE INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT IN

CAMEROON?

Through this model, we build investor confidence. It ensures

legal clarity, protects public resources, and allows private actors

to operate efficiently. It’s the key to sustainable, structured partnerships

that benefit both local communities and international

stakeholders.

YOU OFTEN EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF

STRENGTHENING THE CAPACITY OF MUNICIPAL

STAFF. HOW DOES THE CVUC SUPPORT THIS

EFFORT—PARTICULARLY IN TRAINING, PROJECT

MANAGEMENT, AND ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERN-

ANCE? AND CAN EQUALIZATION BE USED AS A

TOOL TO PROMOTE TERRITORIAL EQUITY?

Absolutely, our system is built on solidarity and equity. Let’s

begin with the equalization mechanism, or “péréquation.” It is

and national—that has created a fruitful, dynamic synergy. We

First, let me clarify a fundamental point: local governments do

a tool of national solidarity that ensures a fairer redistribution of

believe this collaborative model is both sustainable and scalable.

not act independently or outside the national policy framework.

resources between wealthy and less affluent municipalities. It

API, the national investment agency, is also an important partner.

We are not acting alone. We have taken a deliberate approach

Everything we do is in concert with the Cameroonian govern-

recognizes the disparities between large cities and smaller towns

Together, we work to guide municipalities on project preparation,

to identify the right partners, understand the right methods,

ment’s national development and planning strategies. We see

and seeks to create more balanced development opportunities.

investor relations, and opportunity mapping.

and seize the opportunities in a rapidly changing international

ourselves as complementary actors—strategically aligned with

As for capacity-building, the structure is clear. Cameroon has a

landscape. In today’s global climate, shaped by shifting alliances,

national objectives.

National School of Local Administration (NASLA), which trains

At the CVUC level, we act as an in-house think tank for our

economic realignments, and sometimes the erratic temperament

senior staff for municipalities. CVUC, as a national association of

members. We develop standard matrices for project evalua-

of world leaders, it’s crucial for Africa to take its destiny into its

In terms of promoting Cameroon’s investment attractiveness,

communes, is not a labour union—it is a strategic platform that

tion, adapted to key sectors like solar energy, aquaculture, or

own hands.

this is where our territorial diplomacy plays a key role. Through

provides advocacy, advisory services, and coordination between

agribusiness. This allows municipalities to avoid starting from

forums abroad, bilateral meetings, and strategic events, we

municipalities, ministries, development partners, and financial

scratch and accelerates project preparation. These templates are

At the recent Francophone Economic Summit in Djerba, I ex-

showcase Cameroon’s economic potential. Sometimes we do

institutions.

regularly updated and localized.

pressed the importance of rethinking the traditional North-South

this as the CVUC on our own; other times in partnership with API,

lens. Africa, and particularly Francophone Africa, has not yet re-

the national Investment Promotion Agency, or alongside govern-

We also sit on the board of FEICOM, Cameroon’s local govern-

We are also upgrading our internal training center to become

ceived its fair share of attention or investment. While billions have

ment officials. It’s a coordinated approach.

ment development bank. This gives us a role in shaping strategic

more multi-sectoral, responsive to 21st century challenges like

been invested across Asia and Latin America, Africa—despite its

frameworks, including the design of financial instruments and

climate change and digitalisation, and aligned with modern

immense potential—still lags behind.

It is also important to avoid confusion. Municipalities themselves

support programs.

management practices. As local government revenues increase,

are not the ones running businesses. Instead, the law allows

municipalities will be able to attract and retain highly qualified

We are not only asking for democracy and inclusion; we are

them to participate in private companies—specifically, communal

Municipalities and inter-communal groups can approach

personnel—economists, engineers, legal experts—and institu-

actively building it. The emerging African elite is asserting itself,

or inter-communal enterprises created under the Organization for

FEICOM to request technical or financial support for feasibility

tionalize continuous learning.

shaping new democratic levers, and striving for mutually respect-

the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa. These companies

studies, capacity-building, or infrastructure projects. FEICOM

ful relationships between large and small powers. We no longer

are legally private and separate. The municipality cannot have

has mechanisms for both grants and concessional credit, and

This is the pathway to stronger, smarter, and more autonomous

accept unbalanced dynamics. Instead, we want to co-create,

a majority share—usually capped at 30 percent—and elected

the state has put in place fiscal tools and incentives to support

local governments.

co-develop, and co-invest.

officials are not allowed to manage the enterprise.

local initiatives.

82 83

THROUGH YOUR WORK, COMMUNES HAVE BE-

COME TRUE SHOWCASES OF CAMEROON ON THE

INTERNATIONAL STAGE. IN YOUR VIEW, HOW CAN

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FURTHER CONTRIBUTE

TO ENHANCING THE COUNTRY’S GLOBAL IMAGE?

COULD AREAS LIKE YOUTH DYNAMISM, LOCAL

TOURISM, AND EDUCATION BE BETTER LEVER-

AGED TO POSITION CAMEROON MORE STRONG-

LY IN GLOBAL ATTRACTIVENESS CIRCUITS?

We believe that a flagship resort could be developed there. Investors

have already visited and expressed great interest. We’re

currently encouraging the government to open up access roads

and build airstrips for helicopters or small jets—private aircraft.

We know from nearby countries like Nigeria or Equatorial Guinea

that such infrastructure could attract high-end regional tourism.

In fact, we’re even exploring the idea of building a unique casino

in the forest—an eco-friendly, boutique casino. We’ve already

identified a partner who sees the potential and is very enthusiastic.

The idea would be to create something truly distinctive: a ca-

Indeed, local governments are central to this transformation and

sino surrounded by eco-lodges, in the heart of nature, designed

are contributing in concrete ways to better promoting Cameroon.

with ecologists and sustainable tourism experts.

Through our work, we influence national policies on education,

urging them to shape educational policies that are more in tune

All of these ideas are not dreams—they’re projects already

with today’s rapidly changing global environment—such as

underway. But we need substantial resources. We need strong

agro-industrial development, renewable energy, or tourism.

financial backing. This is a call to investors: come explore

Cameroon. It is a journey, but we have the sites, the ideas, the

When we talk about our “communes de production”, for exam-

human capital, and the vision. Now we need the means to bring

ple, and our goal to intensify agriculture and agricultural exports,

these exceptional opportunities to life.

we must ensure that our schools are adapting as well. We are

working with institutions like the Polytechnic School and agricultural

colleges, asking them to introduce new training modules.

These would prepare young people for hands-on work in production

sectors, with the possibility of scholarships that would allow

them to gain experience directly in operational enterprises. This

kind of strategic orientation is how we help align education with

local development goals.

IN MANY WAYS, YOUR WORK EMBODIES A

POWERFUL EXAMPLE OF NATION BRANDING—

STRATEGICALLY PROMOTING THE IMAGE OF

CAMEROON ABROAD. HOW DO YOU SEE THIS

ROLE EVOLVING, AND HOW COULD IT BE FUR-

THER INSTITUTIONALIZED IN THE FUTURE?

As for tourism—yes, this is clearly an area with huge potential,

Nation Branding is often misunderstood or underestimated, yet

efforts across ministries, cities, and regions. But until then, we

Whether you are interested in agriculture, renewable energy,

especially if we look at it from a territorial marketing perspective.

we practice it every day—perhaps without realizing it. Through

remain committed to leading by example. As local leaders, we

infrastructure, ecotourism, or education, Cameroon offers fertile

Coastal communes must do more to showcase their assets. We

our actions—international missions, conferences like JEICOM,

are ready to partner with professionals and experts to institu-

ground for sustainable and meaningful partnerships.

have rich forests, waterfalls, and unique biodiversity. In the West,

investment forums, and bilateral meetings—we promote the im-

tionalize Nation Branding and elevate Cameroon’s image on the

for instance, there’s a stunning waterfall site where a famous film

age of Cameroon abroad. This is what we call territorial market-

global stage

There is strong political will, expressed at the highest level by the

was shot in the past. Tourism there is still very underdeveloped,

ing, and yes, we do it intentionally and systematically.

Head of State, to unlock this potential and drive inclusive, trans-

but we are now working with partners to create a full tourism

The next chapter is about coordination and vision. Cameroon

formative growth. The government has put in place a number of

corridor—from that site in the West through to the South of

We have a strategy, a scientific approach, and tools to present

has all the elements needed for strong Nation Branding—nat-

incentives—fiscal advantages, legal frameworks, and institutional

Cameroon, where we also have animal reserves and protected

the assets of our territories to international audiences. We even

ural resources, human capital, cultural richness. With the right

support mechanisms—to facilitate your investment. The doors

areas.

have dedicated brochures and reports highlighting key data, po-

framework and collaboration, we can make it a cornerstone of

are open.

tential sectors, and investment-ready opportunities. The turnout

our diplomatic and economic influence.

Such a route would pass through Kribi and other coastal towns,

and quality of participants at JEICOM25, including prominent

So I say to all potential partners: come to Cameroon. Join us in

allowing visitors to rediscover the culture and presence of Pygmy

communities—something incredibly rare today. Very few countries

in the world still have this living heritage. This is what we

want to develop and share with the world.

We are currently drafting a communal tourism plan, but we are

global investors and leaders, are proof of our growing credibility.

Every commune is a face of Cameroon. By promoting our local

strengths, we promote the nation. The smallest municipality,

when well-prepared, becomes a powerful ambassador for

national identity, economic potential, and cultural heritage. Personally,

I have a background in marketing and strategic manage-

WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE

WITH POTENTIAL INVESTORS, TECHNICAL

PARTNERS, OR CITIES INTERESTED IN WORKING

WITH CAMEROONIAN MUNICIPALITIES?

building this future. The groundwork has been laid, the vision is

clear, and the momentum is real. We are open for business – at

every level.

We welcome those ready to co-build, to invest boldly, and to

share in the prosperity of our territories. What we need now are

deliberately taking our time. We don’t want to promote things

ment, and I understand the importance of brand identity. This

My message is simple and sincere: Cameroon is a land of

visionaries — the builders, the doers, the believers.

that don’t yet exist or are not ready to be marketed. Infrastruc-

is not just about slogans—it’s about perception, influence, and

extraordinary opportunity. It is a country with immense econom-

ture in many of these areas is still a challenge. That said, some

long-term value creation.

ic potential and abundant natural resources—above ground,

The time is now. Cameroon is ready. Seize the momentum.

exceptional sites are accessible. For example, there’s an area

underground, in its waters, a strategic geographic position, a

called la Baie des Rois along the Atlantic coast. It’s extraordinary.

Although we don’t have an official Nation Branding office yet,

dynamic youthful population and thriving cultural heritage, the

All photos: Diplomatic World

It’s a large bay with striking blue waters, which is quite unusual

our practice is real, and our results are measurable. What may

country offers unmatched potential and in its exceptional, often

for the Atlantic.

be missing is a more centralized, strategic body to coordinate

unmatched, tourism assets.

84 85

PHILIPPE COURARD

PRESIDENT OF THE BELGIUM-CAMEROON

FRIENDSHIP GROUP, MEMBER

OF THE BELGIAN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

We need to build real, human partnerships with Cameroon,

anchored in shared experience and mutual progress

Diplomatic World Magazine sat down in Yaoundé with Mr.

international cooperation—we must equip them accordingly. This

Philippe Courard, head of the Belgian delegation to JEICOM25

is precisely where initiatives like JEICOM25 matter. They provide

and President of the Belgium-Cameroon Friendship Group. A

a space where local governance and global cooperation meet.

seasoned politician with decades of experience as a mayor,

We have seen discussions on agriculture, clean water, sanitation,

minister, parliamentary president, and federal MP, Mr. Courard

tourism, and industrial development. Cameroon’s potential is

shares his concrete vision for cooperation between Belgium and

undeniable—its regions are rich in biodiversity, cultural heritage,

Cameroon, rooted in local development, decentralisation, and

and mineral resources. But every territory is different. Whether in

the power of direct human engagement.

the East, Center, South, or along the coast, each commune must

be able to develop its own assets, on its own terms.

MR. COURARD, YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN

YAOUNDÉ FOR THE THIRD EDITION OF THE

JEICOM25 CONFERENCE, HELD UNDER THE

THEME “LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AS STRATEGIC

LEVERS FOR DECENTRALISATION, TERRITO-

RIAL ATTRACTIVENESS, AND ENDOGENOUS

DEVELOPMENT.” HOW DO YOU PERCEIVE THE

SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS EDITION COMPARED TO

THE PREVIOUS ONES, AND IN WHAT WAYS DOES

IT PRESENT A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TO

STRENGTHEN COOPERATION BETWEEN BELGIUM

AND CAMEROON, PARTICULARLY AT THE LOCAL

LEVEL?

I was particularly struck by the mayors of coastal municipalities

who shared their vision to develop sustainable tourism. To do

so, they need hospitality infrastructure, trained personnel, and

long-term partnerships. This demonstrates how communes are

no longer simply administrative units—they are becoming economic

actors in their own right.

Compared to the previous editions, we are witnessing a real

acceleration. The foundational principles were already in place,

but now we see momentum and ambition. There is a clear ex-

Parliamentary cooperation, first and foremost, is about mutual

support and shared learning. Each country has its own context,

and not everything is directly transposable—what works in

Belgium may not apply in Cameroon, and vice versa. But what

we can share is experience, methods, and inspiration.

Indeed, as President of the Belgium–Cameroon Friendship Group

pectation from the communes to be given more autonomy, more

I had the honour of chairing a working session at the National

What stands out for me in this third edition is the stronger em-

tools, and more visibility—not only within Cameroon but also

Assembly, and I was also warmly received at the Senate. During

phasis on the new strategic roles that central government want

internationally. This makes the JEICOM platform a true spring-

these high-level engagements, I formally extended an official invi-

to entrust to local authorities. Decentralisation here is not just

board for strategic cooperation between our countries—where

tation to both legislative chambers to visit Belgium as part of a

a structural reform—it is a transformative vision that positions

Belgium can bring expertise, training, investment, and solidarity

reciprocal parliamentary mission. The goal is to bring our bilateral

communes as drivers of development, as producers of services,

to support this exciting local dynamic.

cooperation to life—not only through formal agreements, but

and ultimately, as investors in their communities.

through active and practical exchanges.

This requires more than political will. It calls for increased financial

resources for the communes, as well as human capacity. In

many cases, municipal administrations lack the technical staff or

expertise to handle complex economic or infrastructure projects,

which are often managed at higher levels of government. If we

expect local authorities to play a greater economic role—to

promote entrepreneurship, attract investment, or engage in

Philippe Courard President of The Belgium-Cameroon Friendship Group and

Honourable Théophile Baoro, Vice President of the National Assembly

YOU RECENTLY CHAIRED A WORKING SESSION

AT CAMEROON’S NATIONAL ASSEMBLY. COULD

YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MAJOR OUTCOMES

OF THAT SESSION AND ANY CONCRETE PATH-

WAYS DISCUSSED FOR DEEPENING PARLIAMEN-

TARY COOPERATION BETWEEN BELGIUM AND

CAMEROON?

My ambition is to bring Belgian expertise in key areas such as

parliamentary organisation, public administration, and decentralised

governance. One of the concrete priorities discussed was

the training of staff and civil servants—whether administrative,

parliamentary, or local.

86 87

Another topic was inter-communal cooperation, which I believe

holds real promise for Cameroon. No single municipality can

tackle every challenge alone, but by joining forces—particularly

in areas like water sanitation, energy, or waste management—

local authorities can pool resources and expertise. I shared examples

of how this model works in Belgium, along with operational

frameworks, legal documents, and practical case studies.

Of course, these cannot be applied verbatim, but they offer

valuable starting points for reflection and adaptation.

Our exchanges were very concrete. Some Cameroonian MPs

expressed interest in sectors such as forestry, agriculture, industry,

or tourism. My role is to identify their interests and needs,

and then—when they visit Belgium—connect them with the right

institutions: universities, schools, companies, or inter-communal

networks. We want to offer them access to knowledge, partners,

and solutions that can help them build policies suited to their

own local realities.

In short, our parliamentary partnership is not about imposing

models, but about facilitating dialogue and co-construction.

That’s the heart of meaningful diplomacy. It is a two-way exchange

that enriches both sides—and one that I am committed

to strengthening.

Philippe Courard President of The Belgium-Cameroon Friendship Group and

Honourable Vincent de Paul Emah Etoundi, President of the Cameroon–Belgium

Parliamentary Friendship Group

HOW DO YOU ENVISION THIS FORM OF GRASS-

ROOTS PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY, AND WHAT

TYPES OF ACTORS—UNIVERSITIES, BUSINESSES,

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS—DO YOU HOPE TO

INVOLVE IN A CONCRETE WAY?

There is, at this moment, a real opportunity to give substance to

the parliamentary cooperation agreements signed between the

Presidents of the Belgian and Cameroonian Chambers and Senates

in 2022 and 2023. Signing a Memorandum of Understanding

is one thing—but bringing it to life through action is what truly

matters.

My first step has been to travel here to Cameroon, to engage

directly with stakeholders, listen to their needs, and understand

the local context. Based on those conversations, as I said, I

have officially extended an invitation to welcome a Cameroonian

parliamentary delegation to Brussels in the coming months. The

delegation will include senators, MPs, and administrative staff,

and we will tailor the program according to the topics they’ve

expressed interest in exploring.

This will not be a standard protocol visit. I want them to experience

the reality on the ground—to connect with people, projects,

and institutions that reflect Belgium’s governance model in

action. Depending on their priorities—whether sanitation, administrative

reform, territorial governance, education, or decentralisation—we

will organise site visits and discussions with the most

relevant actors.

For example, if the focus is on waste management or water sanitation,

we will visit a recycling centre or a wastewater treatment

facility. If it’s about public administration, we will meet with civil

servants in municipal offices or inter-communal structures to

observe how those systems operate in practice.

The idea is to match each topic with an immersive field experience.

Alongside this, of course, we will provide the legal texts

and policy documents that underpin these systems—but the

added value of this exchange is really about exposure to working

models and direct dialogue.

We also plan to involve universities, applied research institutes,

and private sector actors, depending on the themes prioritised

by the Cameroonian delegation. These multi-level, cross-sectoral

partnerships are key to building robust, pragmatic cooperation—

rooted in real needs, and focused on delivering tangible results

for local communities.

Ultimately, this kind of parliamentary diplomacy of proximity

creates bridges between institutions, but also between people. It

helps build trust, share experience, and foster solutions that are

co-constructed, not imposed.

Philippe Courard President of The Belgium-Cameroon Friendship Group and Honourable Nfor Tabetando Ndieb-Nso, Vice President of the Senate

BELGIUM IS OFTEN CITED AS A MODEL OF DE-

CENTRALISATION, WITH A PARTICULARLY COM-

PLEX INSTITUTIONAL ARCHITECTURE. DRAWING

FROM YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE—AS MAYOR,

MINISTER, PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT, AND

FEDERAL MP—WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU

LEARNED ABOUT GOVERNANCE THAT COULD

INFORM DIALOGUE WITH PARTNER COUNTRIES

LIKE CAMEROON, ESPECIALLY AROUND REGION-

ALISATION?

Good governance is a fundamental pillar of any democratic and

decentralised system—and it is one of the major challenges to

address in Cameroon as well. From my experience, I believe that

granting local authorities additional powers must always go hand

in hand with clear accountability mechanisms.

When financial means are allocated to municipalities or inter-communal

structures, there must be oversight—both political

and administrative—to ensure that public funds are used efficiently

and transparently.

In Belgium, we have had our own challenges in this regard.

Mistakes were made; adjustments had to be introduced. We had

to tighten certain procedures to prevent misuse and strengthen

public trust. These lessons—born from both success and error—

can serve as valuable references for our Cameroonian partners.

One of the key mechanisms we use is the public procurement

system. For any major public works, we launch open calls for

tenders, ensuring transparency and equal opportunity for all

qualified companies. The selection is based not only on cost but

also on quality. It is not just about choosing the cheapest bid—

because a poorly executed project will cost more in the long run.

For example, when repairing a road, it is not enough to select

the lowest bidder if the road deteriorates two years later due to

subpar materials.

This kind of structured, transparent, and competitive process

is essential. It is something we aim to share during our engagements

with Cameroonian officials—not to impose a model, but to

present tools, processes, and safeguards that may inspire local

adaptations.

88 89

Thanks to my various roles—as mayor, MP, minister, and parliamentary

president—I have had the opportunity to experience

different layers of governance and oversight first-hand. That

gives me a practical understanding of what works, what doesn’t,

and how to build robust local institutions capable of delivering for

their citizens. Ultimately, I believe that regionalisation only works

if local authorities are empowered with both means and responsibility,

and if citizens have confidence in how their local governments

operate. This is the kind of mutual learning and construc-

LET’S NOW TALK ABOUT YOU. YOUR POLITI-

CAL JOURNEY HAS BEEN TRULY REMARKABLE,

SPANNING MULTIPLE LEVELS OF GOVERNANCE.

WHAT CONTINUES TO DRIVE YOUR PUBLIC EN-

GAGEMENT TODAY? AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO

ACHIEVE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE, PARTICULAR-

LY AS PRESIDENT OF THE BELGIUM-CAMEROON

PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP?

tive dialogue we hope to foster with our Cameroonian friends.

I consider myself fortunate. I have had a rich political career—

one I never really planned for, but which has allowed me to grow

YOU’VE LONG SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF

THE BELGIUM-CAMEROON PARLIAMENTARY

FRIENDSHIP GROUP. FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE,

HOW HAS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE

TWO COUNTRIES EVOLVED IN RECENT YEARS,

AND WHERE DO YOU SEE THE MOST PROMISING

AREAS FOR FUTURE COLLABORATION?

through various roles in parliament, in government, at both regional

and federal levels. I served in the Chamber, in the Senate,

and as President of the French-speaking Assembly of Belgium.

Through La Francophonie and NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly,

I have also had the privilege of building many international connections

and a broad network.

At this stage of my life, as I gradually begin to envision the end

of my parliamentary chapter, my focus has shifted. I no longer

Over the years, I have observed a deepening and maturing of the

chase political mandates—I chase concrete results. That’s

relationship between Belgium and Cameroon. What was once

what gives me joy now: bringing real projects to life. Whether

a relatively traditional diplomatic partnership is now expanding

it is in my own municipality or across borders, I want to put my

into new and meaningful dimensions—particularly at the local

network, my knowledge, and my experience to work in service of

and decentralised levels. There is a growing recognition that true

people.

development is anchored not only in central government policies,

but also in the empowerment of municipalities, civil society, and

the private sector.

One area where I see exceptional promise is in vocational training

and education. Belgium has a long tradition of excellence

in technical education, and Cameroon has expressed a clear

interest in building a skilled workforce to meet the demands of

If I can humbly contribute to improving lives here in Cameroon,

then I consider it not just a source of pride, but a moral responsibility.

I see a world that’s increasingly turning inward—countries

divesting from international solidarity, retreating into nationalist

bubbles, where racism and division creep back into the mainstream.

That deeply troubles me.

experiences challenge me, shape me, and remind me that Africa,

and Cameroon in particular, have so much to offer us in Belgium

as well.

We have spoken a lot in this interview about what Belgium can

bring to Cameroon—but I believe the exchange must go both

OF GROUNDED, TERRITORIAL COOPERATION

ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVING CAMEROON’S

INTERNATIONAL PERCEPTION AND BRAND

IMAGE—PARTICULARLY AMONG EUROPEAN

PARTNERS?

its evolving economy. We’re currently exploring ways to support

I believe in the opposite. I stand for openness, solidarity, collab-

ways. I learn from every encounter, and I believe our African

In my view, the more we engage in dialogue, the more we build

exchanges between educational institutions and professional

oration. I believe in working with others, for others. That is what

counterparts have lessons, values, and perspectives that can

mutual understanding. And with that understanding comes cred-

training centres.

I try to embody every day. Because in truth, we cannot live well

deeply enrich our own societies.

ibility. There are still many preconceived notions in the world—

if our neighbours live poorly. There will always be inequalities in

especially among those who do not travel—about other nations

Healthcare is another priority. The COVID-19 crisis reminded us

the world—but there must be a minimum standard of dignity for

As President of the Belgium-Cameroon Parliamentary Friend-

and their challenges. People tend to assume their way of doing

that strong health systems are built through collaboration. Belgium

every human being. And it is unacceptable that, in today’s tech-

ship Group, I want to go beyond symbolic gestures. I want

things is the only or the best way. But when we engage in honest

has a wealth of experience in both hospital administration and

nologically advanced world, millions still die from hunger.

to help turn contacts into cooperation, and cooperation into

exchange, we see things differently.

community-based care. These could be shared through pilot

concrete action—whether in agriculture, city planning, tourism,

projects, twinning initiatives, or knowledge transfer missions in

Sometimes I think we treat animals better than people. Other

or entrepreneurship. I want to help local actors in Cameroon gain

The bilateral exchanges we are fostering between Belgium and

Cameroonian regions.

times, I am appalled by how little we do despite having so much.

access to knowledge, support, and opportunities to develop their

Cameroon will not only deepen cooperation, but also help the

And as an elected official, I cannot be proud of that. So I do my

businesses and serve their communities.

world better understand Cameroon. That, in turn, can open doors

Last but not least, the role of the diaspora cannot be overlooked.

part—modestly, daily. And I try to inspire others to act globally,

for investment, collaboration, and new partnerships. When these

While the Congolese diaspora has historically been more prom-

to look beyond themselves, and to recognise the humanity in

Ultimately, my goal is simple: to help create mutually enriching

initiatives start to improve people’s daily lives—through better

inent in Belgium, I strongly believe that in the coming years, the

others.

partnerships—the kind that improve lives, restore hope, and build

infrastructure, services, and opportunities—they naturally elevate

Cameroonian diaspora will play an increasingly strategic role in

a more just and connected world.

the country’s image.

fostering investment, entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer.

Travel has taught me this. Perhaps the tragedy of many in-

These communities form a living bridge between our countries,

and we must engage them more systematically in co-development

initiatives.

ward-looking politicians is that they don’t travel. They don’t see

the beauty, the struggle, or the dignity that exist in places like

Cameroon. But I do. And every time I meet people here—men,

women, children full of talent and resilience—I grow. These

AT DIPLOMATIC WORLD, WE EMPHASISE THE

STRATEGIC ROLE OF NATION BRANDING. IN YOUR

VIEW, TO WHAT EXTENT CAN THIS TYPE

Take the example of waste management and sanitation. In cities

like Yaoundé or Douala, the issue is visible. Addressing it—not

just acknowledging the problem, but implementing real solutions—sends

a powerful message. It shows commitment, vision,

90 91

If you were not at JEICOM25, you missed a key opportuni-

I’d say this: if you can’t visit every country in Africa, but you can

ty—but it is not too late. The next edition of JEICOM is in two

only visit one African country, come to Cameroon. It is Africa in

years—mark it in your calendar. But more importantly, start the

miniature. You’ll experience the ocean and golden beaches in

conversation today. Cameroon is open for partnerships that are

the south, vast plains and tropical forests, wildlife safaris, even

strategic, ethical, and future-oriented.

landscapes reminiscent of the Sahel.

This forum is more than a political gathering: it is a window into

Cameroon is a magnificent, diverse country. It is over fifteen

the future of decentralised development in Africa. It is where

times larger than Belgium, but increasingly well-connected by

local realities meet global opportunities. Participate in initiatives

road and infrastructure. Yes, logistics can still be improved, but

like the JEICOM, because it offers an exceptional opportunity

the progress is tangible. Just yesterday, a local MP told me he

to engage directly with local decision-makers, especially the

was travelling to his constituency—800 kilometres away from

mayors—who, as we’ve discussed throughout this interview, are

Yaoundé—for the weekend. That gives you an idea of the scale,

poised to take on increasingly central roles in development and

but also of the extraordinary variety of the territory: a vast and

governance.

diverse territory that stretches from the Atlantic coast to the

Sahel. From beaches to savannas, rainforests to mountains—it’s

I met mayors with bold visions—committed to developing

all here.

ecotourism, agro-processing, water purification, and energy

access. These are not abstract plans; they are grounded, urgent,

And most importantly, the people are warm, resourceful, and

and backed by communities who are ready to act. European

ready to build. What they need are partners—not patrons: part-

investors must understand that Africa’s future will not be shaped

ners who believe in collaboration, mutual respect, and long-term

only in capitals, but in municipalities. That’s where innovation is

vision. If we want to build bridges across continents, now is the

taking root.

time.

To unlock this potential, local authorities must also do their part:

In short, if you want to truly discover Africa in one place, come to

communicate their assets clearly and present viable develop-

Cameroon. It is a country of immense potential, vibrant commu-

ment plans to both national and international partners. That’s

nities, and a dynamic future.

why I believe we must strengthen the links with European and

and progress. That’s how Nation Branding happens in practice:

We also see opportunities in livestock, dairy production, eco-

global chambers of commerce. Fortunately, Cameroon already


through concrete change, through projects that improve lives and

logical farming, and food processing. I recently met someone

has a network of competent professionals—lawyers, administra-

make people proud.

working in this field here—it is a clear area for growth. Then there

tors, facilitators—ready to serve as bridges and trusted contacts.

is tourism, where Belgian operators could provide guidance. And

Still, let’s be honest: navigating a new regulatory environment

Cameroon is a magnificent country, often called “Africa in

of course, the mining sector, which must be developed ethically,

can be intimidating. Investors often wonder—who to speak to,

miniature” because of its diversity. From lush landscapes to rich

ensuring that the wealth of Cameroon benefits the Cameroonian

what permits are needed, what guarantees exist? This is where

traditions, it has everything needed to become a leading desti-

people. No extractive model should come at the expense of local

local governance must become reliable, transparent, and ac-

nation in Africa. But to fully leverage that potential—especially in

communities.

cessible. A strong investment and business climate depends on

tourism—there’s work to be done in infrastructure, communica-

clear rules, ethical standards, and institutional accountability with

tion, and hospitality services.

As one Cameroonian leader told me: “We have the resources;

legal certainty and proper guidance.

you have the expertise.” That’s a perfect illustration of what a

One mayor recently showed me photos of an extraordinary

win-win partnership should look like. Add to that education,

Some investors, particularly smaller ones, may fear exposure to

coastal region—breathtaking, truly—but there were no hotels. No

healthcare, and public services—all essential to a country’s glob-

corruption or unclear demands. That concern is real— local offi-

places to welcome visitors. So yes, there’s immense potential,

al image. A nation with strong schools and accessible healthcare

cials are aware of the challenge, but it should not be a deterrent.

but we need to work on making the country more accessible,

presents a very different narrative. Belgium can offer expertise in

With the right local allies and safeguards, Cameroon remains a

more attractive, and more visible. That’s part of Nation Branding:

those areas as well.

land of real opportunity. I feel a genuine political will to profes-

transforming potential into perception.

sionalise and reform administrative practices. Now, the challenge

In short, real Nation Branding is not just about slogans—it is

is to turn that will into action.

Beyond the institutional aspects, there are key sectors where

about people, projects, and partnerships that build dignity, show-

Belgium and Cameroon can collaborate more closely—with

mutual benefit. For example, Belgium has significant expertise in

public infrastructure, water treatment, roadworks, and pharmaceuticals.

In return, Cameroon has rich soil and untapped agricultural

capacity. In Belgium, we harvest corn once a year, yet

our yield per hectare is often higher than what’s produced here,

despite the potential for two or three harvests per year.

case progress, and foster pride.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO EUROPEAN INVES-

TORS AND STAKEHOLDERS WHO WERE NOT

PRESENT AT JEICOM25?

AND IF YOU WERE SPEAKING TO SOMEONE IN

BELGIUM—WHETHER IN WALLONIA, FLANDERS,

OR BRUSSELS—WHO HAS NEVER BEEN TO

CAMEROON, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM TO

SPARK THEIR INTEREST?

92 93

DR. LOÏC NICOLAS

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE UNITED

COUNCILS AND CITIES OF CAMEROON

(CVUC) FOUNDATION

At the head of the CVUC Foundation, Dr. Loïc Nicolas champions

a new approach to municipal diplomacy—one rooted in concrete

action. From organizing art workshops with displaced children to

mobilizing medical equipment for under-served communities, his

work places solidarity at the heart of local development. During

JEICOM25 in Yaoundé, he shared with Diplomatic World how the

Foundation is turning humanitarian needs into collective opportunities

for impact and international partnership.

Acting for humanity, restoring smiles,

and making humanity shine

YOU WERE APPOINTED DIRECTOR GENERAL

OF THE CVUC FOUNDATION IN JANUARY 2025.

CAN YOU BRIEFLY WALK US THROUGH THE KEY

STEPS OF YOUR CAREER THAT LED YOU TO TAKE

ON THIS ROLE?

My career began in academia, with a PhD in 2011 after a multidisciplinary

journey through literature, political science, social

sciences, and philosophy. I never followed a fixed career plan,

but I was always passionate about the art of speech—rhetoric,

argumentation, and persuasion.

That passion brought me to Brussels, where I completed my

doctoral thesis at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in the tradition

of Chaïm Perelman’s internationally renowned school of argumentation.

This led to international collaborations, conferences,

and several publications—including Polémique et rhétorique de

l’Antiquité à nos jours and Rhétorique de la conspiration.

After nearly a decade in research, I felt the need to reconnect

with the real world. I joined the Protagoras research group at

IHECS, specialising in political communication, and directed

the Cahiers Protagoras for nearly nine years. At the same time,

I began working with Minister of State André Flahaut—first in

the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, then at the Belgian Federal

Parliament—through whom I discovered Africa and its evolving

diplomatic landscape.

Together, we built strong ties with African heads of state, ministers,

and parliamentarians—particularly in Cameroon. In 2021,

during an official mission to JEICOM, we met with the CVUC delegation

led by President Augustin Tamba. That meeting laid the

foundation for a relationship of trust and sustained collaboration.

By late 2024, following elections in Belgium, I felt it was time for

94 95

a new chapter—something more concrete and impactful, in a

zones. We work to ease tensions between host and displaced

platform to introduce the Foundation to a broader audience.

region that deeply inspires me. In early 2025, President Tamba

populations through high-impact community projects.

We therefore organised our very first Gala Dinner at the Hilton

offered me the opportunity to lead the CVUC Foundation. It came

Hotel in Yaoundé—an event that was festive, charitable, and

as a surprise, but also felt entirely natural. I had already visited

Our priorities are broad and align closely with the 17 Sustainable

institutionally significant. It was an opportunity to present one of

Cameroon nearly ten times, building strong human and profes-

Development Goals—education (SDG 4), health (SDG 3), reduc-

our first field achievements: an artistic workshop conducted with

sional bonds.

ing inequalities (SDG 10), sustainable cities (SDG 11), peace and

internally displaced children in the Far North region. The dinner

justice (SDG 16), and global partnerships (SDG 17).

brought together approximately 250 guests, including delega-

I accepted the role with humility and determination. I had no

tions from France, Belgium, Türkiye, Morocco, representatives

rigid career trajectory, but sometimes life puts you exactly where

For example, we’re working with the Cameroonian Red Cross

of UNICEF, members of the government, National Assembly,

you’re meant to be. Today, I’m proud to contribute to the pro-

to launch a national primary school program—now a municipal

Senate, ministers, and numerous mayors.

motion of Cameroonian territories and the strengthening of local

responsibility—to teach lifesaving skills such as emergency

diplomacy.

recovery positions and responses to local risks like snakebites or

The event was held under the high patronage of the Head of

epileptic seizures.

State, H.E. Paul Biya, and the sponsorship of the President of the

THE CVUC FOUNDATION WAS CREATED TO SUP-

PORT CAMEROONIAN MAYORS FACING MULTIPLE

CRISES. WHAT ARE YOUR KEY PRIORITIES, AND

HOW DOES THE FOUNDATION ALIGN WITH THE

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)?

We’re also producing a fiction film featuring displaced children

from the Anglophone regions, now living in the West, to help

them tell their stories and foster healing through art.

In health, we facilitated the presence of Hôpital Sans Frontières

(Belgium) at JEICOM, where they established over 60 connec-

National Assembly. This level of institutional recognition was crucial.

It reinforced the Foundation’s legitimacy within Cameroon’s

municipal ecosystem.

In practical terms, the gala enabled the sale of several artworks

created by the children in our Maroua workshop. The funds

raised—and additional resources since mobilised—will be rein-

Although the CVUC Foundation is relatively new, it stems from a

tions with communes to supply quality second-hand medical

vested directly into the communities involved, especially in the

historic movement: the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon

equipment from Belgian hospitals.

host municipality of Maroua I and other zones with high numbers

(CVUC), which today brings together 374 local authorities—360

of displaced persons. These funds will support improved living

communes and 14 urban communities like Yaoundé and Douala.

Our approach is pragmatic. We only act where mayors have

conditions, strengthen social cohesion, and finance high-impact

While the Foundation operates independently, it is deeply rooted

formulated specific requests. We don’t replace UN agencies or

community projects.

in this umbrella association.

specialised NGOs. We intervene flexibly, rapidly, and with target-

Its creation responds to two clear needs. First, the need to better

ed impact. No imposed timelines, no top-down agendas—only

concrete responses to real needs.

The gala also spotlighted key partners of the Foundation,

such as Access Bank Cameroon, the Belgian Embassy, the

Photo: Istock

coordinate international advocacy for municipalities dealing

Cameroonian Red Cross, the Port Authority of Kribi, Brussels

deeply human and artistic encounter between the Foundation,

with increasingly complex social and humanitarian challenges.

This gives us wide freedom to act across themes like culture,

Airlines, and, of course, the network of Cameroonian municipal-

the Mayor of Maroua I, and Moses Mou. He brought a profound

Second, to relieve the parent association of certain operational

education, health, youth, resilience, and social cohesion. But we

ities. For us, it was a founding moment—a successful first step,

understanding of the local context and a sensitivity to themes of

missions—particularly in humanitarian, social, and non-economic

always act with the mayors—never above them. That is our le-

and most importantly, a powerful opportunity to rally what I like

displacement, hope, and rebuilding—making him a key partner.

international partnerships.

gitimacy. And that’s how we fully embody the spirit of the SDGs:

to call the “good souls” around a shared vision of solidarity-

The outcome was extraordinary. The children blossomed. They

local in implementation, global in ambition.

driven municipal development.

discovered their own creativity and used colour and line to ex-

Historically, the CVUC’s role has been to promote economic and

press what they could not yet articulate in words—their dreams,

industrial opportunities in the territories. But with growing security,

climate, health, and food crises, it became vital to establish a

dedicated body capable of acting swiftly and mobilising targeted

resources. Thus, the Foundation was born.

We focus on highly vulnerable areas: the Far North, North, East

(bordering CAR), and the Anglophone regions of the North-West

and South-West, affected by armed conflict since 2016. These

DURING JEICOM25, YOU HOSTED A GALA DINNER

IN YAOUNDÉ TO SUPPORT YOUR FIELDWORK.

WHAT WERE THE CONCRETE OUTCOMES OF THIS

INITIATIVE?

I often remind people that the CVUC Foundation is still young.

However, it is rooted in a much older and firmly established

DURING THE JEICOM25 GALA DINNER, YOU

PRESENTED ONE OF YOUR FIRST CONCRETE

ACHIEVEMENTS ON THE GROUND—AN ARTISTIC

PROJECT CONDUCTED WITH DISPLACED CHIL-

DREN IN THE FAR NORTH REGION. COULD YOU

TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS INITIATIVE?

their pain, and their hopes. For us, this was essential. Beyond artistic

learning, there was a powerful psychological and emotional

benefit.

The initiative unfolded in three phases: first in Maroua, within the

camp itself; then in Yaoundé, where the children’s artwork was

exhibited alongside pieces by Moses Mou at Galerie Bali; and

finally during our Gala Dinner, where the artworks were presented

regions face insecurity, population displacement, inter-communal

movement—the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon

This project is very close to my heart. It was an artistic ex-

and auctioned. The proceeds will go directly toward projects in

tensions, and mass influxes of refugees.

(CVUC). This long-standing municipal association gives us strong

pression workshop that we organised in the Domayo camp for

the communities concerned—such as renovating a community

territorial coverage and a nationwide network to deploy our

internally displaced persons in Maroua I, with the support of the

centre, acquiring educational materials, or launching initiatives

In the Far North, for example, municipalities face annual cycles of

actions effectively.

French Institute of Cameroon. Over the course of a week, around

that promote social cohesion.

severe floods followed by extreme drought. Some zones are even

thirty children—displaced by conflicts in the Far North, Nigeria, or

off-limits to foreigners due to consular protection concerns—yet

With that in mind, we chose to leverage a major event—the In-

Chad—were introduced to drawing, colouring, and painting. For

Our ambition was clear: to bring the voices and colours of

the needs there are overwhelming.

ternational Economic Days of Municipalities (JEICOM), organised

many, it was their first time ever holding a pencil or a paintbrush.

the Far North to Yaoundé, to create a narrative around these

since 2021 by the CVUC. As a young structure, aligning our-

The workshop was led by international artist Moses Mou, a

displaced children, to share their stories, awaken empathy, and

Elsewhere, such as in the West and Littoral regions, some com-

selves with such a large-scale gathering was both strategic and

native of Maroua, whose work explores the human consequenc-

inspire solidarity. And I truly believe we succeeded.

munes host tens of thousands of displaced persons from conflict

essential for visibility. JEICOM25, in particular, offered an ideal

es of the Boko Haram conflict. The project emerged from a

96 97

THE CVUC FOUNDATION WORKS WITH NUMER-

OUS PARTNERS, BOTH NATIONAL AND INTERNA-

TIONAL. HOW DO YOU BUILD THESE SYNERGIES

AND MOBILISE THEIR ENGAGEMENT IN THE

FIELD?

We have a clear responsibility: to work with all stakeholders,

whether national or international. And let me emphasise one

essential point: the CVUC Foundation is a Cameroonian organisation—not

an international structure parachuted in from abroad.

As such, our natural and primary partners are the national institutions

and ministries of Cameroon—such as the Ministry of Social

Affairs, the Ministry for the Promotion of Women and the Family,

and organisations like the Cameroonian Red Cross.

This close relationship with public authorities is fundamental.

It reflects both our territorial anchoring and the legitimacy we

hold with local governments. We don’t arrive with ready-made

solutions. We work side by side, in partnership, with mayors and

sectoral public actors operating on the ground. Of course, that

doesn’t stop us from mobilising international partners—agencies,

NGOs, companies, or institutions—who can strengthen our

impact. Depending on the themes we’re addressing—climate

resilience, education access, support for women farmers, or

social inclusion—we seek out the right actors to create tangible

outcomes.

We have no taboos when it comes to partnerships. No topic is

off-limits, and no region is excluded. Our aim is to shed light

on the realities faced by Cameroonian municipalities and to

convince external partners to engage alongside them, especially

in the most vulnerable areas. That also means identifying

financial partners who can support us in delivering concrete

actions on the ground—whether in schools, health centres, or

for women and youth empowerment. Another part of our mission

is to bridge international investors, banks, or companies with

local social needs. An economic actor may invest in a territory

for commercial reasons, while also allocating part of their budget

to social projects—like rehabilitating a school, building a library,

or supporting youth employment programs. The goal is to foster

win-win dynamics where all parties benefit—whether economically,

socially, or in terms of public image.

YOU ARE A STRONG ADVOCATE OF TERRITORIAL

DIPLOMACY. HOW DO YOU SEE THE ROLE OF

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN INTERNATIONAL

COOPERATION AND IN POSITIONING CAMEROON

ON THE GLOBAL STAGE?

The CVUC Foundation was born from the initiative of our umbrella

association—the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon

(CVUC). This means our mission is deeply rooted in territorial

valorisation. We are not here to do territorial marketing or sell

industrial zones. That’s not our primary objective. Instead, our

core mission is to strengthen the capacities of municipalities,

enhance their visibility, and improve their access to partnerships

and resources—including in international arenas.

Concretely, this means we support economic actors interested

in local investment by encouraging them to also contribute to

high-impact social projects—in areas like education, healthcare,

or culture. It’s a virtuous way to align economic development

with social inclusion.

One of our major strengths lies in the backing of the CVUC

umbrella structure, which represents all 374 local governments

across Cameroon. This gives us a unique operational reach and

offers our partners access to a structured, reliable, and action-ready

network. The Foundation doesn’t duplicate the work

of the CVUC—it complements and reinforces it through targeted

field actions.

This complementary approach helps elevate the international image

of municipalities, amplifies their voices, and brings attention

to their genuine needs. Too often, investment is concentrated in

Yaoundé or Douala. Yet, across Cameroon, there are many dynamic

territories brimming with promising projects that deserve

international interest and support.

Our role is to accompany the rise of local governments, to turn

decentralised cooperation into a tangible reality, and to contribute

to building a shared future—one that is fairer, more inclusive,

and more dignified for the people of Cameroon.

Ultimately, we act as a bridge between municipalities and international

stakeholders—economic, financial, or institutional—who

can support local development while strengthening their own

presence and image through meaningful engagement. It’s a winwin

model where everyone benefits, and where municipalities are

empowered to showcase their heritage, tell their stories, and gain

the global recognition they deserve.

AS A FINAL WORD — WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL

MOTIVATION AT THIS STAGE OF YOUR CAREER?

WHAT DOES THE CVUC FOUNDATION ULTIMATELY

SEEK TO ACHIEVE, AND WHAT IS YOUR VISION AT

ITS HELM?

At this stage of my career, I’m driven by one clear mission: to

act for humanity, to restore dignity, and to make solidarity visible

through concrete action. After years in academia and institutional

settings, I felt the need to reconnect with the field—to listen,

to serve, and to contribute directly to communities navigating

complex realities.

The CVUC Foundation was born from a very real institutional

need. The CVUC network, as the national association of Cameroon’s

municipalities, has long focused on economic diplomacy

and territorial attractiveness. But when mayors found themselves

having to speak not only of investment and infrastructure,

but also of displaced children, maternal health, or community

trauma, it became evident: another instrument was needed. A

structure capable of carrying the human message, of mobilising

solidarity, without diluting the CVUC’s core mission. That’s where

the Foundation comes in.

My vision is pragmatic and human-centred. We must build

bridges—between the local and the global, between economic

stakeholders and social realities, between hope and action. The

Foundation’s role is to support mayors, especially in the most

fragile zones, and to amplify the voices of their communities on

the international stage. In essence, I want the CVUC Foundation

to become a reference actor in territorial diplomacy and strategic

partnerships across Africa. We support local authorities not only

as administrators but as change-makers capable of transforming

lives.

If we can co-construct partnerships that are both ethical and

impactful, if we can make room for empathy within development

frameworks, then I believe we are fulfilling our purpose—not just

as an organisation, but as a collective committed to a more just

and resilient world.


98 99

H.E. DANIEL EVINA ABE’E

AMBASSADOR OF CAMEROON

TO BELGIUM AND THE EU

DEAN OF THE AFRICAN DIPLOMATIC CORPS

IN BRUSSELS

Cameroon is a country of dialogue, peace, and openness

With over fifteen years of service in Brussels, His Excellency

eration, and the defense of Cameroon’s strategic interests. In

Daniel Evina Abe’e stands as one of Africa’s most senior dip-

essence, diplomacy has been a calling I embraced early on with

lomats in Europe and currently serves as Dean of the African

determination and discipline.

Diplomatic Corps in Brussels. As Cameroon’s Ambassador to the

Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, he has become

a key figure in fostering constructive Euro-African dialogue.

At a time when Sub-Saharan African diasporas in Belgium are

growing by 9 percent annually—with Cameroonians among the

most dynamic communities—Ambassador Daniel Evina Abe’e

sheds light on Cameroon’s foreign policy philosophy, investment

strategy, and soft power. In this exclusive interview, he shares his

CAMEROON IS OFTEN DESCRIBED AS A PILLAR

OF STABILITY IN CENTRAL AFRICA. HOW WOULD

YOU DESCRIBE THE COUNTRY’S DIPLOMATIC

POSITIONING IN TODAY’S REGIONAL AND

GLOBAL CONTEXT?

vision for a modern, outward-looking Cameroon.

Cameroon’s diplomatic positioning is anchored in firm principles,

inherited from our history and strengthened by consistent

YOUR EXCELLENCY, YOU ARE CURRENTLY THE

DEAN OF AFRICAN AMBASSADORS IN BELGIUM,

WITH MORE THAN 15 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC

SERVICE IN BRUSSELS. WHAT DOES THIS

POSITION MEAN TO YOU, AND HOW HAS YOUR

CAREER SHAPED YOUR DIPLOMATIC APPROACH?

practice. As a nation formerly under international trusteeship,

we developed with a strong awareness of multilateral dynamics.

We have chosen a diplomacy of balance: non-interference in the

internal affairs of other states, respect for international conventions,

and a deep commitment to peace and sovereignty.

Cameroon is a member of the Francophonie, the Commonwealth,

the African Union, the Economic Community of Central

African States (ECCAS), and the United Nations, illustrating our

H.E. Daniel Evina Abe’e Ambassador of Cameroon

Our cooperation with Belgium has evolved. Cameroon is no

With the European Union, our priority lies in integrating

Thank you for this opportunity. I have indeed served as the Dean

multilateral engagement.

longer one of Belgium’s priority cooperation countries since

Cameroon into strategic infrastructure projects through the

of the African Diplomatic Corps in Belgium since I presented my

2019, but human and academic ties remain strong.

Global Gateway strategy. Projects such as the Yaoundé-

credentials to King Albert II in October 2008. Having represented

Regionally, our role is not one of interference but one of con-

Douala highway, the Douala-Bangui and Kribi-Djébale corridors,

Cameroon in Brussels for over fifteen years has granted me a

structive support, always within a multilateral framework. A good

The Cameroonian diaspora in Belgium is vibrant, particularly in

and the Kikot hydropower dam are central to our development

deep understanding of the evolution of our diplomatic relations

example is our peaceful resolution of the Bakassi Peninsula

the medical sector—over 600 Cameroonian doctors trained in

vision.

with Belgium, the European Union, and other international part-

dispute with Nigeria through the International Court of Justice.

Belgium are practising today. Belgium was one of our first part-

ners.

My career has been that of a dedicated diplomat. I completed

all my studies in Cameroon, first in law, then in international relations,

before serving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Paris as

a consul for fifteen years, and later at the Presidency of the Republic.

This trajectory naturally led me to Brussels. I have always

been passionate about international affairs, which I followed

closely from a young age. This passion shaped my approach to

diplomacy—grounded in historical awareness, peaceful coop-

This reflects our devotion to peace and lawful conflict resolution.

Cameroon’s stability and bilingual identity make it a bridge

between cultures and legal systems—positioning our country as

an anchor for peace and dialogue.

WHAT ARE THE KEY PILLARS OF THE CURRENT

COOPERATION BETWEEN CAMEROON, BELGIUM,

AND THE EUROPEAN UNION?

ners in medical education, and this connection remains alive.

Economically, our commercial relations are thriving, particularly

through SMEs. A major Belgian economic mission visited Cameroon

in April 2024, exploring investment opportunities in agribusiness,

energy, wood transformation, textiles, and infrastructure.

Wallonia, Flanders, and Brussels are all actively engaged, and

decentralised cooperation—between regions, municipalities, and

universities—is expanding.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR INVESTMENT OPPORTU-

NITIES IN CAMEROON TODAY, AND HOW IS THE

COUNTRY PREPARING TO MEET FUTURE CHAL-

LENGES?

Cameroon is a regional economic powerhouse. With 60 percent

of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community’s

(CEMAC) population and 50 percent of its GDP, our country

100 101

boasts a diversified and resilient economy backed by abundant

natural resources. Our potential spans agriculture, energy, mining,

industry, and services.

Cameroon’s development strategy is anchored in transformative

infrastructure projects, many of which are supported by the

European Union through the Global Gateway initiative. These

include the Yaoundé ring road, rehabilitation of the Yaoundé-

Douala national road, the Kikot hydroelectric dam, and an integrated

industrial zone in Kribi.

We encourage international investors to explore these opportunities

in a secure and legally protective environment. Attractive

tax incentives and investment guarantees are in place. Moreover,

local municipalities—now empowered with economic roles—offer

grassroots partnerships in agriculture, aquaculture, and industry.

ON THE EVE OF JEICOM 2025, WHAT MESSAGE

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEND TO INVESTORS AND

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS?

cially in Belgium—also plays a crucial role. Various initiatives allow

young people abroad to submit projects and receive support

for their implementation in Cameroon.

The synergy between youth, innovation, and diaspora engagement

is a strategic lever in our Nation Branding efforts, projecting

a modern, capable, and future-ready Cameroon.

AS AMBASSADOR, HOW DO YOU PROMOTE

CAMEROON’S INTERNATIONAL VISIBILITY?

AND WHAT ROLE DOES CULTURE PLAY IN

NATION BRANDING?

Nation Branding is fundamentally about reflecting the authentic

identity of a country. Cameroon is exceptionally rich in cultural diversity,

structured around four major cultural zones. This diversity

is expressed in our languages, traditions, and artistic practices.

At the embassy, we maintain an active cultural service, despite

limited resources. We support diaspora artists, organise cultural

events, and use national celebrations to showcase our traditional

dances, cuisine, and clothing.

Cameroon is stable, open, and strategically positioned. Our

diversified economy, central geographic location, culture of

openness, and commitment to peace make us a highly attractive

partner.

We have established high-level dialogue platforms, such as the

Cameroon-EU Business Week, to foster economic synergies.

Concrete measures have been implemented to improve the business

climate. Our legal and security architecture further reinforces

investor confidence.

Our message is simple: Cameroon is ready. We call for structured,

fair, and sustainable partnerships to build a shared future

of growth and prosperity.

WHAT ROLE DO YOUNG CAMEROONIANS, BOTH

AT HOME AND IN THE DIASPORA, PLAY IN THE

COUNTRY’S NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION?

Youth is central to Cameroon’s development strategy. With a predominantly

young population, the government has launched ambitious

programs to foster youth inclusion in the economy. The

“Triennial Youth Plan” dedicates over 100 billion CFA francs to

support employment, entrepreneurship, and vocational training.

Cameroon has ten public universities, along with numerous

private institutions, producing a new generation of professionals

ready to shape the country’s emergence. The diaspora—espe-

Nation Branding also includes culinary diplomacy, art, music, and

sports. Our aim is to present a vibrant, youthful, dynamic, and

open Cameroon—far from outdated stereotypes. In a competitive

global arena, it is essential that our identity and voice are clearly

expressed.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF

CAMEROON’S RELATIONS WITH BELGIUM AND

THE EUROPEAN UNION?

Relations between Cameroon, Belgium, and the European Union

are long-standing, robust, and full of promise. We seek a more

balanced partnership based on mutual recognition of interests

and specificities. Despite no longer being a priority country,

Belgium remains a vital partner through its diaspora, companies,

universities, and shared history with Cameroon.

We hope to be reintegrated into direct cooperation frameworks

to rekindle strategic bilateral projects. With the European Union,

we are engaged in a constructive trajectory. Cameroon remains

the only Central African country to have signed a full Economic

Partnership Agreement with the EU—a testament to our openness

and multilateral commitment.

The future must be built on win-win cooperation. Brussels can

once again become a strategic hub for Euro-African relations,

with Cameroon as a reliable and visionary partner.

102 103

As Belgium and Cameroon strengthen their diplomatic, economic,

and cultural ties, the Cameroonian diaspora—among the

fastest-growing in Belgium—is emerging as a vibrant force for

transnational cooperation.

Against this backdrop, Diplomatic World Magazine sat down with

H.E. Alain Leroy, Belgium’s Ambassador to Cameroon, and Ms.

Myriam Dulieu, Deputy Head of Mission, during JEICOM25 in

Yaoundé, to explore the evolving nature of this bilateral relationship

and its potential for global impact.

YOUR EXCELLENCY, THANK YOU FOR RECEIVING

US. TO BEGIN, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE

THE CURRENT STATE OF RELATIONS BETWEEN

BELGIUM AND CAMEROON, PARTICULARLY AT

THE LEVEL OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES? AND HOW

DO YOU ASSESS THE PROGRESS OF DECENTRAL-

ISATION IN CAMEROON AND BELGIUM’S ROLE IN

SUPPORTING IT?

Ambassador Alain Leroy: Our bilateral relations are excellent and

multifaceted. Since my arrival, I have had constructive meetings

with top-level Cameroonian authorities, beginning with the

Minister of Foreign Affairs and extending across key ministries.

On the local level, the ties are equally dynamic—marked by trust

and tangible collaboration.

BELGIUM AND CAMEROON:

BUILDING LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

FOR GLOBAL IMPACT

H.E. Alain Leroy,

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Cameroon

Ms. Myriam Dulieu, Deputy Head of Mission

In terms of decentralisation, Cameroon introduced the concept

in the 1990s, but its implementation only became concrete in

recent years, particularly with the creation of the Ministry of

Decentralisation and Local Development in 2018. That was a

pivotal step forward. Belgium, as a federal state, has developed

a strong model of decentralised governance, and we see great

value in sharing our experiences with Cameroon.

Our participation in JEICOM25, more significant than in previous

editions, is a testament to our commitment. Municipalities can

learn from each other in practical ways, and we have already

seen promising partnerships, such as that between Bruges and

Ebolowa—focused on cocoa, recycling, and urban sustainability.

Ms. Myriam Dulieu: Indeed, the relationship between Belgium

and local Cameroonian administrations is dynamic and mutually

beneficial. The decentralisation process in Cameroon is gaining

momentum, and Belgium’s experience and support can help

shape it further. Exchanges between local authorities are not only

technical—they are rooted in mutual respect and shared goals

for development.

H.E. Alain Leroy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Cameroon

Ms. Myriam Dulieu, Deputy Head of Mission

FROM YOUR VANTAGE POINT, HOW IS

CAMEROON PERCEIVED BY BELGIAN AND

EUROPEAN STAKEHOLDERS, AND WHAT

OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR FURTHER

COOPERATION?

Ambassador Alain Leroy: Cameroon enjoys a strong reputation

in Belgium and more broadly in Europe as a leading country in

Central Africa. Its demographic weight, political stability, cultural

richness, and a highly educated diaspora give it significant soft

power. In Belgium, the Cameroonian community is vibrant and

increasingly visible in academia, the legal field, public service,

and the arts. Their success stories contribute meaningfully to

shaping a modern and positive image of Cameroon abroad.

One area of strategic interest is the economy. Cameroon has

immense untapped potential, particularly in sectors like water,

energy, construction, wood transformation, and of course, cocoa—where

Belgium holds a global reputation. There’s a natural

complementarity between our two countries in these fields.

Ms. Dulieu: Partnerships like the one between the port of Antwerp

and the port of Douala are crucial, not just for Cameroon but for

the wider Central African region. Cameroon is a natural logistical

hub for countries like Chad, the Central African Republic, and

the Republic of Congo. Moreover, cities like Bruges are developing

concrete initiatives with Ebolowa in areas like sustainability,

sanitation, and circular economy.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MECHANISMS OR

FRAMEWORKS THAT SUPPORT BELGIAN INVEST-

MENT AND COLLABORATION IN CAMEROON?

Ms. Dulieu: The Economic Partnership Agreement between

Cameroon and the European Union creates a favourable trade

environment. Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA)

also plays a valuable role by providing support and tax incentives

to foreign investors. Belgian companies have already benefited

from this support.

Ambassador Alain Leroy: Our collaboration with the Cameroonian

Embassy in Brussels is another key facilitator. They are very

proactive in promoting investment opportunities, and we often

coordinate missions together. This informal but effective diplomacy

is one of our strengths.

HOW DOES BELGIUM CURRENTLY POSITION

ITSELF WITHIN CENTRAL AFRICA, AND HOW

IMPORTANT IS CAMEROON IN THIS REGIONAL

STRATEGY?

Ambassador Alain Leroy: While Belgium’s historical ties in Africa

have traditionally been anchored in the Great Lakes region,

Cameroon has become increasingly central to our regional approach.

Our full-fledged embassy in Yaoundé is a clear signal of

this priority. We recognise Cameroon’s role as a stabilising force

and regional connector—both economically and diplomatically.

Ms. Dulieu: Belgium also plays a key role in logistics for Central

Africa, with the port of Antwerp serving as an entry point for

goods destined for the region. Cameroon’s role as a regional hub

is vital, and Belgium’s support aligns with the goal of fostering

regional stability and growth.

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT COULD CAMEROON DO

TO FURTHER ENHANCE ITS IMAGE INTERNA-

TIONALLY, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF NATION

BRANDING?

Ambassador Alain Leroy: Cameroon’s branding potential is immense.

Often called “Africa in miniature” for its geographic and

cultural diversity, the country combines ecological diversity, cultural

heritage, and vibrant creativity. This is a huge asset. To capitalise

on it, the country could simplify visa procedures, improve

transport infrastructure, and ensure reliable domestic travel.

Tourism is a major opportunity, especially now that Lonely Planet

has included Cameroon among the top travel destinations.

WHAT ROLE DO THE CAMEROONIAN DIASPORA

AND YOUTH PLAY IN STRENGTHENING BILATERAL

TIES?

Ms. Dulieu: The Cameroonian diaspora in Belgium is vibrant

and deeply engaged. Many individuals contribute to small-scale

development projects, medical initiatives, cultural programs, and

academic partnerships. While the embassy doesn’t manage all

these activities directly, we support them through visa facilitation,

networking, and guidance.

Youth on both sides of the partnership are key. Their energy,

innovation, and transnational perspective make them natural

bridge-builders. Investing in their potential is investing in the

future of Belgian-Cameroonian relations.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE, WHAT MAKES CAMEROON

STAND OUT IN YOUR DIPLOMATIC EXPERIENCE?

Ambassador Alain Leroy: What struck me most is the deeply

human dimension of life in Cameroon. There is genuine warmth,

pride, and hospitality. Cameroonians stay closely tied to their

roots—villages, families, traditional values. This continuity

grounds the society in a way that is both enriching and humbling.

104 105

Ms. Dulieu: I completely agree. One aspect that strikes me is

the respect for traditional authorities, which remains strong even

among the urban elite. It is rare to see this balance between

modernity and tradition so vividly maintained. It gives diplomacy

here a depth that goes beyond protocol—it is about understanding

people, culture, and context.

WHAT IS YOUR FINAL MESSAGE TO INTERNA-

TIONAL INVESTORS AND READERS OF

DIPLOMATIC WORLD WHO ARE CONSIDERING

CAMEROON AS A POTENTIAL PARTNER?

Ambassador Alain Leroy: Cameroon is full of promise and rich

in opportunity. But like all emerging markets, success requires

patience and robust local partnerships. The frameworks are in

place—what’s needed is commitment and a long-term vision.

Ms. Dulieu: Belgium stands ready as a reliable partner. We work

closely with our Cameroonian counterparts, both here and

in Brussels, and we invite investors to take a closer look at

Cameroon’s opportunities. The time to engage is now.


BEST PART OF THE JOURNEY

STOPOVER

IN ISTANBUL

COMPLIMENTARY

HOTEL STAY

1 night for Economy Class

2 nights for Business Class

YOU CAN EXTEND YOUR STAY

WITH SPECIAL PRICES

Terms and conditions apply, visit turkishairlines.com

Photo: Istock

106 107

BELGIAN EXCELLENCE

AT THE HEART OF LUXURY

AND BUSINESS IN CENTRAL AFRICA

A Conversation with Sophie Deravet,

Director of the Lagon Club & Business - Yaoundé

Diplomatic World met with Sophie Deravet, the Belgian Director

of the Lagon Club & Business in Yaoundé, an exclusive establishment

that combines high-end hospitality with a unique business

club concept in Central Africa. From Brussels to Libreville, her

career reflects a deep commitment to service excellence and

innovation in the African hospitality landscape.

THE LAGON CLUB IS BOTH A LUXURY HOTEL

AND A PRIVATE CLUB FOR AN ELITE BUSINESS

CLIENTELE. WHAT SETS YOUR OFFER APART FOR

INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS, EXECUTIVES, AND

INSTITUTIONS?

Indeed, we offer premium hospitality services—accommodation,

AS THE DIRECTOR OF THE LAGON CLUB &

BUSINESS, AND A BELGIAN NATIONAL, YOU

CURRENTLY MANAGE ONE OF YAOUNDÉ’S MOST

EXCLUSIVE ESTABLISHMENTS. CAN YOU TELL

US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY AND

HOW YOU CAME TO LEAD THE LAGON CLUB &

BUSINESS? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH

THIS PROJECT IN CAMEROON, AND WHAT IS

YOUR LONG-TERM VISION FOR THIS UNIQUE

HOTEL-CLUB?

I worked for 15 years with the Accor Group in Belgium. My career

started in 2003 at the Sofitel Astoria in Brussels, a prestigious

palace hotel, and I gradually climbed the ranks to become operations

director.

fine dining, meeting spaces, a spa, and a fitness centre. But our

unique feature is the top floor: the first business club of its kind in

Central Africa. This space is reserved for members who wish to

meet and discuss business in a calm, secure setting, while also

enjoying convivial social moments in a refined atmosphere.

YOUR HOTEL IS ALSO KNOWN FOR ITS HIGH-END

ACCOMMODATIONS. WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS

OF YOUR ROOMS AND SUITES, AND HOW DO YOU

MEET INTERNATIONAL SERVICE STANDARDS?

COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR CHEF,

YOUR CULINARY PHILOSOPHY, AND THE AT-

TENTION TO DETAIL THAT DEFINES THE GUEST

EXPERIENCE?

YOU HAD THE HONOUR OF HOSTING THE

BELGIAN DELEGATION DURING JEICOM25. WHAT

DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THIS COLLABORA-

TION, AND HOW DOES YOUR HOTEL POSITION

ITSELF TO WELCOME SIMILAR INTERNATIONAL

EVENTS?

It was a great honour to host the Belgian delegation for JEICOM25.

We place strong emphasis on making our guests feel at home

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR LAGON

CLUB & BUSINESS? WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU

LIKE TO SEND TO FUTURE GUESTS—WHETHER

DIPLOMATS, INVESTORS, OR PROFESSIONALS

VISITING YAOUNDÉ? WHAT WILL THEY DISCOVER

WHEN THEY CHOOSE YOUR ESTABLISHMENT?

Lagon Club & Business aims to bring together captains of industry

and public decision-makers in a refined setting that encourag-

We have 28 accommodations, most of which are fully equipped

and secure. As a boutique property, we maintain a close relation-

es meaningful connections and strategic dialogue.

In 2016, my partner—who is of Beninese origin—and I decided to

one-bedroom apartments, perfect for both short and extended

ship with our guests, remaining attentive to their specific needs

expatriate with our family to Africa. We began in Guinea Conakry

stays. We apply international luxury hotel standards through a set

and preferences. This human touch fosters trust, allowing us to

We have taken on the mission of reshaping conversations be-

for two and a half years, then moved to Gabon, where I spent

of procedures our team follows daily to ensure consistent quality

anticipate and quickly respond to any potential issues during

tween the most influential private and public actors to help cata-

five years managing the Onomo Libreville, part of a pan-African

and service.

their stay in Yaoundé.

lyse the development of a continent with exceptional potential.

hotel chain.

When I was offered the opportunity to open the first business

club in Central Africa, I was immediately intrigued. It was something

entirely new—and the idea of creating a high-end service

offering with international standards was truly appealing.

Lagon Club & Business positions itself as a trusted partner for

top executives and decision-makers. The concept is based on

Our Executive Chef, Arnold Dossou-Yovo, worked for over 20

years in luxury hotels in Brussels. He offers a refined, internationally

inspired culinary experience that reflects his global journey,

blending local ingredients with global flavours in a cosy, contemporary

setting.

Within our Business Club, we also feature a gastronomic

restaurant where Chef Arnold curates a bespoke tasting menu

YOUR LOCATION IN BASTOS, YAOUNDÉ’S

DIPLOMATIC DISTRICT, IS QUITE STRATEGIC.

WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES THIS NEIGHBOUR-

HOOD OFFER YOUR GUESTS IN TERMS OF

SECURITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND PROXIMITY TO

KEY INSTITUTIONS?

Our proximity, discretion, and tailored approach allow us to adapt

to the needs of our clients—whether state institutions, companies,

or diplomatic missions—while nurturing a relationship

based on trust and long-term vision.

Ultimately, we are a premium meeting point for local entrepreneurs,

international investors, institutions, and the diplomatic

community. Our long-term goal is to expand this concept first

facilitating meaningful encounters among our members, with a

based on our guests’ preferences. Local seafood is spotlighted

Bastos is a calm, residential, and highly secure area of Yaoundé.

across Central Africa, and later throughout the continent.

dual ambition: to foster both synergy and business opportunities.

alongside premium products like caviar, foie gras, truffles, and

It’s home to many Embassies and close to the Palais des Congrès,

scallops.

where JEICOM25 took place. We’re also near the Presidential

All photos: Lagon Club & Business - Yaoundé

Palace and just a 10-minute drive from downtown.

108 109

H.E. MULAMBO HAIMBE


AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

OF ZAMBIA

We want to showcase Zambia to the rest of the world,

first and foremost as a heaven of peace,

and therefore a good place for investment


On the sidelines of the 3rd African Union – European Union

(AU-EU) Ministerial Meeting, which took place in Brussels on

21 May 2025, Diplomatic World had the distinct privilege of sitting

down with H.E. Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs

and International Cooperation of Zambia, for a conversation on

the future of the AU-EU partnership, Zambia’s 50-year relationship

with the EU, the reform of multilateralism and other timely

topics.

Ours remains a commitment to what we have told our partners:

the Common Africa position as espoused in the Ezulwini

Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. The EU has agreed, by and

large, with our position. Our position entails two fully empowered

permanent seats on the UNSC and two additional seats on a

non-permanent basis (currently Africa has three). I should add

that Zambia is part of the C10, a grouping of 10 African states

which have been given the responsibility on behalf of the whole

OF A LAND-LINKED REGIONAL TRANSIT HUB,

VIEWS THE LOBITO CORRIDOR AS CRUCIAL TO

FACILITATING THE EXPORTS OF CRITICAL RAW

MATERIALS AND OTHER GOODS. WHAT IS THE

PROGRESS ON THIS PROJECT?

The Lobito Corridor is a multi-modal transport network that traverses

through the Republics of Zambia, Democratic Republic of

PEACE, AND SECURITY IN THE SOUTHERN

AFRICAN REGION? FOR THE PERIOD 2023-2024,

ZAMBIA WAS THE CHAIR OF THE ORGAN ON

POLITICS, DEFENSE AND SECURITY COOPER-

ATION OF THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOP-

MENT COMMUNITY (SADC). WHAT ARE THE MAIN

OUTCOMES OF ITS CHAIRMANSHIP?

continent to negotiate UNSC reform and address the historical

Congo to the Port of Lobito in Angola. It represents an alternative

I would like to begin by underlining Zambia’s role in the Southern

FROM ZAMBIA’S PERSPECTIVE, WHAT WERE THE

MAIN OUTCOMES OF THE AU-EU MINISTERIAL

MEETING?

injustices regarding Africa’s under-representation in this body.

The 13th Ministerial Meeting of the C10 on the Reform of the

United Nations Security Council, took place in June 2025 in

Lusaka.

strategic outlet to export markets for Zambia and linking key mining

regions in Zambia and DRC to the Atlantic Ocean through the

port of Lobito in Angola. The Lobito Corridor project has made

significant progress recently, particularly in terms of agreements,

implementation and funding. Implementation milestones include

Africa liberation struggles. From time immemorial, just after our

independence, Zambia played host to many leaders of liberation

movements from our neighbouring countries – South Africa,

Namibia, Zimbabwe. And this is where the cooperation in terms

of peace, security and stability grows from. It is within our norms

From the perspective of Zambia, the number one item in the

In regards to the financial architecture, we face a skewed finan-

funding for environmental and social impact assessments and

and ethos that we believe that the stability of our neighbours and

discussions centred on reform, and how the partnership between

cial system which results in costly financing for Africa from the

preparatory works. The rail project is anticipated to start being

beyond is crucial for our own well being.

the AU and the EU can drive this reform. I am referring here to

traditional institutions. Infrastructure development, which is key

constructed by 2026, aiming to significantly reduce transit times

change in the multilateral system under the UN – particularly the

to economic growth, cannot take place without suitable financ-

and costs for freight and enhance regional trade. We are also in

During Zambia’s tenure as Chair of the Organ, Zambia con-

UN Security Council – and in relation to the global financial archi-

ing. This builds into the partnership itself between AU and EU

the initial stages of the revitalisation of the TAZARA railway link-

tributed to the consolidation of democracy in the region and

tecture – the Bretton Woods Institutions. Africa, as we all know,

– moving away from development aid to a partnership based on

ing to Tanzania and transforming it into an efficient and reliable

successfully led Six SADC Electoral Observer Missions (SEOMs)

is a significant player in the global context – 75 percent of the

mutual benefit, respect, strategic cooperation.

transport corridor.

to Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Madagascar, Democratic Republic of

activities of UNSC have to do with matters related to Africa, so it

Congo, South Africa, and Madagascar (parliamentary elections).

only follows that we should have a voice as a continent, in order

to bring a balance in the operations of the UNSC, a predominant

force in international affairs and diplomacy.

THE GOVERNMENT OF ZAMBIA, AS PART OF ITS

ECONOMIC REFORM AGENDA AND REALISATION

HOW IS ZAMBIA, THROUGH ITS MEMBERSHIP OF

SADC, CONTRIBUTING TO REGIONAL STABILITY,

Zambia also contributed to the maintenance of peace, stability

and peace in the region by contributing troops and financial

support to the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), support-

110 111

ing the Republic of Mozambique to combat terrorism and acts of

ernising border facilities, and implementing digital systems to

serious drought that forced us to declare a national disaster as

adaptation, specifically in relation to commitments towards

violent extremism in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, and

reduce transaction costs. Zambia actively collaborates with other

it affected food security;

financial flows which would address the challenges that we see

the SADC Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC) to support the Govern-

nations to share best practices in trade facilitation and align with

• Human Development. Education for all is a priority for our

– such as last year’s drought and the impact it had on our food

ment of the DRC to restore peace and security in the eastern

AfCFTA’s Trade Facilitation Agreement protocols.

Government;

and energy security. If we can have true compensations at COP

DRC.

• Health. Provision of healthcare is equally a priority;

around the multilateral response to the effects of climate change,

The country participates in AfCFTA negotiations to finalise

• Governance and Democratic Governance. Zambia continues

then probably we would be making more progress. By compen-

We also contribute to UN peacekeeping operations in the Central

agreements on rules of origin, dispute resolution, and tariffs. It

to make strides in the improvement of democracy and govern-

sations I mean practical solutions. These could take the form of a

African Republic (MINUSCA) – in fact one of the key command-

advocates for inclusive policies that benefit smaller economies

ance.

framework that would allow for the construction of, for example,

ers of that UN Mission is a Zambian national. Our troops are

and “landlinked” countries, ensuring fair competition and equita-

inter-connectors between countries of the SADC region, which

doing significant work.

ble benefits from trade liberalisation.

The President of Zambia, H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, has been

would then allow us to address challenges related to energy and

consistent with the message that education is an equaliser and

food insecurity derived from climate change.

During our chairmanship, Zambia also successfully hosted, in

Other measures include private sector engagement to foster

has therefore made education free for every person in the coun-

Lusaka, one Double Organ Troika Summit, two Ministerial Com-

collaboration across the continent; diversification and value ad-

try. So many of our citizens in the rural areas, or lowest levels of

Also, there is a need for more honest and serious conversations

mittees of the Organ (MCOs), and two senior officials meetings

dition to raw materials and integrating into regional value chains,

poverty, and this drive to free education could not be possible

around carbon trading and around reparation, because we live

of the MCO, whose major objectives were to consider the peace

facilitate trade transactions in collaboration with other State

without the support of our partners, and the EU in particular. We

in one world, and what is done in one part of the world in terms

and security situations in the region. Today, Zambia is still part

Parties under to Guided Trade Initiative to target specific markets

are creating a future for our children that would have otherwise

of contributing to climate change has an impact in other parts of

of the troika (consisting of the current, outgoing and incoming

and product lines, and collaboration on energy utilities to ensure

no opportunities in life. Statistics show that we have now two

the world too.

chairpersons). Also during Zambia’s tenure, we oversaw the

reliable and cost-effective energy, critical for industrialisation and

million children in school that would not have this possibility had

deployment and gains of SAMIDRC, and registered significant

milestones since the deployment of SAMIM, including recapturing

villages and dislodging terrorists from their bases, among

other achievements.

HOW IS ZAMBIA WORKING WITH OTHER COUN-

TRIES ON THE CONTINENT TO ADVANCE THE

AGENDA FOR GREATER INTEGRATION AND ENA-

BLE THE ACTUALISATION OF THE GAINS OF THE

AFRICA CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA?

trade expansion under the AfCFTA.

HOW DO YOU ASSESS ZAMBIA’S RELATIONS

WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION? WHAT ROLE DOES

THE EU PLAY IN KEY SECTORS OF ZAMBIA

SUCH AS HEALTH, TRADE, ENVIRONMENTAL

SUSTAINABILITY, EDUCATION AND POVERTY

REDUCTION?

Zambia and the European Union enjoy a warm and cordial partnership

spanning 50 years. Zambia and the EU maintain a strong

we not put in place the free education policy.

Under the EU Global Gateway, let me point to some of the flagship

projects for Zambia:

(i)

(ii)

Construction of a 10,000 km regional fibre-optic backbone

across DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique;

Rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam;

(iii) Construction of the Zambia – Tanzania – Kenya Transmission

Interconnector;

(iv) Kolwezi – Solwezi Power Interconnector Projects;

(v) Critical raw Materials Partnership Roadmap;

(vi) Investment in Lobito Corridor: Zambia, Angola and the

AS WE REFLECT ON ZAMBIA’S 60-YEAR JOURNEY

AS AN INDEPENDENT NATION, WHAT HAVE BEEN

SOME OF ZAMBIA’S FOREIGN POLICY ACHIEVE-

MENTS DURING THIS PERIOD?

Reflecting on Zambia’s 60-year journey as an independent nation,

several notable Foreign Policy achievements stand out. The

following achievements highlight Zambia’s evolving and dynamic

role in international relations over the past six decades:

• Non-Alignment and Pan-Africanism: Under the leadership

of its First President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia played a

Zambia has been actively engaged with other African countries

partnership encompassing political, economic, trade, develop-

Democratic Republic of Congo are working on the develop-

significant role in the Non-Aligned Movement and was a strong

to advance the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area

ment, and sectoral areas. Zambia values the continued partner-

ment of the Lobito Corridor infrastructure whose significance

advocate for Pan-Africanism. The country was instrumental in

(AfCFTA). This ambitious initiative aims to create a single market

ship, support, and commitment to fostering mutual development

is to give port access to the Atlantic ocean for Zambia.

supporting liberation movements across Southern Africa.

for goods and services across the continent, fostering econom-

and cooperation.

(vii) Safe Birth Project; and

• Regional Integration: Zambia has been an active member of

ic integration and development. Zambia’s efforts align with its

(viii) Support to early childhood development.

regional organisations such as the Southern African Develop-

vision of achieving regional and continental economic growth

One of the foundational pillars of this relationship was the

ment Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern

through collaboration and trade.

Cotonou Agreement, which provided a framework for political

Furthermore, in 2023, Zambia and the European Union signed an

and Southern Africa (COMESA). These memberships have

cooperation, trade relations, and development support between

MoU on partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains,

fostered regional cooperation and economic integration.

Zambia is contributing through promoting regional trade inte-

the EU and ACP countries. Today, that legacy is being carried

to secure the supply of strategic and critical raw materials and

• Economic Diplomacy: In recent years, Zambia has focused

gration by working closely with regional economic communities

forward under the Samoa Agreement, which introduces a more

to stimulate sustainable investment in value chain. Zambia is

on Economic Diplomacy, aiming to attract foreign investment

(RECs), such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern

modern, responsive, and inclusive framework that will guide our

endowed with cobalt, lithium, manganese and natural graphite,

and boost trade. The administration of President Hakainde Hi-

Africa (COMESA), the Southern African Development Community

partnership for the next 20 years.

all of which are critical for electric vehicle battery manufacturing.

chilema has revitalised relationships with key Western partners

(SADC) and the Tripartite Free Trade Area (COMESA-EAC-SADC

while maintaining ties with China and other African nations.

TFTA), to harmonise trade policies, reduce barriers to trade, and

create a conducive environment for cross-border commerce. To

enhance connectivity and trade, Zambia is investing in infrastructure

projects such as roads, railways, and border facilities.

Projects like the Kazungula Bridge, which links Zambia and

Botswana, are key examples of cross-border infrastructure facil-

The latest Zambia- European Union Partnership Dialogue was

held in April 2025 in Lusaka. The dialogue enhanced cooperation

in areas ranging from Democracy and Governance, Human

Rights and Gender Issues, Regional and Global Matters, Climate

Change and Environment, to Development Cooperation.

On the socio-economic front, Priority areas for cooperation under

LAST YEAR, ZAMBIA SUFFERED FROM A PRO-

LONGED, SEVERE DROUGHT. AS THE IMPACTS

OF CLIMATE CHANGE INTENSIFY, WHAT ARE

ZAMBIA’S EXPECTATIONS AHEAD OF COP30?

• Peace and Security: Zambia has contributed to peacekeeping

missions and mediation efforts in various African conflicts,

showcasing its commitment to regional stability and peace.

At the time of independence, we had a decent GDP and

economic environment. We experienced 27 years of one-party

itating smoother trade flows and integration with neighbouring

the Zambia-EU partnership currently include the following:

Looking beyond the loss and damage fund, which is a big argu-

rule, through multi-party democracy to one-party participatory

countries.

• Energy Infrastructure. Zambia currently faces an energy deficit

ment in every COP, there must be more responsibility taken by

democracy and back to multi-party democracy, which is now the

partly caused by the effects of climate change;

global players in relation to climate change. We would like to see

accepted form of governance.

Zambia has prioritised simplifying customs procedures, mod-

• Agriculture and Green Recovery. Zambia is recovering from a

more effort being put in building resilience and climate change

112 113

We have seen significant changes in the socio-economic environment

in the country, to the point where at some stage we

were among the poorest countries. The past government saw

heavy borrowing which took away some of the gains which had

been made through multi-party democracy. The current administration

is saying to the Zambian people that we have made

extraordinary efforts to address challenges that come with being

heavily indebted under the G20 Common Framework for Debt

Treatments, and we are a stellar example of how that framework

can be used in order to move a country out of its difficulties.

Whilst we accept that we still have a few challenges, we can certainly

say that the fundamentals show clearly that we are heading

in the right direction and we do not want to look back. For this

reason our foreign policy deployment is such that we want to

showcase Zambia to the rest of the world, first and foremost as

a heaven of peace: since independence we have not faced any

armed revolution or coup d’État, and all transfers of power have

been peaceful. This clearly distinguishes Zambia amongst many

African countries as a heaven of peace and therefore a good

place for investment.

When the current administration came into place we were facing

negative GDP growth (-2.8 percent), now it stands at well above

4 percent – despite the impacts of the drought. The political will

is there to see Zambia transform, with the ultimate objective of

becoming a middle income country by 2030. This is being driven

by our visionary President and the people of Zambia themselves.

Today, we are not looking any longer at the perspective of being

recipients of development aid. Now, our perspective is one of

hard work, strong partnerships – including with the EU – and

mutual benefits.

All photos: Embassy of Zambia

MULUBWANJI

WELCOME

PRIVATE GAME RESERVE IN LUSAKA | LUXURY SAFARI ACCOMMODATION

PRIVATE AIRSTRIP | CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN CUISINE | WINE TASTINGS

SIGNATURE WINE LABEL | NATURE ACTIVITIES | AIRPORT TRANSFERS

THE ULTIMATE SAFARI STOPOVER

Step into a world of natural beauty and unparalleled indulgence at Lilayi Lodge. A

private paradise, this Zambian Safari Lodge offers luxurious chalets surrounded

by lush greenery – making this the most ideal destination for travellers seeking a

romantic retreat, family getaway, relaxing staycation, or a base from which to

explore Zambia and its heritage, culture and natural wonders.

TAKE A TOUR

VOTED BEST

LODGE IN ZAMBIA-

ZTA AWARDS

WWW.LILAYILODGE.COM | RESERVATIONS@LILAYI.COM | +260 777 949 730 | +260 971 002 010


114 115

H.E. RODNEY SIKUMBA

MINISTER OF TOURISM OF ZAMBIA

We Are Delighted to Tell the Story of Zambia

During a working visit to Zambia in August 2024, the Diplomatic

commitment to economic diversification, Zambia offers a range

World team was delighted to meet with Zambia’s dynamic minis-

of investment possibilities across various sectors. The publica-

ter of tourism, H.E. Rodney Sikumba, and hear first-hand about

tion serves as a catalyst for Zambia’s future growth. It provides a

the country’s ambitions plans in the field of tourism, a sector that

roadmap for sustainable tourism development, fostering not only

plays a pivotal role in Zambia’s economic narrative, underscoring

prosperity but also job creation, community empowerment, and

its significance in driving sustainable development, job creation

SME expansion.

and economic growth.

With its rich natural resources, diverse tourism attractions, and

NEW GUIDELINES FOR INVESTING

IN TOURISM

supportive investment environment, Zambia presents compelling

opportunities for investors seeking to capitalise on the growing

tourism industry. By leveraging Zambia’s strengths and addressing

key challenges, investors can contribute to the sustainable

efits; however, more effective natural resource management is

needed to improve economic opportunities for local populations

and community incomes.

tion, women-led entities will be assisted with business advisory

services, including access to finance, to benefit equitably from

the project. At the national level, the project will strengthen the

In May 2024, Zambia’s tourism investment guidelines, developed

development of the country while realising significant opportuni-

institutional capacity for participating ministries through a variety

jointly by UN Tourism in close collaboration with the Ministry of

ties for growth and collaboration.

The project is expected to increase economic opportunities and

of capacity-building activities and programs.

Tourism of Zambia, the Zambia Tourism Agency and the Zambia

revenue from tourism and the broader nature-based economy

Development Agency, were revealed, offering key insights into

the country’s tourism investment climate, promoting its unique

value proposition, and highlighting competitive attributes that

make it an attractive destination for both local and international

NEW WORLD BANK FUNDED PROJECT TO

PROMOTE NATURE-BASED TOURISM

sector by improving the enabling environment, engaging key

stakeholders, financing key basic infrastructure, and providing

matching grants to communities for investments in the nature-based

economy. The project will also enhance sector

INVESTING IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Minister Sikumba tells us that tourism has the potential of be-

investors.

“We are working to make our tourism sector sustainable and

governance through investments in regulatory reform and build-

coming the largest employer in Zambia, and that currently “we

resilient”, emphasises the Minister, referring to a USD 100 million

ing capacity of core sectoral agencies.

are looking at quality standards in the service provision as well as

Under the title “Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Zambia”,

World Bank-funded project which was inaugurated in January

the product itself”.

the document sheds light on the investment legal framework

2024. The project, known officially as the Green, Resilient, and

The project is aligned with national priorities in Zambia’s Eighth

that highlights the incentives and institutions responsible for

Transformational Tourism Development Project (GREAT-TDP)

National Development Plan (8NDP) and Vision 2030. The 8NDP

In this context, and with African tourism experiencing significant

investment promotion, facilitation, and protection of investors in

has the objective of strengthening the enabling environment,

underscores the government’s commitment to unlocking the

growth, there is an urgent need to train a wide range of skilled

Zambia. Moreover, the guide is in support of the President of the

improving access to resilient infrastructure in selected tourism

tourism sector for economic transformation and job creation.

professionals, all equipped with the skills modern tourism busi-

Republic of Zambia, H.E. Hakainde Hichilema’s view of brand-

development areas, and unlocking the potential of Zambia’s

It supports Zambia’s goal to increase tourism both from inter-

nesses need. Reflecting this demand, the foundation stone to

ing destination Zambia and promoting investment opportunities

nature-based economy and emerging tourism destinations such

national and domestic sources, improve accessibility, lengthen

establish the ZITHS Mukuni International Academy for Tourism

particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector. Investment in

as the Liuwa Plains National Park, the Source of the Zambezi,

the stay for tourists, diversify tourism product offerings, and

and Hospitality in collaboration with UN Tourism, was laid in July

Zambia is an increasingly attractive prospect for individuals,

and Kasaba Bay.

increase the sector’s contribution to the economic development

2024 in Livingstone, Zambia. The Academy will offer a range of

businesses and governments seeking opportunities. With its

of the country. The main beneficiaries of the project are local

courses, all focused on equipping students both new to the sec-

abundant natural resources, favourable business environment,

In Zambia, the nature-based economy spans many sectors and

communities, nature-based community enterprises, and private

tor and established tourism workers the skills they need to find

safety (“a heaven of peace”, in the words of the Minister) and

offers multiple environmental, social, economic, and fiscal ben-

sector entities within the emerging tourism destination. In addi-

work or advance in their careers. “We are not only building it for

116 117

Zambia, we are building it for the region”, clarifies the Minister,

who hopes the Academy will attract students from across the

continent.

The ceremony, held at in the outskirts of Livingstone, was

graced by the presence of UN Tourism Secretary-General

Zurab Pololikashvili, who emphasised the critical role of education

in driving sustainable growth in the tourism industry and

the importance of investing in people to foster development and

innovation.

The establishment of the UN Tourism Academy signifies

Zambia’s commitment to becoming a global reference in tourism

education, offering a robust curriculum that includes the implementation

of the UN Tourism Education Toolkit for high schools

and a comprehensive train-the-trainers program. The Academy

stands as a testament to the power of education in shaping a

sustainable and prosperous future for the tourism industry.

(MICE) industry, which is is gaining significant traction. The MICE

industry is a cash cow, with Zambia well positioned to attract

high-profile conferences, supported by improved infrastructure

and air access, and state-of-the-art facilities such as the Kenneth

Kaunda International Conference Centre

The hosting of major events underscores Zambia’s ambition to

strengthen its MICE tourism sector. Among the most anticipated

gatherings in 2025 are the 2nd UN Tourism Africa and Americas

Summit (CAFCAM) in Livingstone from April 8-10 and the Zambia

Tourism Expo (ZATEX) in Lusaka from June 5-7.

On the question of over-tourism, the Minister says that “Zambia

remains Africa’s best-kept secret”. The strategy is to focus on

low-volume, high-value tourism. He refers to the clear and strict

regulations and game management plans in place restricting the

development of national parks to the Game Management Areas

(GMAs) – buffer zones around the national parks – where hotels,

lodges and other facilities can be built.

ZAMBIA’S MICE STRATEGY BOOSTS TOURISM

GROWTH

During our conversation, Minister Sikumba also refers to

Zambia’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions

Asked about the next steps, the Minister stresses the need

for more direct flights to lucrative tourism markets, including

European capitals, and further visa liberalisation measures.


118 119

Photo: Istock

Photo: Istock

120 121

ZAMBIA IS HOME TO DIVERSE WILDLIFE,

SAFARI CAMPS, GAME DRIVES,

AND EXTRAORDINARY NATURAL EVENTS

SUCH AS THE BAT

AND WILDEBEEST MIGRATIONS

Matongo Matamwandi, CEO,

Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA)

Zambia is known as a nature-based tourist destination with

To ensure their survival, Zambia is intensifying conservation

spectacular landscapes and diverse wildlife, including the mighty

efforts, aiming to stabilize and increase hippo numbers in their

Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The

native habitats.

country boasts thirty-four game management areas (reserves)

and twenty national parks where animals roam freely in their nat-

Zambia is also becoming a preferred destination for meetings,

ural habitats. This nature-focused approach prioritizes eco-tour-

incentive travel, conferences, exhibitions, and sports activities,

ism, sustainability, and environmentally friendly practices.

thanks to its central geographical location. Investments in infrastructure,

such as modern airports and roads, enhance connec-

Home to seventy-three tribes living in harmony, Zambia embod-

tivity.

ies the motto “One Zambia, One Nation,” reflecting its peaceful

and welcoming atmosphere. The people are warm and friendly,

The Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) employs various marketing

creating an inviting environment for travellers. As a peaceful

strategies to position Zambia as a preferred destination for


destination, Zambia offers exceptional wildlife experiences and

tranquillity for those seeking adventure.

leisure and business. Key strategies include working with tourism

tourist areas, ZTA enhances the experiences of both international

Nestled in the heart of Central and Southern Africa, Zambia is

attachés, brand ambassadors, and goodwill ambassadors to

and domestic travellers. The agency regulates accommodation

a land-linked country bordered by eight nations. In 2024, the

promote the country. ZTA collaborates with Destination Market-

facilities and restaurants for standards to ensure quality and

country celebrated 60 years of peace and diplomatic relations

ing Agencies to effectively capture tourism insights and employ

satisfaction, while also supervising private travel agencies for

since gaining independence in 1964. Zambia’s tourism prod-

the right tactics to attract visitors. Familiarization trips for media,

efficient service delivery.

uct mix includes a rich array of cultures resulting into diverse

celebrities, and buyers allow them to experience Zambia’s

traditional ceremonies, food, art, and festivals. The destination

attractions first-hand and share their experiences with a wider

Publicity and marketing efforts, including advertising and public

offers various adventure activities, including water sport, bungee

audience.

relations, aim to raise awareness of Zambia as a preferred

jumping, and leisure pursuits. Zambia is home to diverse wildlife,

tourism destination. ZTA addresses technical and legal chal-

safari camps, game drives, and extraordinary natural events such

Participation in major international travel shows, such as ITB

lenges to maintain service quality and protect tourists’ interests,

as the bat and wildebeest migrations.

Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin) and World Travel

collaborating with foreign tour operators and neighbouring NTOs

Market (WTM) in London, is also a key component of ZTA’s

to promote regional tourism initiatives. Overall, ZTA formulates

Each year, about 10 million fruit bats descend into a small patch

marketing efforts. A robust digital marketing strategy leverages

comprehensive tourism policies focused on long-term sustain-

of evergreen swamp forest inside Kasanka National Park in

online platforms to reach potential travellers and highlight

ability and socio-economic benefits, positioning Zambia as a

Northern Zambia. These fruit bats, also known as flying foxes,

Zambia’s unique offerings.

premier travel destination.

have wingspans of nearly three feet. Additionally, around 45,000

wildebeest seek fresh grazing in the Liuwa Plains, making it one

ZTA is affiliated with various international tourism organizations,

ZTA is targeting key source markets, including Germany, the

of the world’s largest migrations after East Africa.

including the United Nations Tourism (UNT) and the International

United States, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as

Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). As the National

emerging markets like India, China, Japan, Brazil, and the Gulf

As of 2023, the hippo population distribution varies significantly

Tourism Organization (NTO), ZTA conducts research to assess

Cooperation Council (GCC). ZTA has set an annual target of 2

across countries, with about 77 percent located in Africa. Zambia

tourism potential in key markets and evaluate the marketability

million international tourist arrivals for 2024, aiming to increase

boasts one of the largest hippo populations in the world.

Matongo Matamwandi


of Zambia’s product offerings. Through information offices in key

that number to 3 million by 2026.

122 123

The tourism sector significantly contributes to the gross domestic

product and job creation. It also supports various sectors,

including air and road transport, restaurants, and food suppliers.

Developing tourism products in national parks and game management

areas, such as South and North Luangwa and Kafue

Flats, will yield direct economic benefits and promote growth.

These initiatives aim to reduce reliance on traditional sectors

like mining and agriculture. Improvements in air travel hubs,

road connectivity, and cross-border initiatives, such as the

Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA),

will further enhance Zambia’s position as a premier travel

destination in Southern Africa. The signing of the Zimbabwe-

Mozambique-Zambia Trans Frontier Park (ZIMOZA) Trans-Frontier

Conservation Area will also contribute to sustainable resource

use and biodiversity conservation, driving economic potential

for local communities.

The Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Tourism, is

implementing the Zambia Green, Resilient, and Transformational

Tourism Development Project (GREAT-TDP) with a USD 100

million financing facility from the World Bank. This project has

three main components: creating an enabling environment for the

nature-based economy, enhancing climate-resilient access and

basic service infrastructure, and addressing project administration

and management.

The first component focuses on destination branding, tourism

marketing, and improving regulatory frameworks, while also supporting

community-based partnerships and providing technical

assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The second component involves constructing and upgrading

roads, bridges, airstrips, visitor information centres, and water infrastructure.

The third component covers project planning, financial

management, audits, procurement, environmental and social

risk management, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder

coordination. The project aims to increase nature-based economic

opportunities in emerging tourism destinations in Zambia,

emphasizing infrastructure development in key areas like Kasaba

Bay, Liuwa National Park, and the source of the Zambezi River.

Overall, the GREAT-TDP seeks to strengthen Zambia’s tourism

sector while promoting sustainability and resilience.

Looking ahead, Destination Zambia is focused on brand awareness

and targeting high-spend tourists from the GCC, India,

and China. ZTA plans to implement several initiatives, including

partnerships with European Premier League football clubs,

securing international media coverage, developing an online

booking system for capturing tourist statistics, and enhancing

air connectivity through the Air Access Project. Key strategies

also involve integrated digital marketing and collaboration with

tourism attachés in various missions to further promote Zambia

as a nature-rich destination for wildlife, adventure, heritage sites,

and business.

In conclusion, Zambia is positioning itself as a green tourism

destination and a preferred choice for MICE (Meetings, Incentives,

Conferences, and Exhibitions). Reasons to visit include its

peaceful and stable environment, abundant wildlife, warm hospitality,

and the majestic Victoria Falls, along with a captivating culture

that features unique food, dance, and cultural ceremonies.

By promoting adventure, wildlife, heritage, and cultural activities,

Zambia is well-equipped to enhance both domestic and international

tourism, ultimately contributing to its economic growth and

development.


124 125

H.E. MARY CHIRWA,

AMBASSADOR OF ZAMBIA

TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

AND THE BENELUX COUNTRIES

We invite our partners in the Benelux region to join us

in showcasing Zambia’s promise by participating

in trade missions, investment forums,

and collaborative platforms that highlight the country’s strengths

and opportunities

WELCOME TO BRUSSELS, AMBASSADOR MARY

CHIRWA. COULD YOU GIVE OUR READERS A

SENSE OF THE PRIORITIES YOU WILL BE PURSU-

ING DURING YOUR TENURE TO STRENGTHEN RE-

LATIONS BETWEEN ZAMBIA AND THE EUROPEAN

UNION, AND BETWEEN ZAMBIA AND THE THREE

BENELUX COUNTRIES?

WOMEN, YOUTH AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR ARE

CRITICAL PARTNERS IN DESIGNING EFFECTIVE

POLICIES. HOW HAS PRESIDENT HICHILEMA

INCORPORATED THE VOICES OF THESE ACTORS

IN DRIVING FORWARD THE COUNTRY’S DEVELOP-

MENT AGENDA?

The New Dawn Government has made inclusivity a cornerstone

As Ambassador, my priorities revolve around deepening political

of its governance. Women and youth are being appointed to

dialogue, enhancing trade and investment flows, and promoting

leadership positions and decision-making bodies. Through the

Photo: Belgium Royal Palace

Zambia’s economic diplomacy agenda. I will focus on expanding

Constituency Development Fund (CDF), youth-led enterprises

partnerships in renewable energy, agriculture, and digital innovation,

while also strengthening people-to-people connections

through cultural and educational exchanges. Additionally, advancing

Zambia’s role in regional peace and stability discussions

within EU platforms is a key priority.

THE ELECTION OF ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT

HAKAINDE HICHILEMA IN 2021 USHERED IN A

RAFT OF INVESTOR-FRIENDLY POLICIES.

COULD YOU COMMENT ON YOUR COUNTRY’S

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION UNDER THE

LEADERSHIP OF PRESIDENT HICHILEMA?

and community initiatives are being empowered at grass-roots

level. Furthermore, public-private dialogue has been institutionalised,

allowing the private sector to shape reforms on taxation,

skills development, and digital transformation.

LAST YEAR, WE COMMEMORATED THE 100TH

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FATHER OF THE NA-

TION, KENNETH KAUNDA. COULD YOU COMMENT

ON KENNETH KAUNDA’S ENDURING LEGACY?

Dr. Kenneth Kaunda’s legacy is one of unity, liberation, and principled

leadership. He championed Zambia’s role as a safe haven

for freedom fighters during Africa’s independence struggles.

CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR COUNTRY’S SUSTAIN-

ABLE AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH, GREEN TRANSI-

TION, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL

RESILIENCE?

The Zambia-EU partnership has been instrumental in supporting

health, education, agriculture, and governance reforms. The EU’s

Global Gateway initiative aligns with Zambia’s ambitions in green

energy and infrastructure. EU-funded programs have improved

food security, boosted SMEs, and supported climate-smart agriculture.

Moreover, our partnership has promoted human rights,

democratic governance, and institutional resilience.

The Lobito Corridor represents a strategic infrastructure project

that will significantly enhance regional integration, facilitate the

efficient transport of goods – particularly critical raw materials

– and bolster intra-African trade. The corridor is set to become

a key gateway linking the Democratic Republic of Congo and

Zambia to global markets via Angola’s Atlantic coast.

We deeply appreciate the steadfast support from international

partners. The European Union has already contributed EUR

2 million towards the feasibility study, which has since been

concluded. The resulting report underscores the project’s viability

while also identifying the need for structured de-risking measures

to encourage and protect private investment along the corridor.

Under President Hichilema, Zambia has witnessed a shift towards

economic reform and fiscal discipline, aimed at restoring

investor confidence and macroeconomic stability. His administration

has negotiated debt restructuring agreements, enhanced

transparency in public procurement, and streamlined investment

procedures. Strategic sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy,

and manufacturing are receiving renewed support, making

Zambia an increasingly attractive destination for international

investors.

His commitment to Non-Alignment, Pan-Africanism, and moral

governance continues to inspire Zambia’s foreign policy. The

centennial celebrations reminded us of his enduring vision for a

just, peaceful, and united Africa.

THIS YEAR WE CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF COOP-

ERATION BETWEEN ZAMBIA AND THE EU. HOW

HAS ZAMBIA’S PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EU

OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, THE EU AND

ZAMBIA HAVE CONCLUDED STRATEGIC

PARTNERSHIPS ON CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS,

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOBITO CORRIDOR,

AND ON FORESTRY. WHAT IS THE CURRENT

STATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PARTNER-

SHIPS?

Italy has emerged as a pivotal partner, committing USD 270

million towards the development of the Lobito Corridor and an

additional USD 50 million through the Africa Finance Corporation

(AFC) to support preparatory and technical work. The

United States, under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure

and Investment (PGII), pledged USD 600 million, reaffirming the

project’s international appeal and developmental potential.

126 127

These investments reflect a strong consensus on the transformative

impact of the corridor, particularly in enabling the safe and

efficient transport of critical minerals and fostering industrial

growth across the region. The project has already begun attracting

both continental and external support, making it one of the

most promising infrastructure undertakings on the continent.

At this pivotal stage of implementation, the Government of

Zambia continues to call for sustained and coordinated support

– particularly in the areas of de-risking and long-term financing

mechanisms. We believe that with continued EU partnership and

further engagement from international allies, the Lobito Corridor

will emerge as a landmark model for sustainable and inclusive

development across Africa.

APPEAL TO BUSINESSES AND CHAMBERS OF

COMMERCE IN THE BENELUX REGION

As part of our continued efforts to strengthen economic diplomacy

and foster mutually beneficial partnerships, I would like to

take this opportunity to extend a warm appeal to businesses,

investors, and Chambers of Commerce within the Benelux region

– including esteemed institutions such as the CBL-ACP – to

actively collaborate with the Embassy of Zambia.

Zambia stands as a beacon of stability, strategic location, and

opportunity in Southern Africa, offering a wealth of untapped

potential across sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining,

tourism, manufacturing, and green technologies. With an investor-friendly

climate, ongoing policy reforms, and a government

committed to sustainable economic transformation, Zambia is

poised to become one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.

We invite our partners in the Benelux region to join us in showcasing

Zambia’s promise by participating in trade missions,

investment forums, and collaborative platforms that highlight the

country’s strengths and opportunities. The Embassy is ready to

facilitate and support initiatives that foster deeper economic linkages

and generate value for both Zambian and Benelux-based

enterprises.

Together, we can build lasting partnerships that not only drive

economic growth but also contribute meaningfully to global

development goals.

SAFARI IN STYLE WITH

GREEN SAFARIS

Eight unique properties, six mind-blowing destinations, two epic countries, and lifelong memories to be made. We

are Green Safaris and are setting the standard for luxury eco-travel across the globe. With a five-star presence in

all of Zambia's major national parks, plus a tranquil island retreat on the shores of Lake Malawi, we present a

customisable dream circuit that elevates every adventure. From the beach to the bush and beyond, our goal is to

captivate travellers who dream of Africa and inspire you to discover the wonders of exploring consciously, because

ethical equals unforgettable.


CONTACT & BOOKINGS

Reservations number: +260 979 312 766 | Whatsapp (text only) : +260 969 864 898

Email: reservations@greensafaris.com

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

Instagram: @greensafaris Facebook: Green Safaris TikTok: @green.safaris

www.greensafaris.com

128 129

THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

OF TOURISM IN ZAMBIA IS ENORMOUS

During a visit to Livingstone (Zambia) in August 2024, Diplomatic

World had the pleasure of meeting one of the pioneers of the

Zambian tourism industry, Mr Daan Brink, Zambia Tourism

Agency (ZTA) Board Chairman. After years of economic difficulty,

he tells us about the enormous potential of the tourism industry

to become the main contributor to Zambia’s GDP.

Zambia’s time has arrived for all the right reasons, he tells us.

First and foremost, thanks to the emergence of a new breed of

Zambian leaders and highly competent people in decision-making

circles, whereas previous governments had indebted Zambia

by borrowing money from abroad to the point that there was no

way Zambia could pay its debt back. “These kind of things are

incredibly concerning for me as a father and as a person that has

a vested interest in business and development of young people

in this country. How can one be so short-sighted to borrow

money that can never be paid back?” reflects Daan. It took the

current government close to two years to rectify that and get out

of the debt trap. When the current government was elected in

2021, they did not do what would have been politically popular

or favourable for them to get re-elected. President Hakainde

Hichilema did not put his personal popularity first. He put the

country first. And that inevitably meant a period of painful adjustment

for the country, characterised by high inflation. But they

solved the debt crisis.

Daan Brink, Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) Board Chairman

The country’s abundance in copper and other minerals means

that mining is at the forefront of the economy. But, Mr Brink asks,

does the benefit of those commodities find its way back into the

country and trickle down to the location population? “My humble

opinion is it does not. We can get in the car and go to the nearest

traffic light, sit for a while, and you will see truck after truck

carrying raw copper out of the country. Where is the benefit for

Zambia? Apart from the occasion school mine, medical facility or

road that the mines build in the Copperbelt, where is the benefit

for Zambia? Why can we not take that raw material and turn it

into something before exporting it?”, he reflects.

Mining is still the biggest contributor to Zambia’s GDP, by far.

And agriculture remains the biggest employer in the country. But

both of these sectors are very localised. Tourism has the potential

to surpass mining in the years to come, but it is still under-developed.

Despite lofty political pronouncements, none of the

previous Zambian governments (with the notable exception of

the late Levy Mwanawasa) properly understood what tourism can

bring to the economy. Until the arrival of the current government

in year, lead by President Hichilema, who realises how tourism

can bring long-term benefits to the country and how the tourism

industry has the ability to create jobs where no other sector can.

And to do so evenly across the country, so that not all the young

people need to go and find work in the capital, Lusaka.

As to what makes Zambia unique, Daan says the country has so

much to offer to the world: “Zambians are naturally warm people.

We speak English, a huge advantage in the world of tourism.

And we have political stability, which is especially relevant in the

African context”. Indeed, since gaining independence Zambia

has never experienced a civil war on its soil, and all transitions of

power have been peaceful.

For those seeking barefoot luxury, and this has seen a sharp

increase after the COVID-19 pandemic, Zambia is the perfect

destination. Barefoot luxury is all about blending luxury with

simplicity, sustainability, and an intimate connection with nature,

providing travellers with a high-end experience that feels genuine

and grounded. Aware of the problems of overcrowding that

other countries, like Kenya, are experiencing in their national

parks, Mr Daan adds that businesspeople, like himself, also

have the responsibility not to over-develop. Indeed, Zambia has

embarked on a conservation strategy that seeks to harmonise

wildlife protection with sustainable economic development. At

the heart of this strategy lies a commitment to community-based

conservation initiatives and eco-tourism ventures that empower

local communities while generating revenue. While Zambia seeks

to capitalise on its natural assets for economic gain, it ensures

that such exploitation does not come at the expense of biodiversity

loss or habitat degradation. Sustainable practices, such

as responsible tourism and wildlife management, are therefore

paramount to safeguarding the long-term viability of Zambia’s

natural ecosystems.

Zambia is endowed with 20 National Parks and 36 Game

Management Areas (GMAs), that together account for about 30

percent of the country’s total land area, making it one of the largest

in Africa. Zambia is home to the largest migration of mammals

in the planet – the Kasanka Bat Migration. Every year between

October and December, at least 8 million straw-coloured

fruit bats cover the skies of the Kasanka National Park in one of

the greatest wildlife spectacles. It has the biggest population of

hippopotamus in the world. White water rafting on the Zambezi

River below the Victoria Falls has been widely acclaimed as the

best commercially operated white-water rafting in the world.

Evidently, the Victoria Falls themselves are jewel in the crown.

“You can never be too impressed with it”, says Daan proudly: “It

is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. And while over

the years many people have tried to redefine the list of national

wonders, take some items in or add some new ones, the one

that always stays is the Victoria Falls.” The Falls, known locally

as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (translated as “The Smoke That Thunders”)

are the biggest curtain of falling water in the world – 1.7 kilometres

wide, 108 metres high.

Mr Brink cautions that tourism does not bring money immediately,

it is a long-term investment. There are many elements to the

puzzle that need to be in place for tourism to grow. But Zambian

tourism is showing a positive, upwards trajectory. Zambia’s

tourism sector recorded significant growth in 2024, with international

arrivals rising to 2,199,820, a 35.3 percent increase from

2023. Occupancy rates are also showing an upward swing. There

is still a lot of work to be done, concludes Mr Brink. Among the

next steps: to increase the frequency of direct flights to European

capitals.



130 131

Stay, Play and Relax at Ciêla Resort

Ciêla Resort, formerly known as Bonanza Resort, is

a luxurious destination located just 10 kilometres

from Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International

Airport. With 245 elegantly appointed rooms and

suites, it offers an exceptional blend of contemporary

comfort and African charm. The resort is surrounded by a

world-class 18-hole golf course, designed to provide challenging

rounds for players, and offers expansive views of Zambia’s

natural beauty. This stunning location makes it ideal for both

leisure travellers looking for a peaceful escape and business

guests attending events or conferences.

Ciêla’s architecture harmonises modern design with natural

surroundings. Rooms feature soothing neutral tones, spacious

layouts, and floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise the

breathtaking landscape. Whether you stay in one of their deluxe

suites or their luxurious private villas, you’ll find comfort

and style at every corner. The resort’s attention to detail extends

to the recreational facilities as well, which include a large

outdoor swimming pool, a luxurious spa offering indulgent

treatments, and a well-equipped fitness centre.

For those seeking a culinary journey, Ciêla offers diverse dining

options. The main restaurant, Elements, is a casual all-day

dining venue serving international dishes infused with local

flavours. For a more refined experience, Botanica Restaurant

provides fine dining with an impressive menu curated from the

freshest seasonal ingredients. Guests can also unwind at the

stylish bar and lounge or enjoy a cocktail at the pool bar, which

offers refreshing drinks and light snacks throughout the day.

The variety of dining experiences ensures that every palate is

catered to, making the resort a food lover’s paradise.

Ciêla is also an ideal venue for conferences and special events.

The on-site convention centre can host large-scale meetings,

weddings, and corporate events with cutting-edge technology,

adaptable spaces, and top-notch service. The resort’s ability to

seamlessly blend relaxation with business makes it a top choice

for corporate travellers.

An added attraction at Ciêla Resort is the monthly farmer’s

market, held regularly at The Barnyard at Bonanza. This vibrant

market is a community-driven affair where local vendors sell

fresh produce, homemade crafts, and artisanal goods. Visitors

can also enjoy live music, creating a laid-back, welcoming

atmosphere that enhances the overall experience of staying

at Ciêla. The Barnyard houses an art gallery, a café and stores

selling furniture, home décor and arts and crafts, among other

items.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a golfing weekend,

or a space to host events, Ciêla Resort is a premier choice

that blends the best of Zambian hospitality with global luxury.

It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a place to experience the spirit of

Africa rising.

Botanica: An Unforgettable Culinary Journey

At Botanica, the dining experience centres on the

art of combining Afro-French cuisine with fresh,

locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s

menu offers a culinary journey filled with both

familiar and adventurous flavours, thoughtfully

prepared and beautifully presented.

One of the signature dishes is the kandolo steak tartare. This

unique dish brings together succulent beef, biltong powder,

and curried apricot to create a harmonious blend of textures

and flavours. The tartare is a nod to both African and French

traditions, while its creative use of local ingredients elevates

the dining experience. For those who prefer a lighter start to

the meal, the bread trio is a must-try. A selection of artisanal

bread such as charcoal bread and Cape Malay-inspired curry

bread, served with flavoured butters, offers a delightful and

memorable beginning to the meal.

Main courses continue to impress with an array of options

that cater to a range of tastes, while always focusing on the

farm-to-table concept. With an ever-evolving menu, Botanica’s

dishes place a strong emphasis on sustainability and the use

of seasonal, locally sourced produce. Each dish bursts with

freshness and vibrant flavours that reflect the essence of local

Zambian produce combined with refined French techniques.

For vegetarians, the restaurant presents an array of creative

plant-based dishes, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

Fresh vegetables and locally grown herbs feature prominently

in dishes that are light, refreshing, yet packed with flavour. The

thought and care that go into crafting each plate are evident in

the balance of flavours and the attention to detail, ensuring that

even the simplest dishes leave a lasting impression.

The dessert menu is equally captivating. Diners can indulge in

creations like the refreshing blackberry sorbet, offering a burst

of natural fruit flavour, or the decadent chocolate sable, which

strikes the perfect balance between richness and sweetness.

Each dessert is crafted to provide a satisfying conclusion to the

meal, with options that appeal to both lovers of light, fruity

finishes and those with a taste for something more indulgent.

Botanica’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond just

the food. Nestled within Ciêla Resort, the restaurant places

a strong emphasis on environmentally friendly practices,

from sourcing ingredients to the overall operation of the

establishment. The serene ambiance of the restaurant, with its

sleek design and connection to nature, perfectly complements

the culinary artistry on display.

Ultimately, dining at Botanica is about more than just a

meal—it’s an experience that celebrates the richness of local

ingredients, culinary creativity, and sustainable practices, all

wrapped in an elegant Afro-French fusion.

This article is adapted from a feature that originally appeared

in Nkwazi Magazine.

www.cielaresort.com

reservations@cielaresort.com

+260 211433250

botanica@cielaresort.com

+260 211433250 botanica_cielaresort botanica_cielaresort

132 133

H.E. AHMED ABU ZEID

AMBASSADOR OF EGYPT TO BELGIUM,

LUXEMBOURG, HEAD OF MISSION

TO THE EU & NATO

Forging New Paths for Growth, Innovation, and Partnership

between Egypt and the European Union

EGYPTʼS ECONOMICALLY DEVELOPMENT, IN-

VESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND REACHING THE

COMMON GOALS TO UTILISE THE ADVANTAGE

OF NEAR SHORING IN VARIOUS MEANS ‒ THE

LOGISTICS ASPECT AND THE COMMON HISTORI-

CAL RELATIONS BETWEEN EGYPT AND EUROPE.

WHAT IS EGYPTʼS STRATEGY TO MATERIALISE

THE GIVEN SHORT AND MID-TERM ADVANTAGES?

“Egypt is a bridge between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe,

ensuring stability and fostering shared prosperity.”

Egypt stands today as a cornerstone of stability in an increasingly

complex regional landscape. Our strategic partnership with

the European Union is anchored in this shared commitment to

security, prosperity, and multilateralism.

This partnership is rooted not only in geography, but in history,

mutual respect, and a shared strategic vision. Egypt is actively

working to materialise the comparative advantages it holds,

especially in the context of nearshoring, economic development,

and investment facilitation.

Over the past decade, Egypt has embarked on an ambitious and

ongoing program of structural economic reform. This includes

legislative, regulatory, and fiscal changes designed to strengthen

the investment climate, modernise infrastructure, and support

private sector growth. Key priorities include advancing industrial

and technological zones along the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean

coast, promoting green and digital transitions, particularly

in energy, transport, and manufacturing, in addition to expanding

public-private partnerships in various sectors.

Regarding logistical strength, the global reconfiguration of supply

chains presents a major opportunity for Egypt and Europe alike.

Egypt’s geographic position at the crossroads of three continents,

along with the Suez Canal, offers the EU a reliable and

efficient nearshoring partner. To capitalise on this, we are developing

advanced logistics hubs in Alexandria, Port Said, and Ain

Sokhna, expanding the Suez Canal Economic Zone as a platform

for European industrial and logistics operations, in addition to

enhancing infrastructure connectivity via working closely with

Europe.

In the short to mid-term, Egypt is focusing on scaling up

European investments in manufacturing, green energy, and

digital infrastructure through targeted incentives and bilateral

agreements, deepening EU-Egypt value chains, especially in

high-potential sectors such as textiles, automotive, hydrogen,

and agro-industries, and enhancing connectivity to support

Egypt’s role as a nearshore industrial and logistics hub.


As a responsible regional actor and a gateway to both Africa and

the Middle East, Egypt brings a unique value proposition to the

EU, not only as a reliable economic and trade partner, but as a

pivotal force in managing migration, combating climate change,

and securing energy diversification. Egypt’s political vision, as

articulated in Egypt Vision 2030, emphasises inclusive growth,

sustainability, and regional integration, all of which are aligned

with Europe’s strategic priorities.

ONE YEAR AGO THE EGYPT-EU-INVESTMENT

SUMMIT TOOK PLACE IN CAIRO. 1,800 BUSINESS

LEADERS AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT REP-

RESENTATIVES ATTENDED AND 35 MOUS AND

AGREEMENTS WORTH EUR 67.7 BILLION WERE

SIGNED. HOW HAVE THOSE COMMITMENTS

TRANSLATED INTO IMPLEMENTATION?

“The Egypt-EU Investment Conference was a milestone, and

now we’re focused on implementing the agreements signed.”

The Egypt-EU Investment Conference was held in Cairo one

year ago, it was a landmark event in our economic and strategic

partnership. The summit brought together over 1,800 business

leaders and senior government representatives, and resulted in

the signing of 35 MoUs and agreements worth EUR 67.7 billion.

These agreements spanned a wide array of sectors including

energy, green hydrogen, infrastructure, transport, digital economy,

and manufacturing.

Several of these commitments have already transitioned from

intention to implementation. Initial steps have been taken across

various sectors through feasibility studies, joint ventures, land

allocation, policy coordination, and regulatory facilitation. Some

key developments took place with green hydrogen and renewable

energy projects to reinforce Egypt’s role as a clean energy

exporter to Europe.

On the regulatory level, several reforms are being implemented

to enable smoother investment flows, including the expansion

of golden licenses, improved land access for industrial projects,

and customs modernisation.

Of course, as with any major international investments, the

geopolitical landscape can present challenges that influence the

pace and scope of implementation. Over the past year, the shifting

geopolitical conditions, including regional instability, global

supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainties have

impacted global markets and, by extension, some of the projects

that were planned.


Egypt, like many countries, is closely monitoring these developments

and working proactively with its European partners to mitigate

any adverse effects. The cooperation between Egypt and

134 135

the EU has been instrumental in overcoming these challenges,

traditional and green energy, considering that the latter was

as we continue to work towards a stable and secure environment

strongly impacted by COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, the security

that encourages mutual growth.

situation in the Red Sea, and the recent challenges the EU is facing

with a number of its traditional trade and economic partners.

We are optimistic about the continued success of these agreements,

and we look forward to building on this momentum in the

The new Mechanism will enable Egypt and the EU to mobilise

coming years, with the aim of further strengthening our economic

new resources from various untapped channels including the

and political ties with the EU.

European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+)

that will implement risk-sharing instruments for retail banks in

To ensure that these ambitious agreements signed during the

Egypt to provide investment loans to a diverse range of areas of

Egypt–EU Investment Conference translate into tangible projects,

common interest. The funding for these loans will be mobilised

Egypt has set up a dedicated inter-ministerial committee. This

through additional sources alongside the EFSD+ that include

body includes representatives from key ministries, such as

the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for

Foreign Affairs, Investment, Finance, Energy, Transport, and

Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), blending instruments,

Planning, tasked with coordinating the implementation roadmap.

and public and private partnerships. These investment loans will

Complementing this effort, a series of followup technical meet-

be extended to SMEs, Startups, green energy firms, and wom-

ings between Egyptian authorities and EU partners are sched-

en-led businesses may be covered as well.

uled, focusing on establishing project timelines, and reporting

frameworks.

Accordingly, the investment guarantee mechanism will enable

Egyptian banks to provide low interest loans for investors at a

Egypt’s approach to its partnership with the European Union

reasonable grace period. Each loan will be granted based on the

goes far beyond transactional agreements; it is rooted in a com-

business project and due diligence procedures in disbursement

prehensive political vision that seeks long-term stability, inclu-

to secure efficiency of implementation of the project, timely re-

sive development, and regional integration. The commitments

payment of the loans, and then renewing the use of this funding

made during the Egypt-EU Investment Conference were not just

in future project as revolving loans to ensure sustainability of

economic milestones, but part of a broader strategic roadmap

resources.

reflecting Egypt’s role as a reliable anchor of regional stability

and progress.

It is obvious that the launch of the new investment guarantee

Photo: Royal Palace Luxembourg

mechanism is the initial phase in a process that will continue to

DR. RANIA EL MASHAT, MINISTER OF PLANNING,

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL

COOPERATION ANNOUNCED THE ROLL-OUT OF

A NEW INVESTMENT GUARANTEE MECHANISM

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION

WORTH EUR 1.8 BILLION TO ATTRACT PRIVATE

CAPITAL AND CHANNELLING INVESTMENT CAP-

ITAL INTO KEY SECTORS. YOUR EXCELLENCY,

WOULD YOU PLEASE DESCRIBE FOR OUR

READERS THE SCENARIO TO UNLOCK FURTHER

FINANCING FROM EUROPEAN AND GLOBAL

DEVELOPMENT BANKS?

“With EUR 1.8 billion, we’re transforming Egypt-EU relations into

a shared opportunity for growth and innovation.”

The rationale behind the investment guarantees mechanism and

the investment conference in June 2024, and the ongoing planning

of new editions of the conference in the future, is to shift the

relation between Egypt and the EU from the traditional relation

of a donor and a recipient, to a strategic and comprehensive

partnership. Such relation targets a gradual integration of Egypt

in the EU supply chains, particularly in critical EU supplies like

get additional momentum and funding in the upcoming years,

notably in the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

It’s worth mentioning that the available funding for investments

under this new investment mechanism up to 2027 includes EUR

5 billion, that consists of EUR 3.2 billion remaining from the EU

economic and investment action plan for 2021-2027, in addition

to the recently added top up of 1.8 billion Euro in the financial

package announced in March 2024 under the newly launched

Egypt-EU Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.

Expediting the integration of Egypt in the EU supply chains will

be secured through injecting more investments in areas that go

in line with this strategic target, like green Energy to help the

realization of the EU Green Deal, automotive industry, chips,

solar panels, food security, among many areas that boosts EU

economic competitiveness and de-risks current dependencies

on current unpredictable EU partners, and secures accessibility

to new markets in the Arab region and Africa to which Egypt

enjoys free trade areas like the Common Market for Eastern and

Southern Africa (COMESA), etc.

This investment strategy secures as well dealing with the common

Egypt-EU challenges, thoroughly providing decent jobs

for Egyptians and accordingly tacking the root causes of illegal

migration, secures Egypt’s macro-financial stability through

diversifying Egypt’s forex resources through exports, and in the

meantime responding to Egypt’s local market needs and reducing

the imports, particularly of grains through boosting domestic

production.

EGYPTʼS ENDLESS EFFORTS – HAND IN HAND

WITH PARTNERS – TO RESUME PEACE IN THE

REGION IS RECOGNIZED GLOBALLY. IN APRIL

THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAM ANNOUNCED THAT

IT HAD DEPLETED ALL ITS FOOD STOCKS FOR

FAMILIES IN GAZA, PUTTING THE ENTIRE

POPULATION AT RISK OF MASS STARVATION.

AFTER MONTHS OF RELENTLESS VIOLENCE,

PALESTINIANS IN GAZA HAVE LOST EVERYTHING.

COULD YOU GIVE OUR READERS A SENSE OF

EGYPTʼS LEADING ROLE? WHAT IS YOUR MES-

SAGE TO EUROPEAN LEADERS AND DIPLOMATIC

COLLEAGUES TO BE MORE ASSERTIVE REGARD-

ING PALESTINEʼS LEGITIMATE ASPIRATIONS FOR

STATEHOOD AND SOVEREIGNTY AND A TWO-

STATE SOLUTION?

“A lasting peace in the Middle East requires EU support for the

two-state solution and respect for Palestinians’ rights.”

Since the outbreak of the crisis on October 7, Egypt has consistently

condemned the targeting and killing of civilians, and has

exerted significant efforts to reach a sustainable solution. Egypt

has called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of

all hostages, and the unimpeded access of humanitarian assistance

to the Gaza Strip.

Egypt has played a critical role in providing humanitarian aid and

has become a central hub for international humanitarian assistance.

It has also facilitated the evacuation of European citizens

and dual nationals through the Rafah border crossing.

However, despite our continued readiness, both Egyptian and

international aid convoys have been obstructed on the Egyptian

side of the border due to Israeli-imposed restrictions. These

obstacles significantly hindered the delivery of assistance even

before the full blockade that has now persisted for more than two

months.

Egypt, in coordination with Qatar and the United States, has

engaged extensively to broker a ceasefire agreement.

136 137

Regrettably, these efforts were undermined by Israeli breaches of

imate rights of the Palestinian people while ensuring peace and

the agreement, which led to the resumption of military operations

security for all parties in the region.

and the complete blockade of humanitarian access.

As part of the efforts to reach a sustainable resolution, Egypt

developed a comprehensive Gaza Recovery and Reconstruction

Plan. This plan was endorsed by the Arab Summit and welcomed

by the European Union Summit. It is grounded in the principles

of preserving the dignity, humanity, and rights of the Palestinian

people, and is based on international recognition of the two-state

solution as the only viable path forward.

The plan seeks to ensure that Palestinians can live with self-determination,

and that Israelis can enjoy peace and security. It is

HOW IMPORTANT IS PUBLIC DIPLOMACY, EN-

GAGING WITH CIVIL SOCIETY, MEDIA, ACADEMIA

AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN ADVANCING DIPLOMATIC

GOALS IN EUROPE? COULD YOU PLEASE SHARE

INITIATIVES OR CULTURAL DIPLOMACY PRO-

JECTS YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON TO

STRENGTHEN THE VISIBILITY OF EGYPT AND THE

REGION IN THE COUNTRIES OF YOUR ACCREDI-

TATION?

important to emphasise that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of

“Cultural Diplomacy and Education Strengthen People to People

Palestinian territory. Any separation between Gaza and the West

Ties, and Capitalise on our Common Heritage.”

Bank will obstruct the establishment of a viable Palestinian state,

undermine peace efforts, and exacerbate the conflict.

As Egypt’s Ambassador to the European Union, I am deeply

committed to fostering greater understanding and cooperation

International solidarity is essential—not only to address the

between Egypt, the EU, and the broader region. Cultural diplo-

ongoing humanitarian crisis and rebuild Gaza—but also to ensure

macy is at the heart of our efforts, as we aim to build bridges,

that Palestinians remain on their land, without the threat of dis-

showcase Egypt’s rich history, and strengthen our ties with

placement. The reconstruction process must be aligned with the

Europe through shared values, knowledge, and collaboration.

two-state solution and aimed at preventing future conflict.

Some of our key initiatives and cultural diplomacy projects

We call on the European Union and its Member States to take

currently underway include organising and supporting exhibitions

a decisive and principled stance by recognising the State of

and cultural events that highlight Egypt’s extraordinary heritage,

Palestine. This step is not only a matter of justice and interna-

actively promoting contemporary Egyptian arts, including music,

tional law, but also a necessary measure to preserve the viability

and cinema, through partnerships with European galleries, film

of the two-state solution, which is rapidly eroding on the ground.

festivals, and cultural institutions.

We expect that the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework

collaboration will enhance the competitiveness of EU industries

In parallel, we urge the EU to exert meaningful pressure on Israel

(MFF) will align with this approach and allocate adequate funding

while providing Egyptian workers with the necessary qualifica-

to respect its international obligations, including those under

We have established a series of collaborative cultural exchange

to sustain and expand ongoing initiatives.

tions to meet the labour market needs of both regions.

international humanitarian and human rights law. Silence or

programs with European countries, aimed at fostering mutual

neutrality in the face of continued violations will only deepen

understanding and respect. This includes educational initiatives,

A special focus is placed on activating Egypt’s participation in

Through these diverse initiatives, we aim to continue strengthen-

the crisis and further destabilise the region.

internships, and student exchanges between Egyptian and

existing cooperation instruments such as Erasmus+ for educa-

ing the visibility of Egypt in Europe and to emphasise the critical

European institutions. We recognise the importance of engaging

tion and Horizon Europe for research and innovation, with Egypt

role that cultural diplomacy plays in shaping our shared future.

In terms of governance, the plan proposes the establishment

young people in fostering deeper connections.

having signed an initial agreement on April 10, 2025. These

of an Administrative Committee for Gaza to manage the strip’s

programs are set to have a transformative impact on both sides,

Photos: Embassy of Egypt in Belgium

affairs during the transitional period. This committee would

Public diplomacy and people-to-people relations form a cor-

particularly within higher education and research institutions.

ensure full Palestinian ownership of the recovery and reconstruc-

nerstone of Egypt-EU relations. This has been clearly reflected

The programs will foster substantial mobility, with students and

tion process. In addition, the training of Palestinian police forces

in all legal frameworks governing our partnership, including the

researchers engaging in cross-border exchanges. This deep

and support for local security structures are vital to facilitate the

Association Agreement, the priority documents, and most recent-

involvement of competent educational and research institutions

return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza.

ly, the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive

from each EU member state, in partnership with their Egyp-

Partnership signed by the leaders of both sides in March 2024

tian counterparts, will enable the participation of thousands of

With regard to security arrangements, Egypt calls in the plan

in Cairo. These frameworks encompass a wide array of sectors

students and researchers. This exchange will facilitate not just

on the United Nations Security Council to consider deploying

such as culture, education, research and innovation, sports, and

academic collaboration but also cultural dialogue, as young

international peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank

citizen mobility, among others.

people will live and study in each other’s institutions, potentially

to protect both Palestinians and Israelis. It is also essential to

for weeks or months.

address the root causes of instability—chief among them, the un-

In the context of the strategic partnership, Egypt and the EU

resolved political status of Palestine and the existence of armed

have committed to a dedicated pillar out of the six pillars of this

These educational and research partnerships will have broader

factions—through the realisation of a sovereign Palestinian state.

cooperation. This pillar is reinforced with an additional EUR 600

implications, especially for legal migration pathways. By equip-

In conclusion, Egypt reiterates its unwavering commitment to

million in grants for the period 2024-2027, supporting a variety of

ping Egyptian workers with EU-recognised degrees and training,

peace, justice, and a negotiated solution that upholds the legit-

programs across sectors like culture, healthcare, and education.

we will address the demand for skilled labour in the EU. This

138 139

ARAB-GERMAN BUSINESS FORUM BERLIN

BUILDING BRIDGES

BETWEEN GERMANY AND THE ARAB WORLD

Partner Country: Egypt, the Strategic Counterpart

The 28th Arab-German Business Forum in Berlin was filled with

powerful conversations and commitments, and a shared vision

for cross-border collaboration, highlighting the advantage of near

shoring between Europe and Egypt. The newly appointed Minister

of Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche addressed

Germany’s commitment to fostering strong economic relations

with the Arab Countries and opened with an enthusiastic message

“I hope we can copy the speed of Egypt’s development

as well with our new German Government.” Egypt’s Minister of

Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El Khatib emphasised the

improvement of the investment climate on economic reforms

on fiscal, monetary, and trade policies, to enhance foreign and

private investment and foster Egypt’s strategic vision.

GERMAN INDUSTRIAL ZONE WITHIN THE SUEZ

CANAL ECONOMIC ZONE

In an era marked by global disruptions and shifting trade corridors,

logistics and aviation are being redefined as key enablers of

economic growth, resilience and integration. During their meeting

on the sidelines of the Arab-German Economic Forum, both

sides discussed means of strengthening economic ties between

the two countries and vowed to support the establishment of a

German industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

They agreed to coordinate the upcoming seventh session of

the joint committee between Egypt and Germany later this year.

Minister Reiche will head a government delegation, accompanied

by a trade and investment mission from key German companies

interested in investing in the Egyptian market.

NEXT EGYPT-GERMAN CONFERENCE IN

CAIRO AT THE END OF 2025

Chambers (DIHK). They all underlined the importance of longterm

partnerships between the Arab World and Germany, stressing

Ghorfa’s role as a vital bridge for business collaborations.

Dr. Mohamed Elbadri, Egypt’s Ambassador in Germany stressed

the historical relations between the countries and welcomed

around 400 delegates.

Diplomatic World took part at the business forum organised

by Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

High-ranking politicians, Ambassadors and business leaders

from across the MENA region and Germany came together

to strengthen ties and laid the groundwork for an upcoming

Egypt-Germany Conference in Cairo later this year, focusing on

enhancing bilateral relations. Egypt, this year’s Partner Country,

was prominently represented and praised for its growing role in

regional investment and trade.

Olaf Hoffmann, Chairman of Dosch Global and President of the

Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and

General Secretary Abdulaziz Al-Mikhlafi welcomed the Ministers,

along with the Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps in Berlin Dr.

Mustapha Adib, Ambassador of Lebanon and Dr. Volker Treier,

Chief Executive of Foreign Trade at the Federation of German

A major milestone followed with the Signing Ceremony by Eng.

Khaled Mahmoud Abbas, Chairman and Managing Director of

the Administrative Capital for Urban Develepment (ACUD) and

Deutsche Wasser International GmbH, represented by Christoph

Hug, Managing Director Tilia GmbH, manifesting a landmark

cooperation on the operation of New Cairo’s water infrastructure,

a step forward in sustainable urban development.

A major mildestone followed with the Signing Ceremony by Eng.

Khaled Mahmoud Abbas, Chairman and Managing Director of

the Administrative Capital for Urban Develepment ACUD and

Deutsche Wasser International GmbH, represented by Christoph

Hug, Managing Director Tilia GmbH, manifesting a landmark

cooperation on the operation of New Cairo’s water infrastructure,

a step forward in sustainable urban development.

140 141

EGYPT – THE REGIONAL GATEWAY FOR TRADE

AND INVESTMENT

Panellists shared insights on successful German-Egyptian partnerships,

navigating the regulatory landscape, and how Egypt’s

geographic location provides unique advantages for long-term

business growth: Egypt’s transformation under Vision 2030

is positioning the country as a regional gateway for trade and

investment. Discussions highlighted strategic sectors including

infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and technology, as well as

the opportunities within Egypt’s expanding free zones and investment-friendly

environment.

The forum underscored Egypt’s growing role as a regional investment

hub. Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade

Hassan El Khatib affirmed the commitment to transparent trade

policies, attracting foreign investments, and the transitioning of

state-owned enterprises to the Sovereign Fund in batches to

empower the private sector in driving economic growth. El Khatib

also announced the launch of a digital platform streamlining 389

permits and licences to facilitate business operations, remove

trade barriers and encourage foreign investment.

A DECADE OF ECONOMIC REFORMS

Egypt is emerging as a logistics hub, with 7,000 km of new

roads, airport investments and a major drive to digitalise and

simplify trade processes. The private sector participation is

central to accelerate economic efficiency. “After a decade of

economic reforms and infrastructure investments, Egypt is offering

an excellent business environment for foreign direct investment,”

said Hoffmann.

The three-day forum featured eight high-level panel discussions,

seven thematic and country-specific round tables, and

several side meetings that encouraged meaningful dialogue and

cross-sector collaboration. The panels explored a wide array of

topics, following the session dedicated to Egypt as the partner

country, highlighting its role as a strategic hub for business and

investment with vast opportunities for German companies.

Subsequent discussions delved into advancing smart cities and

the design of sustainable urban ecosystems, the diversification

of economies through industrialisation and technologies like

AI and robotics, and the pivotal role of private equity. Further

142 143

Hartmann Tresore_right side.pdf 2 13/05/2022 13:16

panels examined Saudi Arabia’s position as the powerhouse

of the Arab economy, evolving logistics and aviation strategies

beyond borders, and cross-border collaboration in food and

health technologies. The program also addressed integrated

solutions for sustainable water and energy management, with

a particular focus on hydrogen production, and concluded with

a forward-looking dialogue on bridging societies and shaping

sustainable Arab-German economic cooperation.

Complementing the panels were country-focused sessions on

Tunisia, Syria, Sudan and Oman, as well as thematic discussions

on sports as a strategy for economic development, entrepreneurial

partnerships, & educational exchange. These round tables

provided valuable insights, deepened bilateral understanding,

and fostered opportunities for strategic partnerships.

SPORT DIPLOMACY AND THE FRANZ

BECKENBAUER FOUNDATION

The forum gave the stage as well to another essential part of

building bridges: sport diplomacy, putting the spotlight on the

Franz Beckenbauer Foundation. The late globally renowned

football player Franz Beckenbauer established the Foundation

to support people with disabilities and people in need. Heidrun

Beckenbauer and son Joel Beckenbauer presented to the forum

the activities of the Foundation.

Photos: Marion Fromlet Bruins and Ghorfa

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

144 145

CEREMONY OF THE PRESENTATION

OF THE WORLD TIPITAKA 2016 EDITIONS

TO HIS MAJESTY THE KING

OF THE BELGIANS

On 15 May 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Belgium and the

World Tipitaka Foundation, in collaboration with the Royal Library

of Belgium (KBR), organised the ceremony of the presentation of

the World Tipiṭaka Saj-jhā-ya Phonetic 2016 Editions, which features

the “King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Edition” (40 volumes) and

“the Queen Sirikit’s Edition” (40 volumes), to mark the auspicious

occasion of the 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty

the King of Thailand on 28 July last year.

The Ceremony was attended by 70 people, including Thai monks

in Belgium and Luxembourg, representatives from the Royal

Household of His Majesty the King of the Belgians and the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, ambassadors and representatives

of Buddhist countries in Brussels, Belgian authorities

and academia, Friends of Thailand, as well as Thai community in

Belgium.

During the ceremony, the history of the making and dissemination

of Tipitaka by Thailand since the late 19th century as an act

of cultural diplomacy as well as the longstanding relations between

Thailand and Belgium, in particular between the two Royal

Families, was mentioned in speeches by H.E. Mrs. Kanchana

Patarachoke, Ambassador of Thailand to Belgium; Thanpuying

Varaporn Pramoj Na Ayudhya, the President of the World Tipitaka

Foundation; Ms. Sara Lammens, Director-General of the Royal

Library of Belgium, and Mr. Xavier Lepoivre, Advisor to the Royal

Household of His Majesty the King of the Belgians.

The participants also had the chance to listen to the Saj-jhā-ya

chanting from the Queen’s Edition and witnessed the handover

of the tomes. The 2016 Editions will be later registered as one of

the book collections of the KBR.

In her remarks, Ambassador Patarachocke said this event is

“part of history making in the longstanding relationship between

Belgium and Thailand. In fact our relations can be dated back

as far as 1868 when we signed the Treaty of Friendship and

Commerce, marking the beginning of our diplomatic relations. In

1892, under King Chulalongkorn or King Rama V, Thailand (Siam)

then welcomed a Belgian, Mr. Gustave Rolin Jaequemyns,

former Belgian Minister of Interior, as a legal advisor to King

Chulalongkorn. He dedicated his life’s work to the Court of Siam

for 9 years, from 1892 until 1901. His extensive knowledge in

international laws and legal processes had been instrumental

in modernising Thailand, helping Thailand stay independent

throughout the colonial period.”

“The relations ran deep and close back then as they are now.

When Siam published the first printed Tipitaka with Thai alphabets

in 1893, Belgium was among the 25 countries chosen to be

presented with the Tipitaka set. The Royal Library of Belgium

was one of seven institutions in Belgium who received the

Tipitaka set in 1896 and still keeps the set intact until today.

I am deeply gratified that today, 129 years after the set came to

the Royal Library of Belgium, we are witnessing the presentation

yet again of two very special sets of the Tipitaka here again at

the Royal Library. This is a gift from the people of Thailand that

we are honoured to present to His Majesty the King of Belgians

through Mr. Xavier Lepoivre, Advisor to the Household of His

Majesty, to be deposited and kept at the Royal Library.

Today, we live in a turbulent time. And we need to hold on to

something to be strong and to make our life meaningful, not

to be overwhelmed by all the challenges facing us. We each

may uphold different beliefs or religions to guide us through our

life journey. In Thailand over 95 percent of the Thai people are

Buddhist. The teachings of the Buddha stresses on the fact that

we as human beings can do good deeds, our actions, our efforts

and determination can bring us happiness and we can help

others to be happy too. We, as human beings, can abstain from

taking harmful actions to ourselves and others, and we as human

beings beings can learn, we can purify our mind and understand

how things are, and through this wisdom we shall do away with

suffering. This is the teaching that is close to our hearts and we

are so happy to share it with Belgium, our trusted, long time

friend and partner”, concluded the Ambassador.

Mr. Xavier Lepoivre, Advisor to the Household of His Majesty

the King of the Belgians, referred to the strong ties between the

two monarchies which led to the State Visit by Their Majesties

King Bhumibol the Great and Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother

to Belgium in 1960, and the State Visit by Their Majesties King

Baudouin and Queen Fabiola to Thailand in 1964.

“The King considers the presentation of this Edition of the World

Tipitaka Phonetic Recitation by the Royal Commission, to be

an important gesture and the gift of peace and wisdom that

strengthens bilateral relations between our two countries.

146 147

He is impressed by the considerable work that has been accomplished

through linguistics and musicological innovation and the

use of AI technology to get as close as possible to the original

pronunciation, and would like to congratulate in the person of

its president Thanpuying Varaporn, the World Tipitaka Foundation.

The King salutes the Buddhist presence and expresses the

wish that the wisdom that emanates from the various volumes

of Tipitaka will also inspire acts of peace throughout the world”,

said Mr Lepoivre.

Thanpuying Varaporn Pramoj, the President of the World

Tipitaka Foundation, highlighted Thailand’s role in preserving

and disseminating Buddhist scriptures through printing. In 1893,

King Chulalongkorn of Siam produced the inaugural printed

Chulachomklao of Syām-Pāli Tipitaka Bangkok Era 112 edition

with Siam script and bound in book form. His Majesty presented

it as Royal Gifts to 25 nations, including to the Royal Library of

Belgium.

consisting of 40 volumes with Pāļi Monotone Music Notation.

Through linguistic and musicological innovation and the use of

Artificial Intelligence – AI technology, these recent editions ensure

accurate pronunciation of the Tipitaka, maintaining the original

Pali pronunciation from over 2,500 years ago.

Addressing the gathered audience, Ms. Sara Lammens, Director

General of the Royal Library of Belgium, referred to the newly

completed 39-volume edition of the Tripitaka as an “extraordinary

cultural treasure” and “more than a bibliographic addition

to our collection. It is a bridge – a link between people, cultures,

and spiritual traditions across continents and centuries.”

“This monumental edition of the Buddhist canon, published

under royal patronage, reflects a profound commitment to

preserving and sharing the teachings of Thai culture and religion.

The Thai royal family, throughout history, has played a central

role in fostering the study and dissemination of these writings.

In 2016, to commemorate the 70th year of His Majesty King

Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s Accession to the Throne, King

Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, then the Crown

Prince, graciously accepted the role of the Chairman of the

Publication of the World Tipitaka Saj-jha-ya Phonetic Recitation:

The King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative

2016 Editions. The two-part publication features the King

Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Edition which includes 40 volumes with

a Pāli phonetic reference and the Queen Sirikit’s Edition also

In 1896, one of these precious sets was offered to Belgium and

deposited right here in the Royal Library. Today, more than a

century later, we are deeply proud to continue this tradition with

the arrival of the most recent edition. We renew the historic ties

between our two monarchies, our institutions and our people –

and we are humbled to be one of only 30 countries worldwide to

receive this edition”, said Ms. Lammens in closing.

All photos: Diplomatic World & Royal Thai Embassy

148 149

H.E. JUAN ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ PALACIOS

AMBASSADOR OF CUBA TO THE KINGDOM

OF BELGIUM AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

Cuba, a small island nation, blockaded and threatened,

strives every day to shape a better world

WELCOME TO BRUSSELS, AMBASSADOR

FERNÁNDEZ PALACIOS. WHAT WILL BE THE

PRIORITIES DURING YOUR TENURE TO

STRENGTHEN RELATIONS BETWEEN CUBA

AND THE EUROPEAN UNION AND BETWEEN

CUBA AND BELGIUM?

First of all, I would like to thank Diplomatic World for the opportunity

it has given to me with this interview to express our ideas

and to convey to the readers the position of Cuba on several

issues of interest.

A little over six months ago, I began my duties as Ambassador

of the Republic of Cuba to the Kingdom of Belgium and the

European Union, which entails a challenge and a commitment.

exchanges on different issues, even on those where we have differences.

This mechanism, which is about to celebrate a decade

Each of these two parties has characteristics that determine the

of implementation, has demonstrated its viability, relevance, and

distinctive features of the bilateral relationship, but with points in

timeliness.

common.

It is important to point out that the European Union is one of

It is precisely the nature and essence of the foreign policy of the

Cuba’s main cooperation partners, in sectors such as biotechnol-

Cuban Revolution that allows us to establish, at all times, points

ogy and renewable energy, among others.

of convergence in the actions of Cuban diplomats, regardless of

the country in which they work.

With Belgium, it is our interest to strengthen bilateral relations,

which date back to 1902, by identifying issues of common inter-

It has always been a priority for us to permanently condemn

est. The historical inter-university cooperation projects stand out,

the aggressive US policy against Cuba, which has its maximum

as well as others that are being developed between several

expression in the application, for more than sixty years, of the

Cuban institutions and the Institute of Tropical Medicine of

economic, commercial, and financial blockade.

Antwerp, just to cite a few examples.

That genocidal, illegal, and inhuman policy has recently been

From the above, it is evident the preponderant role we give,

reinforced with the re-inclusion of Cuba in the spurious unilateral

in addition to political dialogue, to the economic, commercial,

list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. This, in turn, obliges us to

financial, cooperation, and investment areas. For Cuba, it is

be more active, creative, and audacious to reverse the histori-

important to energise and strengthen these links and identify new

cal objectives of isolating Cuba on the international scene and

partners and projects, both with the European Union and with

surrendering its people to hunger and diseases.

Belgium.

In the specific case of the European Union, the continuity of the

On the other hand, one of my priorities will be to strengthen ties

Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) is of par-

with the Cuban community residing in Belgium and Luxembourg,


ticular relevance, as it has allowed the maintenance of high-level

a country that we serve through consular activity. We intend

150 151

top management of the State and the government, in the adoption

and implementation of measures, have created profound

distortions that hinder the performance of the Cuban economy.

Recently, an important milestone has been the legalisation of the

creation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs),

providing the national economy with new dynamics, although the

State continues to occupy the central role in strategic spheres.

Since the end of 2023, the Cuban government has approved a

program to correct distortions and re-invigorate the economy,

which has among its main objectives to increase and diversify

the country’s foreign income and increase domestic production,

with emphasis on food.

This government strategy includes actions aimed at macroeconomic

stabilisation to create a favourable environment for

economic growth. Among the main objectives are:

• Increasing exports of goods and services, including professional

services, and promoting the production of nickel,

tobacco, rum, biotechnological products, and other exportable

that the Embassy continues to be a bridge between Cuba and

our compatriots abroad. To this end, we have planned several

actions to be developed in collaboration with organisations,

projects, and initiatives of Cubans living in Belgium and

Luxembourg, among which are:

MENT? HOW HAS THE US BLOCKADE/EMBARGO

IMPACTED THE CUBAN ECONOMY, AND HOW

IS THE GOVERNMENT FINDING SOLUTIONS TO

SUCH AN ADVERSE CHALLENGE?

items;

• Resizing the foreign exchange market, intervening in the informal

market, and controlling the country’s exchange rate, which

includes shaping the exchange rate and prices;

• Reducing the budget deficit by improving administrative and

tax management, updating the prices of products and services

that are in high demand and mostly subsidised, such as fuels;

• The integral transformation of the socialist state enterprise

to achieve a productive transformation, for which progress is

being made in the approval of an Enterprise Law;

• Generating a productive linkage between non-state economic

actors and the socialist state enterprise;

• Promoting business with natural and legal persons with finan-

CUBA ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO

CULTURAL DIPLOMACY AS A MEANS FOR

UNDERSTANDING, COOPERATION, PEACE, TRUST,

AND DIALOGUE BETWEEN NATIONS. HOW DOES

THE EMBASSY PROMOTE CUBA’S RICH AND

DIVERSE CULTURE TO THE LOCAL POPULATIONS

OF BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG IN ORDER TO

BUILD BRIDGES OF UNDERSTANDING?

Our Embassy uses culture as a fundamental tool, not only for

promoting our rich identity but also for fulfilling our political and

diplomatic objectives. We can affirm that the Belgian public has

Since Donald Trump’s first term in office, which began in 2017,

cial capacity for the importation and commercialisation of raw

a special interest in the majesty of Cuban culture. They are a

• The promotion of the participation of Cuban residents in the

there has been an unprecedented tightening of the US govern-

materials and intermediate products, among others.

receptive audience.

economic and social development of the country, in a context

ment’s economic, commercial, and financial blockade against

marked by a complex economic situation;

Cuba. The progress achieved after the re-establishment of dip-

In the case of investment with foreign capital, it has been con-

First, we have identified lines of work that are in common with

• The creation of spaces for dialogue with our community to

lomatic relations between the two nations suffered a significant

ceived by the Cuban Government as a necessity to achieve eco-

Belgium, such as the promotion and defence of heritage, as well

learn about their concerns and provide them with information

setback. More than 243 measures were adopted to asphyxiate

nomic and social development, based on access to advanced

as the enhancement of the art of comics and cartoons. Related

on current events in Cuba, especially new legislation that may

the Cuban economy, in addition to the activation of Title III of the

technologies, diversification and expansion of export markets,

to these two areas, we have jointly developed various initiatives

be of interest to them;

Helms-Burton Act and the reincorporation of Cuba to the List of

import substitution, and access to foreign financing.

over the years.

• The development of cultural activities taking advantage of our

Sponsors of Terrorism.

community’s artistic talent to preserve our culture, patriotic

It is worth mentioning that in Cuba, despite the reinforcement

On the other hand, driven and motivated by the coincidence of

values, and traditions.

This onslaught has had a strong impact on the main activities

of the blockade, a favourable business environment has been

having an Art Nouveau building as our headquarters, our mission

that generate foreign currency income in the country, such as the

created, based on a secure and transparent legal framework, the

has been inserted into the circuit of heritage-related festivals and

Our work must be based on a high quality, fast, and efficient con-

export of services, mainly tourism and professional services; the

formulation of sectoral policies for the identification of investment

events in Brussels. For example, on June 12th, together with

sular service, for which we will continue to improve our working

export of goods; the development of investments with foreign

opportunities and tax incentives, in favour of increasing the par-

the Cultural Service of the Ganshoren Commune, we opened

methods.

capital; and access to financial markets, among others, limit-

ticipation of foreign investment, prioritising food production and

the doors of the Embassy for an afternoon dedicated to cultural

ing the government’s capacity to respond to its commitments

the transformation of the country’s energy matrix.

heritage.

COULD YOU BRIEF OUR READERS ABOUT THE

MACROECONOMIC REFORMS TAKING PLACE IN

CUBA AND THE MEASURES TO DIVERSIFY THE

ECONOMY AND INCENTIVISE FOREIGN INVEST-

towards its citizens.

The blockade’s combined effect, added to the important impacts

of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasingly complex multidimensional

global crisis, and our own errors, recognised by the

The government program includes actions that should further

strengthen foreign investment, such as strengthening the attributes

of the Mariel Special Development Zone and a new mechanism

for managing, controlling, and allocating foreign currency.

We have also developed another line of work focused on connecting

with events and institutions interested in Cuba’s rich

cultural heritage, which encompasses diverse expressions such

as music, dance, the visual arts, and film. In this regard, the first

152 153

half of 2025 has been significant for the screening of more than

In general, we can say that since 1963, the year that marked the

treated by our staff over more than 60 years in the hundreds

five Cuban films in close coordination with our Institute of

departure of the first Cuban medical brigade, then to Algeria,

of countries where they have provided services. And the truth

Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC). Among them, it is

more than 605,000 health professionals have worked in 165

is, Cuban doctors go to the most remote and difficult-to-reach

worth highlighting the screening of the Cuban film “Fresa y

countries. Currently, more than 24,800 collaborators offer their

places, where others cannot reach.

Chocolate” as the closing film at the third edition of the

services in 56 nations.

KINOLATINO Latin American Film Festival, which enjoyed a

broad and notable audience reception.

DURING A RECENT VISIT TO THE CARIBBEAN,

THE US SECRETARY OF STATE MADE SOME

UNFORTUNATE REMARKS CONCERNING CUBAN

DOCTORS. THE TRUTH IS THAT CUBAN MEDICAL

COLLABORATION HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK

OF ALTRUISM AND DIGNITY IN EVERY PLACE IT

HAS REACHED, IN ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD.

WHAT CAN YOU SHARE WITH OUR READERS

ABOUT THE IMPACT OF CUBAN HEALTH

DIPLOMACY?

I would like to make special mention of the work carried out by

the members of the “Henry Reeve” International Contingent of

Doctors Specialized in Disaster Situations and Serious Epidemics,

which was created by our Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro

in 2005 to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina, a natural

phenomenon that devastated several territories in the southern

United States. And even though Washington did not accept the

aid provided by Cuba at the time, our doctors from the “Henry

Reeve” medical brigade became an essential pillar of Cuban

health diplomacy, in a commitment to life and international solidarity.

Some of the milestones that demonstrate the invaluable solidarity

of Cuban doctors can be found in the fight against the cholera

THE CURRENT INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL

ARCHITECTURE IS ANACHRONISTIC AND

DYSFUNCTIONAL. WHAT IS CUBA’S VISION FOR

A MORE DEMOCRATIC, FAIR, AND EQUITABLE

WORLD ORDER THAT RESPECTS THE SOVEREIGN

EQUALITY OF STATES AND CLOSES THE GAP

STILL SEPARATING THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH?

I am very grateful for the opportunity to address this topic

because Cuba’s work to achieve a New International Order,

and specifically a New International Economic Order, has been

multidimensional and multifaceted. Several of the aspects

discussed in this interview reflect the mechanisms of cooperation

and exchange that Cuba relies on, based on respect and

“Cuba”, from the series “Mechanical Toponymies”, 2022. Denys San Jorge Rodríguez

The above also leads to the necessary transformations to the international

trading system. This would entail developed countries

ceasing to artificially increase the export burden on developing

countries through unjustifiable and discriminatory tariffs. This

The statements made by the United States Secretary of State

outbreak in Haiti in 2010; the fight against Ebola in 2014 in three

mutual recognition. In this sense, its international projection has

would allow for the creation of infrastructure and the promotion

regarding Cuba’s international medical cooperation are nothing

West African countries: Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea Cona-

been possible only thanks to the internal changes that have

of modern industries in developing countries, adding value to

more than slander and a failed attempt to discredit the humani-

kry; and more recently, during the terrible COVID-19 pandemic, a

taken place in the country since 1959, when the aspirations for

their extractive and agricultural facilities.

tarian work carried out by our doctors. They are part of a defam-

context in which Cuban collaborators helped contain the effects

freedom, equal opportunity, human solidarity, wealth redistribu-

atory campaign with which, for years, the US government has

of the virus in 42 nations, with 58 brigades. It is important to note

tion, and universal access to social services became a reality for

It is no secret that the Global South continues to face structural

sought to hinder and curb the work of Cuban health personnel in

that Europe was also the scene of the work of our doctors, who

Cuban citizens. These are the principles we advocate for from

challenges arising from an international economic system that

various countries.

are still serving in Italy.

Cuba to bridge the gap between the rich and opulent North and

perpetuates inequality and dependency. This, in essence, is what

the impoverished and exploited South.

we must change.

This not only affects Cuba and the work carried out by Cuban

I cannot fail to mention that, in recognition of their work in com-

healthcare workers, but also attempts to condition medical

bating natural disasters and serious epidemics, the WHO award-

We are convinced that the current financial architecture is not

In its defence at any cost of effective multilateralism and the

assistance in the countries where our medical missions arrive,

ed the Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade of Cuba the

designed to provide the solutions needed by the countries of

principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law,

almost always assisting underserved population segments of the

prestigious Dr Lee Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health

the South. Inclusive and effective reform of this architecture is a

Cuba joined the BRICS as an associate country, a mechanism

so-called Global South.

during the 70th World Health Assembly in 2017.

long-standing demand, which would finally allow for compliance

that constitutes a real alternative to a stagnant financial architec-

with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter

ture dominated by exclusionary and predatory institutions.

The arguments put forward by the US authorities consistently de-

There is another dimension to this issue that reflects a basic

and international law.

note a politicised and opportunistic nature and in no way reflect

principle: medicine in Cuba is a vocation that transcends national

The promotion of integration mechanisms is also a response to

reality. It is important to emphasise that our cooperation in health

borders and is determined by an ethical commitment to life. In

The urgency of taking action to address unsustainable external

the risks posed to countries of the South, like Cuba, by the uni-

matters responds to express requests from countries and is

this sense, the training of healthcare professionals from various

debt, a true burden on the progress of most developing nations,

lateral sanctions and coercive measures imposed by hegemonic

always supported by collaboration agreements, in which the

nations around the world in our country is of great importance.

is undeniable. Cuba also calls for reform of the current govern-

powers.

World Health Organization and the Pan American Health

Those who benefit from this strategy have been, for the most

ance system, which, understandably, no longer responds to the

Organization sometimes participate.

part, young people with limited economic resources. A pivotal

dynamics of the international system. We must not overlook the

Cuba’s position in the face of these current dilemmas is rooted

moment was the creation in 1999 of the Latin American School

emergence of new actors, with an emphasis on regional and

in the Cuban vocation to work for “world balance,” which is con-

Today, we can say that Cuban doctors are true Ambassadors of

of Medicine (ELAM), an institution that has graduated 31,235

integration blocs. Therefore, it is imperative to:

sistent with our national hero José Martí’s philosophy of prevent-

the work of the Cuban Revolution. They are true professionals

physicians from 122 nations of diverse ethnicities, cultures, cus-

ing, through independent action, the imperialist projection of the

of “science and conscience” and have proven their worth in the

toms, traditions, religions, and ideologies, with a highly ethical,

• Reform the governance structure of international financial

United States in Latin America.

most complex scenarios.

humanistic, and communitarian vision.

institutions, especially the International Monetary Fund, since

the voting system based on economic and financial power is

That is Cuba. A small island nation, blockaded and threatened,

They have contributed altruistically, and often anonymously and

Given the above, the sense of indignation we feel when attempts

no longer sustainable;

but one that strives every day to shape a better world.

for free, to counteracting the effects of natural disasters and

are made to denigrate such a beautiful work, such as that built

• Transfor the global sovereign debt architecture with meaning-

numerous epidemics in various countries, including malaria, yel-

by Cuban doctors over decades, is completely understandable.

ful, active, and effective participation of developing countries;

All photos: Embassy of Cuba

low fever, cholera, dengue fever, and Ebola, as well as, in more

The quality of our healthcare professionals is recognised not only

• Build inclusive and effective platforms to design and debate

recent years, the pandemic caused by COVID-19.

by our people but also by the millions of patients who have been

international tax rules and regulations at the United Nations.

154 155

H.E. ANTHONY B. SEVERIN

HIGH COMMISSIONER OF SAINT LUCIA

TO THE UNITED KINGDOM

Saint Lucia should be judged not by its size,

but by the quality and the value of the ideas

which it brings to the table

HIGH COMMISSIONER, AS SAINT LUCIA MARKS

ITS 46TH YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE, WHAT PER-

SONAL REFLECTIONS COME TO MIND FOR YOU

AS A DIPLOMAT REPRESENTING THE ISLAND

ABROAD?

Whenever Independence Day comes around, I have this memory

of the first flag raising on February 22nd, 1979. It was a moment

of euphoria, let’s put it this way, and so for the entire country, that

was the sense – the feeling of euphoria, that there was a major

achievement.

That’s something I feel everybody yearns for: freedom. Another

recollection would have been our 25th Anniversary of Independence,

when I happened to have been Permanent Representative

to the United Nations at the time, and this for us was huge

because we were also holding the Presidency of the General

Assembly then. We were the smallest country at the time to have

achieved this, and so the celebration at the UN of our 25th anniversary

of independence was major for us.

Then of course there was the 45th anniversary, which was last

year and at which again, I happened to be representing Saint

Lucia overseas, as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

It gave me an opportunity to be involved in the planning of what

was truly a tremendous celebration. We organised several events

which did (I think) justice to this significant milestone.

YOU WERE PREVIOUSLY PERMANENT

REPRESENTATIVE OF SAINT LUCIA TO THE

UNITED NATIONS AND THE CARIBBEAN COMMU-

NITY. WHAT ARE THE DIPLOMATIC PRIORITIES

FOR SAINT LUCIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS AND

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE?

Our international journey is guided by certain principles. The

first, and perhaps most fundamental, is that we see ourselves as

“friends of all and satellites of none”. This is not a phrase that we

have coined. It was coined in the Caribbean by the first Prime

Minister of Barbados, Errol Walton Barrow, but we find it apt that

this is the principle that guides us. We are friends of all, but we

try to avoid being satellites of anybody.

A second principle is that our involvement in the business of

International Relations is to contribute to the fostering of world

peace. Wherever Saint Lucia can, it will make its voice heard in

the interests of world peace because Saint Lucians believe that

H.E. Anthony B. Severin High Commissioner of Saint Lucia to

The United Kingdom

peace is something that we all need to promote. Whatever contribution

we can make at the global level, we will try.

We recognise that Saint Lucia is a small country, but we believe

that Saint Lucia should be judged not by its size, but by the

quality and the value of the ideas which it brings to the table. We

believe that Saint Lucia has a significant contribution to make

to global development and global civilisation. This is one of the

reasons why Saint Lucia held the Presidency of the UN General

Assembly in 2003. Even though Saint Lucia was the smallest

country to hold such position at the time, we believed that it had

a contribution to make, and it did make a contribution.

The General Assembly has a President who is elected every year,

and so when we were elected to the position, it was an opportunity

to guide the General Assembly in a particular direction. I

recall that our focus was really the revitalisation of the General

Assembly. That was the platform that we campaigned on. There

was a need, we felt at the time, for the General Assembly to have

a sense of revitalisation. We were able to do quite a lot, I believe,

in raising the profile of the General Assembly to be able to contribute

more meaningfully to world peace.

Many were impressed with the Presidency of Saint Lucia in 2003.

As such we believe countries should be judged, not by their size,

their military or economic might, but by their contribution – what

they bring to the table, by way of ideas – the quality of their

ideas.

IN 2015, SAINT LUCIA MADE A COMMITMENT

TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BY

SIGNING ON THE 2030 AGENDA. WHAT ARE YOUR

GOVERNMENT’S PRIORITIES TOWARDS PROMOT-

ING A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE?

Our major priority would be to contribute to the greening and

re-greening of this world. We will play our part regardless of our

size. Some people ask, “what can you really do, the major powers

are the ones who are doing the polluting, so any contribution

that you make, how significant can it be?”, but we believe we

have a part to play. We have a focus on diversifying our energy

sources, which would include a gradual shifting away from the

use of fossil fuels towards the other sources that are at our disposal.

We have an abundance of geothermal, solar and wind energy,

there is tremendous potential there. We have the potential sources,

and once we can garner the assistance to make this a reality,

we believe we can make that kind of contribution, however small.

We have already taken steps in the field of geothermal energy,

where we have done significant work in terms of the assessments

that need to be made. We are expecting that shortly, we

should be able to harvest the energy from that resource, and

we’ve done similar work in terms of solar and wind. For solar

energy, a significant and increasing number of our households

are moving towards the utilisation of solar energy.

156 157

For example, something that is very important right now for our

presence and the manifestation of that presence so that it can be

industry is that we are perhaps in the lead in the production of

‘felt’. My message would be to encourage the diaspora and Saint

sea moss. It is a vegetable that grows in the ocean, and it is full

Lucians generally to strive toward this.

of nutrients and is used in the food industry, in nutraceuticals, in

cosmetics and so on. Yet, we have developed that industry to a

Al photos: The Saint Lucia High Commission in London

point where we speak of ‘Saint Lucia sea moss’.

It has developed such a reputation, and the value is so recognised

that there are entities that are producing variations of the

AS WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE, WHAT ARE THE

KEY SECTORS SAINT LUCIA IS COMMITTED TO

DRIVING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH

TOWARDS?

in the international economy, but the focus will be on achieving

greater self-sufficiency, while placing stronger emphasis on value

enhancement via the strengthening of agri-business.

With that intent, we are also looking at doing more for the devel-

product and labelling it as ‘Saint Lucia sea moss’. That is just

one example of the potential that is tout here. It is not just fisheries,

but it is the manufacture and the farming of a natural product,

originating from the sea for use in food, cosmetics, possibly

pharmaceuticals, and who knows where else.

One of the things that that has resonated with us is the need for

diversification. Saint Lucia was once a country that focused on

the export of primary products and the major export of Saint

Lucia, in our recent past, was bananas. That trade helped the

Saint Lucian economy quite well until it faced challenges in

the WTO, where the preferential regime through which it was

opment of the blue economy. We increasingly see ourselves as

a “large ocean state”, with an extensive maritime zone that far

exceeds our land area. Our economic space is infinitely larger

than our land space, and so we must find ways of using that

economic space fully.

WHAT WOULD YOUR MESSAGE BE TO THE SAINT

LUCIAN DIASPORA LIVING IN SAINT LUCIA AND

AROUND THE WORLD FOLLOWING THE ISLAND’S

46TH INDEPENDENCE DAY?

managed, was judged to be contrary to the free trade rules of the

The potential of the blue economy is infinite. Given our size and

I would say to the diaspora, and not just the diaspora, also to

WTO. We realised that we needed to diversify the economy, and

the economic zone that is at our disposal, there’s much more

Saint Lucians at home, that they should continue to strive. I

so we are diversifying toward greater self-sufficiency.

that we can do. We believe that we must focus more on utilising

encourage them to strive toward the development and establish-

that resource, not away from but in addition to the traditional

ment of the authentic Saint Lucian identity and presence.

One of the drivers for this was the COVID-19 pandemic, dur-

economic activities such as fishing. We have been fishing for

ing which we realised that the rest of the world was shut, we

years but we have not been maximising the potential of fishing.

That is the vision I have for the diaspora, that when you think of

needed to feed ourselves and that has generated the new thrust

Yet, apart from fishery, there are other resources within the blue

the Saint Lucian diaspora, it is recognisable, and it can only be

into a drive, such that our agriculture must be geared towards

economy that will bring benefit and we’re looking to be able to

recognised if there is a presence, a ‘felt presence’. And so there

self-sufficiency. And of course we will export, if we are to engage

tap into them.

may be a presence of course, but I believe the presence has to

be felt. If we are to have any standing internationally, it is about

H.E. Anthony B. Severin, High Commissioner of Saint Lucia to

The United Kingdom and Lucy Buchanan of Leny, Diplomatic World

158 159

H.E. ESHETE TILAHUN

AMBASSADOR OF ETHIOPIA TO THE BENELUX

COUNTRIES AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

AU-EU strategic dialogue for shared progress

The third African Union–European Union Ministerial Meeting,

held in Brussels on May 21, 2025, offered a timely opportunity

for both Unions to reaffirm their shared priorities and assess

progress under the Joint Vision for 2030. Co-chaired by the High

Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and

Security Policy, H.E. Ms. Kaja Kallas, and the Minister of External

Relations of Angola, H.E. Mr. Tete António, Chairperson of the AU

Executive Council, the meeting brought together foreign ministers

from across the African Union Member States and European

Union Member States to review key commitments, address

challenges, and shape a forward-looking agenda.

At the heart of the discussions was the Global Gateway investment

package with the proposed resources of EUR 150 billion,

an initiative that seeks to transition the Africa-EU partnership

from an aid-based relationship to one driven by sustainable investment.

With priority areas spanning from digital and transport

infrastructure, healthcare, education, climate resilience to youth

employment, the initiative aims to unlock Africa’s vast development

potential through strategic and long-term engagement.

Ministers explored how to ensure that these priorities translate

into action, particularly by mobilising private sector support and

building inclusive, resilient economies.

The meeting also served as a forerunner to the upcoming EU-AU

Summit, which will be hosted in Africa and coincide with the

25th anniversary of the partnership. Discussions were structured

around four thematic pillars: peace and security, multilateralism,

shared prosperity, and mobility and migration. While African

countries emphasised development and conflict prevention, the

European side focused on migration management and multilateralism,

including institutional reforms. The dialogue reinforced

the importance of tackling root causes of instability, deepening

cooperation on governance, and delivering on the commitments

outlined in Africa’s Agenda 2063.

Ethiopia participated actively in the meeting, where Foreign

Minister Dr. Gedion Timothewos contributed particularly in the

plenary session on prosperity. He presented Ethiopia’s vision for

development and equitable partnership.

The Minister underscored the importance of scaling up investment

through the Global Gateway initiative and emphasised

the need for measurable outcomes that move beyond policy

declarations. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to continental

institutions and programs such as the African Continental

Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture

Development Programme (CAADP), the Programme for Infrastructure

Development in Africa (PIDA), and renewable energy

investments.

Minister Gedion also emphasised that specific regulatory concerns,

particularly regarding the European Union Deforestation

Regulation (EUDR), advocating for greater alignment with Africa’s

trade frameworks such as the Everything But Arms scheme. He

called on Member States to pay attention on the necessity to

protect smallholder farmers from unintended consequences of

abrupt regulatory changes. Closer collaboration in digital innovation,

Artificial Intelligence, and data infrastructure, the Minister

underlined, serve as catalysts for shared prosperity.

H.E. Eshete Tilahun, Ambassador of Ethiopia

Photo: Embassy of Ethiopia

On the side-lines of the meeting, Ethiopia held bilateral consultations

with several European and African foreign ministers, as well outlined key areas of progress and highlighted the importance of

report by the AU-EU Follow-Up Committee. These documents

as EU Commissioners responsible for international partnerships renewed focus and accountability moving forward.

and migration. These discussions centred on optimising development

financing models.

The European Union remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with

total trade amounting to EUR 467.2 billion in 2023. Ministers discussed

the timeliness of enhancing value addition within African

Ethiopia expressed its support for direct investment and government-led

programs, allowing for more efficient use of resources economies and agreed that reformed mobility policies would help

by reducing administrative overhead. The Minister highlighted

strengthen people-to-people ties.

that Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms and improved

business climate are well aligned with the strategic objectives of Provided its expanding agricultural production, untapped mineral

the Global Gateway.

resources, and rapidly growing tourism sector, Ethiopia stands

out as a strong destination for increased investment from Europe.

Migration also featured prominently in bilateral talks. While expressing

concern over recent EU decisions that have presented ment in Ethiopia offer promising returns for investors seeking

Recent economic reforms and an improved regulatory environ-

challenges to the spirit of partnership, Ethiopia restated its continued

cooperation with EU Member States. Both sides echoed

long-term businesses.

their respective responsibilities and commitment to dialogue.

As Ethiopia continues to implement its development vision

They agreed the cooperation at the bilateral level should take

and contribute to regional integration, it remains committed to

into account the need to preserving the integrity of the broader a robust, equitable, and forward-looking partnership with the

EU-AU framework.

European Union. The Ethiopian Embassy in Brussels keeps fully

engaged in supporting and strengthening this relationship across

The Ministerial Meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint all sectors—from diplomacy and trade to educational cooperation,

innovation, and sustainable declaration and the presentation of a preliminary monitoring

development.

160 161

H.E. DATO’ MOHD KHALID

ABBASI ABDUL RAZAK

AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA

TO BELGIUM, LUXEMBOURG

& HEAD OF MISSION

TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

Malaysia is a reliable partner that the EU can count on,

and we are always ready to strengthen our relations,

be it through sustainable development,

renewed trade ties and enhanced business cooperation

PM Anwar met with his Belgian counterpart PM Alexander De Croo

at Le Lambermont, Brussels

European Council President Antonio Costa greets PM Anwar at the Lantern

of the Europa Building

IN JANUARY, PRIME MINISTER ANWAR IBRAHIM

PAID A TWO-DAY WORKING VISIT TO BRUSSELS,

MEETING WITH LEADERS OF BELGIUM AND THE

EUROPEAN UNION. COULD YOU BRIEF OUR

READERS ON THE MAIN OUTCOMES OF THE VISIT

IN TERMS OF DEEPENING AND STRENGTHENING

MALAYSIA’S RELATIONS WITH BOTH BELGIUM

AND THE EU?

investments in Malaysia’s semiconductor, AI, and digital industries.

During the visit, PM Anwar also received a courtesy call from

HRVP Kaja Kallas, where PM Anwar congratulated Kallas on her

appointment as the top diplomat and exchanged views on issues

of mutual interest. The visit culminated with Malaysia and the EU

jointly announcing the resumption of Malaysia-EU FTA negotiations.

PM Anwar delivers keynote speech at the College of Europe

PM Anwar and Rector Federica Mogherini at the College of Europe in Bruges

The visit was PM Anwar’s maiden visit to Brussels since assuming

office in November 2022. PM Anwar was accompanied by

three senior cabinet ministers, i.e., Minister of Higher Education

Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir; Minister of Investment,

Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Aziz;

and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari

Abdul Ghani.

During the visit, PM Anwar met caretaker Prime Minister of

Belgium Alexander De Croo to discuss Malaysia-Belgium bilateral

relations and intensify cooperative endeavours, as well as to

exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual

As the current Chair of ASEAN, PM Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s

priorities and ASEAN’s global aspirations in addressing international

challenges, while exploring ways to further strengthen

ASEAN-EU dialogue relations.

PM Anwar also emphasised Malaysia’s conviction towards

strengthening regional peace, stability, and prosperity within an

inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented framework. PM Anwar

presented Malaysia’s long-standing, principled position on several

regional issues, including the situation in Palestine.

MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER ANWAR IBRAHIM

ANNOUNCED THE RESUMPTION OF DISCUSSIONS

FOR AN AMBITIOUS, MODERN, AND BALANCED

EU-MALAYSIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (FTA),

12 YEARS AFTER TALKS WERE PUT ON HOLD.

WHAT CONCRETE BENEFITS WILL THIS AGREE-

MENT OFFER TO THE MALAYSIAN ECONOMY, AND

IN WHICH SPECIFIC SECTORS DO YOU ANTICI-

PATE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPACT?

interest. They discussed ways to bolster bilateral trade and

Following the joint announcement on 20 January, both sides

investment, with a focus on semiconductors and the manufac-

PM Anwar also took the opportunity to deliver a keynote speech

have been actively engaging at the technical level to advance

turing sector. More than fifty Belgian companies have set up

at the College of Europe in Bruges, entitled “Bridging Regions:

preparatory work towards the first round of negotiations. It is still

operations in Malaysia.

Strengthening Southeast Asia-European Resilience.” The speech

premature to delve into specific outcomes at this stage, since the

was attended by a public audience, which included dignitaries,

first round of the FTA talks is slated for 30 June to 4 July 2025 in

PM Anwar also met European Council President Antonio Costa,

representatives of foreign governments and college students.

Brussels.

the first meeting of any Asian leader with the newly elected

President. Both leaders discussed ways to deepen Malaysia-EU

ties and regional cooperation, focusing on sustainability, the

green and digital transitions. PM Anwar welcomed the EU’s

H.E. Dato’ Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak, Ambassador of Malaysia

ON JANUARY 20, THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

PRESIDENT, URSULA VON DER LEYEN, AND

That said, both Malaysia and the EU recognise the strategic

importance of this FTA, especially in light of the current geopolitical

landscape. In an increasingly complex global environment,

162 163

diversification and resilience in trade have become essential.

Both Malaysia and the EU shared their commitments to a rulesbased

international order, economic openness, sustainable

development, and regional stability. An FTA offers a crucial tool

to strengthen economic ties, enhance market access, and build a

more robust and future-proof partnership. From a macroeconomic

standpoint, the EU is Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner.

In 2024, bilateral trade expanded by 5.8 percent to USD 47.9 billion.

Notably, electrical and electronics (E&E) products accounted

for approximately 45 percent of Malaysia’s exports to the EU.

An FTA is expected to reinforce and elevate this trade relationship,

unlocking new opportunities and unleashing the full

potential of businesses on both sides, producing greater benefits

for consumers. It has the potential to positively impact multiple

segments of Malaysia’s economy, such as bolstering exports

of E&E products, palm oil and its derivatives, as well as optical

and scientific equipment to the EU market, among others. It is

projected to strengthen the global supply chain in critical sectors

including E&E, green technology, and services.

After a pause since 2012, we can expect that the newly resumed

negotiations will go beyond traditional trade topics. Discussions

will likely cover areas such as labour standards, environmental

protection, good governance, and transparency – elements that

are increasingly critical in enabling sustainable and high-quality

economic growth.

Notably, FTAs have played a pivotal role in providing Malaysian

businesses with greater access to international markets. To date,

Malaysia has signed 16 bilateral and regional FTAs, making up

65 percent of Malaysia’s total trade in 2024. Last year, Malaysia’s

exports to FTA markets expanded by 5.2 percent to RM

(Malaysian Ringgit) 1.870 trillion compared to 2023. Major

export products to FTA partners were E&E products, petroleum

products, chemicals and chemical products, liquefied natural

gas (LNG), as well as manufactures of metal products, accounting

for 63.8 percent of Malaysia’s total exports to FTA markets.

Beyond enhancing market access and deepening economic ties,

the Malaysia-EU FTA holds the promise of promoting shared

values, particularly in trade and sustainability. As negotiations

progress, we are hopeful that the agreement will deliver tangible

benefits for our peoples, while setting a strong foundation for a

more dynamic and resilient partnership.

THIS YEAR, MALAYSIA IS CHAIRING ASEAN,

WHICH IS BEING HELD UNDER THE THEME

“INCLUSIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY”. WHAT

ARE MALAYSIA’S PRIORITIES AND EXPECTED

DELIVERABLES AS CHAIR OF ASEAN? CONCRETE-

LY, HOW DOES MALAYSIA INTEND TO FURTHER

ADVANCE THE ASEAN COMMUNITY, STRENGTHEN

ASEAN UNITY AND CENTRALITY, AND ENHANCE

MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL COOPERATION WITH

ASEAN PARTNERS, INCLUDING THE EU?

Malaysia has proudly assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship in

January 2025, leading under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,”.

More than just a slogan, this theme reflects Malaysia’s

aspiration for truly shared progress, ensuring that no one is left

behind. It underscores our conviction that ASEAN is committed

to strengthening regional peace, stability, and prosperity within

an inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented framework.

This vision aligns closely with the Malaysia Madani narrative,

which aims to empower society through social and economic

justice, ensuring long-term sustainability and overall well-being.

As Chair, Malaysia is determined to embed these values across

all pillars of ASEAN cooperation.

Malaysia’s Chairmanship comes at a pivotal moment as ASEAN

celebrates the 10th anniversary of the formal establishment of

the ASEAN Community. Over the past decade, the region has

made great strides in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity,

guided by key regional plans such as the ASEAN Community

Vision 2025 and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025.

Looking ahead, ASEAN has geared up for the next 20 years of

ASEAN regional integration with the new “ASEAN Community

Vision 2045: Our Shared Future”, which was adopted at the

46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Malaysia has outlined a forward-looking agenda built around

three key priorities covering three pillars of the ASEAN Community,

namely the ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN

Economy Community, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

First, it seeks to reinforce ASEAN Centrality by fostering strategic

trust among member states through sustained dialogue, diplomacy,

and goodwill. Malaysia aims to strengthen unity within the

region while deepening and expanding ASEAN’s partnerships

with external stakeholders.

Second, Malaysia is committed to boosting intra-ASEAN trade

and investment by driving regional growth that is inclusive and

sustainable. The 2025 economic agenda prioritises the integration

of markets and supply chains, the promotion of green

finance and investment, the strengthening of digital resilience,

and the inclusion of marginalised groups in economic progress.

Third, Malaysia intends to place inclusivity and sustainability at

the heart of ASEAN’s community-building efforts. This includes

narrowing development gaps, addressing inequalities, enhancing

living standards, and intensifying regional action to mitigate the

impacts of climate change.

Crystal clear waters in Melinau River, Sarawak, Borneo

One of ASEAN’s key pillars is its dedication to fostering relations

and cooperation with external partners, including Australia,

China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, United States, the EU

and others. During this Chairmanship, an important milestone

was the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit which was held

on 27 May in Kuala Lumpur. The theme of this Summit – ‘Energising

Economic Opportunities Towards Shared Prosperity’

– resonates deeply with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme.

This initiative is indeed a testament to ASEAN’s role in shaping

the inter-regional dialogue on trade, investment, and security

cooperation.

In 2023, ASEAN’s GDP reached USD 3.8 trillion, ranking it as the

world’s fifth-largest economy. The same year, total trade between

ASEAN and the GCC amounted to USD 130.7 billion, alongside

foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of USD 390.2 million.

China remained ASEAN’s top trading partner, with bilateral trade

reaching USD 696.7 billion and FDI totaling USD 17.3 billion.

These figures highlight not only strong existing economic ties

but also significant untapped potential. Together, ASEAN, the

GCC, and China represent a combined GDP of USD 24.87 trillion

and a population of approximately 2.15 billion. This collective

scale presents vast opportunities to integrate our markets, foster

innovation, and boost cross-regional investment. By enhancing

cooperation in these areas, we can build a foundation for growth

that is stable, resilient, and sustainable.

One of ASEAN’s key priorities moving forward is to deepen and

expand its existing ties, particularly with long-standing partners

such as the EU. The ASEAN-EU relationship traces back to 1972

Traditional Malaysian cuisine

164 165

as an informal economic dialogue and was formalised with the

signing of the ASEAN-EEC Cooperation Agreement on 7 March

1980 in Kuala Lumpur. Over the decades, the partnership has

grown to encompass political, security, economic, and socio-cultural

cooperation. On 1 December 2020, the relationship reached

a new milestone when it was elevated to a Strategic Partnership

during the 23rd ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting, reflecting the

deepening ties and shared commitment to addressing global and

regional challenges together.

The EU is one of ASEAN’s most significant and long-standing

external partnerships, grounded in shared values of multilateralism,

rules-based international order, sustainable development,

and regional integration. ASEAN and the EU engage through

a wide range of platforms that facilitate dialogue, cooperation,

and strategic coordination. These include high-level meetings

such as the ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meetings (AEMM) and ASEAN

Post-Ministerial Conferences, which provide regular forums for

discussing political, security, and economic issues. The ASE-

AN-EU Senior Officials’ Meetings (SOM) and Joint Cooperation

Committee (JCC) serve as key mechanisms for monitoring and

implementing cooperation activities.

ASEAN–EU engagement is further strengthened through sectoral

dialogues in areas such as trade, climate change, connectivity,

digital economy, and education. Additionally, the EU actively supports

ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional

Forum (ARF) and contributes to initiatives under the ASEAN

Development Cooperation Instrument (ADCI). These platforms

collectively underpin a robust and multi-faceted partnership built

on mutual interests and shared values.

In 2024, the EU was ASEAN’s 3rd largest trading partner, while

ASEAN ranks as the EU’s 5th largest partner. Last year, total

trade in goods between ASEAN and the EU reached EUR 262

billion, indicating a steady recovery from previous disruptions.

Additionally, EU foreign direct investment (FDI) in ASEAN reached

EUR 47 billion in 2024, solidifying the EU’s position as one of the

largest investors in the region.

THE EU’S ANTI-DEFORESTATION LAW, DUE TO

TAKE EFFECT ON DECEMBER 30, 2025, PRE-

SENTS A NUMBER OF CHALLENGES – AS WELL

AS OPPORTUNITIES – FOR MALAYSIA’S PALM OIL

INDUSTRY. HAVE MALAYSIA’S CONCERNS BEEN

ADDRESSED? WHAT MEASURES IS MALAYSIA

TAKING TO MAKE THE PALM OIL SECTOR MORE

SUSTAINABLE?

Malaysia has actively addressed concerns regarding the EU

Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR) implementation. Malaysia

has implemented strict no-deforestation policies and various

assistance programs in achieving compliance with sustainability

standards, such as the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO)

certification. MSPO is Malaysia’s independently audited standard

for sustainable palm oil production, which strengthens traceability

across the entire supply chain by bringing operators, traders,

and supply chain partners together to address deforestation and

promote sustainability in the sector. With the implementation of

the MSPO, Malaysia is confident that its palm oil exporters meet

EUDR requirements and are ready to supply EUDR-compliant,

sustainable, and traceable palm oil.

As evidence, the Global Forest Watch, which provides transparent,

accessible, and consistent data, shows that Malaysia retains

far more primary forest than many historically industrialised

nations, and we are continuously doing better at preserving it.

Between 2014 and 2023, Malaysia reduced primary forest loss

by 65 per cent and overall tree cover loss by 52 per cent. Malaysia

has also been steadily reducing the overall acreage of land

taken up by palm oil production.

Besides palm oil, our concern on the EUDR is the targeting of

tropical commodities, including cocoa, timber, and rubber. There

is a high risk for smallholders and farmers of affected crops to be

excluded from the supply chain as a result of the implementation

of tighter regulations on sustainability and traceability. To address

those risks, various stakeholders, including governments, industry

associations, and NGOs, are proactively working together to

provide assistance and capacity-building programs.

In Malaysia, making MSPO mandatory but accessible to smallholders

has improved market access and value for our palm oil

products. This initiative offers smallholders a pathway out of

poverty. Despite major focus given on the palm oil sector, Malaysia

is also advancing sustainability initiatives for other commodities,

including timber, rubber, and cocoa, to comply with EUDR

requirements.

Malaysia’s MSPO standard already guarantees compliance with

zero-deforestation and sustainability goals while also supporting

smallholder farmers. As of the end of December 2024, a total

of 4.89 million hectares, or 86.47 percent of Malaysia’s oil palm

cultivation area, had been certified under the MSPO standard.

Malaysia produces approximately 20 million tonnes of palm oil,

which is exported to more than 160 countries annually.

The MSPO Impact Alliance is also being established, a new

multi-stakeholder platform to spearhead innovative models

that enhance the value of certification. The platform was set up

through collaboration with NGOs, accreditation bodies, financiers,

technology partners, and multinational fast-moving consumer

goods companies to support various pilot initiatives. Efforts

being supported include green financing for certified producers,

digitised traceability solutions, deforestation monitoring tools,

As Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia is committed to strengthening regional peace, stability, and prosperity within an inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented framework

and inclusive sourcing incentives for smallholders. Malaysia has VISIT MALAYSIA 2026

been urging the European Commission to recognise the MSPO

certification scheme to promote a greater acceptance of the

Situated in the midst of the Asia-Pacific region, Malaysia enjoys a

EUDR.

strategic location and a year-round tropical climate. Malaysia is a

tropical paradise that offers something for every traveller.

Concurrently, Malaysia and Indonesia have also established the

Ad-Hoc Joint Task Force with the EU to build a mutual understanding

on the implementation of EUDR, considering the impact land retreats, luxurious getaways, dynamic city life, family-friend-

From pristine tropical beaches and lush rainforests, to cool high-

it has on the two largest palm oil producing countries. We also ly escapes, world-class cuisine, and diverse cultural encounters.

engaged in numerous technical cooperation with various EU

As a multi-ethnic and multicultural nation, there’s truly something

member state institutions and organisations, including: The

for everyone.

French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development

(CIRAD); ReGenera Research Group and National Institute

for Food and Nutrition Research (INRAN), Italy; Technical

Tourism Malaysia actively preparing for this landmark campaign.

In 2026, Malaysia will proudly celebrate Visit Malaysia Year, with

University of Denmark, and many more. In addition, Malaysia is Throughout the year, a wide range of special events and activities

collaborating with the EU-appointed European Forest Institute will be held to showcase Malaysia’s breathtaking landscapes,

(EFI) for the Keberlanjutan Sawit Malaysia dan Indonesia (KAMI) rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.

project. The KAMI project was introduced by the EU to strengthen

dialogue between producing and consuming communities in A core focus of Visit Malaysia 2026 is sustainable tourism, in

an effort towards achieving sustainable palm oil production in

alignment with the UN SDGs. Malaysia is committed to protecting

the environment, empowering local communities, and

both countries.

promoting responsible travel.

No doubt, Malaysia is committed to our pledge in the Paris

Agreement to maintain our forest cover and combat deforestation.

This commitment not only helps the planet, but it also

spects nature, celebrates culture, and benefits communities.

Come and experience Malaysia in a meaningful way that re-

enhances our environmental reputation and provides a solid

Malaysia warmly welcomes the world to discover the very best of

foundation for sustainable trade. Malaysia is a reliable partner

what we offer!

that the EU can count on, and we are always ready to strengthen

our relations, be it through sustainable development, renewed All photos: Embassy of Malaysia

trade ties and enhanced business cooperation.

166 167

H.E. THANDI MORAKA

DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL

RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Utility of Multilateralism in Addressing the Root Causes

of Conflict and Promoting Peace

A South African Perspective

On Thursday, 22 May 2025, H.E. Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister

of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa,

delivered a keynote speech at the debriefing organised by the

European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM)

and the EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) “Africa –

Europe: Partners in the Storm – From Ministerial to Summit”,

following the 3rd African Union – European Union Ministerial

Meeting. She addressed the audience as follows.

The African continent has the lived experience of dealing with the

lingering ramifications of the slave trade, colonialism and the difficulty

of navigating the post-colonial independence environment.

It is for this reason that Africans believe in the utility of multilateralism

in identifying and addressing the root causes of conflict

and in the promotion of peace and in pursuit of the development

priorities of the African continent. It provides the reasons why we

genuinely want to pursue partnerships that are respectable and

mutually beneficial in supporting the aspirations we have for the

continent and its people.

South Africa with a history of colonialism and apartheid understands

all too well the challenges created by such a history – a

history shared by many African countries. Despite thirty years

of democracy, South Africa still suffers the triple challenges of

high unemployment, high levels of inequality and poverty and,

similar to our approach to broadly engage all sectors of our

society to find solutions to our domestic challenges, so to South

Africa encourages multilateralism at the global level because of

the diverse views multilateralism brings in addressing lingering

conflicts by starting from the root causes of that conflict.

Multilateralism, by its nature, seeks to find solutions that are

based on finding common ground to a particular problem. Key to

multilateralism is that the voices of those who are afflicted or affected

by a particular problem also have the opportunity to share

their perspectives on what they believe the appropriate solutions

should be as opposed to having solutions super-imposed on

them. Therefore, the utility of multilateralism in addressing the

root causes of conflict is that it promotes inclusivity. Multilateralism

which brings together the relevant stakeholders fosters

durability and sustainability in the solutions it proposes. Multilateralism

promotes the respect for diverse views. Multilateralism

promotes the collective common good over narrow self-interest.

For South Africa, the centrality of the United Nations in addressing

global challenges is paramount, and in the case of

the mandate of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to

maintain international peace and security, because the UN by

its very nature is premised on fostering multilateralism to solving

humanity’s challenges.

The United Nations will commemorate the 80th anniversary of its

establishment this year. UN80, as it is known, is focussed on the

reform of the UN to make it fit for purpose and more responsive

to addressing the challenges that the majority of the peoples

of the world, the Global South, face. UN80 comes after the adoption

of the Pact for the Future at UNGA79 in 2024.

At a time when the world has adopted a Pact for the Future,

ironically it is precisely our collective future that is being jeopardised

by the speak of reducing if not halting financing for development

and decreased funding for peacemaking, peacekeeping

and peacebuilding. Such speak comes at a time when the

attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals is in jeopardy.

Critical agencies of the UN such as the Development Programme

(UNDP) are under serious threat.

These decisions on the future of these agencies and on financing

for development and financing for peacekeeping were not taken

collectively as a result of a global negotiation process. They are

being taken unilaterally on the basis of narrow self-interest and

the opposite of what multilateralism promotes.

Globally, we are witnessing that relations between States are no

longer business as usual. There are concerning developments,

and we are witnessing transactional approaches to diplomacy.

South Africa has always stated that it is committed to being part

of shaping an international order that is just, fair and equitable

and has promoted multilateral approaches to achieving that goal.

We are consistently committed to promoting a rules-based international

order, with the UN at its centre and has consistently promoted

multilateralism, diplomacy, i.e. negotiation and dialogue to

support the attainment of such an international order.

Long overdue UN Security Council Reform remains a discussion

in limbo with the credibility and legitimacy of the Council being

questioned as it continues to exclude countries from the Global

South from the permanent membership category.

Despite the acknowledgment of the historical injustices committed

against the African continent, it remains a cause for concern

that countries from the African continent are not represented on

the Council on a permanent basis, while the vast majority of the

issues on the Agenda of the Council pertain to Africa and the

decisions taken by the Council has a direct bearing on its future.

The Ezulwini Consensus and the Common African Position on

Security Council Reform, the Sirte Declaration are clear in this

respect, two permanent seats for the African continent, five

non-permanent seats and as long as the veto exists, it is a privilege

that should extend to new permanent members.

Africa’s lived experiences, its understanding of the root causes of

conflict and since the establishment of the African Union’s Peace

and Security Council, the experience it has gained from mediating,

preventing and resolving conflict is crucial in multilateral

solutions that seek to promote peace.

Given that the structural drivers of conflict are complex and are

often a manifestation of the legacy of colonial borders, structural

economic deficiencies that prevent the assimilation of former colonies

into the global economy, inequality in the global economy

and the new and emerging threats, such as climate change that

exacerbate these lingering challenges, multilateralism is critical in

ensuring that collective solutions are fostered. These new threats

and challenges do not recognise borders – they are indiscriminate

and for this reason, we must collectively seek to address

them.

The challenge for us in this partnership, i.e. the African Union

and the European Union which together represent just under

half of the membership of the UN General Assembly, is how

do we utilise this partnership framework to draw in the various

stakeholders to support the multilateral efforts for addressing

the root causes of conflict and in promoting peace. From the


South African perspective, addressing the root causes of conflict

and promoting peace is not a position taken only in response

to conflicts on the African continent, it has been our consistent

approach since we became a democracy in 1994. Our approach

has always been predicated on promoting peace and cooperation,

mediation and negotiation as opposed to conflict and war.

Our view is predicated on South Africa’s historic Freedom

Charter adopted in 1955 during the struggle for liberation and a

democratic South Africa that advocates for peace and friendship

amongst nations, as the post-1994 South Africa continues to

aspire to live at peace within its borders and with its neighbours

and indeed with the world.

Furthermore, South Africa draws from the Ten Principles adopted

at Bandung in 1955, one of which is the promotion of multilateralism

as a mechanism for avoiding conflict and war and to focus

instead on peace and development.

To meet these aspirations of an Africa at peace with itself in a

world at peace, South Africa prioritises the importance of engaging

collectively in fostering common solutions, i.e. utilising multilateralism

to arrive at solutions that are durable and responsive to

societies seeking peace as opposed to conflict and war.

168 169

For South Africa, multilateralism is a key instrument for the

Critical minerals which are in abundance on the African conti-

As witnessed in the 3rd AU-EU Ministerial, this partnership has

It will amiss of me not to mention that having championed and

promotion of peace. We participate persistently, consistently and

nent must not be used to deepen conflicts and create new ones,

displayed depth and maturity in terms of institutional, govern-

led the campaign for the AU’s inclusion in the G20, we are now

meaningfully in building on the normative frameworks of multi-

they must be used to drive development in Africa and create the

ance and management of its affairs.

working with the AU to amplify Africa’s voice in global economic

lateralism, at the UN, the AU and other multilateral fora, and as

prosperity that African peoples have longed for. The UN Secre-

governance, whilst ensuring that the development priorities of

this event demonstrates, with civic institutions as well, to create

tary-General’s panel on critical minerals made concrete propos-

It is prudent that the partnership advances to a more strategic

the African Continent and the Global South find expression firmly

awareness, share information, foster dialogue, pool resources,

als in its report and these must be implemented.

level by focusing on more socio-economic development pro-

onto the agenda of the G20.

build bridges, advocate for peace and otherwise collaborate and

jects, trade and investment that will lift up the rest of the African

implement solutions jointly. As an active player in this regard,

Stating that attempts will be made to leverage colonial connec-

continent. Moreover, the partnership should be based on “equal

South Africa’s G20 Presidency will champion an elevated and

we do so to promote Africa’s central importance to any solution

tions to countries with critical minerals is not useful. Africa must

partnership” that delivers “win-win outcomes” to both the

broadened Compact with Africa (CwA) initiative, launched in

presented to challenges on the African continent.

benefit from these critical and rare earth minerals it possesses.

African continent and the EU.

2017 by Germany G20 Presidency to promote private investment

Africa wants to work with the EU to create viable value chains

in Africa.

The African continent is a central to South Africa’s foreign policy.

In this regard, promoting the African Union’s “Agenda 2063: The

Africa We Want”, its aspirations, high-level goals and priorities is

a crucial component of South African foreign policy.

The AU Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) is a crucial organ

from which African and countries in the EU can benefit. The UN

Secretary General’s panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals

makes clear recommendations and proposes seven principles

on how to proceed in the trade of these minerals. Principle 1 of

the 7 principles states that, “Human rights must be at the core of

all mineral value chains.” Statements reminiscent of the discus-

WHAT WILL BE THE MOST TOPICAL ISSUES FOR

THE PARTNERSHIP IN THE NEXT MONTHS,

TOWARDS THE SUMMIT?

As you are aware, our areas of cooperation between the AU and

HOW HAS THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY IMPACTED

THE RELATIONS BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND

THE EUROPEAN UNION?

of the AU and since its inception it has gained valuable insight

sions held in Berlin in 1884 should not be entertained – we want

the EU are on peace and security, multilateralism, migration and

The imposition of tariffs by the Trump Administration on Europe-

and experience from its mandate in conflict prevention and reso-

partnership for prosperity and will advance the utility of multilat-

mobility, including a vision for a prosperous and sustainable

an Union (EU) imports and the suspension of aid to South Africa

lution. Its voice is critical in ensuring that any efforts by external

eralism in defining how best these minerals are used in the best

Africa and Europe. In this respect, multilateralism should take

on the allegation of expropriation of land without compensation

actors who seek to support durable and sustained peace in

interest of the African people.

center stage as we deliberate on global challenges that continue

has seen the EU draw closer to the African continent.

post-conflict societies on the African continent are responsive to

to face us all. In the world grappling with increasing geopoliti-

addressing the root causes of that conflict. The AU is also a key

The utility of multilateralism in addressing the root causes of

cal tensions, economic stability and environmental challenges,

South Africa and the EU are strategic allies united by common

part of the UN system in terms of Chapter VIII of the UN Charter.

conflict and in promoting peace is that it brings stakeholders to-

multilateralism stands as the most promising avenue for achiev-

principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and

Chapter VIII recognises the importance of regional organisations

gether on equal terms to offer solutions to common challenges. I

ing global stability and advancement. It is therefore critical as

multilateralism. Our collaboration yields tangible advantages for

in conflict prevention and should be seen as being predicated on

repeat that addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting

we approach the forthcoming 7th AU-EU Summit to reinvigorate

our citizens. South Africa continues to enjoy its relation with the

multilateralism.

peace is possible through multilateralism because it allows for

multilateralism cooperation, which remains our most effective

EU, as displayed at the 8th South Africa-EU Summit held on 13

diverse voices and opinions to be heard because the common

tool to address global challenges, such as peace and security,

March 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa.

The AU’s peacekeeping operations serve as a tangible manifes-

goal is the attainment of durable and sustainable peace. South

migration and mobility, climate change, trade among others.

tation of multilateralism in action. By deploying peacekeepers to

Africa has always been committed to peace, this is why we have

South Africa will continue to work together with the EU, through

conflict zones around the world, it plays a critical role in protecting

civilians, facilitating political processes, and supporting the

transition from conflict to peace.

South Africa has contributed to this in its deployment of AU-UN

mandated Peace Support Operations (PSOs) in the Southern

always been committed to multilateralism. It is for these reasons

that the partnerships we pursue should acknowledge that the

established powers in the international community benefitted

from exploitation of the African continent and now in partnership

with the African continent should seek to support its blueprint

for development, “The African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa

THIS YEAR SOUTH AFRICA HOLDS THE

PRESIDENCY OF THE G20, CAN YOU TELL

US WHERE THE PRESIDENCY STANDS AND

WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES?

the Global Gateway Investment Package, to:

• expand South African vaccine production and boosting local

pharmaceutical value chains;

• support for the just energy transition (JET) through the development

of critical raw materials, safe and sustainable low

carbon hydrogen value chains and energy infrastructure;

African Development Community Mission to the Democratic

We Want”, that is the Africa that Africans want for themselves.

Platforms like the G20 should also be utilized as an opportuni-

• enhance connectivity infrastructure, including transport and

Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS)

An Africa at peace at itself with its citizens living in prosperity is

ty to find each other in order to resolve the current geopolitics

digital.

and later the AU-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), in the

possible if multilateral approaches to addressing the root causes

which threaten to reserve the gains achieved in advancing

UN Mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUS-

of conflict become a principle for conflict resolution.

multilateralism.South Africa has set up, as the G20 Presidency

CO) and several other Missions. It is concerning that several

this year, overarching priorities which include: i) Strengthening

PSOs are withdrawing from the Continent, and that the UN is

Following her keynote address, Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka

disaster resilience and response; ii) Ensuring debt sustainability

ending its support for these, despite a global reality that sug-

participated in a fireside Question & Answer Session:

for low-income countries; iii) Mobilising finance for a Just Energy

gests otherwise.

Transition; and iv) Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive

South Africa takes this opportunity to recognise and acknowledge

the EU as the main financial contributor to the AU Mission

in Darfur before it became a hybrid AU-UN Mission. Similarly, it

was the EU that supported the AU efforts in Somalia before it be-

FOLLOWING THE AU-EU MINISTERIAL MEETING,

WHAT IS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE AFRICA-

EUROPE PARTNERSHIP?

growth and development.

We are also focusing on addressing issues such as food security

and inclusive economic growth, among others.

came AMISOM. These examples are demonstrative of mutually

The AU-EU Partnership continues to be one of the more produc-

We are further championing broader and cross-cutting issues

reinforcing positive engagement between Africa and the EU and

tive partnerships that has yielded some results for the African

which pertain to the reforms of the multilateral trading system

we should strive for further engagement to support the Africa

continent.

and the international financial architecture.

Africans want for themselves.


170 171

REDEFINING SOUTH AFRICA-EU RELATIONS

IN A COMPLEX

AND EVER-CHANGING GLOBAL ORDER

On 16 April 2025, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa

to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, H.E. Tokozile

Xasa, delivered a lecture on South Africa’s relations with the

HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF SOUTH AFRICA-

EUROPEAN UNION RELATIONS

European Union (EU) at the Department of EU International

The fight against apartheid was premised on the need to over-

Relations and Diplomacy Studies at the College of Europe in

come racial segregation which was in violation of all forms of

Bruges. Ambassador Xasa’s lecture covered three main topics:

human rights. The EU’s engagement with South Africa during the

a presentation of South Africa’s foreign policy priorities, an over-

apartheid era was primarily focused on isolating the apartheid

view of South Africa’s relations with the EU, and future challeng-

regime through supporting economic sanctions and supporting

es and opportunities for their relationship.

the anti-apartheid movement and the African National Congress

(ANC).

At the outset, Ambassador emphasised African Unity: “Our

founding fathers of the African Union understood that for Africa

The end of apartheid in 1994 marked a significant turning point in

to rise to its full potential Africans must forge a united front. They

South Africa’s relations with the international community, includ-

saw Africa’s future intrinsically linked to the success of each

ing the European Union. The country needed to rehabilitate itself

nation on the continent. I am therefore inspired by the words

from the mentality of minority rule, engage into a fundamental re-

of former Tanzanian President, Julius Nyerere who emphasised

making and restructuring, politically and economically – not only

that “Together, we the people of Africa will be incomparably

internally, but also regionally, continentally and globally, joining

stronger internationally than we are now with our multiplicity of

the family of nations.

unviable states”. This is what South Africa always strives for on

any platform that it gets to actively work in facilitating intra-Africa

Following the transition to democracy, the EU became one of

trade, enhance skills development, foreign direct investment and

South Africa’s most significant trading partners and a key provid-

international cooperation.”

er of development assistance. The signing of the Trade, Devel-

H.E. Tokozile Xasa

Photo: Embassy of South Africa

opment and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) in 1999 marked

Ambassador Xasa proceeded to provide a brief synopsis on

a significant milestone in the relationship, aiming to promote

South Africa:

economic cooperation and development.

science and technology, space, trade, environment and sustaina-

A new trade deal, the South African Development Communi-

• South Africa’s foreign policy is guided by human rights, con-

The global order rivalries from the Cold War – from which we saw

ble development, health, communication technology, energy,

ty-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (SADC-EU

stitutional principles, and the national interests, as well as soli-

the emergence of a unipolar world, rise of neo-liberal agenda,

education (including basic and higher education and skills

EPA) was concluded with the EU to replace the trade provisions

darity and the peaceful resolution to conflicts, with the ultimate

rise of non-state actors – were complex and South Africa had

development), tax and customs, human rights, and peace and

of the TDCA. The SADC-EU EPA took effect on 10 October 2016,

aim of contributing to a better South Africa, a better Africa and

to identify areas of cooperation and propose frameworks for

security.

while the regulations governing the new market access for agri-

a better world;

engagement.

cultural products provisionally entered into force with effect from

• Multilateralism is one of the pillars of South Africa’s foreign

South Africa is currently the only African country and one of the

November 2016.

policy, where the country has capitalised in membership and

active participation in several multilateral forums seeking to

advance Africa’s Agenda 2063;

• It is a key EU trade partner in Africa, and the EU as a bloc

THE SOUTH AFRICA-EUROPEAN UNION

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

ten strategic partners of the EU globally. The Strategic Partnership

is founded on shared values such as democracy, respect for

human rights, rule of law, and multilateralism, and promotion of

peace, security and sustainable development.

After a long hiatus, the EU hosted the 7th EU-South Africa

Summit in 2018. A renewed commitment emerged. Unfortunately,

Brexit and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a rethink-

is South Africa’s largest trading partner. Total trade between

The relationship between South Africa and the EU has evolved

ing in global relationships.

South Africa and the EU has increased by 56 percent in 2024:

through various phases, from a focus on development coop-

The Strategic Partnership functions within the framework of the

South African exports to the EU increased by 82 percent, while

eration to a more comprehensive partnership. It illustrates the

Trade Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) which

The EU became more protectionist, with Eurocentric legislations

imports increased by 38 percent;

importance both parties place on the relationship which covers

entered into force in 2004. The TDCA paved the way for the

that sidelined its partners. The rapidly changing global order

• South Africa is a member of BRICS+, the Non-Aligned

over twenty sectoral policy dialogues and or areas in diverse

Magobagoba Dialogue, which is an umbrella structure for all

poses new challenges and opportunities for this relationship,

Movement (NAM), the African Union (AU), the United Nations,

issues including crime and justice, migration, transport (aviation

existing mechanisms to take place regularly, notably the Summit,

necessitating a redefinition to address emerging challenges and

and the G20, currently holding the Presidency.

and maritime), development cooperation, macroeconomics,

Ministerial Political Dialogue (MPD), Joint Cooperation Council

opportunities; and ensure mutual benefit and effectiveness.

(JCC) and other senior officials’ meetings, as well as Inter-

Parliamentary Meetings (IPM).

172 173

Hartmann Tresore_left side.pdf 1 13/05/2022 13:15

CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS

Despite the EPA, trade barriers and protectionist policies continue

to affect the flow of goods and services between South Africa

and the EU. The issue of migration and mobility remains a contentious

issue, with the EU’s migration policies often being criticised

for being overly restrictive and unfair to African migrants.

South Africa and the EU have expressed shared objective to

work in the promotion of multilateralism and advancing the reform

of the institutions of global governance, including the reform

of the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation (WTO),

upholding the UN Charter, advance the 2030 Sustainable Development

Agenda and working together towards poverty reduction

and economic reform.

The global order is undergoing profound transformation, marked

by geopolitical realignments, economic protectionism and

pressing climate challenges. Within this context, South Africa

and the European Union face a critical juncture to redefine their

partnership.

Ambassador Xasa put forward a number of recommendations to

be considered to ensure the longevity of the agreement:

• Review of the SADC-EU EPA to include digital trade, green

technology, and sustainable agriculture clauses;

• Establish a South Africa-EU Critical Minerals Alliance which will

secure supply chains for the green transition;

• Embark on joint infrastructure investments to expand ports

and renewable energy grids to boost intra-African trade via the

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

CONCLUSION

The 2025 American tariffs on both South Africa and the EU

underscore the urgency for both sides to forge a resilient, forward-looking

partnership. By capitalising on shared values and

common goals, SA and the EU can navigate global volatility and

emerge as pivotal actors in a multipolar world. Success hinges

on addressing domestic impediments and embracing innovative

collaboration, ensuring mutual prosperity in an uncertain era.

The imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration in April 2025

exacerbates these challenges, urging both sides to reassess

their economic and political ties. The shifting global landscape is

impacted and influenced by various factors such as geopolitical

shifts (the rise of BRICS and the Sino-American rivalry is pushing

the EU to diversify its partnerships), climate and digital transitions

(the EU’s Green Deal and digital agenda align with South Africa’s

renewable energy potential (e.g., solar, hydrogen) and tech innovation

needs) and the resurgence of protectionism and disruption

of global supply chains, which may prompt South Africa to seek

alternative markets.

The lecture was followed by a stimulating question and answer

session with the audience, consisting of College of Europe

students, participants of the EU Diplomatic Academy and the EU

Diplomatic Programme for the Enlargement Region and external

guests, on a broad range of topics including South Africa’s G20

Presidency, BRICS, the EU’s Global Gateway, critical minerals

and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) supported by

the EU.

ABOUT AMBASSADOR TOKOZILE XASA

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

There are huge potentials within the shifting sands which can

draw opportunities from the possibility of expanding preferential

agreements beyond the TDCA, focusing on value-added goods

like processed minerals and electric vehicles. The possibility also

exists for green energy collaboration which would result in partnering

on critical mineral supply chains and renewable energy

projects, aligning with the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative.

Redefining South Africa-EU relations in a complex and ever-changing

global order therefore requires a nuanced understanding

of the historical context, key areas of cooperation and

conflict and the principles that should guide the relationship.

By promoting mutual respect and equality, cooperation and

partnership, inclusivity and diversity, and global governance and

multilateralism, South Africa and the EU can build a stronger,

more effective, and more sustainable relationship that addresses

the challenges and opportunities in a complex and ever-changing

global order.

Ambassador Tokozile Xasa is since December 2020 the Ambassador

of the Republic of South Africa to Belgium, Luxembourg

and the European Union. She is a dynamic leader and gender

activist and passionate about community development and

education. As a teacher by profession, she had taught at high

schools and was active in the South African Democratic Teachers

Union. She holds a BA majoring in Psychology and Political

Studies from the Walter Sisulu University as well as a BA and an

MA in Public Administration from the University of Fort Hare.

Ambassador Xasa has for many years and in various positions

been active in the ANC Women’s League. From 1997 to 2000

she was the first female Mayor of a district municipality in the

transitional period of local government in the Eastern Cape.

Between 2001 and 2009 she was a member of the Eastern Cape

Provincial Legislature and then a Member of National Parliament

(2009-2019). Ms Xasa served as South Africa’s Deputy Minister

of Tourism from 2009 to 2017 and as Minister of Sport and

Recreation from 2018 to 2019.

174 175

REINHOLD LOPATKA

CHAIR OF THE DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS

WITH THE ARAB PENINSULA (DARP),

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

It is very important to have

regular parliamentary dialogue

between the EU and GCC counterparts

THE FIRST EU-GCC SUMMIT TOOK PLACE IN

BRUSSELS LAST YEAR. AS CHAIR OF THE DEL-

EGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH THE ARAB PEN-

INSULA (DARP), HOW DO YOU ASSESS THE OUT-

COMES AND THEIR STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE?

we addressed not only political and economic cooperation, but

also sensitive issues like human rights, interreligious dialogue,

and regional conflict resolution.

Such engagement fosters a culture of mutual understanding,

which is essential in a rapidly polarising world. It allows us to

The first EU-GCC Summit was a good start, but we should also

build trust, clarify misconceptions, and identify practical avenues

use its outcomes as a roadmap in order to ensure that it delivers

of cooperation. As parliamentarians, we represent the voice of

concrete results. The Summit laid the groundwork for deeper

the people – and that makes our presence and perspectives

cooperation across renewable energy, digital innovation, food

particularly impactful. I am happy to say that during the Autumn

security, and crisis response, among other areas. Moreover, it

of 2025 we will have three more IPMs with Bahrain, Oman and

signalled a clear intent from both sides to elevate our coopera-

Yemen.

tion to a strategic level.

As Chair of DARP, I can see during our work, meetings and missions,

that there is a growing political will to jointly tackle shared

challenges – from trade diversification, to energy transition,

regional security, etc.

WITH THE EU ENLARGEMENT PROCESS STALLING

SINCE CROATIA’S ACCESSION, HOW URGENT IS

RENEWED FOCUS ON THE WESTERN BALKANS?

Reinhold Lopatka

Uzbekistan has made progress in a number of areas, from economic

liberalisation to some steps toward greater transparency

The drastic reduction in US foreign aid is concerning, particularly

at a time of overlapping global crises – conflicts, climate change,

The strategic and security importance of the Western Balkans

and regional cooperation. While there is visible reform it needs to

pandemics, and rising inequality. It risks leaving a dangerous

The GCC states are increasingly important partners for the EU in

cannot be overstated. This region lies at the heart of Europe and

continue consistently and accelerate. I have observed elections

vacuum in many vulnerable regions.

a dynamic world with many challenges in and around Europe –

every delay in the accession process undermines our credibility

in Uzbekistan several times and recognised the strong will for

and especially in our shared neighbourhood of the Middle East.

and creates space for competing influences that do not share our

reforms.

For the EU, this is a significant challenge. As the world’s largest

democratic values.

development donor, the EU must step up—not only financially,

In this sense, it is also very important to have regular parliamen-

The Samarkand Summit sent a strong signal that the EU is ready

which is very hard at this time, but also strategically.

tary dialogue between the EU and GCC counterparts.

A merit-based enlargement policy must remain central to the

to support this transformation and deepen strategic ties with

EU’s vision. Swift, concrete progress is both a strategic impera-

Central Asia. As EPP Rapporteur, I see Uzbekistan as a corner-

We need to modernise our development toolbox, promote locally

YOU LED A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DELEGATION

TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES IN FEBRUARY.

WHAT ROLE DOES PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY

PLAY IN STRENGTHENING EU-ARAB RELATIONS?

tive and a moral duty. After more than 10 years it is time for the

next enlargement. We must support candidate countries with

clarity, consistency, and solidarity – while also holding them to

the high standards of EU membership.

stone in our engagement with the region. The EU must act decisively

to support sustainable development, good governance,

and inclusive growth in the country – while remaining a constructive

partner on human rights and the rule of law.

driven solutions, and better align our efforts.

We also have to find new partners for our development projects,

such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia who are increasingly active in

this regard.

Parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue are a powerful and

often underutilised tool in modern foreign policy. Our February

Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM) in the UAE exemplified how

parliamentary dialogue complements traditional diplomacy.

Through frank exchanges with Emirati lawmakers and ministers,

THE EU-CENTRAL ASIA LEADERS’ SUMMIT IN

SAMARKAND MARKED A MILESTONE. AS EPP

RAPPORTEUR FOR UZBEKISTAN, HOW DO YOU

EVALUATE RECENT REFORMS AND THEIR IMPLI-

CATIONS FOR EU-UZBEKISTAN RELATIONS?

AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON DEVELOP-

MENT (DEVE), WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO RE-

CENT US FOREIGN AID CUTS, AND HOW SHOULD

THE EU RESPOND AS A GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT

ACTOR?

176 177

I FEAR THAT WE ARE NOW, FOR SOME TIME,

IN THE “WILD WEST” OF PROTECTIONISM

Prince Michael of Liechtenstein

Founder, Geopolitical Intelligence Services (GIS)

Prince Michael of Liechtenstein is one of the most important

advocates of free trade. With the co-founder of the Diplomatic

World Institute, Dieter Brockmeyer, he talked about the current

FOR OVER A DECADE. THAT SHOULD HELP US,

SHOULDN’T IT?

global situation. He concluded that the extremely bipolar world

It was a mistake at the very beginning to leave the implemen-

we are currently moving towards will not last too long, because

tation to the Chinese alone. But it has now been done and we

the disadvantages will become apparent very quickly.

have to live with it. The West tried to counter-move to this, but it

did not work because too many conditions were attached to it.

FREE TRADE IS NOT VERY POPULAR AT THE

MOMENT. HOW SHOULD THIS BE ASSESSED?

We have the general problem that we have not recognized how

times have changed. We have the group of countries who used

to dominate the world, the US, Europe, but also China.

The European Union is extremely protectionist – on the regulatory

But that is no longer the case, and we also have a demographic

front. The United States is currently making a lot of noise with its

problem. Only a third of the world’s people still live here. In the

tariffs. On the other hand, regulatory protectionism is much more

remaining two-thirds, we still observe population growth. There,

pronounced here. Like all protectionism, this is harmful – even for

however, they no longer want to be patronized, not by the United

the initiator himself!

States, not by Europe and not by China. So the question should

not be what happens between us and China, but what happens


We see how Europe is harming itself with the Digital Services Act

or the Supply Chain Act, for example. China is taking a different

path, for example subsidising its own companies to take a leading

role in the global markets, but in the same direction. We are

all together in sin. It is a pity that the World Trade Organization

no longer plays a role of significance. In my view, this was one of

the very few international organizations that was really useful. It

is now practically obsolete and I fear that we are now, for some

between us and the global majority.

HOW CAN THIS BE INSTRUMENTALIZED

POSITIVELY?

First of all, you have to raise awareness of this. Countries like

Indonesia, India, Saudi Arabia or South Africa say that what you

REDUCING BUREAUCRACY IS ON EVERYONE’S

LIPS AT THE MOMENT. THAT SEEMS TO BE GOING

IN THIS DIRECTION. THESE PHASES FLARED UP

FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE PAST. IS THIS JUST

ANOTHER FLASH IN THE PAN OR IS A SUSTAINA-

BLE TREND EMERGING THIS TIME?

LET US VENTURE AN OUTLOOK: IS A POSITIVE

TRIGGER OF THE CURRENT SITUATION

CONCEIVABLE?

Sustainable change needs a shock to get started! We have that

now. However, we have to find much clearer words. We are still

far too whiny. We have to say clearly that big industry in Germany

time, in the Wild West of protectionism.

are arguing about is none of our business. They just want to do

I have hope. We see this “laboratory experiment” in Argentina.

is at an end. At the moment, we do not have a lot of unemploy-

business. I think what matters now is not government actions,

This seems to work relatively well. You cannot turn small screws,

ment. But this may change quickly. Politicians – and the press

I do not think it will take very long, because you can see the

but that we simply generate business. This is where the Supply

you actually have to hit them.

– do not dare to call a spade a spade. Both go in the same direc-

disadvantages very quickly. In Europe, the Supply Chain Act is

Chain Act comes into play again. If I apply that, I can no longer

tion. From this point of view, the success of the protest parties

doing some damage to its own economy. On the one hand, we

do business with Africa. I can no longer invest and if I do want

It is not only about stimulating business worldwide, but also

can even be very salutary for democracy.

complain that we do not have technology groups like in the United

to comply with the conditions, then it is far too expensive. We

about reducing bureaucratic costs for the state, which have

States, but then we come up with the Digital Services Act.

In China, it is interesting that President Xi Jinping, who has long

relied on state-owned enterprises, is now seeking dialogue again

with entrepreneurs who act independently of the state. These are

would have to move away from this to a certain extent and find

solutions.

One could be that we largely stop development aid, but instead

promote growth in these countries by doing more business there,

grown simply too high to sustain the economy.

We have to get to the point where a parliament is considered

successful when it abolishes and repeals laws. It is not enough

to abolish an old law for every new law, but rather three should

AND TO COME BACK TO OUR STARTING

POINT CHINA. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR

GERMAN-CHINESE ECONOMIC RELATIONS?

signs of an incipient liberalisation towards more internal compe-

getting state investment guarantees in these countries and also

be abolished.

That is difficult at the moment. Not least because we are no

tition. Therefore, I believe that we will move back to a somewhat

enforcing them. When I talk to Africans, they tell me that they do

longer internationally competitive. Because this requires two

more favourable level very soon.

not need our values or our development aid. They need more

In addition, we also have a problem with skilled workers. In the

things: a healthy economy and – as they used to say – some

investment and trade. I think we can only solve this on this track.

process, the state is creating more and more jobs in the adminis-

“gunpowder”. You need a certain strength. We do not have that

THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE IS A VERY GOOD

INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED

However, there has to be a certain amount of pressure from the

United States and Europe to ensure that the property of investors

is protected.

tration, and thus withdrawing more and more (potential) workers

from the productive sector.

and are therefore forced to take a common course with the United

States. In order to be able to act independently, Europe must

become more autonomous.

178 179

BRIDGING CONTINENTS IN TURBULENT TIMES:

A STRATEGIC EU-AU PARTNERSHIP

FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY

Preparations for the ministerial meeting which will steer the

EU-AU Summit to be held later this year are ongoing at full

steam. On May 21, Foreign Ministers from across the two

continents will gather in Brussels under the co-chairmanship

of EU High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) Kaja Kallas,

and of the Minister of External Relations of Angola (the country

holding the rotating presidency of the African Union), H.E. Tete

António.

Issues at stake are many, against the worrying background of a

fragmented world where big powers, like the US and China, are

positioning to confront each other.

Never the old African proverb “When the elephants fight, the

grass gets trampled” has been so true. Europe and Africa know

they risk to be the grass. Therefore, they should know that staying

united and strengthening their partnership is the main way

out, to contain damages and, more importantly, to indicate

a perspective based on mutual respect, and co-operation.

The ground is solid, the road sometimes is bumpy but everybody

is aware that common interests largely prevail over dividing factors.

However, this requires actions, more than celebrations.

Europe, historically, has always forged and enhanced its global

standing partnering with Africa. From the old 1975 Lomé Convention,

rebalancing the post-colonial relationship with one of the

most advanced new International Economic Order-inspired partnerships;

to the constant support to the African Union, including

through unprecedented innovative instruments like the African

Peace Facility; to the first ever AU-EU Joint Strategy of 2007, to

the most recent Joint Vision for 2030 supported by the important

resources of the Global Gateway.

Africa has always found in Europe interlocutors ready to engage,

including when the rest of the world did not look very interested.

Trade, foreign investments, cultural exchanges, promotion of the

African agenda in multilateral fora, development programmes,

and much more.

Ambassador Stefano Manservisi,

Senior Advisor, Forward Global

Lights and shadows, of course. The legacy of colonisation still

hanging around. If complacent rhetoric would therefore be misplaced,

it is nevertheless a fact that Europe and Africa owe a lot

to each other for what they are today.

In the dangerous world we are experiencing, relations with Africa

urge Europe to shy away from temptations of any arrogant Eurocentrism,

and at the same time question some African ideological

Cold War-style non-alignment standing. Only through sincere and

intense dialogue at all levels, all that can be addressed.

In this framework, the implementation of the “Two Unions,

One Vision” programme defined in 2022 at the sixth European

Union–African Union Summit will be assessed. I focus on five

key highlights.

FIRST, THE AWARENESS THAT EU AND AU

REPRESENT AND CARRY THE VOICE AND

HOPES OF ALMOST TWO BILLION PEOPLE

A very young continent, Africa, and an ageing one, Europe.

Going beyond the well-known problems of this asymmetry, there

could be an inter-continental, inter-generational aspect of this

partnership to keep in mind as a reference for the present, and

for the future.

SECOND, BUILDING SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY

IN AFRICA AND IN EUROPE

The EU Global Gateway has been conceived not only as an

important financial engine to promote investments, but also as

a way to concretely implement a whole-of-the-Union approach

through the Team Europe model. Coherence and critical mass,

giving Europe the opportunity to stand as such, and to turn its

fragmentation into unity for better action. The EU is collectively

the biggest donor for international aid in the world. Similarly, and

going beyond old-fashioned assistance, the transformational

impact sought by the Global Gateway flagship projects is the

real test: hard and soft infrastructure in climate and energy, connectivity,

digital, agriculture, critical raw materials, to stimulate

private sector, economic growth, and job creation. In healthcare:

supporting the production of vaccines, learning from the tragic

experience of the Covid-19 pandemic and the North-South

health divide it created at that time.

We need investments which can fully deploy their impact if embedded

into the realisation of the big pan-African internal market,

the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), probably the

most important and ambitious supply-side reform plan to turn

African economic potentialities into tangible realities for its

citizens. The objective to further strengthen this convergence

between investments and the realisation of the pan-African market

will have to be a crucial driving factor for the joint identification

of the new wave of initiatives.

THIRD, COOPERATION ON PEACE AND SECURITY

Confronted with a reality that Pope Francis used to define as an

ongoing “Third World War by pieces”, Africa and Europe should

find the way to go beyond generic declarations, and identify

perhaps limited, but significant joint initiatives.

Europe traditionally looked at the conflicts on the African continent,

and at the threats emanating from terrorism. While this

must remain high in the common agenda, bearing in mind (just

to mention only a couple) the humanitarian tragedy of Sudan,

and the threat of terrorism in Western Africa, today somehow the

pendulum is pointing also to Europe. The still-ongoing terrible

conflict in Ukraine blew up in 2022, immediately after the Sixth

EU-AU Summit, and it could not be discussed. But today, three

years after, its consequences are challenging peace and security

in Europe, and in the world. Europe is now very much under the

spotlight. Often differing positions have been taken on the two

sides of the Mediterranean sea, but the EU-AU peace and security

dialogue will have to address it for the sake of the peace in the

world. Could a common agenda, possibly finding ways to partner

with Africa for European security, be conceivable?

FOURTH, MIGRATION AND MOBILITY

A chapter present since the Joint EU-AU Strategy of 2007 (quite

visionary for the time) and since then constantly at the centre

of the bilateral relations through various process (i.e Rabat,

Khartoum, Valletta). Frustrations and tensions on both sides

are visible, because of the mismatch of expectations. Actually,

numbers suggest Europe is open to regular economic migration

from Africa. However, quotas are jealously managed by Member

States, while Europe is visible mainly to manage borders. This

dual track, although formally in line with the Treaty, should be

reconsidered to allow the European economy to get the human

resources it needs in a transparent, and sustainable way, while

fostering owned and efficient migration management by the

countries of origin. For the time being, building trust through

concrete small steps is necessary to prepare a more inclusive

future.

FIFTH, THE OVERARCHING THEME, ACTIONS TO

SUPPORT MULTILATERALISM

Africa played a decisive role in the adoption of the UN Pact for

the Future, a crucial initiative to revitalise the UN, to achieve

the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to reform the

international financial system to facilitate access to resources,

and to manage debt.

Europe should play in full, starting from its contribution to the 4th

International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), to

be held in Seville (Spain) in July. It is, however much more than

money. It is about the common interest: Africa and Europe have

to promote a rules-based international order.

Photo: Stefano Manservisi

Eventually, the upcoming EU-AU Summit can show that a new

perspective is possible, replacing the old North (or West)-South

paradigm, and building a framework around shared interests to

be managed in common, and open to the rest of the world.

180 181

On the sidelines of the spring session of the Parliamentary

Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which took place

in Strasbourg from 7 to 11 April 2025, a roundtable titled

“Democratic Reforms – Basis of Stability and Prosperity” was

held, dedicated to the implementation of democratic reforms in

Kazakhstan.

The Kazakh delegation was led by Ms. Elvira Azimova,

Chairperson of the Constitutional Court and Ms. Olga

Perepechina, Deputy Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament

of Kazakhstan. Members of PACE, the Council of Europe’s

Programming Department and the two Council of Europe affiliated

bodies in which Kazakhstan is a full-fledged member (the

Venice Commission and the Group of States against Corruption –

GRECO), also took to the floor. Members of the Assembly of the

People of Kazakhstan (which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary)

and international research centres completed the line-up

of speakers. The event was moderated by Anel Bakytbekkyzy,

Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Strasbourg.

The participants discussed the implementation of President

Tokayev’s initiatives aimed at rebooting Kazakhstan’s political

system, strengthening national human rights mechanisms,

enhancing the accountability of the public administration system,

and Kazakhstan’s efforts to accede to relevant Council of Europe

Conventions in the field of cooperation in judicial and criminal

matters.

COUNCIL OF EUROPE

DISCUSSES KAZAKHSTAN’S COMMITMENT

TO RULE OF LAW

AND DEMOCRATIC REFORMS

Significant positive changes resulting from the ongoing reforms

were highlighted. Speakers noted that thanks to the comprehensive

modernization of the country’s political system, a renewed

culture of governance based on the principles of transparency,

integrity and accountability is emerging. The 2022 referendum

that introduced amendments to 33 articles of the Constitution

has provided the legal basis whereby the political system of

Kazakhstan has become more responsive to the needs of its

citizens, through greater decentralization of decision-making and

new mechanisms of checks and balances between the three

branches of state power (executive, legislative, and judiciary).

Alberto Turkstra

Project Director, Diplomatic World

In her speech, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court Elvira

Azimova noted the process of strengthening the supremacy of

the Constitution, the development of constitutional control and

the role of the judiciary in protecting human rights and freedoms

in Kazakhstan: “Constitutional control is an integral mechanism

that ensures the rule of law, stability and coherence of the public

administration system”, she remarked.

“The gradual improvement of national legislation, as well as the

strengthening of the legal culture, was largely associated with

the need for a clearer separation of powers. However, special

attention to this issue has begun to be felt within the framework

of political and constitutional reforms of recent years, in which

the observance of rights and freedoms is of decisive importance

as the next stage of democratic development”, Ms Azimova

remarked.

Ms Azimova also summarised the results of the work Constitutional

Court since its inception in 2023 up until April 2025. In

this short period of time, the Court received 9,900 appeals from

citizens; the court has issued 400 judgments and 68 regulatory

decisions.

Representatives from CoE and PACE expressed satisfaction with

the robust collaboration between Kazakhstan and the Council of

Europe institutions, considering Kazakhstan a key partner in the

region. They welcomed the Committee of Ministers’ adoption

of the Neighbourhood Co-operation Priorities with Kazakhstan

for the period 2024-2027, which will facilitate more active interaction

between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Council

of Europe in improving national legislation and harmonizing it

with European norms. Additionally, it was announced that the

Committee on Political Affairs of PACE has decided to prepare

a third report about cooperation between Kazakhstan and the

Council of Europe. Mr Zsolt Nemeth, Head of the Hungarian

delegation to the Council of Europe, has been entrusted with the

role of rapporteur, and in this capacity he will be paying a visit to

Kazakhstan in May.

Livia Stoica Becht, Head of Economic Crime and Corruption

department of GRECO, said that Kazakhstan is currently being

assessed under the third Evaluation Round which includes

themes such as the incrimination of corruption offences and the

funding of political parties and electoral campaigns. She lauded

the Kazakh authorities’ cooperation and transparency in the

previous two evaluation rounds, including their prompt authorisation

for the publication of the evaluation and compliance reports.

The evaluation report notes that “combating corruption is set as

one of the main priorities in Kazakhstan’s public policy and plays

a pivotal role in the country’s strategy towards economic growth”

and welcomes the fact that the country’s authorities see GRECO

membership “as an opportunity to develop a common legal

space with the Council of Europe member States which could

improve the business climate and boost the economy further”.

During the event, special attention was paid to the December

2023 Action Plan on Human Rights and the Rule of Law of

Kazakhstan, which includes legislative reforms implementing

stricter measures to combat domestic violence; abolishing the

death penalty; new legal provisions to combat bullying and

aggression in society, and other emerging social problems such

as gambling addiction. By seeking to establish zero tolerance

for domestic violence, Kazakhstan aims to integrate European

best practices and international standards into its legislative

framework, using the Convention on Preventing and Combating

Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (known as the

Istanbul Convention) as a model, which Kazakhstan aims to join

in the near future.

Furthermore, the empowerment of vulnerable sectors of the

population and the increased representation of youth and women

in public service and decision-making spheres were highlighted

as positive developments in Kazakhstan. A 30 percent quota for

women, youth, and people with disabilities in Kazakhstan’s Parliament

has been established, which ensures broader and more

varied representation in the legislative process.

Another example is the National Plan for Gender Equality dedicated

to advancing the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on

“Peace, Women, and Security,” in order to promote the inclusion

of women in the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministries of

Internal Affairs, Emergency Situations, Defence, and in roles

within the various UN peacekeeping missions which Kazakhstan

is part of around the world. Kazakhstan has also expanded and

strengthened the mandates of the Commissioner for Human

Rights and the Commissioner for Children’s Rights and established

new offices such as the Commissioner for the Protection

of the Rights of Socially Vulnerable Citizens.

The roundtable also heard the intervention of Mr Ziyatdin Kasanov,

Member of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. Since its

foundation in 1995, the Assembly has strengthened the ethnic

Ms. Elvira Azimova, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan &

Mr Alberto Turkstra, Project Director, Diplomatic World


accord in the country and ensured the rights and freedoms of

citizens regardless of their ethnic affiliation, truly embodying and

putting into practice the principle of “unity in diversity”. Being

home to over 130 ethnic groups, the Assembly has played a

key role in preserving harmony and unity between Kazakhstan’s

diverse ethnic groups. To represent the interests of the various

ethnic groups making up the country, five deputies of the Senate

are appointed by the President based on proposals by the Assembly

of People of Kazakhstan.

Mr Alberto Turkstra, Project Director of Diplomatic World, noted

that one of the visible areas of change in the “New Kazakhstan”

has been the growing public involvement in decision-making and

strengthened dialogue between authorities and the society at

large in order to strengthen public trust in government and improve

the quality of public services. As examples, he mentioned:

• The strengthening of local governance through the introduction

of direct elections for rural and village akims (mayors), a practice

which has since expanded to certain districts and cities of

regional significance.

• The holding of national referenda in sensitive policy areas. A

clear example was the referendum held last year on the construction

of a nuclear power plant.

182 183

• The institutionalisation of feedback mechanisms between state

and society:

• One prominent example is the Kuraltai (previously the

National Council of Public Trust), a consultative body comprised

of 107 members from all walks of life (human rights

organizations, lawyers, economists, independent experts,

and civil servants) to establish a broad discussion on strategic

issues affecting the future of the country.

• Another example are the public councils, more than 200

of them, which have been in place since 2015. These are

consultative, advisory, and supervisory authorities affiliated

to ministries; local government bodies, national holdings,

national companies to represent the interests of civil

society. Two-thirds of the seats of the public councils are

assigned to civil society and one-third to public officials.

While suggestions by the public councils are advisory in

nature, their consideration is obligatory for all relevant public

institutions, which are required to provide a response.

Mr Turkstra also highlighted the strengthening of civil society

as a key development for Kazakhstan as it aims to achieve the

goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and reach

the 30 most advanced economies by 2050. He emphasised that

in Kazakhstan, state and civil society do not exist in opposition

or in contradiction to each other, but rather complementing one

other. Civil society organisations operate across wide range of

focus areas which go from the environment, the monitoring of

national and local budgets, inclusive education for special-needs

students or the digitalization of rural areas.

By way of conclusion, all speakers noted that Kazakhstan is

entering a new phase of its development with strengthened institutions,

greater public trust, and a clear commitment to justice,

the rule of law, ensuring equal opportunities for every citizen

and the protection of vulnerable groups. The scope, scale and

ambition of democratic reforms that Kazakhstan is undertaking

means it is entering uncharted territory, as no other country in the

region has pursued reforms as ambitious as Kazakhstan’s. But

so far, it has successfully managed to achieve step-by-step and

gradual democratization while being able to maintaining stability

and unity.

A roundtable titled “EU–Kazakhstan: Education and Culture –

Sustainable Bridges of Cooperation” was held at the European

Parliament on May 20. The event was jointly organised by the

Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Belgium, the Delegation

of the European Parliament for relations with Central Asia

and Mongolia (DCAS), and Diplomatic World.

The aim of the event was to strengthen the bilateral dialogue

between Kazakhstan and the European Union, as well as to develop

new forms of long-term partnerships in the areas of higher

education, academic mobility, and cultural exchange.

As Central Asia and the EU have moved closer to each other in

recent years, so have their relations in the fields of culture and

education.

KAZAKHSTAN AND THE EU:

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE BRIDGES

OF COOPERATION THROUGH EDUCATION

AND CULTURE

While often overlooked, education and culture are essential

pillars of the EU’s foreign policy and of the EU’s relations with

Central Asia and Kazakhstan, considering their evident potential

in contributing to social and economic development and to the

achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The roundtable continued the active political and institutional

dialogue between the EU and Kazakhstan, based on the

Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA).

The EPCA, which entered into force in 2020, devotes a number

of chapters to cultural cooperation, the promotion of cultural

exchanges; cooperation in the framework of multilateral international

treaties and international organisations, including

UNESCO; promoting the modernisation of the education and

training systems in Kazakhstan to converge with the policies and

practices of the European Union.

The opening remarks were delivered by Chair of the DCAS,

Member of the European Parliament Giusi Princi, Minister of

Higher Education and Science of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek

(online), Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the EU Margulan

Baimukhan and Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s

Photo: Istock

184 185

Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), Alberico Gambino.

reached 26,900. Last year, 31,500 students went to study in the

This is an exciting step toward integrating research, education,

Kazakhstan is one of the EU’s key partners in Central Asia, with

country. The target for this year to attract an additional 5,000

and innovation across regions. “We see this as an extension of

whom the Union is keen to further develop dialogue on strategi-

Ambassador Baimukhan said that for Kazakhstan, education and

international students, and to reach 100,000 students by the

our cultural and academic cooperation helping us prepare young

cally significant long-term issues.

culture are not only pathways to development; they are pillars

2028–2029 academic year.

people for the challenges of the digital era, and building bridges

of trust, peace, and long-term partnership: “Over the years,

of knowledge between Europe and Central Asia”, concluded

The roundtable served as a logical continuation of the active

our countries have built a strong, values-based relationship.

In the framework of Kazakhstan’s strategy for the internation-

Ambassador Baimukhan.

dialogue between Kazakhstan and the EU, complementing

Educational exchanges, cultural programs, and joint academic

alisation of its education, two recent success stories can be

previous events held in the European Parliament on various

initiatives have laid a solid foundation for mutual understanding

highlighted:

The first panel, titled “Developing Educational Cooperation

areas of bilateral cooperation.

and shared growth.”

between the EU and Kazakhstan – Strengthening Academic

• The creation in 2023 of the Kazakh-German Institute of

Dialogue and Strategic Partnership,” featured speakers from

Participants underscored the importance of regularly organising

Outlining key achievements in education, the Kazakh diplomat

Sustainable Engineering at the Caspian Yessenov University

Kazakhstan’s academic and research circles: Director of the

such events involving representatives of academic, cultural, and

highlighted that one of the most visible pillars of cooperation is

of Technology and Engineering in Aktau. This Institute will train

Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President

youth communities as an effective tool to strengthen long-term

the Erasmus+ program. Since 2014, around 2,000 Kazakhstani

technical specialists in best engineering practices to meet the

of Kazakhstan Yerkin Tukumov, Vice President for International

partnership between the EU and Kazakhstan.

students and faculty have studied in the EU, and about 800

needs of the large-scale energy projects implemented in the

Cooperation and Development at NARXOZ University Aigerim

European students have come to Kazakhstan. These exchanges

region, including green hydrogen production.

Raimzhanova, and Director of the School of Law and Public


are not just academic – they build human bridges and lifelong

• Just a few months ago, Kazakhstan and Belgium have

Administration Talgat Sarsenbayev.

connections.

launched their first international dual-degree program, the

Global Executive MBA, developed by Almaty Management

On the European side, Members of the European Parliament

Kazakhstan is also proud to lead the region in Erasmus+ partici-

University in partnership with Antwerp Management School.

Manuela Ripa and Katarína Roth Nevedalová delivered keynote

pation, accounting for over half of all mobility projects in Central

addresses.

Asia. In 2010, Kazakhstan became the first country in Central

A growing number of universities in Kazakhstan offering dual

Asia to join the Bologna Process. This strategic step aligned the

degree programs with European universities, including Narxoz

In their speeches, they emphasised the importance of academic

Kazakh education system with European standards and opened

University; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; Kazakh-British

mobility, the development of joint research programs, and the

new horizons for collaboration. Today, more than 30 international

Technical University; KIMEP University; Gumilyov Eurasian

role of science and higher education in strengthening strategic

university campuses many from EU countries operate in Kazakhstan,

National University; Kazakh National Medical University and

ties between Kazakhstan and the EU.

bringing European-quality education closer to our students.

Maqsut Narikbayev University.

The second panel, “New Horizons of Mutually Beneficial Cultural

Within Central Asia, Kazakhstan also plays an active regional

At the recent EU–Central Asia Summit which took place in

Cooperation and Exchange,” focused on issues of cultural di-

role. In 2019, the country initiated the first meeting of Central

Samarkand in April, the Joint Declaration which followed the

plomacy, the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, and

Asian Education Ministers. This historic gathering laid the

summit includes strong commitments to strengthening peo-

the development of creative industries. Speakers on this topic

groundwork for the Central Asian Higher Education Area, formally

ple-to-people contacts through deepened cooperation in the

included Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO

established in 2021 with the Turkestan Declaration. Through this

field of education, including vocational education and skills

Askar Abdrakhmanov and Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s

initiative, we are sharing best practices and building a cohesive

development; as well as maximising the opportunities of the

Committee on Culture Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski.

regional education space.

Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes.

Particular attention was given to the implementation of joint cul-

The Parties have agreed to increase the number of educational

At the Summit, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

tural projects and the promotion of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage

exchange programs for students, expand joint scientific projects,

proposed the creation of a new initiative – “Erasmus+ for Central

in EU countries.

and establish connections among student leaders. They also in-

Asia”. This would be a regional academic exchange program,

tend to hold Central Asian university rectors’ forums on a regular

modelled on Erasmus+, and tailored to the region’s needs –

During the event, European and Kazakh participants discussed

basis to exchange experience and discuss cooperation efforts.

including Artificial Intelligence, water resource management, and

the promotion of European academic exchange programs,

Currently, around 20,000 Central Asian students are studying at

biotechnology. Kazakhstan is ready to contribute funding and

including Erasmus+, digitalisation of education, sustainable

universities in Kazakhstan, and this number continues to grow

institutional support to help launch this program.

development through culture, youth initiatives, and the role of

every year.

education and culture in building an inclusive and sustainable

In today’s world, education must keep pace with innovation.

society.

Indeed, Kazakhstan is emerging as an international education

Kazakhstan is moving forward with digital transformation through

hub: as of last year, 23 foreign universities were operating in the

projects like the Alem.AI hub in Astana, which supports artificial

Additionally, the EU’s decision to grant Kazakhstan a mandate to

country’s various regions to date, helping to build world-class

intelligence development and startups. President Tokayev also

begin negotiations on visa facilitation was noted as an important

academic capacity in Kazakhstan. Additionally, the launch of 15

announced plans for an EU–Central Asia Innovation Campus at

step toward expanding cultural, education and humanitarian

branches of leading foreign universities is anticipated in the very

the Astana Hub.

cooperation and fostering closer ties between Kazakh and

near future.

European communities.

This would be a space where European and Central Asian

At the same time, the number of international students is steadily

students, researchers, and entrepreneurs collaborate on joint

Members of the European Parliament, as well as representatives

increasing. In 2023, the number of foreign students in Kazakhstan

projects in digital technology, innovation, and AI.

of the EU academic and expert communities, emphasised that

186 187

WE BELIEVE

THAT PREVENTIVE DIPLOMACY

SHOULD BE A GLOBAL PRIORITY

H.E. Sapar Palvanov,

Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the European Union

and the Benelux Countries

On Sunday, 27 April, Ambassador of Turkmenistan, H.E. Sapar

When we hear the word “peace,” we often think first about the

Palvanov, delivered a keynote address at the Catholic University

absence of war – about a world without fighting or violence.

of Leuven (KU Leuven), at a conference organized by KULTUR –

For others, peace might mean safety: the simple, everyday

KU Leuven Turkish Students’ Association, in collaboration with

freedom to walk outside without fear.

the Embassy of Turkmenistan to Belgium and sponsored by

EUROVIA.

For some, it’s about justice – fairness, dignity, and respect for

“It is a true honour to speak here at Catholic University of Leuven

every individual.

Photo: Embassy of Turkmenistan

– a university that is not only one of the oldest in Europe but also

But for me – and for my country, Turkmenistan – peace is some-

one of the youngest at heart. Here, tradition meets innovation,

thing even deeper.

And above all, peace is a commitment – a conscious decision to

But despite all the geopolitical pressures around us, we made a

and knowledge is not just preserved but constantly renewed.

believe in something larger than ourselves: the idea that humani-

bold choice: to stay neutral, to avoid alliances and military blocs,

The ideal place to discuss one of humanity’s most timeless and

Peace is not just the end of conflict. It is a way of thinking that

ty is stronger when it stands together, not apart.

and to open our doors to dialogue with all, conflict with none.

urgent topics: peace”, Ambassador Palvanov started his briefing.

shapes how we view the world.

At the beginning of independence, Turkmenistan faced many

He asked the audience: “What comes to your mind when you

Peace is not something we wait for; it is something we build,

difficulties, especially economic problems after the end of the

hear the word “peace”? What does “peace” really mean?”

It is a way of living that teaches us to choose dialogue over

choice by choice, every day.

Soviet Union.

division, compassion over confrontation.

TURKMENISTAN’S PATH: A YOUNG COUNTRY

WITH AN ANCIENT SOUL

However, through good planning, economic diversification, and

international cooperation, we have grown stronger, more stable,

and more independent in all areas. We work with other countries

but never allow economic cooperation to be used as a political

My country became independent in 1991, after the breakup of

tool against us.

the Soviet Union. This September, we will celebrate 34 years of

independence. Since then, we have walked our own path – one

Now, let us move to the next important part of our discussion –

guided by permanent neutrality.

what neutrality means for Turkmenistan and why the International

Year of Peace and Trust, 2025, is so important.

Our country is as large as Spain and is located in a strategic but

complex region – bordering Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan

and Uzbekistan. This location is very important because it influences

our foreign policy and how we ensure peace and security

WHAT DOES NEUTRALITY ACTUALLY MEAN?

in the region.

One of the most important principles of Turkmenistan’s foreign

policy is its permanent neutrality.

But Turkmenistan is much more than its location. It has a deep

historical and cultural heritage. Long ago, Turkmenistan was part

In 1995, Turkmenistan made a historic decision. We declared

of the Silk Road, an important trade route that connected Europe

our status as a permanently neutral state, and that same year,

and Asia. Our people were not only traders but also scholars,

on December 12, the United Nations General Assembly unani-

poets, and leaders who helped build great civilizations. However,

mously recognized and endorsed this status. It was more than a

history also brought difficult times, and for a period, our country

diplomatic declaration – it became a defining pillar of our national

faced challenges that slowed its development.

identity.


188 189

That same year, we adopted the Constitutional Law of Turkmenistan

2. Afghanistan: While many countries saw Afghanistan only

And – importantly – it recommends that the territory of neutral

We believe that preventive diplomacy should be a global priority.

on Permanent Neutrality, a unique legal act that establishes neu-

through the lens of conflict, we saw a neighbour who needed

states be used as venues for peaceful negotiations – an endorse-

Given the success of the UNRCCA, there is now growing interest

trality as the foundation of our internal and external policies. Let

connection. So we extended electricity lines, railway projects,

ment of what Turkmenistan has already practised for decades.

in creating similar centres in other parts of the world to help

me quote its first article:

and even a gas pipeline plan (called TAPI). It was not charity –

regions affected by political and security tensions.

it was long-term peacebuilding through shared interests.

On October 24, 2024, the UN adopted another resolution initiat-

“The permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan is the basis of its

domestic and foreign policy, aimed at strengthening stability

and harmony in society, and developing friendly and mutually

beneficial relations with the countries of the region and the entire

3. Russia–Ukraine Conflict: In today’s world, it’s hard not to take

sides. But we chose a different route, maintaining balanced

diplomatic, humanitarian, and economic ties with both coun-

ed by Turkmenistan, the “Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation

of Central Asia.” Co-sponsored by 37 countries, this resolution:

• recognizes Central Asia as a space of peaceful cooperation,

PEACE IS ALSO CULTURAL: A STORY FROM

OUR VILLAGES

world.”

tries. We send humanitarian aid to Ukraine, especially for

• highlights milestones such as the Central Asian

Let me take you away from geopolitics for a moment – into a

children. At the same time, we maintain dialogue with Russia,

Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty,

Turkmen village.

This law is not symbolic – it is action-oriented. Words such as

and Ukrainian companies successfully continue to work in

• emphasizes the importance of regular dialogue among regional

“cooperation,” “contacts,” “relations,” and “dialogue” appear no

Turkmenistan realizing huge infrastructure projects on the

leaders.

In the past, when someone needed a new carpet (a symbol of

less than ten times across twelve articles. They reflect the spirit

ground. That’s not easy – but it’s consistent with our principle:

family and pride in our culture), the women of the village would

of openness, balance, and inclusive partnership that defines our

no war, only dialogue.

This resolution does not only reflect Turkmenistan’s role. It

all gather and weave it together. Not because they didn’t have

approach to global engagement.

reflects our region’s emerging identity as a source of stability and

their own carpet waving looms—but because cooperation was

Turkmenistan’s belief in the power of diplomacy and trust led

constructive multilateralism.

tradition.

Turkmenistan does not classify countries as friendly or unfriendly.

us to propose to the United Nations that 2025 be declared the

I would like to clarify one thing. When I say Turkmenistan is neu-

International Year of Peace and Trust. The General Assembly

And just recently, we witnessed a historic breakthrough that fur-

The same was true for baking bread. Families used the same

tral, I do not mean passive.

adopted this initiative with broad support.

ther confirms the direction our region is taking. In the Internation-

clay oven, taking turns and sharing the bread with neighbours.

al Year of Peace and Trust – Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan reached

That’s what I mean when I say peace starts in community.

Neutrality is not sitting on the fence. It’s not being silent or indif-

We are not asking the world to celebrate an idea – we are asking

a long-awaited agreement on the full delimitation of their shared

ferent. For us, neutrality means:

the world to live it.

border.

Neutrality is not just a policy. It is a reflection of how we see the

world: as shared, as human, as connected.

• We do not join military alliances and do not allow foreign

In a time of profound geopolitical tension, widening distrust, and

This agreement resolves one of the most sensitive and long-

military bases on our territory.

• We do not participate in conflicts but instead work to promote

peace and dialogue.

• We maintain balanced diplomatic relations with all nations,

eroding multilateralism, we must remember: trust is not a luxury.

It is a condition for survival. Without trust, peace is impossible.

Without peace, development is unsustainable.

standing disputes in Central Asia peacefully, through negotiation

and political will.

We extend heartfelt congratulations to our Tajik and Kyrgyz

FINAL WORDS: CHOOSE PEACE, LIVE PEACE,

BE THE BRIDGE

focusing on mutual respect and cooperation.

In December 2025, we will host a high-level international confer-

brothers and to all of Central Asia on this achievement. This is an

So, let me finalize my briefing and try to answer the question

• We support humanitarian aid and regional development

ence in Ashgabat within the framework of the Year of Peace and

encouraging example, and we hope to see more peace agree-

“What does peace mean to us?”

projects that contribute to long-term stability.

Trust. The agenda will include:

ments and diplomatic breakthroughs during this symbolic year.

• We call it “active neutrality” – and we live by it.

Maybe it’s not just about ending war. Maybe it’s about never

• Building new frameworks for preventive diplomacy;

It sends a clear message to the world: Our region is transforming

letting it begin.

NEUTRALITY IN ACTION

• Establishing platforms for confidence-building;

• Giving greater voice to neutral states as facilitators of dialogue

and peace.

into a space free of conflicts and controversy – a region of peace,

trust, and pragmatic cooperation.

Maybe it’s about being the space where others can find common

ground.

For nearly three decades, Turkmenistan has shown the world

that neutrality is not isolation – it is engagement without confrontation,

cooperation without obligation, and dialogue without

division.

Let me give you some real stories.

This is our contribution to a world in need of bridges.

UN RECOGNITION: A LEGAL AND MORAL

COMMITMENT

PREVENTIVE DIPLOMACY: STOPPING CONFLICTS

BEFORE THEY START

Our most prominent institutional contribution to regional peace

is the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy

for Central Asia (UNRCCA), established in Ashgabat in 2007.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s about building a world where neutrality

is not weakness – but wisdom.

1. One of the earliest examples of Turkmenistan’s role as a

The international community has once again recognized the

This is not just a regional office – it is a global model. UNRCCA

neutral mediator was during the Tajik Civil War in the 1990s.

value of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy through two important

is the world’s only UN centre specifically dedicated to conflict

At that time, Turkmenistan facilitated dialogue between the

resolutions.

prevention, not crisis response. From water and energy to border

Tajik government and opposition forces, hosting 3 rounds of

issues and trans-boundary security challenges, the Centre brings

peace negotiations in Ashgabat and supporting UN-led peace

On March 21, 2025, the UN General Assembly adopted, by

countries together before conflicts erupt.

efforts. These diplomatic efforts helped reduce tensions and

consensus, the new resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmeni-

prevent further escalation. These talks laid the foundation for

stan.” It emphasizes that our neutral status is not only embedded

This reflects our conviction that early dialogue is more effective

the eventual peace agreement.

in our Constitution but demonstrates effectiveness as a tool for

preventive diplomacy.

than post-conflict reconciliation – a view we promote regionally

and globally.


190 191

BENELUX-EUROPE-AWARD 2025-2026

‘WELL-BEING AND A HUMANE SOCIETY’

H.E. Mark Viscount Eyskens, Minister of State &

Prof. Dr. Anton van der Geld,

President, BeNeLux-University Centre Foundation

The historic Port of Antwerp-Bruges Harbour House, an international

architectural gem, recently hosted the academic session of

the BeNeLux-University Centre (BUC) Foundation.

The session’s theme, “Well-being and a Humane Society”, was

the focus of inspiring speeches and also awarded honours,

which all emphasised shared values and sustainable cooperation

in the Benelux countries.

Numerous people from the Benelux were present: members of

the Royal Families; diplomatic, political and religious representatives;

and delegates from social and cultural organisations. The

session was led by the BUC President, Prof. Anton van der Geld,

who stressed the fundamental role of academic and cultural

cooperation within a humane society. Port Ambassador Marc

Van Peel welcomed the guests and outlined the historical and

economic value of the Port House in Belgium and beyond.

Presentation of the BeNeLux-Europe-Award 2025-2026: Minister of State H.E. Mark viscount Eyskens, chief titular B.U.C;

H.R.H. Princess Astrid, Princess of Belgium; Prof. Dr. Anton van der Geld; prof. Dineke de Groot, President of the Supreme Court of the

Netherlands; Minister of State H.E. prof. Jan Peter Balkenende, chief titular B.U.C.

A special moment was the solemn presentation of the prestigious

BeNeLux-Europe-Award 2025-2026 to:

• Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, Princess of Belgium

• Prof. Dineke de Groot, President of the Supreme Court of the

Netherlands

In their laudation, BUC President Prof. Anton van der Geld and

deputy counsel Prince Felix de Merode recalled the special merits

of both laureates.

underprivileged in our society. The laudation further praised

Prof. Dineke de Groot’s efforts to ensure law and justice in a

humane society.

The academic session further included a series of inspiring

speeches, closely linked to the theme of the meeting.

Princess Astrid, Princess of Belgium, was accompanied by her

husband Prince Lorenz, Archduke of Austria-Este, and their

youngest daughter Princess Laetitia of Belgium.

Welcoming H.R.H. Princess Astrid and members of the Belgian Royal Family:

H.R.H. Princess Astrid, Princess of Belgium; H.R.H. Prince Lorenz, Archduke of Austria-Este; H.R.H. Princess Laetitia of Belgium;

Prof. Dr. Anton van der Geld, president Foundation BeNeLux-University Center.

Princess Laetitia is currently studying in England, and she had

travelled to Antwerp especially for the occasion, which made her

presence more meaningful. Also present was Princess Astrid’s

special advisor, Ambassador Dirk Wouters.

In the laudation the spotlight was turned on Princess Astrid’s

numerous activities to achieve humanitarian goals in the field

of welfare and care, especially also for the benefit of the

Row of Honor: Belgian Ambassador H.E. Anick Van Calster;

princess Elenora de Merode; Military Bishop mgr. dr. Everard

de Jong; Dame Anne Eyskens-Rutsaert; H.R.H. Prince Lorenz,

Archduke of Austria-Este; H.R.H. Princess Laetitia of Belgium;

Ambassador H.E. Dirk Wouters.

192 193

Presidency table: Prof. Dr. Guus van Heck, chief titular B.U.C.; Prince Felix de Merode, deputy counsel B.U.C.; Minister of State

H.E. Mark viscount Eyskens; H.R.H. Princess Astrid, Princess of Belgium; Prof. Dr. Anton van der Geld; prof. Dineke de Groot,

President of the Supreme Court Netherlands; Minister of State H.E. prof. Jan Peter Balkenende; National Ombudsman,

mr. Reinier van Zutphen LLM; Ambassador Port of Antwerp-Bruges Marc Van Peel.

Group photo in the Historical Atrium: Princess Astrid’s special advisor, H.E. Dirk Wouters, Ambassador; Ambassador Port of

Antwerp-Bruges Marc Van Peel; Minister of State H.E. prof. Jan Peter Balkenende, chief titular B.U.C.; H.R.H. Princess Astrid,

Princess of Belgium; H.R.H. Prince Lorenz, Archduke of Austria-Este; Princess Laetitia of Belgium; president Foundation

BeNeLux-University Center Prof. Dr. Anton van der Geld c.s.

into strength and service to others helps to build a more inclusive

Think of freedom, safety, security of existence, inspiring educa-

Minister of State Prof. Mark Viscount Eyskens, stated in a warm

Minister of State Herman van Rompuy, patron and chief titular of

and connected world. Princess Astrid expressed gratitude for the

tion, attentive care, rich art and culture and a clean and diverse

plea that it is a moral duty for everyone to pursue a better world.

the BUC, noted in his well thought out video address, that today

support and encouragement of her family, her husband Prince

living environment. Prof. Van Heck concluded his lecture with the

In this, there is no room for polarisation resulting in breaking

we stand at a crossroads. He made an impassioned plea for

Lorenz and youngest daughter Princess Laetitia, as well as her

statement that a humane society is a society that guarantees a

down bridges and building walls. Collective egoism and all forms

strengthening togetherness and encouraging solidarity.

closest associates.

fair chance at well-being as well as a fair chance at a good quali-

of nationalism threaten the future of humanity, especially now

ty of life for everyone. No one excluded.

when many countries are in possession of weapons of mass

Democratic societies, he said, are possible only when there is

In her reflection, laureate Prof. Dineke de Groot, president of the

destruction. Therefore, creative peacemaking is the assignment.

trust. When fear is transformed into hope. When ‘enemy thinking’

Supreme Court of the Netherlands, characterised the Benelux

The musical interludes between the fascinating lectures by harp-

gives way to respect and listening to the other. Developing a

and the European Union as a peace project. With a crucial role in

ist/teacher Emilie Bastens provided a wonderful artistic setting.

Minister Eyskens sees an important role for the Benelux coun-

new self-confidence in a renewed society requires courage and

it for an independent judiciary. Based on the values of the dem-

During the concluding and animated reception, valuable friendly,

tries in this. As a model of cooperation. As a lever of European

boldness.

ocratic constitutional state, a legal system should be developed

cultural and professional ties in the Benelux countries were

integration and reinforcer of democracy. With European values as

and maintained that provides legal certainty and inspires trust.

strengthened as well as new contacts established.

a beacon. Therefore, Prof. Eyskens stressed the need to reacti-

The BUC honours every year, through the ceremony of the

In each other and in the institutions. She concluded her reflec-

vate and strengthen the Benelux.

BeNeLux-Europe-Award, people who are committed to this, to

tion with the wish that people continue to see each other in this

This Academic Session was a worthy follow-up to previous edi-

fight against the dehumanisation of society.

cooperation and listen to each other with a sympathetic ear.

tion in 2024 during which the BeNeLux-Europe Award 2024-2025

Minister of State Prof. Jan Peter Balkenende, former Prime

was presented to H.R.H. Princess Margriet of the Netherlands

Minister of The Netherlands, concluded in his lucid analysis, that

In her reflection, laureate H.R.H. Princess Astrid of Belgium, just

In closing, Prof. Guus van Heck, chief titular of the BUC, elabo-

and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Prof. Frank

necessary socio-economic developments can never be separat-

back from a Belgian economic mission in India, indicated that

rated on crucial facets of well-being, including emotional stability,

Vandenbroucke.

ed from substantial trust in society. The reorientation of the future

there is a common thread running through her initiatives and

optimism, resilience, self-esteem and vitality. In doing so, he

of Europe, the market economy and the relationship between

activities.

referred to recent European research. He further showed the dif-

All photos: BeNeLux-University Centre and press photographer

citizens and institutions should be firmly based on human dignity,

ference between the 100 percent subjective nature of well-being

Jos van Leeuwen, The Hague.

he said. Inclusiveness and co-creation should serve as guiding

Encouraging the service of fellow human beings, the pursuit of

and the much broader facets of quality of life. Besides subjective

www.benelux-universitair-centrum.org

principles for economy and society. His final chord: “The “Statue

research, scientific progress, and the development of enterprises

aspects, quality of life also includes objective characteristics.

of Liberty” is not enough, a “Statue of Responsibility” is badly

that create employment and value. This involves committing to

needed.”

these ideals. Knowing how to turn vulnerability and weakness

194 195

All photos: Gerard Huiting All photos: Jan Engels Photo: Istock

196 197

DR. SIDDIQ HAFTAR

modernising sectors, advancing development, and creating job

opportunities for Libyan youth.

NATIONAL AND HUMANITARIAN MESSAGES…

THROUGH POETRY

In line with this approach, agreements have been signed with for-

Siddiq Haftar often turns to poetry as a medium to convey na-

The city of Ajdabiya, in northeastern Libya, is where he was born

he also offers guidance to athletes, helping them refine their skills

eign companies — including Italian and Belarusian firms — and

tional and humanitarian messages during significant occasions.

in 1974. It was there that he spent his childhood and began his

and achieve their aspirations, thereby strengthening their deter-

he has received several international delegations in the city of

His poems are marked by intellectual depth, wisdom, symbolism,

early education at the local school, where his academic abilities

mination and resilience.

Benghazi, as part of efforts to strengthen economic cooperation

and a strong focus on humanitarian and social issues. At their

became evident. At the age of eighteen, he enrolled at a univer-

between Libya and Western nations.

core, his works explore a range of themes — from motherhood

sity in Egypt, where he immersed himself in the study of inter-

One of his main areas of focus lies in creating employment op-

and family to the homeland and poignant human experiences.

national law, driven by a strong belief in just and rightful causes,

portunities, thus ensuring a prosperous and promising future for

For Siddiq Haftar, international agreements are not merely diplo-

defending the oppressed, and achieving justice. He crowned his

academic journey by obtaining a doctoral degree. He also completed

a two-year university program in the French city of Vichy,

Libyan youth.

Moreover, Dr. Haftar directs his efforts toward various areas

matic formalities, but vital economic and strategic tools essential

for rebuilding Libya’s economy and achieving sustainable

development.

THE OTHER SIDE

focused on mastering the French language and its grammar. This

aimed at enhancing and improving the social and humanitarian

Dr. Haftar holds a black belt in Kung Fu and actively engages

experience provided him with a solid cultural foundation and indepth

academic expertise.

conditions of Libyans and Arabs. He is committed to combating

the scourge of poverty and promoting effective strategies to

eliminate it.

SIDDIQ HAFTAR, A PROMINENT BUSINESSMAN

in various marine activities such as diving and swimming. He

also practices billiards, chess, squash, tennis, table tennis, golf,

horseback riding, and more. He is committed to promoting

THE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION FILE

He works diligently to support and implement programs for training,

qualification, and empowerment of the new generation, with

In addition to his significant contributions in the social, sports,

and cultural fields, Siddiq Haftar also stands out as a businessman

and is widely regarded as an influential figure in the

sports across different regions of Libya, especially in Benghazi,

by sponsoring and supporting festivals and events dedicated to

a wide variety of athletic disciplines.

Siddiq Haftar has emerged prominently on the local, regional,

the goal of raising their standard of living. He pays particular at-

business sector.

and international political stage through his active role in the

“National Reconciliation in Libya” file — a project and objective

he is deeply committed to, viewing it as the only path toward

tention to the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalised, helping

them play an active role in addressing the complex challenges of

the 21st century.

Driven by his strategic vision to harness Libya’s vast lands and

natural wealth, Dr. Haftar has launched several projects focused

HONOURS AND AWARDS

achieving political stability in Libya.

on developing agriculture and water resources, aiming to achieve

Dr. Siddiq Haftar has received numerous awards in recognition of

In February 2025, he was officially appointed by the General

Commander of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, Field Marshal

SIGNING OF INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

food security and self-sufficiency. Notably, he has spearheaded

the implementation of the fifth phase of the Great Man-Made

River project, which involves transferring groundwater from the

his contributions and achievements in Libya, across Africa, and

in the Arab world. These honours include medals and accolades

in fields such as peace, science, literature, arts, and sports. Most

Khalifa Haftar, to lead the Office of Social Affairs at the General

Dr. Siddiq Khalifa Haftar firmly believes that economic and devel-

depths of the Libyan desert to cities and villages in the Green

recently, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Modern

Command. In addition, he was entrusted by the Field Marshal

opmental progress is the foundation of national stability. Central

Mountain region. This strategic initiative spans a wide geograph-

Cambridge College in the United Kingdom, in tribute to his distin-

with heading the High Commission for National Reconciliation,

to this vision is the signing of international cooperation agree-

ic area and serves a dense population, contributing significantly

guished record of national service.

as well as the Coordinating Committee for the Movement of

ments with both Arab and Western institutions, with the goal of

to the development of agriculture in these regions. Ultimately, the

Unity and National Cohesion.

project is expected to improve the national economy overall and

enhance the quality of life for Libyan citizens.

In this capacity, Siddiq Haftar holds meetings with Libyan political

parties, civil society organisations, and tribal leaders under

the banner of national reconciliation. He has repeatedly affirmed

that the optimal solution to the Libyan crisis must come from

within — through a Libyan-Libyan consensus, free from foreign

interference.

Dr. Siddiq Haftar’s primary goals include promoting the values of

societal peace and rebuilding trust among communities, supporting

national dialogue initiatives to achieve stability, and designing

effective programs for reintegrating those affected by conflicts,

while fostering a culture of tolerance and rejecting violence.

Since his early years, Siddiq Haftar has been — and continues to

be — a leading supporter of sports and cultural development, as

well as the empowerment of youth in Libya. He provides valuable

support to youth projects and is actively involved in initiatives

that promote Libyan sports talent. Believing strongly in the

importance of comprehensive support for personal development,

Dr. Siddiq Haftar

Photo: Istock

198 199

SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE PROJECT

TECHNOLOGICAL PARK

IN KAZAKHSTAN

An Initiative by Seneka Poland Investment SRC

• Digital customs management system compliant with WTO and

EU standards;

• Facilitated employment of foreign specialists, including simplified

visa, work, and residency permit procedures for qualified

personnel;

• The objective is to create an open, efficient, and investororiented

regulatory environment to support long-term foreign

engagement.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND KEY SECTORS

In response to the growing interest of foreign investors in the

investments, managing land resources, and ensuring compliance

Central Asian market and Kazakhstan’s strategic location on the

with legal standards.

The SEZ will feature comprehensive industrial infrastructure,

New Silk Road, Seneka Poland Investment SRC announces the

including modern logistics centers, warehouses, industrial parks,

launch of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project in the country.

The initiative aims to attract foreign capital, develop modern industrial

infrastructure, and integrate Kazakhstan’s economy into

INCENTIVES FOR INVESTORS

and zones dedicated to sectors such as light industry, electronics,

agri-food processing, renewable energy, and logistics.

global production networks.

LOCATION AND GEOSTRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

Entities investing in the Kazakh SEZ can expect a wide range of

benefits, including:

• Corporate income tax (CIT) exemption for 10 years;

• Exemption from customs duties and VAT on imports and

exports within the free trade zone;

PARTNERSHIPS AND SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT

The project envisions collaboration with international financial in-

Piotr Bura, CEO, SENEKA GROUP

SENEKA POLAND INVESTMENT SRC Sp. z o.o.

The SEZ will be established near key transport corridors of the

• Property and land tax exemptions for 10 years;

stitutions, universities, EU partners, and Asian countries. Empha-

Aleje Jerozolimskie 89/43, 02-001 Warszawa

Silk Road linking China and Europe via Kazakhstan. Owing to its

• Unrestricted repatriation of profits abroad;

sis will be placed on implementing environmentally sustainable

biuro@senekapoland.com

existing and expanding road, rail, and logistics infrastructure, the

• Fast-track business registration within 5 working days;

technologies, promoting low-emission solutions, and developing

region has the potential to become a strategic distribution and

• Legal and tax framework stability guaranteed for 25 years;

local workforce skills.

industrial hub. The project also supports economic diversification

• Full foreign ownership permitted without the requirement for a

in Kazakhstan, whose economy is still heavily dependent on the

local partner.

extractive sector.

Access to preferential land lease terms with the possibility of

LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND REGULATORY

TRANSPARENCY

The SEZ will operate under the principles of international com-

conversion into long-term usage rights.

INVESTOR-FRIENDLY ADMINISTRATION

mercial law, including the Vienna Convention on Contracts for the

To foster an investment-conducive environment, the project will

International Sale of Goods, ensuring transparency and security

implement modern administrative solutions:

in economic transactions. The zone’s operations will be overseen

• One-stop-shop system for handling all necessary formalities in

by an independent Economic Council, appointed by Kazakh-

one place;

stan’s Ministry of Economy in cooperation with Seneka Poland

• Priority registration for businesses and expedited issuance of

Investment SRC. The Council will be responsible for approving

licenses and certificates;

Photo: Istock

200 201

STRATEGIC PROJECT

FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AQUACULTURE

IN KAZAKHSTAN

Seneka Poland Sp. z o.o. is a company specialising in the

production of innovative, healthy, and functional feeds for most

farmed fish species, and experts in fish farming, particularly of

species such as salmon, trout, sturgeon, catfish, carp, tilapia,

and others. It collaborates with universities and research

institutes in Poland and abroad, with the leading partner being

the Poznań University of Life Sciences. The company uses

top-quality raw materials in our feed production, which allows us

to achieve optimal farming results and the highest body weight

gains in the shortest possible time (FCR – Feed Conversion

Rate). Continuous innovation in feed manufacturing enables the

company to improve and adapt products to the specific and

changing needs of various fish species and the environmental

conditions in which they are raised.

Seneka Poland has a long-standing history of cooperation with

external research institutions, which has allowed it to secure a

strong position in the market for extruded fish feed.

OBJECTIVE: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Kazakhstan has implemented a national program to develop

aquaculture. According to scientists and industry experts,

the potential of the country’s fish farming sector is estimated

at 600,000 tons of farmed fish annually. Kazakhstan aims to

increase fish farming volumes to 270,000 tons per year by 2030.

For the past five years, specialists from the Seneka Poland Holding

have been studying the aquaculture sector in Kazakhstan

and have identified several issues that hinder active growth and

development of the industry. These include: a lack of high-quality

aquaculture feeds, limitations on the export of farmed fish, insufficient

product quality control, lack of processing plants meeting

international standards, shortage of qualified professionals,

challenges with pathogens and viruses, lack of fish vaccination

technologies, and inadequate preventative farming practices.

Seneka Poland aims to address and resolve these challenges,

which will create real opportunities for economic growth in multiple

areas of the aquaculture sector, generate new jobs, increase

per capita fish consumption, and – through a complete certification

chain – unlock the global export market potential. In the face

of shrinking water resources and climate change, it is our mission

and responsibility to support Kazakhstan in managing its water

resources effectively, which will provide a solid foundation for the

growth of aquaculture in the country.

Initially, the priority was the construction of a fish feed production

plant. To this end, the Seneka Poland Holding signed a memorandum

with the state company KAZAKH INVEST regarding the

construction of such a facility. However, it was later concluded

that a single plant would not resolve all of the sector’s challenges

and would likely result in repeated breaks in the certification

supply chain. Experts from Seneka Poland collectively recognised

that aquaculture in Kazakhstan requires a comprehensive

transformation to enable the production of high-quality certified

end products and to open up access to international markets.

In this context, the Holding developed a comprehensive concept

for the development of the aquaculture industry in the Republic

of Kazakhstan. It includes the construction of 7 projects in

Astana and 7 corresponding projects in Almaty, with a total

investment of EUR 760 million:

1. Hatchery, incubation and vaccination of fish

2. Scientific and Research Center

3. Feed production plant for fish and farm animals

4. Accredited laboratory

5. Own fish farms

6. Fish processing plant

7. Distribution and Logistics

Seneka Poland Holding plans to locate its production facilities

within a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under the provisions of the

Vienna Convention.

This initiative presents an opportunity to attract our investment

partners who are interested in undertaking large-scale projects

across various sectors of the Kazakh economy, with a total estimated

value exceeding EUR 5 billion.





Photo: Istock

202 203

SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE PROJECT

TECHNOLOGY PARK

IN KYRGYZSTAN

An Initiative by Seneka Poland Investment SRC

A key distinguishing feature of the Kyrgyz SEZ will be the full

integration of administrative incentives, aimed at eliminating bureaucratic

obstacles and ensuring efficient support for investors.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT MEASURES

With support from the Kyrgyz government and international

institutions, the following streamlined administrative procedures

will be implemented:

In response to the growing interest of foreign investors in Central

The zone will be governed by a dedicated legislative framework

• One-stop-shop system – enabling all formalities related to

Asian markets and the strategic importance of the Silk Road,

overseen by an independent Economic Council, appointed

business registration, building permits, taxation, customs, and

Seneka Poland Investment SRC announces an ambitious project

by the Ministry of Economy of Kyrgyzstan in cooperation with

infrastructure access to be completed in one place,

to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kyrgyzstan. This

Seneka Poland Investment SRC. The Council will be responsi-

• Priority registration track – ensuring business registration

initiative aims to attract foreign capital, develop modern industrial

ble for reviewing investment projects, managing land use, and

within 3-5 business days, along with expedited issuance of

infrastructure, and integrate Kyrgyzstan’s economy into global

monitoring business operations for compliance with established

licenses, certifications, and operational permits,

supply chains.

standards.

• Automated customs and border system – digital handling of

import and export processes to minimise clearance times, in

International Cooperation and Sustainable Development

LOCATION AND GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE

INCENTIVES AND BENEFITS FOR INVESTORS

line with WTO and EU standards,

• Simplified hiring of foreign experts – the zone will offer a fasttrack

process for visas, work permits, and residence permits

The project will be implemented in close collaboration with

international institutions including financial organisations, banks,

various foundations, universities, and partners from the European

The new economic zone will be located near strategic Silk Road

Investors operating within the Kyrgyz SEZ will benefit from a

for managerial staff and highly qualified professionals from

Union and Asia. Particular emphasis will be placed on sustain-

transport corridors connecting China to Europe through Central

comprehensive package of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives,

outside Kyrgyzstan.

able development, adoption of low-emission technologies, and

Asia. Its proximity to railways, highways, and developing logistics

including:

training of local skilled labour.

hubs makes it a key transit and production point in the region.

These initiatives are designed to create a transparent, flexible,

The SEZ also aims to stimulate the local labour market and diver-

• Corporate income tax (CIT) exemption for 10 years;

and investment-friendly administrative environment to encourage

sify Kyrgyzstan’s economy, which currently relies mainly on the

• Exemption from customs duties and VAT on imports into and

long-term foreign presence in the region.

mining and agricultural sectors.

exports from the duty-free zone;


• Property and land tax exemption for 10 years;

The project includes the development of a comprehensive indus-


LEGAL FRAMEWORK – STABILITY AND

TRANSPARENCY

• No restrictions on repatriation of profits abroad;

• Fast-track business registration within 5 working days;

• Legal and tax framework stability guaranteed for at least

25 years;

trial, logistics, and service infrastructure. The SEZ will feature a

modern logistics centre, dry port zones, and industrial parks

for sectors such as light manufacturing, electronics, logistics,

agri-food processing, and green energy.



The SEZ will operate based on the provisions of the Vienna

• 100 percent foreign ownership allowed without the requirement

Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods,

for local partnerships.

ensuring transparent and secure trade transactions. The

implementation of international commercial law is intended to

Preferential land access and long-term lease options, including

build investor confidence and provide a neutral, stable, and

the possibility to convert usage rights into perpetual usufruct.

clear legal environment.

Photo: Shutterstock

204 205

STRATEGIC PROJECT

FOR THE DEVELOPMENT

OF AQUACULTURE

IN KYRGYZSTAN

Seneka Poland Sp. z o.o. is a company specialising in the

OBJECTIVE: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

production of innovative, healthy, and functional feeds for most

farmed fish species, and experts in fish farming, particularly of

Kyrgyzstan is intensifying its efforts to develop the national aqua-

species such as salmon, trout, sturgeon, catfish, carp, tilapia,

culture sector. Experts and scientists estimate the country’s fish

and others. It collaborates with universities and research insti-

farming potential at up to 300,000 tons annually. The government

tutes in Poland and abroad, with the leading partner being the

aims to increase production to 100,000 tons per year by 2030.

Poznań University of Life Sciences.

For the past seven years, Seneka Poland’s team of specialists

The company uses top-quality raw materials in our feed produc-

has conducted in-depth analyses of Kyrgyzstan’s aquaculture

tion, which allows us to achieve optimal farming results and the

sector, identifying numerous challenges that hinder its devel-

highest body weight gains in the shortest possible time (FCR

opment. Key obstacles include: lack of access to high-quality

– Feed Conversion Rate). Continuous innovation in feed manu-

fish feed, export restrictions, insufficient product quality control,

facturing enables the company to improve and adapt products to

shortage of processing facilities that meet international stand-

the specific and changing needs of various fish species and the

ards, a deficit of qualified professionals, issues with fish diseases

environmental conditions in which they are raised.

and infections, absence of vaccination technologies, and low

effectiveness of preventative farming practices.

Seneka Poland Holding intends to locate its production facilities

Seneka Poland has a long-standing history of cooperation with

within a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), under the provisions of

external research institutions, which has helped it secure a strong

Seneka Poland recognises these challenges and intends to play

the Vienna Convention.


position in the market for extruded fish feed.

an active role in addressing them. Our goal is to implement com-


prehensive solutions that will foster the dynamic development of

This initiative provides an opportunity to attract our investment


the sector, increase employment, raise per capita fish consump-

partners interested in executing large-scale projects in various


tion, and open up Kyrgyz aquaculture to international markets

sectors of the Kyrgyz economy.

through compliance with certification standards.

In the face of global climate change and growing water scarcity,

our priority is to support Kyrgyzstan in managing its water

resources sustainably and efficiently – a key to the long-term

development of the country’s fisheries sector.

In this regard, Seneka Poland has developed an aquaculture

market development strategy. It envisions the implementation

of seven large-scale, certification-linked projects with integrated

logistics, valued at EUR 360 million:

1. Hatchery, incubation and vaccination of fish

2. Scientific and Research Center

3. Feed production plant for fish and farm animals

4. Accredited laboratory

5. Own fish farms

6. Fish processing plant

7. Distribution and logistics

Photo: Piotr Bura, CEO, SENEKA GROUP

206 207

Photo: Shutterstock

A CELEBRATION OF ARMENIAN HERITAGE

IN BRUSSELS

Séléna Baghumyan

On the sunny morning of June 1, Georges Brugmann Square in

also present, bringing a crosscultural broadcast dimension that

the municipality of Ixelles transformed into a vibrant symbol of

amplified the event’s reach. This confluence of diplomatic grace

cultural diplomacy as it hosted Belgium’s first-ever Armenian Fair.

and cultural expression highlighted the fair’s essence: intercultur-

The event was organised by the Embassy of Armenia to Belgium

al dialogue grounded in mutual respect which is a cornerstone of

/ Mission of Armenia to the EU, in partnership with the munic-

contemporary diplomacy.

ipality of Ixelles, the BelgianArmenian Chamber of Commerce

(BACC), and BelgaHay Radio. It was an inspiring testament to

the power of cultural exchange in forging international bonds.

This landmark event coincided with the International Children’s

WEAVING CULTURE, CUISINE, AND HERITAGE

Day, first declared in 1925 at the World Conference on Child

During the day, the Brugmann Square was buzzing with activity:

Welfare in Geneva. In Armenian society, children are perceived

15 pavilions representing Armenian culture, cuisine, and artistry

as the embodiment of hope and the future, making this occasion

were present to welcome and entertain the visitors. Moreover,

deeply significant. The fair underscored that sentiment, spotlight-

traditional dances took place across the square, while music per-

ing the joy, innocence, and promise that children represent, and

formances and visual art displays immersed guests in a day of

marking a poignant reaffirmation of shared values among diverse

rich sensory engagement. The beloved “Nemrut” ensemble per-

communities.

formed folk songs and dance routines, capturing the essence of

Armenia’s artistic heritage. The attendees indulged in Armenian

IXELLES: A SYMBOLIC LOCATION

culinary delights, including freshly baked lavash bread, the

savoury aroma of khorovats (barbecue), and the sweet allure

of baklava, gata (Armenian sweet bread) and dried fruits. This

The choice of Ixelles as the fair’s venue was far from accidental.

created moments of convivial exchange and underscored the

At the beginning of the festivities, H.E. Tigran Balayan, Armenia’s

essential role of food and music in cultural diplomacy, fostering

Ambassador to Belgium and the EU, and Mayor Romain De

connection beyond words or policy.

Reusme, explained that Ixelles holds a meaningful place in

municipality of Ixelles to ensure municipal support and commu-

people together across boundaries in order to shape shared

BelgianArmenian history. Indeed, it is home to the Saint Mary

Magdalene Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Genocide

Memorial, and the original Armenian Embassy building in

Belgium. Therefore, it was important for the organisers to host

the fair in this culturally symbolic space, to honour the centuries

long Armenian presence and resilience in Europe.

A DIPLOMATIC GATHERING WITH A CULTURAL

TOUCH

DIPLOMATIC VOICES OF UNITY

During his opening speech, Ambassador Balayan acknowledged

the contribution of the municipality of Ixelles, BACC, BelgaHay

Radio, and all involved participants. He noted that despite difficult

chapters in Armenian history, the festival was a proclamation

of identity and renewal. He expressed gratitude to all attendees,

reiterating that the event’s location symbolically anchored

ArmenianBelgian history and underscored contacts between

diaspora communities and European institutions. Furthermore,

nity engagement. The BACC brought its expertise in promoting

diaspora entrepreneurship. BelgaHay Radio helped amplify the

event through their audiovisual content and community outreach.

LOOKING AHEAD: BUILDING ON CULTURAL

DIPLOMACY

As the fair concluded under a radiant Brussels sky, it left behind

more than memories because it laid the foundation for deeper

engagement. The success of this event opens the door to future

understanding and reinforce peaceful coexistence

CONCLUSION: A CULTURAL MILESTONE

The Armenian Fair in Ixelles shone as a celebration of identity,

unity, and intercultural respect. It emphasised the potential of

cultural events to advance diplomatic aims: to transcend protocols

and connect people at the most human level.

Therefore, as a proud member of the Armenian community in

The fair was attended by a distinguished diplomatic audience;

he announced plans for the Armenian fair to become an annual

cultural diplomacy initiatives: from scholarly forums, political

Belgium and a representative of Diplomatic World, I extend heart-

Ambassadors, EU officials, representatives from the European

tradition in Armenia’s cultural diplomacy outreach in the heart of

briefings, and arts exhibitions to collaborative educational pro-

felt thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this

Parliament and community leaders who joined the celebration

Europe.

gramming taking their roots in Armenian heritage.

event: diplomats, municipal officials, sponsors, artists, volunteers

of Armenian culture. Among them were H.E. Sapar Palvanov,

and most importantly the guests. Their vision and dedication

Ambassador of Turkmenistan; H.E. Aidit Erkin, Ambassador of

Kyrgyzstan; H.E. Arman Israelian, Head of Mission of Armenia to

NATO; Luc Pierre Devigne, Deputy Managing Director for Europe

A NETWORK OF COLLABORATION

For Diplomatic World, this fair was a captivating illustration of

modern diplomacy in action: where culture meets policy, dialogue

meets identity, and tradition meets innovation. Indeed, by

have set the stage for an enduring cultural diplomacy tradition.

All photos: Embassy of Armenia

and Central Asia at the EEAS; and Julie de Groote, Alderwom-

The success of this inaugural celebration was the result of strong

celebrating Armenian traditions in the heart of Brussels, the fair

an of Ixelles. Media representatives from BelgaHay Radio were

partnerships. The Armenian Embassy worked closely with the

reaffirmed diplomacy’s most profound purpose which is to bring

208 209

NE ZHA 2 CONQUERS BRUSSELS

WITH EPIC PREMIERE

Anna Ignatova,

Reporter, Travel Tomorrow

A night of magic, mythology, and animated spectacle blazed

“Animation is something Belgians and the Chinese have in com-

onto the big screen as Ne Zha 2 made its highly anticipated Bel-

mon”, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, H.E. Fei Shengchao,

gian premiere at Kinepolis Brussels on 26 March. The sequel to

underlined in his speech at the premiere.

the epic animated hit brings back China’s most rebellious mythological

hero for an even bigger and bolder adventure, where the

The partnership between China and the EU has evolved beyond

audience can enjoy stunning visuals, spectacular battles, and a

political and economic cooperation, expanding into rich cultural

heartfelt story about destiny and defiance while delving into the

exchanges that foster deeper understanding and collaboration

rich tapestry of Chinese folklore.

in fields such as the arts, education, and media. The success of

Chinese films like Ne Zha 2 in European markets is a testament

Ne Zha 2 has already set records worldwide, surpassing previous

to how shared cultural experiences can bridge gaps and build

box office records and becoming the first non-Hollywood movie

stronger bonds.

to exceed USD 1 billion in a single market. Its premiere in Belgium

marks a significant moment for international animation, and

“After thousands of years, we still use pictures as our language,

as this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations

that’s the Chinese Mandarin language, and in Belgium, we are

between China and the EU, it also serves as a powerful symbol

very familiar with TinTin story, with Smurfs stories…and as we all

know, a beautiful picture speaks louder than a thousand words”,

the Cuiping Mountain Scenic Area in Yibin and Ne Zha Palace in

of the strengthening cultural ties between the two.

concluded H.E. Fei Shengchao.

Sichuan Province saw record-high visitor numbers, with Ne Zha

Palace attracting approximately 8,000 visitors after the Spring

NE ZHA 2: SYNOPSIS

Festival. Other movie-related sites, including Yibin, Jiangyou, and

the Ne Zha Ancestral Temple in Xixia County, also experienced

an increase in tourism, with hotel bookings doubling and overall

In Ne Zha 2, the beloved hero Ne Zha and his rival-turned-ally,

visits rising by 18 percent.

Ao Bing, were struck by heavenly lightning, after which they lost

their physical forms. To restore them, their master sacrifices a

Beyond the cultural impact, Ne Zha 2 is boosting local econo-

powerful artifact, giving them a chance to regain their bodies, but

mies through themed events and a surge in merchandise sales,

with a catch – Ao Bing must share Ne Zha’s body while the two

with online purchases surpassing 50 million Yuan on Taobao, one

embark on three trials to prove themselves. Along the way, they

of China’s top e-commerce platforms.

uncover dark secrets that threaten not just their own futures, but

the balance of power between the heavens and the mortal world.

Furthering the tourism surge, China expanded the list of nations

Filled with intense action and deep emotional stakes, Ne Zha 2 is

that can visit the country without a visa and also relaxed its tran-

a thrilling adventure of friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery.

sit policy, extending the stay for eligible foreign travellers to 240

hours (10 days) and expanding travel regions, leading to a 112

SPARKING INTEREST IN CHINESE CULTURE AND

TOURISM

percent increase in visa-free foreign tourism.

The film’s success has even influenced online searches for these

regions, proving the power of cinematic influence on travel. As

Ne Zha 2 draws inspiration from the 16th-century Chinese novel

tourism continues to grow, Xixia Cultural Tourism Development

“The Investiture of the Gods”, making China a hotspot not only

Service Centre is offering movie tickets as part of their promo-

for adventurous travellers and anime fans but also mythology

tional packages, along with China’s Travel with Chinese Films

enthusiasts from all over the world.

program offering themed travel routes that allow tourists to

explore iconic filming locations while enjoying the country’s stun-

The release of Ne Zha 2 has sparked a significant surge in

ning natural landscapes, creating the ultimate fan experience.

tourism to locations tied to the film’s story and its cultural roots.

With the wave of set-jetting travel, popular destinations such as

All photos: Courtesy of Dingzhe Zhao | Xinhua News Agency

210 211

LIÈGE AFRICAN MARKET:

CELEBRATING VISIBILITY,

DIGNITY, AND ECONOMIC VITALITY

Now in its fifth edition, the Liège African Market has emerged as

a vital platform for cultural expression, entrepreneurial visibility,

and intergenerational empowerment. Organised by the non-profit

association Afrodyssée, the event has become a landmark in

Wallonia, gathering African and Afro-descendant entrepreneurs,

artists, and civic actors in a space where narratives are no longer

shaped from the margins, but owned at the centre.

Held in the heart of Liège, the 2025 edition brought together

more than 70 exhibitors across fashion, gastronomy, crafts, literature,

and innovation. The event featured a dynamic programme

of performances, panels, and workshops—drawing a large,

diverse audience and positioning the Market as a true meeting

point for culture, commerce, and community. This year’s theme,

“Visibility, Dignity, Transmission,” reflected a deeper mission: to

foster inclusive development, challenge outdated representations,

and affirm the richness of diasporic identities. Beyond its

festive atmosphere, the Market acts as a civic platform—where

communities assert themselves not only as cultural contributors,

but as full-fledged economic and social stakeholders.

Diplomatic World was honoured to support this fifth edition as

a media partner, in alignment with our commitment to spotlighting

initiatives that amplify under-represented voices and foster

meaningful engagement across cultures.

In a global context where questions of representation, equity, and

inclusion are ever more urgent, the Liège African Market offers a

compelling example of local diplomacy in action—where stories

are reclaimed, excellence is celebrated, and futures are shaped

through ambition and authenticity. By bridging generations and

sectors, the Market continues to embody the essence of purposeful

storytelling—one rooted in pride, resilience, and shared

vision.


212 213

Munich/Washington, D.C. – With a clear mission to promote

global stability and sustainable development, the Intergovernmental

Organization United Alliance for Sustainable Development

Goals (UnASDG IGO) presents itself as a significant platform for

international cooperation.

INTERNATIONAL STABILITY THROUGH

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

INTRODUCING THE UnASDG IGO

As a sovereign intergovernmental organization, the UnASDG IGO

was established by international founding treaty on June 6, 2019.

Its mission is to support States & Sovereigns and the indigenous

population strategically in implementing the 17 Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 targets as defined by the

United Nations and adopted by 193 Heads of States at the UN

General Assembly on 25th September 2015 in New York.

international experts in business, security, science, and technology.

Its goal is to promote sustainable stability through crisis response,

international networking, and diplomatic bridge-building.

The ICCDA coordinates aid in crisis regions, creates synergies

between governments, businesses, and NGOs, and supports

projects in developing and transitional countries.

GLOBAL COOPERATION WITH IMPACT

The organization already maintains successful collaborations

with more than 30 States and is currently preparing further

specific collaborations with countries such as Uganda, Vietnam,

Botswana, Kenya, Ghana, CAR and Tanzania.

THE UNASDG IGO LEADERSHIP

Senator Pat Meyer – President of the UnASDG IGO

As founder and President of the UnASDG IGO and heading

the Security Council jointly with Se. Glenn W. Hill and Se. Gen.

Wesley K. Clark (ret.), Senator Pat Meyer is responsible for the

strategic leadership of the organization.

With extensive experience in international politics and development,

he represents the interests of UnASDG at the highest diplomatic

level and advocates for sustainable stability and progress

worldwide.

Senator Hans Pflanz – Vice President of the UnASDG IGO

Senator Hans Pflanz contributes many years of leadership experience

in economic and financial cooperation.

As Vice President, he leads operational projects and partnerships,

strengthening the connection between the public sector,

investors, and regional stakeholders.

HONORARY CONSUL MICHAEL G. HÄCKEL –

SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNASDG IGO

As Secretary General, Michael Häckel coordinates the organization’s

international bodies, programs, and diplomatic relations.

In addition to his role at UnASDG IGO, he also serves as

Honorary Consul of the Republic of Panama and is an experienced

bridge-builder between public and private development

actors.

CONTACT & PARTICIPATION

Countries, institutions, and investors are invited to join the

network and collectively achieve the global sustainability goals.

More information and partnership inquiries are available through

the Office of the President or at www.unasdg.org.

UnASDG IGO Office of the President,

president.office@unasdg.com, phone: +1-202-6759775

The organization operates on the basis of international treaties,

is recognized under international law, and possesses an independent

legal personality, enabling it to enter into international

agreements and maintain diplomatic relations.

Its headquarters are located in Washington, D.C., with additional

strategic offices in London and current regional offices in Suriname,

South Sudan, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

These range from infrastructure projects and water supply to

urban development. Certification programs for sustainable urban

development, the CITIGUARD security program, and partnerships

with aviation authorities and governmental development

agencies highlight the diversity of its portfolio.

CORE OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The central tasks of the UnASDG IGO include technical consulting,

innovative financing solutions, monitoring of sustainable

development projects, and the development and application of

new technologies.

Special emphasis is placed on building stable micro- and macroeconomic

systems, particularly through the establishment of

its own Sovereign Wealth Fund & Trust (SWFT) and an independent

Monetary Authority, which can provide funding—including

non-repayable grants in cooperation with national central banks.

DIPLOMATIC BRIDGE: THE ICCDA

A key component of the UnASDG IGO is its diplomatic arm,

the Interconsular Council for Diplomatic Affairs (ICCDA). This

high-level body brings together consuls, diplomats, and

Photo: Istock

214 215

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

IN COLLABORATION

WITH STATES & SOVEREIGNS

FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

AND HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVES

Additionally, UnASDG actively promotes and facilitates the

integration of innovative technologies into national development

agendas and develops jointly with USD Mint special inititiatives

for indigenous poeple, students, elderly people, refugees and

many more.

We welcome the opportunity to provide further details and respond

to any specific questions you may have. Our leadership—

Senator Patrick Meyer, Executive President, and Mr. Michael

Häckel, Secretary General and Honorary Consul of the Republic

of Panama in Bavaria, Germany—remain at your disposal to

discuss potential collaborations.

We look forward to exploring avenues of cooperation that contribute

to sustainable growth, resilience, and inclusive development.

In my capacity as the official representative and sole signatory of

the intergovernmental organisation United Alliance for Sustainable

Development Goals (UnASDG IGO), I am pleased to express

our interest in working in close partnership with national governments

to support initiatives that advance the well-being and

development of the country’s most vulnerable communities.

UnASDG is dedicated to facilitating the implementation of national

development plans and programs that are aligned with the

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We are equally committed to the design and execution of humanitarian

aid initiatives, carried out in collaboration with local

governments and institutions.

These efforts are supported by the Interconsular Council on

Diplomatic Affairs (ICCDA) [www.iccda.us], a strategic body of

UnASDG that enhances our ability to provide meaningful diplomatic

and logistical support.

Our approach emphasises tangible, measurable impact in key

areas such as health, education, food security, environmental

resilience, and economic sustainability. A core component of our

framework is the CITIGUARD Program, which integrates protective

measures for individuals and communities.

We firmly believe that collaboration between the public and

private sectors can yield significant improvements in the quality

of life for the most disadvantaged populations. Our organisation

promotes this through coordinated action and shared governance

with our Member States.

UnASDG operates through several key departments, including:

• The Interconsular Council for Diplomatic Affairs, comprising

Honorary Consuls and high-level business representatives

leading State economic commissions.

• The Council of Experts, uniting scientists, industry leaders, and

innovators engaged in all domains relevant to the 17 SDGs.

• The Security Council, composed of renowned international experts

in cybersecurity, peacebuilding, border control, mission

education, and development security.

• The SDG Research and Auditing Department, responsible

for ESG and SDG certification of cities, states, projects, and

organisations—providing the foundation for funding allocations

and global SDG performance scoring.

• The affiliated Monetary Authority to fund National Development

Plans, Programs and special SDG Initiatives with Dual Currency

Systems.

This program is being expanded in partnership with States to

ensure transparency, security, and effectiveness in both funding

and implementation.

UnASDG offers the following resources and capacities to States

and Sovereign Entities, including indigenous populations:

1. Provision of funding, technology, and specialised expertise,

with a focus on priority areas identified by the respective

government.

2. Technical and logistical support for humanitarian, economic,

and infrastructure projects on a national scale.

3. Strategic alliances with local and international stakeholders to

strengthen the reach and sustainability of initiatives.

Photo: Istock

216 217

INTRODUCING THE ASEAN BRUSSELS

COMMITTEE

The diplomatic missions of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

(ASEAN) Member States based in Brussels play a vital role

in sustaining and advancing relationships with the Kingdom

of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the European Union

ASEAN Brussels Committee Ambassadors with the European Council’s Asia-Oceania Working Party (COASI) and European External Action Service (EEAS).

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is one of

Observer State and soon to be admitted as the 11th Member of

the world’s foremost regional organisations, a powerful engine of

ASEAN.

As two of the most successful regional blocs in the world, the

public health, good governance, skills development and higher

economic growth and stability in Asia, a driving force for pros-

EU-ASEAN partnership exemplifies the power of cooperation

education. For example, in 2022, ASEAN and the EU signed a

perity and innovation and a model for the promotion of unity and

The ABC is supported by a Working Group composed of

in addressing shared challenges and creating opportunities for

Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement, the world’s first bloc-

solidarity among peoples of different nations.

mid-level diplomats and a Sub-Committee on Trade (SCoT)

mutual growth. The EU first became an ASEAN Dialogue Partner

to-bloc aviation agreement which will boost the opening up of

composed of the trade, commercial or customs attachés of

in 1977. More than four decades later, in 2020, EU-ASEAN

new markets and facilitate people-to-people flows between our

As a central actor in the maintenance of regional and global

their respective Embassies.

relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership. The resulting

two regions.

peace and security, ASEAN upholds the principle on the conduct

Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership

of external relations enshrined in its Charter, which mandates

The ABC’s mandate encompasses diplomatic relations with the

(2023-2027) has guided and sustained the positive momentum of

Belgium and Luxembourg also offer broad opportunities for

ASEAN to develop friendly ties and mutually beneficial dialogue

Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the

ASEAN-EU ties, as the two blocs widen the scale and scope of

ASEAN to bolster cooperation on trade and investment, technol-

cooperation and partnerships with countries and sub-regional,

European Union, to which all ABC members are accredited. The

their engagements.

ogy and innovation, and culture and education, among others.

regional and international organisations. The diplomatic missions

diplomatic missions of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos,

Belgium’s world-leading expertise in such sectors as trans-

of ASEAN Member States abroad are key elements in sustaining

Myanmar and Singapore also hold concurrent jurisdictions over

Economic cooperation is at the core of the relationship given that

port and logistics, pharmaceuticals, space technologies, and

and advancing the bloc’s relationships, especially in the world’s

certain other EU Member States.

each counts the other among its top three partners in terms of

semi-conductor R&D have been valuable platforms for economic

premier centres of international diplomacy.

bilateral trade and investment. ASEAN, home to over 680 million

and academic exchanges with ASEAN, while Luxembourg’s sta-

The ABC Chairmanship is rotated among the members on an

people and collectively the world’s fifth-largest economy, is a

tus as a global financial hub makes it a promising ASEAN partner

THE ASEAN BRUSSELS COMMITTEE (ABC)

alphabetical basis, with a term lasting six (6) months each. As

of the time of publication, the ABC Chairmanship is held by

Singapore, following the Philippines’ term covering January to

region that is increasingly driving global economic growth, and a

gateway to Asia for the EU. Moreover, Singapore and Viet Nam

have successfully concluded free trade agreements (FTA) with

in the development of financial technologies (Fintech) and green

finance mechanisms.

In Brussels – the beating diplomatic heart of Europe – ASE-

AN’s dynamism is embodied in the ASEAN Brussels Committee,

known as the ABC. The ABC consists of the Heads of the

resident diplomatic missions of all ten ASEAN Member States

comprising Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the

Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic,

June 2025.

DEEPENING PARTNERSHIPS IN THE BELGIUM,

LUXEMBOURG AND THE EU

EU, while other ASEAN Member States such as the Philippines,

Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia are at various stages of FTA

negotiations. An ASEAN-EU FTA has been reaffirmed as a common

long-term objective.

Driven by a common commitment to help shape a stable and

ABC ACTIVITIES IN 2025

Between January to June 2025, the ABC embarked on a number

of joint activities aimed at promoting ASEAN’s interests and exploring

further avenues for cooperation with European and host

Malaysia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic

The ABC plays an important role in deepening vital partnerships

peaceful world, ASEAN and EU also work hand-in-hand to

country institutions, as well as with other interlocutors.

of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of

with Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU, helping advance both

address both traditional and non-traditional security threats. We

The first major ABC activity of the year saw the ASEAN Ambas-

Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, along with

ASEAN’s goals as an organisation and the mission of each

also have strong and growing cooperation in, inter alia, climate

sadors sit down with Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, the EU Commissioner

the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste which is currently an

individual ASEAN Member State.

action, disaster risk reduction, connectivity and digitalisation,

for Trade and Economic Security, on 28 January 2025. The lively

218 219

ASEAN Brussels Committee Ambassadors meet with their counterparts from the Brussels-based resident diplomatic missions of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

ASEAN Brussels Committee Ambassadors meet with their counterparts from the Brussels-based resident diplomatic missions of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

discussions reflected the determination of both ASEAN and EU

to work even closer together and reap the outcomes of expanded

economic relations.

The ABC also interacts with other diplomatic groupings in Brussels,

and thus hosted a working lunch with diplomatic missions of the

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on 18 February 2025. The event

reaffirmed the traditionally strong ties between ASEAN and the

GCC, especially with the holding of the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit

and the first-ever ASEAN-GCC-China Summit under the 2025

ASEAN Chairship of Malaysia.

On 21 February 2025, the ABC met with capital-based directors

of the Asia-Oceania Working Party (COASI) of the Council of the

EU. The open and frank exchanges highlighted a keen desire to

enhance ASEAN-EU ties on the basis of equal partnerships.

Coinciding with its monthly meeting on 27 February 2025, the

ABC hosted a working lunch for Ms. Birgit Stevens, Director

General for Bilateral Affairs of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign

Affairs. The Director General briefed the ASEAN Ambassadors on

the foreign policy of the newly installed Belgian government and

exchanged views on key issues of the day.

The EU-ASEAN Business Council held a dinner reception for the

ABC on 26 March 2025, highlighting the policies and advocacies

that support greater involvement of the European business community

in the dynamic ASEAN economy.

In line with efforts to strengthen relations with Belgium’s

regional governments, the ABC worked with the Wallonia

Export and Investment Agency to organise a field visit by

ASEAN Ambassadors to the Liège Airport and Jost Logistics

n 23 May 2025. The event also allowed the ABC to network

with Wallonia-based companies and visit the Ars Mechanica

exhibit at the La Boverie Museum.

The ABC also engaged in working-level activities, including

ScoT’s interaction with the trade team of the then-Polish EU

Council Presidency, and a briefing on the Global Gateway by

DG INTPA organised with the ABC Working Group.

As the ABC transitions into the second half of the year under

Singapore’s Chairmanship, it will continue to build on this

momentum in fostering productive interactions, strengthening

engagement and collaboration, and deepening friendships with

institutions and stakeholders in Brussels.

All photos: ASEAN Brussels Committee

ASEAN Brussels Committee Ambassadors conduct the ASEAN handshake with Mrs. Birgit Stevens, the Belgian Foreign Ministry’s Director General for Bilateral Affairs.

220 221

As one of the first European logistics providers to enter China,

Ahlers Logistics has spent over 30 years on the ground navigating

and helping shape the evolution of the country’s logistics

landscape. From humble beginnings in a newly opening economy

to facilitating complex supply chains across continents, Ahlers’

story in China is one of foresight, adaptation, and long-term

commitment.

AHLERS IN CHINA:

PIONEERING LOGISTICS THROUGH

THREE DECADES OF CHANGE

Didier Duponselle,

Business Unit Director Consumer,

and Jeroen De Ryck, Business Unit Director Industry & Energy,

Ahlers Logistics

A GROUNDBREAKING START IN A NEW FRONTIER

Ahlers’ journey in China began in the early 1990s when the

Chinese market was just starting to open up to foreign businesses.

“We were one of the first European forwarders to step into the

Chinese market,” says Jeroen De Ryck, Business Unit Director

Industry & Energy. “At that time, there was a big need for expertise

in navigating local market nuances and very few high-quality

providers were available. Knowledge in logistics in China was still

developing, and we were there to fill that niche.”

Shanghai Mayor Huang Ju with Christian Leysen, Ahlers Shareholder, at Ahlers

HQ in Antwerp, 1994

Initially entering via a partnership with the Port of Shanghai,

Ahlers established a joint venture called Sibelcon – Sino-Belgian

Consultancy Company. The venture offered consultancy services,

representing equipment vendors and shipping lines, but also

handling logistics and forwarding. “We started small but grew

profitably by targeting the right customers – especially SMEs

from Europe looking to invest in or trade with China and who

expected high-quality service,” Jeroen explains.

As the Chinese economy accelerated, Ahlers focused increasingly

on forwarding, which became its core business. By 1993,

the venture had been rebranded as Ahlers China, phasing out

consultancy and representation services over time. Still, one of

the company’s early highlights was representing the international

shipping line Nile Dutch and launching its direct service from

China to Africa.

“It allowed us to connect with both local Chinese and foreign

orwarders, establishing a powerful network,” adds Didier

Duponselle, Business Unit Director Consumer.

LOGISTICS AT THE SPEED OF CHINA

China’s logistics industry has steadily expanded alongside the

country’s broader economic growth. From export-driven growth

to a new focus on domestic consumption, the shift has been

substantial. “The most significant trend today is the rise in domestic

consumption from what is produced locally,” Didier notes.

“Chinese consumers are wealthier and demand high-quality

products. That’s a major focus, starting a decade ago, from the

early days when logistics was all about exporting goods out of

China. Last year this acceleration was noticeable.

Business owners are also more critical of their trading partners.

As a Chinese business owner told me in Hangzhou that Europe

is visibly lagging in productivity, not shying away from questioning

and finger pointing the social climate and European work

attitude. E-commerce plays a pivotal role in this transformation.

“In big cities, groceries can be delivered to your doorstep in

under an hour and sometimes in 10 minutes,” Didier explains. “It

is faster and more advanced than what we see in many Western

countries. We’re no longer dealing with a developing market – it’s

closer to a mature and highly innovative one.”

Jeroen agrees, highlighting that logistics providers must match

this pace. “You feel the speed, development, and innovation

everywhere. As Ahlers being present in China, we have evolved

alongside it, now combining local expertise with innovation from

our headquarters to stay ahead.”

Today, Ahlers serves a broad range of industries in China – from

fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to heavy industrial cargo.

The company’s offerings are equally wide-ranging, including

solutions for containerized cargo, oversized out-of-gauge (OOG)

machinery, and even transit projects such as moving equipment

from India through China into Central Asia.

A particularly innovative service is Ahlers’ Importer of Record

offering, which enables Western companies to do business and

deliver on DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) terms in China without having

to establish their own legal entities with the related local obligations

such as the bookkeeping, office rental etc. “It’s ideal for

businesses that want to test the market or stay in control of their

supply chain, ensuring the quality and integrity of their products,

while also allowing them to deliver on the same terms as local

competitors or companies already established in China.

looking to expand into one of the world’s largest consumer and

manufacturing markets – without the risk and investment of setting

up local operations.

CHINA’S ENDURING ROLE IN GLOBAL LOGISTICS

Despite geopolitical complexities and rising competition from

other Asian markets, China remains a key market for European

companies – and a central pillar of Ahlers’ global operations.

“China has been, and will remain, the factory of the world,” says

Didier. “Even as low-value production moves to countries like

Vietnam and Thailand, the high-value, technically complex manufacturing

is still here and bound to stay for decades.” In order

not to neglect this trend, Ahlers has responded accordingly, by

expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia as well, including the

opening of a new office in Vietnam.

The continued relevance of China is also seen in Ahlers’ customer

base. “The majority of our clients in China are still European

companies,” Jeroen says. “They need reliable, high-quality logistics

services, and we understand the standards they expect.”

China’s logistics landscape has also matured significantly. “Thirty

years ago, knowledge among local forwarders was limited.

Today, that has changed completely,” says Jeroen. This shift has

led Ahlers to reduce its expat presence and rely more heavily on

skilled local professionals. “The quality of local talent is excellent.

We believe in the potential here – and it’s delivering,” Didier adds.

Beyond operations, Ahlers plays an active role in fostering

business ties between Europe and China. The company is a

founding member of the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce,

a platform promoting closer economic relations between Belgium

and China. It also actively participates in the Benelux Chamber

of Commerce East China in Shanghai, strengthening regional

collaboration and supporting European enterprises operating in

China. Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between

China and the EU, Ahlers proudly reaffirms its commitment

to building enduring partnerships and mutual growth between

the regions.

THE BELT AND ROAD: A CORRIDOR OF

OPPORTUNITY

Dai Lipeng, General Manager Ahlers China and King Albert II, 1993

At its peak, Ahlers operated up to 10 offices across the country.

Today, the company retains a select number of key locations

in Shanghai and Guangzhou, focused on the core logistics

functions such as international forwarding, project logistics,

warehousing, customs clearance, and value-added services

like ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note).

It can also be an interesting new route to market, besides or instead

of working through a local distributor.” says Didier. “We act

as their intermediary, ensuring smooth operations.” This service

plays a vital role in bridging Western businesses with China by

simplifying cross-border trade, removing barriers to entry, and

providing a trusted local presence that ensures compliance,

speed, and reliability. It’s a practical gateway for companies

One of the most impactful developments in recent years has

been China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which seeks to

strengthen trade corridors across Asia, the Middle East, and

Europe. Among these corridors, the Trans-Caspian International

Transport Route – or Middle Corridor – has emerged as a critical

alternative to traditional northern routes through Russia.

222 223

Dai Lipeng, Ahlers China’s first general manager, at the company’s 30th anniversary celebration in 2023

Loewe Luo, General Manager of Ahlers China, receiving the DaWo Best Team Award at the Benelux Awards 2024 in Shanghai

“This route is becoming increasingly important,” says Didier. “The There is a long-term infrastructure master plan in place to turn

importance cannot be neglected as it is the only unsanctioned what was once a historic caravan route into a modern trade

land corridor between Asia and Europe.

highway.

And we know that cargo flows according to the route with least

resistance, both in lead times as costs, as such it is only a matter

of time before the middle corridor will reach the volumes once

realized on the Northern route.

existing rail volumes can scale up quickly,” Didier explains.

“We’ve seen many customers shift some of their capacity off

the ocean routes and onto rail to stay resilient.”

LOOKING AHEAD

For Ahlers, the journey in China has always been about more

than logistics — it’s about connecting people, markets, and ideas

across continents.

Ahlers is also actively investing in the corridor, with new offices

in Türkiye and Georgia and expanding teams in Kazakhstan,

Uzbekistan, and China. “We’re not just reacting – we’re proactively

embedding ourselves in this growing ecosystem,” Didier

says. “It’s part of our core DNA and growth strategy.”

The company’s enduring presence in China, its early commitment

to building partnerships, and its adaptability to market dynamics

have made it a trusted partner for international businesses

navigating one of the world’s most complex and fast-moving

markets.

The COVID-19 pandemic and recent geopolitical disruptions

Celebrating 30 years in China in 2023, Ahlers continues to

– such as the Red Sea crisis and Suez Canal blockage – have

demonstrate the long-term vision and resilience that have

further underscored the corridor’s importance.

anchored its success in the region. “We want to be where our

clients source, where they deliver, and everywhere in between,”

“Rail offers faster transit than ocean freight in these situations,”

says Jeroen.

Jeroen notes. “It’s not perfect – there are still challenges like

some administrative hurdles, container shortages and rail gauge

“And in today’s economy, you simply can’t ignore China. You

differences – but things are improving rapidly.”

need to be there – and we are.” As China and the EU mark 50

Didier Duponselle (on the right) signs cooperation memorandums between

KAZAKH INVEST and Ahlers Logistics in 2024, highlighting company’s investment

commitment to Kazakhstan and the Middle Corridor

For companies with diverse supply chains, the Middle Corridor is

becoming a viable Plan B – or even a Plan A. “Those with

years of diplomatic relations, Ahlers’ experience highlights the

enduring value of trust, local insight, and global cooperation in

driving cross-border success.

Ahlers China employees together with Port of Antwerp-Bruges representatives

at the CIIE Shanghai 2024

224 225

Avenue Louise 146 | Brussels | +(32) 2 643 33 01 | info@billiet-co.be

THE EU COMPETITIVENESS COMPASS

THE VIEW OF A LAWYER

KEY CONTACTS

Johan Billiet

johan.billiet@billiet-co.be

Dr. Konstantinos Adamantopoulos

konstantinos.adamantopoulos@billiet-co.be

Philippe Billiet


Vladimir Lincautan

vladimir.lincautan@billiet-co.be

Regarding its internal market, the EU’s plan suggests reviewing

existing public procurement rules, to allow for the introduction

of a so-called “European preference” in future public procurement.

This means that, for critical sectors and technologies, only

EU bidders may become eligible, or that EU bidders may be

preferred in procurement processes. This evolution mirrors the

increase of national security concerns that have been raised in

recent EU public procurement proceedings.

HORIZONTAL ENABLERS

Building upon these three core areas, the Competitiveness

Compass also identifies five horizontal enablers for competitiveness:

I. PRESENTATION OF THE PLAN

advanced and emerging technologies. Recognizing the specific

AD-BillietCo.indd 2 28/07/2020 15:16

Firstly, simplification aims to drastically reduce the regulatory

CONTEXT

In January 2025, the European Commission presented its

Competitiveness Compass for the European Union. The

Compass is set to restore Europe’s dynamism and boost

economic growth. Building on the analysis of the Draghi report,

the Compass provides a strategic framework to guide the

European Commission’s work over the next five years.

challenges faced by nascent and expanding companies, a

dedicated EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy will be put forward.

This strategy will directly address the various obstacles that

currently hinder the emergence of new companies and impede

their ability to scale up effectively. Complementing these efforts,

a proposal for a 28th legal regime is planned and aims to simplify

the currently applicable rules.

The second key area highlighted by the Competitiveness

Compass, is the creation of a joint roadmap for decarbonisation

and administrative burden. This includes an effort to streamline

procedures for accessing EU funds and obtaining EU administrative

decisions, making them simpler, faster, and more efficient.

The upcoming Omnibus proposal will simplify sustainability

reporting, due diligence processes, and taxonomy. Additionally,

the Commission plans to make doing business easier for many

small mid-cap companies and establishes ambitious goals to

reduce the administrative burden by at least 25 percent for firms

in general and by at least 35 percent specifically for SMEs.

For the past twenty years, Europe’s economic growth has lagged

behind other major global players, primarily due to a consistent

lack of productivity gains. Despite possessing a skilled and

educated workforce, the EU needs to act quickly to address

long-standing obstacles and structural deficiencies to reverse

this trend.

KEY AREAS

and competitiveness. The Compass pinpoints high and fluctuating

energy prices as a significant obstacle and proposes

areas for intervention aimed at facilitating access to clean and

affordable energy. To this end, the forthcoming Clean Industrial

Deal will establish a competitiveness-focused approach to

decarbonisation. Furthermore, an Affordable Energy Action Plan

will be instrumental in reducing energy prices and associated

costs, while an Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act will

broaden the scope of accelerated permitting to encompass sectors

Secondly, to enhance the functioning of the Single Market across

all industries, the focus is on lowering barriers to the single

market. A Horizontal Single Market Strategy will modernize the

governance framework by eliminating barriers within the EU and

preventing new ones from arising. Furthermore, the Commission

will seize the opportunity to accelerate standard-setting processes

and improve their accessibility, particularly for SMEs and

start-ups.

The Competitiveness Compass identifies the following three key

areas:

The first key area focuses on bridging the EU’s innovation gap.

To achieve this, the European Commission outlines a multi-faceted

strategy. The aim is to cultivate a fertile environment specifically

designed to nurture young and innovative start-ups. Secondly,

there is a focus on bolstering industrial leadership within

high-growth sectors that are underpinned by deep technologies.

Finally, the strategy seeks to encourage the broader adoption

undergoing transition. Complementing these measures, the

Compass envisions bespoke action plans for energy-intensive

sectors. These sectors, while forming the very foundation of the

European manufacturing system, are also identified as being the

most susceptible during this phase of the transition.

The third area identified within the Competitiveness Compass,

centres on reducing excessive dependencies and increasing

security. Building effective partnerships will be essential for the

EU’s efforts to diversify and decrease its dependencies. Notably,

Thirdly, financing competitiveness addresses the EU’s need for

a more efficient capital market capable of channelling savings

into investments. The European Commission will introduce a

European Savings and Investments Union to create new savings

and investment products, provide incentives for risk capital, and

guarantee the smooth movement of investments throughout

the EU. Additionally, a reoriented EU budget will simplify access

to EU funds, ensuring a stronger alignment with the Union’s

priorities.

and integration of these technologies across established corporations

and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In concrete terms, the Commission intends to propose initiatives

such as ‘AI Gigafactories’ and ‘Apply AI’ to propel both the

development and the industrial uptake of AI across key sectors.

the EU already possesses the most extensive and expanding

network of trade agreements globally, encompassing 76 countries.

To further diverse and fortify supply chains, the Compass

points to a new set of Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships.

The underlaying aim is to secure the EU’s future access to raw

materials, clean energy, sustainable transport fuels and clean

Fourthly, promoting skills and quality jobs to ensure a strong

alignment between skills and labour market demands, the

European Commission will present an initiative to build a Union

of Skills. This initiative will focus on investment, adult and lifelong

learning, creating future-proof skills, skill retention, fair mobility

for workers, attracting and integrating qualified talent from

Furthermore, action plans will be presented for a range of tech. China has many of the required

resources.

Philippe Billiet

abroad, and the recognition of diverse training qualifications

to enable people to work across the Union.

Finally, better coordination of policies at EU and national level.

The European Commission will introduce a Competitiveness

Coordination Tool, working collaboratively with Member States to

ensure the effective implementation of shared EU policy objectives

at both EU and national levels. This tool will also identify

cross-border projects of European interest and drive related

reforms and investments. In the next Multiannual Financial

Framework, a Competitiveness Fund will replace several existing

EU financial instruments with similar goals, providing financial

support for the implementation of actions under the Competitiveness

Coordination Tool.

II. WHICH FOCUSES ARE NEEDED TO MAKE THIS

PLAN WORK?

FOCUS ON PREVENTING UNWANTED

CONSEQUENCES

Failing to prepare will be preparing to fail. Whilst the EU

Competitiveness Compass certainly includes many good

points, it may also create unwanted new issues. A high level

of prevention against unwanted consequences will be crucial.

226 227

For instance, considering that the EU market is mainly a service

The idea of a ‘funding union’ is therefore welcomed by the EU

Considering this evolution in diplomacy, it will be important

In the midst of the above, it is my task as a lawyer [the author

market, could the focus on AI result in booming numbers of

sector with a healthy level of scepticism.

for the EU to give adequate powers to the European Commis-

of this article is a lawyer] to protect stability for investors. This

unemployment? Would there be a great imbalance between the

sion. It appears that this insight is already applied, which may

requires protecting the rule of law and access to justice as key

number of jobs that would be replaced by AI and the number

Jeroen Maudens, Managing Partner at ONEtoONE Corporate

explain why all the recent instruments proposed by the European

parameters for a stable investment climate.

of jobs that could be created by AI? How do we know that the

Finance, formulates it as follows: “The EU is not short of vision,

Commission and the European Parliament provide the European

number of jobs created by AI would benefit the EU geographic

but it is lacking in execution. Competitiveness is not built on

Commission with a large margin of discretion. Such a margin can

The Rule of Law is a political ideal that has characterized the

market?

strategy papers, but rather on bold, fast decisions that remove

serve the purpose of underpinning the EU’s leverage in dispute

European Union. Under the Rule of Law all citizens and insti-

red tape, accelerate innovation, and unlock private capital. If

resolution negotiations with third countries going forward.

tutions must be held accountable to the same laws. It ensures

These kinds of considerations appear to be missing in the

Europe is to produce global champions, it must move from plans

equality and prevents the arbitrary use of power (tyranny, oligar-

European Commission’s presentation of the EU Competitiveness

to action, decisively and now.”

In light of the foregoing, it will be particularly interesting to reflect

chy, etc.).

Compass.

on potential changes to the EU-China relationships. Opinions

INVOLVE UNDERTAKINGS FROM THE FIELD

FOCUS ON KEY ENABLERS IN KEY SECTORS

Where the EU Competitiveness Compass advocates for decar-

tend to be divided between pessimists and optimists. Pessimists

believe that EU scepticism towards China, that is currently

reflected in the way some of the recent EU legislations have been

applied (think of the EU Foreign Direct Investment regulation,

Throughout centuries, the rule of law has been driven and finetuned

by legal thinkers and philosophers such as Aristotle, Dicey,

Locke, Montesquieu, Adams, etc. Today, the Rule of Law is

enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on the European Union as one

There tends to be a dangerous gap between, on the one hand,

bonisation and competitiveness, the European Commission will

the Foreign Subsidy Regulation and the International Procure-

of the common values for all Member States.

those that make policies, and on the other, the undertakings on

need to focus on key enablers within important sectors.

ment Instrument) may further increase. Optimists on the other

the market that are needed to help convert their policies into

hand, believe that the momentum is nearing to restore strategic

The author of this article is a lawyer specializing in commercial &

reality.

For instance, the freight and logistics sector is a crucial sec-

relationships between the EU and China, in view of security goals

trade-related matters. For more information, feel free to contact

tor with many key enablers. Clean inter-modality should be an

and requirements that are proposed in the EU Competitiveness


The large number of existing and newly announced policy doc-

important focus.

Compass.

uments tends to be based on academic studies, which is good

but not sufficient.

Ralf-Charley Schultze, Director General of the International Union

The overall balance tends to shift from pessimists towards

for Road-Rail Combined Transport (UIRR) rightly points out that:

optimists, in correlation with a deterioration of the relationships

There should be more involvement of commercial undertakings

“Door-to-door intermodal freight transport, the land transport al-

between the EU and the United States.

whose concerns need to be considered to make the plan successful.

This requires a new relationship to be built between the

public and the private sector, a relationship that is characterized

by synergy, transparency & collaboration, instead of mistrust and

control.

FOCUS ON PRACTICAL ACCESS TO FUNDING &

INVESTMENTS

ternative to today’s dominant long-distance trucking, contributes

to the decarbonisation and security aspects of competitiveness,

while delivers quality jobs of high productivity as a horizontal

enabler. The energy efficiency of door-to-door intermodal

transport outperforms its unimodal road alternative by 70 percent

already today. On top of this, intermodal transport prevents

road accidents and cargo theft, while reducing road degradation

and congestion. Intermodal jobs generate 60 percent more

tonne-kilometres per employee than jobs in unimodal truck transport.

Door-to-door intermodal freight transport is the ultimate tool

RETAIN AN INVESTMENT-FRIENDLY CLIMATE AND

PROTECT THE RULE OF LAW

We should never forget that economies are essentially carried

by investors that shy away from uncertainty and unpredictability.

The rapid changes pointed out in the previous title bring along

high levels of uncertainty and unpredictability.

MAIN BRUSSELS OFFICE

BILLIET & CO

Avenue Louise 146 - B-1050 Brussels

+(32) 2 643 33 01

info@billiet-co.be

Where the EU Competitiveness Compass advocates for the cre-

in decarbonisation, competitiveness and security enhancement.”

ation of a so-called ‘funding union’ to help bridge the innovation

gap, the theory may be more remote from reality than we think.

Today, public funding appears to be a prerogative of the big

few that have funds available for drafting time-consuming grant

requests that meet all administrative hurdles attached thereto.

ADAPT TO A WORLD CHARACTERIZED BY

POWER-BASED DIPLOMACY

Today, EU investors are looking for economic anomalies with

Where the EU Competitiveness Compass advocates for reducing

high return for no risks, meaning that pre-seeding, seeding and

excessive dependencies and increasing security, the strategy

start-up capital is very scarce in the EU, whereas those under-

that is proposed by the European Commission will be challenged

takings that do not need external funding have easy access to

by rapidly changing geopolitical contexts.

funding.

Some of those changes (for instance trade wars) are enabled by

Consequently, innovation has become reserved to the lucky few

the fact that the WTO appellate body is still inoperative. Con-

or the ‘very rich’.

sequently, rule-based diplomacy tends to be shifting towards

power-based diplomacy. This shift to a power-based diplomacy

In addition, this characteristic of the EU investment climate has

is detrimental to international safety and stability.

been detected by investors outside the EU that pull out many

innovative market disruptive start-ups from the EU.

Photo: Istock

228 229

THE DIPLOMATIC DANCE

WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

LEGAL FRAMEWORKS

IN A TRANSFORMATIVE ERA

Stephan Doukhopelnikoff, Tech Lawyer, Billiet & Co.

China’s framework, in contrast, reinforces the state’s control

over AI development and prioritizes collective advancement over

individual liberties, challenging Western notions of rights-based

regulation.

DIPLOMATIC IMPLICATIONS OF AI GOVERNANCE

AI’s influence now extends into core diplomatic functions—from

intelligence and communication to strategy. Ministries worldwide

face new opportunities and vulnerabilities, as digital sovereignty

becomes a cornerstone of foreign policy.

A NEW GUEST IN DIPLOMATIC HALLS

These divergent paths reflect not only regulatory differences but

also deeply rooted cultural and strategic visions of AI’s role in

Key issues include:

• Data localization

In the grand halls where diplomacy unfolds, a new guest has

society.

• Foundation model governance

arrived – Artificial Intelligence. Unlike previous technological

• Geopolitical control over infrastructure

revolutions that gradually integrated into international relations,

AI has entered with unprecedented speed and transformative

potential, reshaping the foundations of diplomatic engagement,

THE GLOBAL AI REGULATORY LANDSCAPE

When leaders like France’s Macron call for “European sovereignty

in AI,” or China limits data flows under its Data Security Law,

global commerce, and cultural exchange.

The EU AI Act may become as influential as the GDPR in shaping

they are asserting strategic and national values in a digital age.

global standards. It targets high-risk applications—those affect-

As algorithms increasingly influence decisions once reserved

ing health, safety, democratic processes, or fundamental rights—

Cross-border data governance remains one of the most complex

for human judgment, nations now find themselves engaged in a

requiring strict oversight on data quality, transparency, human

issues: while AI development thrives on global data flows,

delicate diplomatic dance – balancing innovation with protection,

supervision, and accountability. Prohibited uses include:

legal regimes remain nationally bound. This friction has turned

sovereignty with collaboration, and technological advancement

data adequacy and digital trade agreements into high-stakes

with ethical governance. This evolving choreography demands

• Social scoring systems

diplomatic tools.

new legal frameworks that can adapt to AI’s rapid development

• Certain biometric surveillance techniques

while safeguarding rights and values across diverse cultural and

legal contexts.

THE EU AI ACT: A GLOBAL OPENING MOVEMENT

• Manipulative AI practices inconsistent with European values

Meanwhile, the US model, rooted in flexibility, offers innovation-friendly

guidelines but introduces regulatory fragmentation

and cross-border compliance risks.

BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS IN A FRAGMENTED

REGULATORY WORLD

For multinational companies, the emerging AI regulatory mosaic

creates serious compliance challenges. An AI system compliant

• Authorship and originality

• Cultural rights

• Intellectual property (IP)

Who owns the rights when an AI generates a painting or musical

The European Union’s AI Act, adopted in March 2024, represents

in one jurisdiction may violate another’s rules, increasing legal

score? The developer, the user, the training dataset contributors

the opening movement in this global regulatory ballet. As the

and operational risk.

– or no one?

world’s first comprehensive horizontal AI regulation, it introduces

a risk-based framework that classifies AI systems based on

Smart businesses are now:

Different jurisdictions offer divergent answers, creating uncer-

societal impact. This initiative sets the stage for a broader inter-

tainty for creators and cultural institutions. AI also brings both

national conversation on governing technologies that transcend

• Designing systems to meet the strictest global standards

promise and concern in heritage preservation, from restoring

borders and jurisdictions. Yet, the EU’s method is just one among

• Investing in compliance-by-design

damaged artifacts to digitizing sacred traditions – prompting

many.

• Participating in policy development and standards forums

urgent debates on authenticity, context, and ethical boundaries.

• The United States favours sector-specific rules and industry-led

standards;

• China emphasizes national security and technological sovereignty;

• Across Africa, emerging frameworks emphasize inclusive

innovation and ethical AI, with a strong focus on development

Those that embrace regulation as strategy, rather than obstacle,

are finding competitive advantages in ethical AI and trust-building.

AI, CULTURE, AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION

THE PATH FORWARD: A CALL FOR GLOBAL

COLLABORATION

As AI technology evolves, so must its governance. No single

nation can shape effective AI rules alone. The future lies in:

goals, digital sovereignty, and avoiding technological depend-

One of the most intriguing legal frontiers lies in AI’s interaction

ence.

with culture and creativity. Generative AI raises critical questions

• Multi-stakeholder governance

about:

• Cross-border legal harmonization

230 231

• Culturally inclusive frameworks

Diplomacy must now extend into digital ethics. Traditional diplomatic

skills – consensus-building, mediation, respect for diversity

– are exactly what the global governance of AI demands.

Instruments like the UNESCO Recommendation on AI Ethics

and the OECD AI Principles are promising starts, proving that

international cooperation can establish shared values, even amid

legal differences.

CONCLUSION: THE DANCE HAS JUST BEGUN

The legal frameworks crafted today will shape how AI distributes

benefits, risks, and opportunities across societies. This is not just

a technical task – it is a deeply human challenge.

We must ask not only what AI can do, but what it should do, and

ensure it aligns with our highest aspirations.

The diplomatic dance with AI has only just begun. Its choreography

will demand unprecedented coordination – across sectors,

cultures, and legal traditions. But with consciousness, compassion,

wisdom, vision, and collaboration, we can guide this transformative

force toward a future that truly empowers humanity.

(2004), and launched the legal-tech app AdvoPresto in 2014.

Following a professional sabbatical in Africa (2015–2023),

Stephan joined Billiet & Co in 2024. He now leads the AI Legal

Desk at LegalDesks.eu, where he offers strategic insights on

AI governance and compliance across legal, diplomatic, and

business sectors.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephan Doukhopelnikoff is a pioneering legal visionary at the

intersection of law and technology. With over three decades of

experience since 1988, he has consistently anticipated the

evolving relationship between legal frameworks and innovation.

He was Belgium’s first keynote speaker on Internet Law (2000),

founded one of Europe’s earliest virtual law firms LegalScan

If you’re interested in his upcoming book, The Conscious AI

Lawyer: A Visionary Guide for Legal, Diplomatic, and Entrepreneurial

Minds in the Age of AI, you can register for updates at

TheConsciousAILawyer.com.

www.billiet-co.be

All photos: Stephan Doukhopelnikoff

Photo: Istock

232 233

The introduction of tariffs in the United States could have a negative

impact on global growth and on itself. US growth could be

reduced by up to one percent in 2025. The expected growth of

2.7 percent for 2025 could almost halve as a result. Fortunately,

diplomatic negotiations reduced the American tariff to 30 percent

(from 145 percent) and the Chinese to 10 percent (from 125

percent).

The United States is struggling with an enormous trade deficit of

almost one trillion dollars in 2024 (exactly USD 918 billion). But

in addition, the country is also struggling with a massive budget

deficit of USD 36 trillion, or 130 percent of their Gross Domestic

Product. Of this huge national debt, one quarter, or USD 9 trillion,

will be at maturity in 2026 and will therefore have to be extended.

Debts that were incurred before the Ukraine crisis and are outstanding

at zero interest will have to be renewed at 4-5 percent,

which would mean an additional USD 45 billion in interest on

existing debt. In a survey by Amcham (the American Chamber

of Commerce), not only government, but also companies, state

that the high interest rate, together with the lack of labour, is the

biggest obstacle to further growth. A decrease in interest rates is

therefore essential.

TARIFF WARS: THE NEED FOR

GLOBAL ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

Rudy Aernoudt,

Professor, University of Ghent & BMI Executive MBA

HOW TO ENFORCE AN INTEREST RATE

DECREASE?

CHINA’S STRATEGY: DIVERSIFICATION AND

MONETARY RELAXATION

The impact of tariffs is particularly negative for China. The 54

percent tariff on Chinese goods, combined with China’s reciprocal

34 percent levies, would have a negative impact on Chinese

growth estimated at 1 to 2 percentage points (Study City Bank).

In the worst-case scenario, this would significantly reduce the

Chinese forecasted growth of 4.6 percent in 2025. An indeed,

Chinese exports to the US declined by 21 percent in the first four

months of 2025. But it rose to an equal percentage with southeast

Asian nations and eight percent with the EU.

In contradiction to the Federal Reserve, the Bank of China uses

monetary tools to stimulate the economy. The reference interest

is going down achieving 1.4 percent in May 2025 while at the

same time the Federal kept their interest at a level of three times

higher, being 4.5 percent. Besides the Bank of China reduced the

capital requirements for banks to 6.2 percent. This gives leverage

to the banks and has a positive impact on economic growth.

IMPACT ON EUROPE

The impact on Europe will vary significantly from country to

country and from sector to sector. Germany, Italy and Belgium

are among the most affected countries. Mechanical engineering,

the chemical industry and the food sector are among the most

affected sectors. Fortunately, the pharmaceutical sector is (for

the time being) not on Trump’s list. Sectors that have little to do

with trade relations, such as the real estate sector, have also

been spared. However, the impact on Europe will be less than

on the United States. It is estimated that the impact on Europe

will be rather limited, at between 0.3-0.4 percent of GDP; varying

from 0.26 percent for Belgium (ING study) to 0.4 percent for

Germany (Institut der Deutschen Wirtschaft). The problem is

that the German economy is growing particularly slowly, with a

growth forecast, before the introduction of tariffs, of 0.3 percent

in 2025. In fact, Germany would therefore be flirting with a recession.

This is one of the main reasons why the European Central

Bank reduces its interest rates to 2.25 percent in April 2025.

EUROPE: FOUR WAYS TO REACT

How can Europe now respond to the American tariffs? Firstly,

following the example of China, Europe could impose tariffs in

return. But this would only lead to a further escalation of the

tariff war and have an even bigger inflationary impact. Therefore,

Europe prefers, as it has done before, to impose tariffs on

products and services where it hurts the US the most such as

soybeans or plastic products. These selective tariffs are more

efficient than a general tariff.

Besides, Europe could introduce the Carbon Border Adjustment

Mechanism (CBAM) scheme on all products. The CBAM scheme

covers those products and services imported into Europe;

If the imports do not comply with strict European environmental

regulations, then a duty must be paid that is equivalent to the

cost that European companies must meet to comply with the

European legislation. In this way, a genuine level playing field is

once again achieved.

And finally, a fourth and more drastic option is the economic

atomic bomb. Or officially known as the Anti-Coercion Instrument

(ACI). This European regulation was adopted last year with

relations to China in mind, but it can of course also be used

in other trade conflicts. The aim is to de-escalate and ensure

through dialogue that countries withdraw their coercive measures

in the area of trade and investment. It should change the minds

of third countries that want to put pressure on the EU or its member

states. Based on the ACI, Europe can take various measures

such as imposing trade restrictions in the form of increased

customs duties, import or export licences, restrictions on trade in

services or on access to foreign direct investment or government

contracts. In short, it can completely restrict trade with certain

countries, in this case the US. And just like with an atomic bomb

– hence the analogy – it is primarily a deterrent and negotiating

instrument that people would rather not invoke.

BY WAY OF CONCLUSION

For decades, it has been proven that free trade is a source of

prosperity. An escalation of tariffs will lead to collective impoverishment

and should be avoided. Diplomacy and negotiations are

more important than countervailing measures, which should only

be used to achieve commercial peace. In these turbulent times,

global economic diplomacy is more important than ever. And the

Geneva agreement between China and the US shows that economic

diplomacy is much preferable than a tariff escalation.

Despite Trump’s previous attempts, the autonomy of monetary

policy must be preserved. Therefore, the Federal Reserve cannot

be compelled to lower interest rates. A critical reader might argue

that introducing tariffs is inflationary and could therefore lead to

further increases in interest rates. This is true, but it should be

noted that the impact of tariffs is mainly detrimental to economic

growth. In addition to combating inflation, the statutory mandate

of the Federal Reserve is to promote maximum employment and

support the American economy. The core task of the Federal

Reserve, in addition to combat inflation, is to avoid recession. An

interest rate decrease would benefit both American companies

and the government. The tariff war is perhaps more of an interest

rate war and an arm-wrestling contest between political and

monetary authorities. The diplomatic solution obtained in Geneva

with the Chinese, could pave the way for interest decreases in

the US.

Rudy Aernoudt


Photo: Istock

234 235

NATION BRANDING IN ACTION

FROM VISION TO IMPLEMENTATION:

BUILDING NATIONAL INFLUENCE

IN A CHANGING WORLD

Dr. Estelle Dinh

Expert in Nation Branding

I. THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF NATION BRANDING

TODAY

WHY IS IT MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER FOR

GOVERNMENTS TO INTEGRATE NATION BRAND-

ING INTO THEIR LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PLAN-

NING – BEYOND COMMUNICATION? HOW CAN

IT IMPACT DIPLOMACY, ECONOMIC INFLUENCE,

EDUCATION, AND SOFT POWER PROJECTION?

COULD YOU SHARE AN EXAMPLE WHERE A

COHERENT NATIONAL IMAGE SUPPORTED A

GOVERNMENT’S POSITIONING IN AN INTERNA-

TIONAL NEGOTIATION OR MOMENT OF CRISIS?

During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, New Zealand emerged

not only as a public health success story, but also as an example

of calm, clarity, and competence. This was not accidental, it was

the result of a consistent national image that had been built over

time. The country had already cultivated a perception as safe,

Nation Branding has become a vital element of long-term strat-

and socially responsible, a “clean, green and humane” nation.

egy for countries seeking to shape their place in an increasingly

Photo: Dr. Estelle Dinh

interconnected world. As global narratives evolve and compe-

When Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the nation in

tition for attention, trust, and investment grows, countries that

her sweater and jeans, holding press briefings from her home,

define and communicate their values with clarity and purpose are

she wasn’t just communicating policy, she was embodying New

To initiate this process meaningfully, governments benefit from

strategic investments with its geopolitical vision. The develop-

better positioned to thrive across all sectors.

Zealand’s brand: accessible leadership, empathetic governance,

engaging in an inclusive and reflective internal dialogue. What

ment of Casablanca Finance City, expanded diplomatic ties in

and pragmatic action. This visual and emotional coherence

unique contribution do we offer the world? What values define

Africa, and collaborations with respected think tanks all gave

Finland provides an inspiring example of how strategic branding

resonated deeply, especially with international observers. New

us, and how do we wish to be perceived by investors, tourists,

substance to Morocco’s identity as a gateway between conti-

can be seamlessly integrated into national policy. By champi-

Zealand gained the trust of global investors, talent, and families

students, and global partners? Clarifying these foundations

nents. In this case, the brand grew organically from the strategy,

oning values such as transparency, innovation, education, and

seeking a more predictable life. Its diplomatic positioning was

shapes everything from strategic messaging to resource alloca-

demonstrating that a well-executed national image is a reflection

environmental responsibility, Finland has cultivated a reputation

likewise enhanced. When New Zealand later advocated for a

tion.

of purposeful action.

that is widely respected and deeply influential. These principles

global treaty on pandemics, its moral authority on the subject

are not just communicated – they are embedded in governance

was unquestionable, its brand had already proven itself in action.

Strong governance is essential to translate vision into impact.

The brand followed the strategy, not the reverse.

and diplomacy.

The moment of crisis crystallized the strategic value of a clear

When ministries and agencies collaborate – tourism celebrating

This consistent identity strengthens Finland’s international voice.

Whether participating in cybersecurity dialogues or education

reform forums, Finnish representatives benefit from a brand built

on credibility and forward thinking. The country’s universities

have also become magnets for global talent, admired not only for

their academic excellence but for the trust, safety, and inclusivity

they embody.

Nation Branding, when done authentically and strategically,

creates a powerful ripple effect. It elevates a country’s global

presence, enhances its diplomatic influence, and fosters cultural

and coherent national image.

II. FROM NATIONAL NARRATIVE TO OPERATIONAL

STRATEGY

BEFORE CRAFTING A NATION BRANDING STRAT-

EGY, WHAT SHOULD GOVERNMENTS CLARIFY IN

TERMS OF PRIORITIES, BUDGET, AND GOVERN-

ANCE? WHAT ARE THE BLIND SPOTS THAT OFTEN

DELAY OR DILUTE IMPACT?

natural wonders, foreign affairs advancing innovation diplomacy,

and investment agencies highlighting financial opportunity – the

resulting narrative becomes cohesive and compelling. Strategic

alignment across sectors ensures that each voice reinforces,

rather than competes with, the others.

The building blocks of success include a long-term, cross-sectoral

budget, robust internal coordination, and proactive engagement

of both the diaspora and local communities. These

components enable countries to project a unified image that is

both credible and magnetic.

IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHO TYPICALLY HOLDS

THE DECISION-MAKING POWER – AND THE

BUDGET – TO LEAD NATION BRANDING EFFORTS?

WHAT INSTITUTIONAL ALIGNMENT IS REQUIRED

TO SUCCEED?

Effective Nation Branding thrives when leadership, coordination,

and collaboration are embedded across institutions. While

responsibilities may naturally involve multiple ministries, such as

foreign affairs leading international messaging, tourism promoting

the country’s appeal, and investment agencies engaging with

and economic relationships grounded in mutual respect and

A national brand is not artificially created, it is thoughtfully dis-

Morocco exemplifies this approach. By embracing its brand as

global business, true success lies in aligning these efforts under

shared vision.

tilled from a country’s authentic identity, values, and aspirations.

a national mission, not merely a campaign, the country aligned

a shared national vision.

236 237

Countries that treat Nation Branding as a catalyst for national

transformation, rather than a stand-alone communication exercise,

see the most sustainable outcomes. South Korea provides

a strong example.

III. PEOPLE AT THE HEART OF A NATION’S IMAGE

HOW CAN DIASPORA COMMUNITIES BE MORE

THAN CULTURAL BRIDGES – BECOMING PROAC-

TIVE BRAND AMBASSADORS ABROAD?

This transformative impact extends well beyond the classroom.

Across the globe, youth-driven initiatives are bringing national

narratives to life in fresh and authentic ways. In Kenya, young

entrepreneurs are leading groundbreaking efforts in fintech and

agritech, reinventing perceptions and positioning the country as

HOW CAN COUNTRIES, REGARDLESS OF SIZE OR

GLOBAL EXPOSURE, DEVELOP TOURISM STRAT-

EGIES THAT REFLECT THEIR DEEPER VALUES –

NOT JUST THEIR LANDSCAPES?

In 2009, the government established the Presidential Council on

Diaspora communities are among the most authentic and influ-

a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity. Their work tells a

Tourism today offers countries an inspiring platform to share their

Nation Branding, assembling leaders from public policy, aca-

ential storytellers of a nation’s identity on the global stage. They

compelling story of resilience, creativity, and future-facing energy.

deeper values with the world. In an increasingly connected and

demia, and industry. Their collective mandate was to go beyond

serve as living bridges, culturally fluent, emotionally connected,

When young people are empowered to contribute to their na-

discerning global market, the most impactful tourism strategies

messaging, developing cohesive policies such as multilingual ac-

and deeply credible in the eyes of their host countries. When

tion’s evolution, they become some of its most compelling story-

are those that reflect a nation’s commitment to sustainability,

cessibility, support for cultural industries like K-pop and K-beau-

governments engage these communities not just as represent-

tellers. Their voice, passion, and vision help define how a country

cultural authenticity, and inclusive development.

ty, and enhancements to national service standards.

atives of heritage, but as co-creators of the national brand, they

is seen, and how it shapes its place in the world.

unlock powerful avenues for influence and exchange.

Bhutan provides a remarkable example of how tourism can be

When leadership empowers coordination and invests in longterm

impact, Nation Branding becomes a dynamic platform for

global credibility, influence, and pride. This level of alignment only

works when top leadership prioritizes the initiative and mandates

cooperation. Otherwise, even the most well-intentioned branding

strategy becomes fragmented and diluted.

ONCE A COUNTRY HAS DECIDED TO INVEST IN

NATION BRANDING, WHAT ARE THE FIRST CON-

CRETE STEPS YOU RECOMMEND TO ENSURE

STRATEGIC COHERENCE?

Lebanon offers a compelling illustration of this potential. Across

continents, Lebanese communities have championed the nation’s

creativity and entrepreneurial spirit through their leadership

in fields as diverse as gastronomy, finance, fashion, and the arts.

Recognizing this, Lebanon launched the Lebanese Diaspora Energy

Conference to unite global Lebanese leaders around shared

goals. This initiative was more than ceremonial; it catalysed

cross-border investment, mentorship, and a renewed sense of

belonging.

By fostering partnerships with their diaspora, through ambassadorial

recognition, business facilitation, and cultural initiatives,

IV. PLACES OF POWER: CITIES, REGIONS, AND

NEW DIPLOMACIES

IN AN AGE OF CITY DIPLOMACY AND REGIONAL

IDENTITIES, HOW CAN SUB-NATIONAL BRANDING

CONTRIBUTE TO NATIONAL NARRATIVES – WITH-

OUT CREATING FRAGMENTATION? WHAT ROLE

FOR MAYORS, LOCAL INSTITUTIONS, AND URBAN

HUBS?

City branding is increasingly at the forefront of national storytelling.

In an interconnected world, cities are emerging as influential

guided by national philosophy. By placing its vision of Gross

National Happiness at the heart of its tourism model, Bhutan

welcomes visitors into a meaningful and respectful engagement

with its people and environment. Its carefully designed approach

ensures that tourism benefits local communities while preserving

the country’s unique cultural and ecological heritage. Bhutan has

thus become widely recognized as a leader in purposeful and

ethical travel.

Slovenia has also crafted a distinctive tourism identity by embracing

its natural beauty and cultural richness through a “green

boutique” philosophy. With its focus on sustainability, wellness,

and locally rooted experiences, Slovenia offers travellers a

Successful Nation Branding begins with understanding how a

governments can extend their reach and enrich their image

hubs of diplomacy, innovation, and cultural leadership. They

chance to connect with the land and its people in genuine and

country is perceived around the world. Rather than relying on

abroad. These communities don’t just reflect where a country

attract global talent, incubate forward-looking solutions, and

memorable ways. Initiatives such as eco-certifications, artisanal

assumptions, forward-looking governments engage in thoughtful

has come from; they actively shape where it is going. Their sto-

champion agendas in sustainability and social inclusion. When

collaborations, and community-based tourism reflect a national

perception mapping. This includes analysing global media narra-

ries, values, and networks become a vital part of the nation’s soft

thoughtfully integrated, city identities enhance the national brand

brand rooted in care and creativity.

tives, consulting international stakeholders, and leveraging data

power, helping build a brand rooted in pride, connection, and

by offering authentic, diverse, and complementary narratives.

insights to better grasp the country’s external image. The goal

global relevance.

Barcelona is a striking example.

At its best, tourism is more than an economic driver – it is a

is to uncover both strengths and opportunities, aligning internal

cultural invitation. When countries shape their tourism experienc-

aspirations with external realities.

These communities carry credibility in host countries. They

The city stands as a powerful global emblem of Spanish creativi-

es around the question, “What do we want the world to feel and

understand how to navigate dual identities and can tell their

ty and openness. Its architectural heritage, progressive urban de-

remember about us?” they unlock the power of travel to build

With this understanding in place, nations can define a meaning-

country’s story with passion and nuance. Empowering them, with

sign, and role as host to events like the Mobile World Congress

lasting connection, admiration, and trust.

ful and distinctive positioning. A well-articulated brand promise

ambassadorial roles, business incentives, or cultural initiatives,

position it as a city that bridges tradition and modernity. This

communicates not just what a country offers, but how it wishes

to make people feel.

turns them into assets of influence and pride.

local-global dynamic enriches Spain’s international image and

demonstrates the strength of a multifaceted national narrative.

V. NEW GENERATIONS, NEW EXPECTATIONS

Costa Rica, for example, exemplifies this approach through its

“Pura Vida” identity, expressing a national ethos of harmony, sustainability,

and well-being. This narrative has not only enriched

tourism but has also inspired aligned policies across ecological

innovation and foreign investment.

HOW DO EDUCATION SYSTEMS, UNIVERSITIES,

AND YOUTH-LED INITIATIVES SHAPE THE LONG-

TERM BRAND OF A NATION?

Education plays a foundational role in shaping a nation’s global

identity. It is through learning, discovery, and collaboration that

Across the world, local leadership is taking on increasingly global

roles. Leaders such as the Mayor of Paris have embraced urban

policy innovation not only for the benefit of residents, but as a

reflection of France’s global commitments. Initiatives in participatory

governance and environmental action highlight how

cities can model forward-thinking practices. Similarly, cities like

GENERATION Z IS BECOMING THE NEXT WAVE OF

TRAVELLERS, INVESTORS, AND GLOBAL CITI-

ZENS. HOW CAN NATIONS ALIGN THEIR IMAGE

WITH THE VALUES OF YOUNGER GENERATIONS –

WITHOUT LOSING THEIR AUTHENTICITY?

To bring a nation’s story to life, it is essential to activate a diverse

countries articulate their values and demonstrate their com-

Medellín and Cape Town have transformed their international

Generation Z represents a dynamic and purpose-driven global

and dynamic network of storytellers. Embassies, universities,

mitment to progress. The Netherlands serves as a compelling

standing by telling stories of resilience, creativity, and reinvention.

audience, eager to engage with countries that reflect their values

airlines, chefs, designers, and artists all play a role in shaping

example, where higher education institutions have evolved into

When empowered and aligned with national objectives, cities

and aspirations. This generation places great importance on au-

global perception. By equipping these actors with tools, context,

dynamic platforms for international engagement. By offering

become vibrant storytellers of a nation’s values and potential.

thenticity, inclusivity, and social and environmental responsibility.

and creative freedom, a nation can project a consistent message

programs in English, fostering inclusive environments for global

Strategic coordination ensures that each city’s unique voice con-

They seek to connect with national identities that are transparent,

filled with local flavour and emotional resonance. The result is a

students, and building strong connections with international

tributes to a harmonious and compelling global brand.

forward-thinking, and deeply human.

compelling, multi-voiced brand that reflects a country’s unique

industries, Dutch universities have positioned the country as a

soul and invites the world to engage.

leader in innovation, openness, and real-world readiness.

238 239

Canada has emerged as a thoughtful leader in building a national

capturing international attention through inclusive urban develop-

2. Internal coherence ensures external credibility.

6. Emerging voices can lead the global conversation.

brand that resonates with these values. By embracing multicul-

ment, artistic innovation, and tech-driven solutions. These places

Alignment among government agencies, sectors, and stake-

With the right positioning, governance, and storytelling, any

turalism as a source of strength and advancing initiatives in rec-

are not only advancing their local economies, they are also telling

holders is essential. A unified narrative builds trust and ampli-

nation, regardless of size or history, can shape its image and

onciliation, gender equity, and climate action, Canada presents

stories of creativity, and progress that inspire global audiences.

fies global influence.

influence with clarity, creativity, and purpose.

a narrative of openness and shared progress. More importantly,

By placing storytelling at the heart of their strategy, emerging

3. Success begins with self-definition.

it invites young people to be active participants in shaping that

narrative.

regions are asserting ownership over how they are seen and understood.

Their contributions are reshaping the global narrative,

not by echoing the past, but by confidently defining the future.

Before communicating outwardly, nations must engage in

honest reflection to articulate their identity, vision, and value

proposition.

PREVIEW FOR THE NEXT PART:

Through programs such as youth ambassadorships, creative

4. People are the brand.

In the next segment, we will explore the evolving landscape of

grants, and digital storytelling platforms, Canadian institutions

empower Generation Z to express their identities and contribute

to the national story. This collaborative approach not only reflects

the voices of young citizens, but also builds a brand rooted in

trust and innovation. When young people are seen as partners in

public life, a country’s brand becomes more than a message, it

becomes a movement of shared purpose and pride.

WHAT COMMON CHALLENGES DO EMERG-

ING ECONOMIES FACE WHEN IT COMES TO

NATION BRANDING, AND HOW CAN TAILORED

STRATEGIES TURN THESE INTO LONG-TERM

STRENGTHS?

From diaspora communities to young change-makers, individuals

are powerful ambassadors. Engaging them authentically

turns national stories into lived experiences.

5. Cities and regions are dynamic brand assets.

Urban innovation, regional leadership, and local culture enrich

national narratives when integrated into a cohesive strategy.

Nation Branding, the emerging trends and opportunities for international

collaboration.

Emerging economies possess immense potential to shape com-

This is key: branding to Gen Z must feel co-created, not market-

pelling and influential national brands. While they often navigate

ed. Authenticity is not about being perfect, it’s about being hon-

complex realities, these can become strategic advantages when

est, values-driven, and aligned. Nations that invite young voices

approached with clarity, confidence, and creativity. With thought-

into policymaking, public diplomacy, and cultural expression

ful coordination and a focus on authentic storytelling, countries

build brands that are future-proof, because they are grounded in

can transform every challenge into a lasting global resonance.

the aspirations of those who will carry them forward.

Rwanda offers a remarkable example of visionary nation branding.

VI. REGIONS OF EMERGENCE – SHARED

OPPORTUNITIES

In recent decades, the country has redefined its identity through

a commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth.

SEVERAL REGIONS – FROM CENTRAL ASIA TO

AFRICA AND LATIN AMERICA – ARE SHAPING

NEW NARRATIVES OF TRANSFORMATION. WHAT

MAKES THESE CONTEXTS UNIQUELY POSITIONED

TO REDEFINE NATION BRANDING TODAY?

Known today for its environmental stewardship, gender equity,

and digital ambition, Rwanda has built a forward-looking image

rooted in progress and pride. From gorilla tourism to smart infrastructure

in Kigali and hosting prestigious international events,

every initiative contributes to a coherent and aspirational national

narrative.

Emerging regions are rich with opportunity and vision, uniquely

Tailored branding strategies, whether focused on a key sector

positioned to shape new global narratives. Free from the weight

like tech, a cultural asset like music, or a diplomatic stance like

of outdated perceptions, many of these nations are defining their

neutrality, allow nations to amplify their unique contributions.

identity through fresh, dynamic stories that reflect both their

By investing in internal coherence and external storytelling,

heritage and their aspirations. With vibrant youth populations,

emerging economies can transform perceived vulnerabilities into

abundant cultural resources, and increasing geopolitical signifi-

sustainable soft power.

cance, they are reimagining what global leadership and modern

development can look like.

At its core, Nation Branding is a journey of self-expression. When

countries embrace their uniqueness and communicate with pur-

Uzbekistan exemplifies this momentum. The country is embrac-

pose, they create powerful stories that inspire respect, curiosity,

ing a bold future while celebrating its past. Through ambitious

and meaningful connection worldwide.

cultural restoration, investment in connectivity, and thoughtful

visa reforms, Uzbekistan is creating a brand that blends tradition

and innovation. Its evolving identity along the modern Silk Road

reflects a confident and creative approach to tourism, trade, and

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

diplomacy.

1. Nation Branding is a strategic imperative.

It is not just about external messaging – it’s about defining and

Across sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, similar energy

projecting a nation’s values, purpose, and global contribution

is driving transformation. Cities such as Kigali and Medellín are

across diplomacy, economy, culture, and education.

Photo: Istock

240 241

MILENA BERNOCCO

GARATTI

ORIGIN OF THE GARATTI BRAND

“The idea to found Garatti in 2018 stemmed from my extensive

experience as a gemologist, a profession that has impassioned

me for 25 years. I have always created personalized jewellery

with a particular focus on my clients, dedicating myself to

creating unique pieces that could reflect their personality and

desires. The birth of our Maison represents the evolution of this

commitment; we wanted to give value not only to the jewellery,

but to the entire creative process and the rarity of the materials

we choose. Garatti is not just a brand, it is a promise of exclusivity

and authenticity. Whoever buys from us can be certain of

possessing a very rare diamond, unique in its kind, that not only

enriches the beauty of a jewel, but also elevates its value and

meaning.”

jewel; they are investing in a guarantee of exclusivity and authenticity,

aware that possessing a Garatti diamond means being part

of a restricted elite, just like those who own a work of art of the

rarest kind.”

NATIONALITY OF THE CLIENTELE

“Our clientele comes from all over the world, including important

markets such as Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States and

China. Each client is a witness to our dedication to excellence

and rarity. Garatti has become a global reference point for those

seeking unique diamonds. This diversity is a testament to our

ability to attract enthusiasts of rare and precious jewels in all cultures,

uniting the world with our commitment to uncompromising

quality.”

FOCUS ON FANCY DIAMONDS AND ATTENTION TO

GREEN DIAMONDS

CURRENT PERIOD AND GROWTH STRATEGIES

“We have chosen to focus exclusively on fancy diamonds, that “Currently, Garatti is experiencing a phase of great expansion.

is, coloured diamonds, thanks to their intrinsic uniqueness and Our dedication to excellence has led to a significant increase in

rarity. By choice we only deal with the rarest fancy diamonds. In turnover, the result of strategic investments and constant interaction

with clients. The key to our success is the creation of exclu-

order of rarity these diamonds are red, green, blue, then pink.

These coloured diamonds are not only jewels; they are true

sive experiences, where every client can connect deeply with the

works of art, each with a story to tell. In particular, we have specialized

in green diamonds, recognized as the second rarest in an oasis of beauty where we personalize the buying experience,

world of rare jewels. Casa Garatti is not only a place to buy, but

the world. The choice of this colour is not accidental; the market making it unforgettable and ensuring that every jewel represents

is seeing an exponential increase in demand, while the supply not only an investment, but a true legacy.”

is decreasing, making each jewel containing this unique stone

a value that has the potential to be revalued at a much higher

rate in the near future. Whoever buys a fancy diamond from

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2025

Garatti not only receives a custom-made jewel, but a guarantee

of possessing a rare and significant piece, able to preserve and “The novelties we are preparing for 2025 confirm our desire to

increase its value.”

innovate without ever losing sight of the essence of our brand.

By introducing new collections not only for women, but also

(A 300% increase is expected in a few years given the scarce

for men, we aim to expand our audience of enthusiasts of rare

supply compared to demand).

jewels. We will continue to create unprecedented experiences,

offering our clients the opportunity to experience the world of

Garatti firsthand, a world where every piece is synonymous with

IDENTITY OF OUR CLIENTS

quality and rarity. We will always promise maximum satisfaction

and security in the purchase, making Garatti a symbol of guarantee

in the luxury diamond market.

“Garatti’s clients are cultured and refined individuals, passionate

about beauty, art and an exclusive lifestyle. They understand the

value of fancy diamonds and know they possess a jewel that

These points not only enhance the DNA of your Maison but

has no equal. Each stone we select is the result of meticulous

communicate a powerful message; Garatti is synonymous with

research, aimed at guaranteeing the highest quality and rarity.

exclusivity, rarity and a guarantee of value.”

Whoever decides to buy a Garatti diamond is not simply buying a

Photo: Milena Bernocco Garatti

242 243

COMPANY

PROFILE

EXCLUSIVE CREATION

At Garatti, we are specialized in Fancy Diamonds—the rarest and

most captivating treasures of nature. With unmatched expertise in these

exceptional gems, we curate and craft extraordinary creations that embody

exclusivity, refinement, and timeless beauty.

244 245

Garatti is synonymous with excellence in high jewelry, renowned for its expertise in crafting

unique pieces—especially those featuring rare green diamonds. The brand embodies

luxury and craftsmanship, blending innovation and tradition into timeless creations.

W HO ARE WE

Founded in 2018 by Milena and Nicolas Garatti—both gemologists and fancy diamond

specialists with over 20 years of experience—Garatti Milano is a fine jewelry maison that

channels passion, innovation, and excellence. Rapidly emerging as a global leader in the

field, Garatti boasts an unmatched collection that includes 60% of the world’s green

diamonds and over 90% of those currently available on the market. The brand ensures

transparency and ethical sourcing through the Kimberley Process. Located in the heart

of Milan, just steps from Castello Sforzesco, Garatti’s first atelier is a testament to Italian

artisanal excellence. Here, the creativity of master jewelers merges with the precision

of expert stone setters to create one-of-a-kind pieces that fuse timeless luxury with

craftsmanship. Garatti is a symbol of elegance, refinement, and bespoke mastery—offering

each client a personalized journey from concept to creation. At the core of Garatti Milano

lies the pursuit of perfection in every detail. Each piece reflects a legacy of sophistication

and individuality, brought to life through the unparalleled artistry of Italian craftsmanship.

Our creations embody the true essence of Made in Italy, where centuries-old techniques

meet bold, contemporary design. From the initial sketch to the final polish, every step is

carried out with precision, care, and a relentless passion for excellence. This dedication

ensures that every jewel not only radiates timeless beauty, but also becomes a symbol of the

artistry and refinement that define our Maison.

“Our values are the foundation of everything we create, reflecting the very essence of

who we are as a Maison. We are devoted to timeless elegance, crafting jewelry that

transcends fleeting trends to become lasting symbols of refinement.

Our commitment to excellence is unwavering, rooted in the unparalleled mastery of

Italian craftsmanship. Each piece comes to life through meticulous attention to detail,

where tradition and innovation merge to create something truly extraordinary.

We believe in sustainability and ethics, ensuring that every gemstone is responsibly

sourced and rigorously certified—with respect for both the environment and the

communities from which our materials originate.

Above all, our creations celebrate individuality. Each piece is designed to resonate

deeply, becoming part of personal stories and cherished memories.”

Garatti’s values are at the heart of everything we create at the Maison. Our commitment

to sustainability goes beyond materials—it is reflected in our craftsmanship and in our

timeless designs, which embody enduring values while honoring the beauty of nature and

our responsibility to preserve it for future generations.

246 247

Each diamond is placed with utmost care, highlighting the luminous beauty of these jewels

while paying homage to the rich tradition of artisanal mastery.

GREEN

DIAMONDS

Green diamonds are the rarest and most captivating gemstones in the world.

Their unique hue, born from natural radiation exposure over millennia, imbues each stone with a quiet

mystery and unmistakable presence.

At Maison Garatti, these treasures represent the pinnacle of rarity and refinement. Holding one of the most

exceptional collections of green diamonds globally, Garatti offers stones of unmatched color saturation

and purity. Coveted not only for their striking beauty but for their symbolism, green diamonds speak of

renewal, hope, and visionary spirit.

More than jewels, they are timeless witnesses of elegance and individuality—stones that tell stories,

carrying the essence of the person who chooses to wear them.

248 249

DOMINO

collection

The Domino Collection is a captivating “game” of precious natural emeralds, expertly cut into

square shapes and framed by hand-set diamonds. These elements align in a sharp, angular rhythm of

geometry—challenging traditional conventions and giving rise to a bold new concept of fine jewelry.

Much like the Cubist art movement revolutionized painting, Garatti reimagines art and architecture

through an audacious lens, elevating each jewel to a deeply conceptual work. Every piece in the

Domino Collection is more than an ornament—it’s a wearable artwork that invites exploration of

new dimensions of beauty and creativity, honoring the fusion of tradition and innovation.

Crafted with precision, the collection features a stunning

combination of radiant emeralds and sparkling diamonds. The

vibrant green of the emeralds contrasts beautifully with the brilliance

of the diamonds, creating a striking balance that enhances the

collection’s refined beauty.

250 251

AKOYA

ROSE

The Akoya Rose Collection celebrates the sublime encounter between two cultures: the

Japanese tradition, from which the precious Akoya pearls originate, and the romantic essence

of the Italian garden. An enchanted garden where beauty blends with poetry, evoking an

atmosphere of grace and wonder. The delicate rose petals, rendered in soft three-dimensional

forms, gently temper the austere perfection of the pearls, creating a dreamlike harmony of

ethereal proportions that gracefully follows the movements of the woman who wears them.

The Akoya Rose Collection is more than jewelry—it is an

expression of grace, a celebration of beauty, and a testament

to the enduring legacy of exquisite craftsmanship.

The Akoya Rose Collection is an ode to beauty,

a masterpiece to be worn and admired.

A hand reaches out toward a rose bush, caressing the blooms and gathering them into

an enchanting bouquet that preserves its untamed beauty. The majestic necklace, which

embraces the elegant and slender neck, can also be worn as a brooch or ornamental accessory,

recalling ancient customs and gracefully replacing a pocket watch

with elegance and refinement.

252 253

RED ROSE

collection

The Red Rose Collection presents itself as a true magnet for the eye, a work of art that plays with

contrasts. The choker, crafted in pure gold, embodies an essential and contemporary aesthetic,

embracing the purity of minimalist lines. Resting on this refined base is a red rose, its crisp petals

adorned with sparkling red rubies, creating an explosion of color and vitality.

This bold piece is dedicated to a woman of strong character, determined to stand out and celebrate

her decisive nature. Garatti astonishes with its unique and unmistakable style, an originality that

manifests in every detail, making each piece a symbol of elegance and power. Wearing Red Rose

means embracing the beauty of being oneself, shining in every occasion.

254 255

ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY DAY

IN THE PROVINCE OF NAMUR

Nature and Rally Enthusiasts

from 70 Nations gathered

What a truly enjoyable experience and honour it was to attend

this year’s Economic Diplomacy Day, organised by the Consular

Corps of the Province of Namur in Belgium.

In the pre-summerly atmosphere the Ambassador’s Rally got the

day rolling with a scenic 80-kilometres cruise through the gorgeous

Walloon countryside, kicking off at the charming Brasserie

d’Upigny. The rally was brilliantly organised to the tiniest of detail

by Trajectoire, the specialists in exclusive automobile events.

Moreover, the guests had the opportunity to visit the 32 furnished

and decorated rooms of the castle and catch the echoes of

past centuries, including: The Museum of the Life of the Lords

of Lavaux in the 17th century, showing how they lived in their

sumptuous home; the cellars, where rural life in Famenne is

presented through everyday objects, customs and festivals of the

late 19th century; and the Museum of Nature and Hunting, with

its impressive collection of stuffed animals that reveal the wealth

of wildlife to be found in the Famenne region.

A tasty little break surprised along the way, the perfect chance

to stretch the legs, grab a bite, and have a good chat in a chilled

setting enjoying the nature and exchange with the participating

crew members. All of us enjoyed the fascinating nature – and the

cars of course.

Land Rover Global Diplomatic Sales and Diplomatic World are

already looking forward to take part again in next year’s edition

of the Economic Diplomacy Day: Sunday, 7 June 2026.

All photos: JLR

The rally culminated in a sophisticated yet laid-back Garden

Party at the magnificent Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne, where

Ambassadors, diplomats, entrepreneurs, academics and institutional

leaders gathered in an exceptional summerly decorated

setting.

It was an ideal occasion to chat and foster relationship in the

historic surrounding of the 15th century castle, in the vicinity of

Rochefort, Province of Namur.

HISTORICAL CARS AND RANGE ROVER –

PERFECT MATCH IN A MARVELLOUS SETTING

An impressive 67 countries were represented by their Ambassadors

in what proved to be a truly memorable and enjoyable

occasion. As always, this annual gathering draws an influential

crowd, offering unparalleled exposure and connection opportunities

for participating companies and the 2025 edition lived up to

every expectation.

The Rally teams joined the Garden Party and some took the

opportunity to stroll around to have a closer look at the Range

Rover’s – that matched simply perfect in the marvellous setting:

Models on display were the Defender OCTA, Range Rover

Autobiography, Range Rover Sport Dynamic HSE and Defender

X-Dynamic.

256 257

THE WIMBLEDON FORTNIGHT

THE TRADITIONAL SEASON IN LONDON

The 2025 edition of Wimbledon kicked off with a memorable day

of world-class tennis and modern British luxury at Range Rover

House. Wimbledon is the world’s oldest tennis tournament,

established in 1877 and is the only Grand Slam event in the

world played on grass. The official Wimbledon vehicle partner

hosted diplomatic clients and external partners in a relaxed and

refined setting, with the distinctive Range Rover hospitality style.

The guests enjoyed the Opening Centre Court Match between

defending champion Carlos Alcaraz from Spain and Italy’s Fabio

Fognini, a fitting start to this year’s Championships – what an

epic battle it was, lasting over four and a half hours! The day was

made all the more engaging by a guest appearance from former

British No.1 and broadcaster Annabel Croft, who shared her

thoughts on what to expect from this year’s tournament and its

players.

The Wimbledon Tennis Fortnight remains the ultimate theatre of

sport, not only for its champions but for those drawn to the ritual,

rhythm, and refinement of the world’s oldest tennis tournament.

The tournament is one of the four Grand Slams on the tennis

calendar, but Wimbledon has a distinctly different character from

the competitions in New York, Paris, and Melbourne.

THE OLDEST TENNIS TOURNAMENT IN THE

WORLD IS A BUCKET-LIST EVENT FOR EVERY

TENNIS LOVER

leisure in London’s leafy boroughs and elegant brunches that

stretch luxuriously into the early afternoon.

And at Wimbledon, time is not kept by clocks but by custom.

The grass is trimmed to 8 millimetres and the strawberries &

cream tradition continues till today served at the very first

Wimbledon Tournament in 1877: the development of railways

during the 19th century meant the fruits could be picked and

transported to London on the same day to ensure the utmost

freshness. In 2025 more than 27,000 kilos of English strawberries

are likely to be eaten by spectators, topped by 7,000 litres of

cream. The players dress code is white, without exception. Up

to 40,000 tennis balls will be used during the tournament. Yellow

balls were first used in 1986 and will this year be collected by a

total of 200 ball boys and girls who have all undergone a rigorous

training programme.

It is not just an event of the world but one to which the world

obediently comes together – it is a cultivated legacy in the best

sense. Absolutely, there are enthusiastic cheers from spectators

to the players, but it is more polite than you will find elsewhere.

There is respect for the game and the players, and Wimbledon

itself. Wimbledon stands apart not only through spectacle but

through subtlety.

All photos: JLR

This year, Range Rover continues for the second time the partnership

as the Wimbledon Official Vehicle – simply the perfect

match of the quintessentially British brands. The 180-vehicle fleet

helping to move players and teams around with approximately

30,000 journeys, equating to over 120,000 miles – with the

majority of those in electric vehicles. When the season starts at

the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club – the venue’s official

name – the world elite of tennis players and community gathers

to celebrate the championship and tradition. Though steeped in

heritage, the 2025 Championships will be remembered as a year

of meaningful transition: For the first time in its history, Wimbledon

has replaced its iconic line judges with electronic line-calling,

a shift as precise as it is symbolic.

2025: TRADITION AND TRANSITION

Finals starting times have also shifted later into the day, in

response to global viewership habits, making room for morning

258 259

BOTANIC SANCTUARY ANTWERP

A MONASTIC OASIS OF LUXURY

IN THE HEART OF ANTWERP

In the historic heart of Antwerp, a city where art, fashion, gastronomy,

and wellness intersect, a former monastery dating back

to the 15th century has been transformed into one of the most

refined luxury hotels in Northern Europe: Botanic Sanctuary

Antwerp. As a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the

World, this five-star superior property offers more than a stay,

it delivers an experience that engages all the senses.

A UNIQUE DESTINATION FOR THE MODERN

TRAVELLER

At the core of Botanic’s identity lies a remarkable sense of place,

timeless, tranquil and entirely distinctive. The hotel offers

108 rooms and suites, spread across various heritage buildings

that have been carefully restored. Room types range from

classic, deluxe rooms and junior suites to one-bedroom and

two-bedroom suites, connecting rooms, family suites, and

elegant spaces with private terraces. Many feature the original

wooden beam structures, evoking the spirit of the former monastery

while incorporating modern comfort and refined aesthetics.

Whether you are travelling alone, as a couple, or with family, the

hotel offers tailored configurations that blend authenticity with

luxurious privacy.

The property also boasts several event spaces, ideal for exclusive

celebrations, weddings, meetings or private dining in a

setting steeped in history and elegance.

Lobby

THE EPICENTRE OF GASTRONOMY

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is Antwerp’s undisputed culinary

hotspot, home to three Michelin-awarded restaurants:

• Hertog Jan (**), awarded two Michelin stars, is a destination

in itself. Helmed by celebrated chef Gert De Mangeleer and

maître-sommelier Joachim Boudens, this ultra-exclusive restaurant

offers an intimate setting with just seven tables and is

open only ten days a month. It reflects a philosophy of culinary

purity, refinement, and seasonality, a rare and discreet fine-dining

experience for true gourmets.

• Fine Fleur (*), led by Dutch culinary duo Jacob Jan Boerma

and Thomas Diepersloot, holds one Michelin star and serves

sophisticated, modern cuisine in an elegant space that merges

heritage with contemporary flair.

• Het Gebaar (*), located in the hotel’s botanical garden, is led

by Roger van Damme, Michelin-starred chef and World’s Best

Pastry Chef. This picturesque venue is renowned for its refined

lunches and spectacular desserts, crafted with precision and

artistic flair.

Rafael Balrak Henrys bistro terras

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

260 261


Botanic Suite

For those in search of a moment of indulgence during the day,

the hotel’s signature high tea is served in a refined and serene

setting, a nod to tradition with a contemporary twist, accompanied

by fine teas, champagne, and delicate sweet and savoury

creations.

WELLNESS, HOLISTIC HEALTH & REJUVENATION

The Botanic Health Spa & Club redefines luxury wellness in

Belgium. Drawing from monastic healing traditions, phytotherapy,

and traditional Chinese medicine, the spa offers a holistic retreat

that integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Guests enjoy an 18-metre swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, and

an extensive treatment selection including full-body rituals, energetic

massages, and the exclusive The3CureMethod. Personalized

wellness journeys begin with in-depth analysis and expert

guidance for optimal results.

craftsmanship, ideal for finding meaningful souvenirs or unique

presents that reflect the Botanic philosophy.

In the Health Club, renowned coach Ingmar Harthoorn leads

advanced training sessions supported by cutting-edge Technogym

equipment. Personalized one-on-one training is available

for every fitness level, from gentle activation to performancefocused

conditioning, all in a setting that balances nature and

innovation.

ANTWERP – CULTURE, FASHION, HERITAGE

& FAMILY ADVENTURE

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is ideally situated to explore every

facet of the city. Antwerp is a multifaceted destination, effortlessly

blending history, design, gastronomy, and a touch of rebellious

creativity.


At the in-house Saint Charles Store, guests can discover more

than just the spa’s premium wellness products. This refined

concept store offers a carefully curated selection of natural

remedies, sustainable skincare, artisanal gifts, and wellness-inspired

lifestyle items. It’s a place where tradition meets modern

ART & DESIGN

Just a short walk away lies the newly reopened Royal Museum of

Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), home to an outstanding collection

262 263

One Bedroom Suite Terrace

Two Bedroom Suite

ranging from the 14th to 20th centuries, including the world’s

largest ensemble of James Ensor’s works.

and curated creations with ethically sourced stones, a uniquely

tailored Antwerp experience.

The Axel Vervoordt Gallery showcases art, antiques, and

contemporary design in harmony, while Leonhard’s Gallery,

Gallery Sofie Van de Velde, and Tim Van Laere Gallery offer bold

perspectives on contemporary visual culture. Fans of interior

aesthetics can discover the refined worlds of Gert Voorjans and

Vincent Van Duysen.

FAMILY EXPERIENCES & LEGENDS

For families, Antwerp offers a world of discovery. Children can

follow interactive city tours full of local legends like Brabo, Lange

Wapper, or the heartwarming tale of Nello & Patrasche.

The Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest and most respected in the

FASHION & DIAMONDS

world. For younger visitors, Chocolate Nation, the largest Belgian

chocolate museum, offers interactive tasting experiences, while

As the birthplace of the Antwerp Six and a global fashion capital, Plopsa Station and Bobbejaanland theme park add a dose of

the city continues to push boundaries. The restored MoMu

fantasy and adventure. A private boat tour along the Scheldt

Fashion Museum, the city’s renowned fashion academy, and the creates the perfect moment for connection and wonder.

innovative boutiques along Nationalestraat and Kammenstraat

offer a deep dive into the local fashion DNA.

HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE

Antwerp’s Diamond District invites visitors to witness craftsmanship

first-hand. Visit the DIVA Museum, or experience the

Antwerp’s history is everywhere, from medieval alleys like the

refined artistry of a private appointment at David Gotlib, known Vlaeykensgang, to the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Our Lady, the

for exclusive diamond cufflinks and timeless design. For a truly Plantin-Moretus Museum, or the Rubens House, former home of

personal approach, discover Elliot & Ostrich, a jewelry house

the Baroque master himself.

that works strictly by appointment, offering one-on-one guidance


264 265

In the port district of ’t Eilandje, heritage meets modernity.

Visitors can explore the architectural icon Port House by Zaha

Hadid, the emigration stories of the Red Star Line Museum, and

the panoramic collections of the MAS Museum.

ANTWERP’S CULINARY SCENE

With its seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, refined

cocktails, and bistro-inspired cuisine, Henry’s is a place for

stories, meetings, and relaxed celebration. The impressive wine

list features over 420 carefully selected wines, and the property’s

private wine cellar provides an exceptional setting for tastings

and private events, a true hidden gem for connoisseurs and

collectors alike.

Antwerp is a culinary city in constant motion. Beyond Botanic’s

walls lies a landscape of Michelin stars, bold new bistros, and

atmospheric gems. Highlights include:

• The Jane (**), offering cutting-edge cuisine in a former chapel

• Zilte (***), perched atop the MAS with one of the best panoramic

views in Belgium

• Bar Bulot, a nostalgic yet contemporary brasserie by Gert De

Mangeleer

• Fiera, housed in the magnificent Handelsbeurs, blending global

flavours with architectural grandeur

• Whether you’re seeking haute cuisine or soulful simplicity,

Antwerp delivers at every level.

BOTANIC – MORE THAN A HOTEL

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp represents a new benchmark in

luxury hospitality in Northern Europe. It is where heritage meets

vision, where discretion meets authenticity, and where hospitality

is elevated to an artform.

Whether you’re coming for wellness, culture, gastronomy, or a

quiet retreat, Botanic is not a stop along the way. It is the Destination.


HENRY’S BAR & BISTRO – WHERE STORIES

UNFOLD

No visit to Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is complete without an

evening at Henry’s Bar & Bistro. Inspired by botanist Henri-

Ferdinand van Heurck, the venue pays homage to the property’s

historical roots while embracing a contemporary cosmopolitan

mood.

BOTANIC SANCTUARY ANTWERP

Leopoldstraat 26, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium

info@botanicantwerp.com,

+32 3 269 00 00

www.botanicantwerp.com

All photos: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

Botanic Antwerp Rooms Hertog Jan Botanic Hertig Jan © Pieter D’Hoop

266 267






268 269

SMART HEALTH CARE STRATEGIES

FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE

Greater care usage, increased expenses, a a wider gap gap between

funding and and costs, and and all all of of this this in in a a volatile global landscape,

mean that while the the need for for health care is is more vital than ever,

delivering it it to to your staff can can be be financially challenging.

Learn how Cigna Healthcare can can guide you you to to financially sustainable

plans while ensuring access to to high-quality health care.

The The world world continues to be to beset beset with with problems, with with an an

ongoing cost-of-living crisis, crisis, geopolitical instability, and and

global global inflation; there’s emerging funding pressure on on

International Organisations and and higher higher utilisation of of care care

impacting supply supply chains, taking taking resources away away from from

essential services such such as as health health care. care.

AN AN EVER-WIDENING GAP GAP BETWEEN FUNDING AND AND

HEALTH CARE CARE COSTS

The The global global medical trend trend tracks tracks the the cost cost of of health health care care

globally. For For 2024, 2024, it shows it shows an an increase of of 10.4% 10.4% (it’s (it’s

reached these these levels levels – which – which are are higher higher than than during during COVID COVID

- due - due in part in part to to expensive medication such such as as GLP1), yet yet

Cigna Cigna Healthcare stays stays well well beneath that that level level at 8.3%. at 8.3%.

Unfortunately, the the challenge that that comes comes from from a a growth in in

health health care care requirements is is coupled with with volatile funding.

This This means means the the gap gap between money money flowing into into the the

organisation and and the the increase money in money needed for for health health

care care is is becoming wider wider every every year, year, with with this this year year and and next next

expected to be to be challenging years years regarding funding.

A RISE A RISE IN IN MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS

Such Such is the is the relentless pace pace of of modern work; work; there’s also also

a rise a rise in in mental health health concerns and and chronic conditions

among an an increasingly ageing ageing workforce. Mental health health is is

a a particular concern for for International Organisations, too, too,

with with staff staff members finding themselves in parts in parts of of the the

world world that that are are subject to to dramatic, sudden changes and and

geopolitical tensions, combined with with the the fact fact that that they’re

already living living in in unfamiliar environments.

That That the the need need for for mental health health care care is is increasing should should be be

of of little little surprise. The The Cigna Cigna Healthcare International Health Health

Study Study 2024 2024 paints paints a clear a clear picture of of the the global global mental health health

challenge. A A staggering 71% 71% of of respondents worldwide

report report feeling feeling stressed, and and when when it comes it comes to to International

Organisations, our our data data reveals reveals that that their their staff staff are are

particularly susceptible to to anxiety, depression, and and burnout.

Coupled with with this, this, health health care care expenses are are rapidly rapidly increasing

due due to the to the prevalence of of chronic diseases, expensive

“To “To keep your health plan

sustainable, we we use use our our

expertise, insights, and

dedicated support to to develop

smart healthcare strategies

to to drive optimised value.”

Sébastien Haslé

CEO CEO International Organisations Health, Health,

Cigna Cigna Healthcare

Our track record speaks for for itself

medication arriving onto onto the the market (i.e. (i.e. Ozempic), the the

availability of of new new advanced treatments such such as as gene gene therapy,

and and increasing workforce expenses alone, alone, which which take take up up over over

50% 50% of of the the costs costs covered by by providers.

health health outcomes for for International Organisations’ staff staff

members. Our Our approach is is designed to help to help your your long-term

planning and and financial sustainability while while improving health health

outcomes for for all all staff staff members.

This This means means that that health health care care spending outpaces economic

growth, straining national economies, health health care care systems,

organisations, and and individuals.

As As mentioned, while while the the provision of of mental health health care care is is

vital vital in in today’s society, it is it a is very a very complex area area that that often often

requires long-term support and and strategies.

Average client client

tenure of of 18 18

years years

Trusted by by 43% 43%

of of international

organisations

for for their their

healthcare

needs needs

Supporting 278 278

international

organisations

globally

Client Client retention

rate rate of of 98% 98%

Customer

satisfaction

rates rates +83% +83%

Cigna Cigna Healthcare is is committed to monitoring its its data data

and and using using the the insights to inform to inform how how best best to to support

the the complex needs needs of of government organisations. Our Our

data-driven approach helps helps navigate all all aspects of of care. care.

Whether it’s it’s reducing cost cost of of care, care, improving access to to

care care in in remote locations or or busy busy cities, cities, or or enhancing

Another area area that that global global organisations shouldn’t neglect

is is musculoskeletal health. No No matter what what the the working

environment looks looks like, like, office, office, home, home, or or maybe maybe on on location

in a in more a more physical job, job, chronic issues issues associated with with

movement health health can can impact everyone. And And with with 1 in 1 5 in 5

adults adults are are impacted by by mobility issues issues globally 1 1

270 271

Perhaps more importantly, 52% of employees say

these programmes make them more productive at

work, meaning they can help the overall productivity

and output of your organisation 2 .

Cigna Healthcare can’t stop health care prices from

rising globally, but with its transparent data insights that

can enable clients to optimise healthcare costs, and wide

range of solutions, it can help you keep this increase

to a minimum and also partner with you to create

financially sustainable plans.

Together, Cigna Healthcare wants to help you

prepare robust plans while ensuring access to

high-quality healthcare to protect your most important

asset – your staff.

Simply put, more people are finding their way to care, with

high usage among those aged 20-50 in particular.

For over six decades, Cigna Healthcare IOH has partnered

with International Organisations to navigate these

complexities and develop innovative solutions that support

duty of care without compromising quality or affordability.

Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of

the landscape in which IOs operate and a commitment to

support their mission.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BALANCE HIGH-QUALITY CARE

AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY?

Cigna Healthcare has invested in offering its services

to governments and their foreign missions at the most

affordable cost while retaining its high level of quality.

Focused investments have provided new opportunities to

increase efficiencies, which they want to share within their

organisations.

As the market leader in the International Organisations

market for more than 60 years, Cigna Healthcare has

unique insights into how each client, including those

from government institutions, has been dealing with

similar challenges. Combined with Cigna Healthcare’s

expertise, they can offer tailored advice to each client and

help optimise health care plans to deal with the current

challenges in the market.

THE NEED FOR QUALITY CARE

Sixty-six per cent of HR leaders believe health benefits

reinforce a company culture that supports health.

Cigna Healthcare is committed to providing choice,

predictability, affordability and integrated solutions.

Delivering quality health care and services to more

than 180 million customers and patients

worldwide.

We have over 60 years of experience designing,

implementing and managing international

group health insurance and employee benefits

programmes for International Organisations,

governments and their foreign missions.

Find out more about who we are and what we do at

cignaglobal.com

1

Musculoskeletal health (who.int).

https://www.who.int/news-room/

fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletalconditions#:~:text=Scope,joints%20

and%20adjacent%20connective%20

tissues.

2

Cigna Healthcare International Health

Study 2024

272 273

A few years ago, while watching the BBC documentary “The

Hunt”, I was struck by the image of a young, playful long-tailed

macaque just starting to learn the group’s complex rules. The

motherless monkey had formed a touching bond with an older

male, a former alpha, who was gentle, watchful, and protective.

Their connection resembled a mentorship, a silent trust built

through time and presence. The young macaque was endlessly

curious: he examined leaves, turned over stones, and climbed

low branches without any clear purpose. Everything fascinated

him; everything beckoned to be explored. As the day progressed,

the group moved slowly toward the towering cliffs where they

slept each night - safe above the ground, beyond the reach of

hungry leopards. But one evening, the macaque hesitated. He

stayed behind, entranced by the wonders around him. The next

morning, his mentor searched for him tirelessly, but to no avail.

The very trait that fosters learning and evolution—curiosity—had

made him vulnerable. He was gone.

KOEN VANMECHELEN

THE CURIOUS MACAQUE

SAFE SPACES

The lesson is timeless: only when we create safe environments

that cherish wonder can curiosity truly become a driving force

for change. This thought resurfaced with great clarity during

the premiere of An Miller’s monologue Ode to Wonder, held

in memory of the much-too-early passing of Rector Caroline

Pauwels. Caroline was no ordinary rector. She was a philosopher,

communicator, thinker, and a bridge builder.

At the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, she championed a vision of

science and humanity rooted in openness and warmth.

She believed universities should not merely shield freedom

of thought but actively nourish it, cultivating spaces where

questions could grow before answers were demanded.

Her thinking was radically gentle - no dogmas, only dialogue.

Her passing in 2022 left a silence still palpable today. Yet her

ideas live on - in words, in people, in projects, and in our joint

initiative: The Unthinkable Experiment.

On the theatre stage, surrounded by images of my work, An

Miller gave voice to Caroline’s enduring vision of wonder as an

existential force. She reminded us of the vital difference between

Chronos, measured and mechanical time, and Kairos, meaningful

and opportune time. In Kairos lies the fertile space where wonder

can arise, if only we are brave enough to make room for it.

Wonder requires a safe space to flourish. Without it, it withers

under the pressure of impatience, performance, and fear.

One genuine moment of astonishment can plant the seed of

something revolutionary - but only if we give it the space to grow.

effort is the Cosmogolem: a four-meter-tall wooden giant with

a hatch in its heart where children can place their dreams and

worries. Today, Cosmogolems stand in over 45 countries, each

surrounded by an invisible cocoon of safety where children are

listened to and respected.

The Cosmogolem is not just a sculpture - it is a social and

artistic instrument that embodies hope in its purest form. Every

May, during the Day of the Cosmogolem at LABIOMISTA, we

celebrate hope globally through creative workshops, parades,

and ceremonies. On that day, children share their stories, dream

together, and help build something larger than themselves -

something born from collective imagination. It is a ritual that lays

the foundation for a future where solidarity and wonder walk

hand in hand.

Often, Cosmogolems are placed near physical shelters -

spaces where children from conflict zones can find peace and

restoration. These shelters are not mobile giants, but real-life

sanctuaries where wonder can survive despite the surrounding

chaos. Here, children are allowed to draw, sing, and dream.

Every piece of chalk, every brushstroke becomes a quiet act

of resistance against despair. These shelters offer more than

protection - they are oases of meaning in a landscape of fear.

THE UNTHINKABLE EXPERIMENT

Together with Caroline, I developed another kind of safe

space: The Unthinkable Experiment. This project mainly unfolds

in three wooden “thinking boxes” at LABIOMISTA - sober,

minimalist structures created to stimulate deep thought and

creativity. Every summer, young people gather there to write,

reflect, and exchange ideas around chosen themes - sometimes

naive, sometimes brilliant, but always authentic.

It was Caroline’s dream turned into reality: a place where wonder

could transform into vision, where questions never before asked

could be born. Ideas that take root there find their way into

conferences, exhibitions, and broader societal initiatives. The

thinking boxes became breeding grounds for possibility - spaces

where time did not tick, but breathed.

VUB rector Caroline Pauwels and Koen Vanmechelen at the inauguration of AB CHAO at the VUB, photo Thierry Geenen

Ode aan de Verwondering by An Miller, Dimitri Leue and Koen Vanmechelen,

photo by Sara De Graeve

BUILDING SPACES FOR WONDER

For many years, I have been devoted to creating such spaces

through my work. Perhaps the clearest embodiment of this

I vividly recall a young woman sitting silently inside, gazing

over the Galloways in Protected Paradise, 30 acres of nature,

undisturbed. When she emerged, tears filled her eyes - not from

sadness, but from a regained clarity she thought she had lost.

The box had given her the space to translate wonder into action.

Moments like these reaffirm why I continue to build spaces

where thinking and dreaming converge. The simplicity of the

surroundings acted as a catalyst for complex internal processes.

That is the true essence of wonder: it awakens something

already within us, waiting for the right time, the right place.

274 275

WONDER AND MEMORY

For me, wonder is inextricably linked to memory. “The future

depends on the forgotten memories,” I once wrote. Without

memory, there can be no wonder; without the past, there can be

no future. I often think of my wife, Inge, who passed away at the

end of 2019.

Inge loved movement. She loved to dance. Her memory

lives on in everything I create. When I see a child smile at a

Cosmogolem or hear a young person passionately share an idea

at LaMouseion, I feel her presence. She taught me that wonder

requires empathy - the courage to see through another’s eyes

without judgment. The universal always begins with the deeply

personal.

She carried that gaze - always curious, always open, always

positive. She gave me the freedom to remain inquisitive, to stay

connected to the child within. She helped build the Cosmogolem,

spoke with children in languages she barely knew, and treated

every encounter as the planting of a new seed of wonder.

She believed those seeds needed protection from the weeds of

cynicism and haste.

WONDER AS A DIPLOMATIC AND CREATIVE

FORCE

Caroline and Inge both understood that time only gains meaning

when we allow wonder to enter. As Laurie says in The White

Lotus, “Time gives life meaning.”

She kept wonder alive through careful attention, observing how

light fell across the floor, how a bird landed in a tree, how a child

looked up at her with silent trust. She supported me as I tried

to turn the unthinkable into material form. And then she would

laugh, calling out, “Koentje.”

Not through endlessness, but through finiteness. Wonder

captures the intensity of fleeting moments - the Kairos that

crystallises into memory. Every second counts double when

we live it consciously. This insight offers a powerful antidote to

the tyranny of time pressure that defines our age. We rush past

marvels unfolding right before our eyes. Stillness is not a loss -

it is an invitation.

Inauguration Cosmogolem, Future of Hope Foundation, Zimbabwe © Koen Vanmechelen

Inauguration Cosmogolem Anderlecht © Koen Vanmechelen

276 277

In diplomacy and international cooperation, too, wonder plays

a crucial role. It asks the essential question: What if I stood in

your shoes? What if borders were not barriers, but membranes

of exchange? Wonder opens doors to dialogue, collaboration,

and understanding across languages and cultures. It does not

demand immediate comprehension, but first a willingness to see,

listen, and experience. In a world increasingly polarised, wonder

offers an alternative: not naïve belief in harmony, but courageous

openness to the unknown. Often, it is wonder that builds the first

bridge, long before the handshake.

obligation for those privileged to think freely. In a world where so

many are denied the space for wonder, it is our duty to create it

through wooden giants, thinking spaces, and art itself. After all,

we are all passengers on the same ark.

Art, science, and education all blossom in the fertile soil of

wonder. Without that ground, creativity withers. Reflection falls

silent. Wonder is the foundation of every true insight, every bold

leap forward. It is the oxygen of imagination. Let us not allow

wonder to vanish like the curious macaque. Let it be the spark

that lights the way through the darkness.

Be a member of ANADE

THE OXYGEN OF IMAGINATION

Art and science have always flourished in the fertile soil of

wonder. Galileo’s telescope and Duchamp’s urinal both emerged

from the same essential impulse: “What if...?”

Artists and scientists are kin - both question the obvious,

challenge assumptions, and seek new perspectives. A society

that cherishes wonder invests not only in culture and research

but also in resilience, creativity, and future possibilities. That is

why I advocate for structural spaces for wonder in education,

policymaking, and public life. Not as luxury, but as a necessity.

As a compass guiding us toward the unknown.

WHY DOES KOEN VANMECHELEN

HAVE A COLUMN IN DIPLOMATIC

WORLD?

Unlike anyone else, this visionary artist bridges the divides

between cultures, disciplines, communities and generations.

Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen (1965) is an internationally

acclaimed conceptual artist. His exploration of crucial issues as

diversity, fertility and identity is translated into highly idiosyncratic

works and projects. Decoding and recoding nature’s language,

the artist tackles contemporary issues regarding human rights,

sustainability and multiculturalism.

When I reflect on my journey, I see wonder as the thread that

runs through my life and work. It is not a luxury, but a moral

www.koenvanmechelen.be

Day of the Cosmogolem, NOMADLAND, LABIOMISTA, Genk (BE) © Koen Vanmechelen, photo by Boumediene Belbachir

278 279

THOMAS SCHÖNAUER

ON THE FASCINATION OF STEEL,

GLASS AND THE COLLABORATION

WITH THE DAN GALLERY IN BRAZIL

“Thomas Schönauer is the man of space”... is what one can

read about him, but he is certainly also the man of dialogue

between heaviness and lightness. One of his large sculptures lies

almost floating in front of the portal of the Expo for Art Brussels,

radiating a majestic splendour as if it wanted to steal the show

from the nearby Atomium. The surfaces of many of his stainless

steel sculptures, which can be found all over the world, are

glass-blasted, giving the objects, which weigh tonnes but appear

as light as a feather, an elegant shine and fascination through the

distributed refraction of light.

Schönauer calls his current group of works “Cultivator” because,

as horizontally spreading objects, they are somewhat reminiscent

of an agricultural implement, the harrow or cultivator. The artist’s

political approach consists in the metaphor of opening not only

the soil for fresh seeds, but also minds for new ideas, courage

and responsibility. Thomas Schönauer is more than “just” an

artist – in his numerous lectures, the trained philosopher repeatedly

emphasises the enormous importance of creative harmony

between high-quality landscape planning, architecture and art

in public spaces for the physical and mental health of people in

urban contexts.

Small metal sculptures certainly develop a power of their own,

but for Schönauer they lack that very fascination. So he set

out to find a congenial glass-blower, because even glass that

is thousands of years old has always fascinated him during his

various museum visits, and he had and still has a very clear idea

of contemporary glass creations.

Through a Slovenian collector, Schönauer met the Viennese

glassblower Robert Comploj, a true master of his craft. On the

one hand. On the other hand, Comploj has a very critical attitude

towards his colleagues, whom he considers largely stuck in

their ways, narrow-minded and uninspired. He is right, because

Thomas Schönauer travelled unsuccessfully to many places, including

Murano, Zwiesel, Kramsach and Nuremberg, and everywhere

he went, he heard the same thing: “Your ideas cannot be

realised in glass.”

It is therefore no surprise that a considerable part of his artistic

work consists of collaborations with the globally active landscape

architecture firm LAND from Milan and its German founder

and CEO Andreas Kipar. The two are currently realising a prestigious

80-hectare park in the centre of Riyadh as a pilot project for

the ‘Riyadh Green Strategy 2030’.

Back to Schönauer’s sculptural work. He does not only work with

stainless steel – when the landscape and architectural conditions

allow or even require it, he also likes to use so-called Corten

steel, a material alloy that protects itself from rusting through

its own oxide layer. These oxidised surfaces, which constantly

change their appearance depending on the weather and the incidence

of light, also lend the sculptures a very unique fascination

through their closeness to nature.

Thomas Schönauer had long been searching for this in his socalled

table sculptures – not every collector has a large garden or

an enormous foyer, but still wants to “own a Schönauer”.

280 281

Robert Comploj’s open mind, his willingness to experiment and

his artistic talent are the ideal prerequisites for the oeuvre that

the two have now developed in their close collaboration in the

“Glass Cultivator” sculptures, as they call them, and presented to

a large European audience for the first time at Art Brussels. They

had previously been exhibited at art fairs in Rio de Janeiro, Art

Basel Miami and São Paulo, where they were extremely successful.

And if one word can describe the effect on visitors of the four

“Glass Cultivators” exhibited in Brussels, it is fascination!

But what is it that makes these sculptures so fascinating? Certainly

their formal language, but the technical perfection of their

execution is just as captivating. The intense colours of red, dark

blue, bottle green and even the achromatic graphite grey shine

so brightly through the internal mirroring of the hollow, mouthblown

lens bodies. The almost invisible connections between

the individual lenses of varying sizes and their positioning on a

mirrored base plate round off the interplay of the unique artistic

quality and technical perfection.

One cannot help but feel that two artistic souls have come

together and inspired each other – the internationally renowned

glass expert Robert Comploj and the equally internationally

renowned “engineering artist”, as Thomas Schönauer was once

referred to by his friend and communications expert Frank

Dopheide.

What is a little surprising is the fact that these wonderful sculptures

were presented in Brussels at the stand of the DAN Gallery

from São Paulo. When asked about this, Thomas Schönauer

quickly sheds light on the matter. Schönauer has been married

to his Brazilian wife for 35 years and lived and worked near

Belo Horizonte, Brazil, for several years in the 1990s. However,

his collaboration with the DAN Gallery is more recent. In 2019,

shortly before the pandemic, Schönauer’s path crossed that of

the DAN Gallery, and since then they have embarked on a very

successful journey together.

If you take a closer look at Thomas Schönauer’s biography, you

will notice that he has worked with very few galleries during his

successful career. When asked about this, the artist explains

succinctly that only very few gallery owners worldwide ‘understand

sculpture, especially large-scale sculpture.’ And the DAN

Gallery is one of those few.

And there are reasons for this. Founded 51 years ago by Peter

Cohn in São Paulo, the gallery has been working with major

Brazilian sculptors such as Amilcar de Castro, Franz Weissmann

and others from the very beginning. His son Ulisses, who now

runs the gallery with his brother Flávio and his father, studied

sculpture and stage design himself, so like Schönauer, he is

‘a man of space’. It is hard to imagine better conditions for a

successful collaboration between artist and gallery owner. This

applies to both the large metal sculptures and the interior sculptures

made of glass: Thomas Schönauer by Robert Comploj.

The positive atmosphere between artists and gallery owners was

clearly noticeable in Brussels. We are excited to see where the

“team” will go in the future, and we will keep you posted!

Photos: Diplomatic World

282 283

The Russian-French painter Marc Chagall was an exceptional

talent of modernism and is considered one of the most important

artists of the twentieth century. His fantastically poetic imagery

and motifs remain enigmatic to this day, and his luminous,

intense colours are extraordinary.

On the fortieth anniversary of the painter’s death, the museum

K20, in cooperation with the Albertina in Vienna, now shows how

versatile the famous artist was. It is not just naive daydreaming,

but also a confrontation with war, life and death, as well as with

religion.

A FEAST FOR THE EYES

CHAGALL’S DREAMLIKE WORLDS

The early Years

A Major Exhibition.

Marc Chagall at K20

Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

Chagall, Ausstellungsansicht, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, 2025, Photo: Achim Kukulies

With almost 120 paintings and works on paper, the exhibition at

K20 focuses on Chagall’s early works, created between 1910 and

1923. In addition to the influence of the avant-garde on his work,

the exhibition also reveals a little-known aspect oft he renowned

artist’s oeuvre: its socially critical and sometimes dark side.

The exhibition also sheds light on the development of the artist

and his motifs up to 1980s, when he inspired a wide public with

the bright colours of his work.

“I painted my world, my life, all the things I loved, all the things I

dreamed of, all the things I could not say in words. I painted my

beloved Russia, my hometown Vitebsk, the Jewish neighbourhood

where I grew up, the way I saw everything as a child.” During

prayers he would daydream, in school he was distracted, and

at home he worried about what profession he should choose.

But when the young Chagall realised he had artistic talent, he

translated his unusual way of looking at the world into colour and

shape.

Marc Chagall, born 1887 in Vitebsk (Russian Empire – present-day

Belarus), arrived in Paris in 1911 at the age of twenty-three.

Like many of his fellow artists, he was penniless, spoke

little French, and was overwhelmed by the city’s modernity and

energy. Unlike most immigrants, Chagall quickly gained access

to the Parisian circles of the artistic and literary avant-garde and

became part of a close-knit group of friends who supported each

other. At its core were, for example, the art critics Guillaume

Apollinaire, the artists Robert and Sonia Delaunay and Herwarth

Walden, the Berlin-based gallerist and publisher of the magazine

“Der Sturm”. In 1913, he showed works by the then-unknown

Chagall at the First German Autumn Salon and gave him his first

major solo exhibition in 1914.

What was the reason for Chagall’s early success? Like many

young artists, he experimented with the styles of the western

avant-garde. What made him special was that he combined

Fauvism and Cubism with Jewish motifs and Eastern folklore.

The result was a surreal world of motifs based on lived experience

that made Chagall unique in his time.

Floating people and animals, fiddlers on rooftops and hybrid

beings populate his compositions, which are always painted in

overwhelming colours. In just four years, Chagall had developed

an unmistakable style. The strange worlds that Chagall created

are not just poetically charged fairy tales but contain sharp criticism

of the social conditions of his time.

Throughout his life, Marc Chagall reflected on his origins. Especially

in his early works, he dealt with his childhood and youth

in the confines of the Jewish quarter of Vitebsk. The small town,

with its densely packed houses and distinctive church tower, is a

frequently used motif.

Chagall travelled to Vitebsk in the summer of 1914. He had

planned to stay there for a short time, but the outbreak of the

First World War prevented his return to Paris. He remained in

Russia for eight years. During this time, he married Bella

Rosenfeld and this marriage gave new impulse to his art. The

bliss of togetherness became a central motif.

In 1918, he was appointed Fine Arts Commissioner for the

Vitebsk region, founded an art academy and became its director.

Marc Chagall in Saint Petersburg, 17 June 1910, © DR, Archives Marc et Ida

Chagall, Paris, 2024

He invited renowned artists such as El Lissitzky and Kazimir

Malevich to teach at the academy.

Power struggles soon arise with Malevich, the developer of

Suprematism. Chagall was critical of the idea that Malevich’s

consistently non-representational painting should be the only art

of the Revolution and stand for the renewal of society. He leaves

the school.

A rarely exhibited series of works on paper shows Chagall experimenting

with Suprematism. However, he only practices this

pure form of abstraction for a short time. It limits him; it does not

correspond to his poetic imagery, in which motifs and colours are

combined with a floating lightness.

Chagall returned to Berlin in 1922 and then to Paris in 1923. He

discovered that the works he had left behind had been sold or

destroyed. He began to paint new versions, delighting collectors

and gallerists. For the first time, he was able to lead a carefree

life in the 1920s and 1930s. A new lightness and transparent

application of paint characterise his paintings from this period.

Motifs from Vitebsk are juxtaposed with new impressions from

France.

284 285

From this point on, it is almost impossible to discern a chronologically

identifiable stylistic development in Chagall’s work. He

repeated pictorial motifs and themes, created new contexts for

them, and drew on earlier stylistic stages by referring to a theme.

The Second World War forces Chagall to leave his adopted

country. In 1941, Chagall and his family emigrated to New York.

When Bella dies unexpectedly 1944, Chagall falls into a deep

crisis. He struggles to find his place in the United States and

refuses to learn English.

But he meets a new partner, the photographer Virginia McNeil. In

1948, the family returns to France.

In his works he created in the 1940s and 1950s, Chagall expresses

his attachment to both Paris and Vitebsk. Notre Dame or the

bridges over the Seine mingle with motifs from Russia. Chagall

said: “I brought my objects from Russia, Paris shed its light on

them.”

Lovers and newly-weds hovering over the silhouettes of Paris

and Vitebsk represent the union of what was once separated.

Love as the greatest good as a symbol of overcoming contradictions

is a theme that recurs in many if his later paintings

During his exile in the United States, colour becomes an increasingly

important compositional element. Chagall often divides the

picture plane into monochrome zones of blue and red, recalling

the play of light in medieval stained-glass windows. The main

colour sets the basic mood and is accompanied by subordinate

colour chords. Clear and distinct forms are replaced by harmony

of tones that blend into each other.

Between 1950 and 1970 he worked on a number of commissions

for public buildings. For example he designed glass windows for

Metz Cathedral and Notre-Dame in Reims.

From 1963 he worked on a large ceiling painting for the dome

over the auditorium in the opera house in Paris and, from 1964,

he created the wall paintings at the Metropolitan Opera in New

York.

There are certain elements in his art that have remained permanent

and seen throughout his career. For example Flowers,

flowers represent hope and life itself. The floating bouquets are

an expression of love. With them, Chagall addresses his connection

to nature, the abundance of life, but also its transience. The

vibrant colour palette heightens the emotional intensity of the

paintings.

Circus motifs have been a constant during all stages of his work.

He is fascinated by the interplay of dance, theatre, and music.

His circus paintings feature androgynous creatures, clowns, and

dancers. Chagall, marked by the painful experience of flight and

expulsion, finds a parallel to his own life in the travelling circus

people. He described his love of circus people: “Why am I so

touched by their makeup and grimaces? With them I can move

toward new horizons…”

In his late work from the 1960s to the 1980s, he also reacted

sensitively to social developments and world events. Vitebsk and

Paris increasingly became places of longing.

Marc Chagall, Schlafende mit Blumen, 1972, La dormeuse aux fleurs, Öl auf Leinwand, 146 x 118 cm, ALBERTINA, Wien –

Sammlung Batliner, ALBERTINA, Wien (Photos: Daniel Antalfi, Ana Paula Franco, Paul Landl), © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2024

But above all it was the images and memories of his early years

in Belarus that sustain his art for more than 70 years.

In 1985, Chagall died and was buried in France. At the time of

his death, he left a number of his extensive collection in various

branches and styles of the arts. Chagall’s work shows a masterful

understanding of colour, and a deep emotional resonance,

which is perhaps why his work is still so popular today. His

contribution to 20th century art world is one only few artists can

claim to have made.

Text: Dr. Marion Agthe

Marc Chagall, Der Geiger, 1911, Le violoniste, Öl auf Leinwand, 94,5 × 69,5 cm,

Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Photo: Achim Kukulies, Düsseldorf, © VG

Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2024

Chagall, Ausstellungsansicht, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, 2025,

Photo: Achim Kukulies

Chagall, Ausstellungsansicht, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, 2025,

Photo: Achim Kukulies

286 287

Marc Chagall, Doppelporträt mit Weinglas, 1917/18, Double portrait au verre de vin, Öl auf Leinwand, 235 x 137cm, Centre Pompidou,

Marc Chagall, Liebespaar mit rotem Hahn, 1956-1965, Les amoureux au coq rouge, Öl, Gouache, Tempera und Tinte auf Leinwand, 81 x 66 cm, Privatsammlung

Paris, Musée national d’art moderne – Centre de création industrielle, don de l’artiste en 1949, Photo: Dist. GrandPalaisRmn/Bertrand Prévo,

Deutschland, Courtesy Samuelis Baumgarte Galerie, © VG Bild-Kunst Bonn 202

© VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2024

288 289

21 MUSEUMS, ONE EXHIBITION

21 X 21 IN THE VILLA HÜGEL

Large special exhibition shows highlights from

the collections of the 21 art museums

in the Ruhr region in dialogue with each other

The 21 Ruhr Art Museums represent a unique urban museum

landscape in Europe and showcase over 150 art exhibitions

every year across 45,000 square metres in 16 cities in the Ruhr

region. Founded as part of Ruhr.2010 – European Capital of

Culture, the network is realising a large-scale exhibition project

to mark its 15th anniversary in spring 2025, bringing together the

Ruhr Art Museums collections in a joint show at Villa Hügel in

Essen. Exceptional works from the diverse collections will enter

into a dialogue that is both surprising and inspiring – the special

exhibition will be put together entirely from the world-class art

collections of the region’s own museums.

The collections of the Ruhr Art Museums range from modernist

masterpieces to important positions in contemporary art and

encompass important national and international art movements

of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The economic upswing prevalent in many cities in the early 20th

century, triggered by industrialisation and the civic engagement

of donors, patrons and employees in many places, as well as a

new democratic spirit of optimism fuelling the post-war period,

helping to found numerous new museums and universities,

continues to shape the region’s cultural identity to this day. This

has created the conditions for a rich museum landscape with a

unique character that has been growing dynamically for more

than 100 years. In the Ruhr region, industrial culture and art

history go hand in hand.

View of the exhibition

© Michael Radermacher

The exhibition “21 x 21” brings together more than 100 selected

works from all 21 Ruhr Art Museums for the very first time to

present a joint, cross-collection show.

The concept? Each Museum has chosen an artwork that represents

its own institution. All others have reacted to this work

with one from their own collection. The result? In ten playfully

associative themed rooms almost all artistic genres are represented

– from painting, photography, graphic work and sculpture

to multimedia installations. The spectrum ranges from works of

classical modernism to positions of the immediate present.

The exhibition “21 x 21” will be shown in the historic Villa Hügel

in the Bredeney borough of Essen. The listed villa and the

neighbouring 40-hectare park are owned by the non-profit Alfried

Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation. With its commitment,

the foundation not only ensures the preservation and

maintenance of the premises, but also makes it a lively meeting

place for visitors.

Villa Hügel was built between 1870 and 1873 as a residence

or the Krupp family of industrialists and was lived in by four

generations. With its 399 rooms and a space of more than

Villa Hügel, Essen

© Krupp-Stiftung/Photo: Peter Gwiazda

290 291

The female Image

© Michael Radermacher Björn Dahlem „Moon“


11,000 square metres, Villa Hügel is not only an important industrial

monument, but also a place that reflects German history in a

The special aspect about this exhibition is that each of the 21

museums presents itself and the focus of its collection through a

THE FEMALE IMAGE

The image of women is subject to constant change – from

stylisation and sexualisation to emancipation and the abolition

unique way.

so-called impulse work, inviting the partner museum to respond

The presentation in the entrance of the Villa Hügel places

of patriarchal structures. As a pictorial subject, the female body

with works from their own collections.

Wilhelm Lehmbruck’s “Große Sinnende” from the Lehmbruck

is omnipresent in the art historical canon: it was considered a

In 1953, it opened its doors to the public with its first art exhi-

Museum (Duisburg) at the centre – it will provide the impetus

classic motif by established artists for centuries.

bition. This was the start of an exhibition tradition that contin-

Striking individual works have been selected that reflect the

for an artistic discussion about the image of women and gender

ues to this day. Exhibitions such as “Das Flämische Stillleben

strengths and orientation of the individual museums in a special

relations in art. Rosemarie Trockel with her 1993 work “Herdbild”

From the 1970s onwards, a critical examination of the gaze

1550-1680” (2002), “Katharina Fritsch” (2016) and “Josef Albers”

way.

from the Museum Küppersmühle (Duisburg) and the 1984-born

directed onto women, which until then had mostly held male

(2018) attracted an international audience and wrote a success

US artist Eliza Douglas, who focuses solely on long legs in her

connotations, found its way into art – first and foremost through

story that the exhibition “21 x 21”, which is substantially support-

There are ten playfully associative themed rooms, five of which

depiction of women – titled “The Potential of Being” (2017),

female artists themselves, who addressed gender roles and the

ed by the Krupp Foundation, continues.

are highlighted below:

which comes from the Folkwang Museum in Essen – will respond

female body in their works.

to Lehmbruck’s female bronze nude from 1913.

292 293

Dynamics

© Michael Radermacher Atmosphere


Wilhelm Lehmbruck created sculptural representations of figures

such as the “Große Sinnende”, which stood out from prevalent

parts so that the fragmented feet appear to step into the void,

emphasising the absence of the body. In comparison, Rosemarie

BEING AND DREAM

Rather than simply representing visual translations of learned

expertises, he makes visible the inexplicable, the wonderful, the

depictions of femininity of his time.

Trockel takes an abstract, minimalist and at the same time femi-

While the state of being embodies reality and the conscious, the

contradictory in the universe.

nist approach to the theme of femininity.

dream stands for the unconscious, the fantastic and the tran-

His figure is larger than life and by intertwining and extending the

scendental. Many artists have repeatedly taken up this duality in

And without taking scientific modes of representation and ac-

limbs, the sculptor succeeded in conveying a feeling of pensive-

Gerhard Richter’s painting of mother and daughter and Paula

order to explore the boundaries between reality and imagination.

curacy too seriously, the artist develops highly complex plastic

ness and contemplation. With this work, Lehmbruck strove for an

Modersohn-Becker’s grandmother and child complete the room.

structures out of everyday materials that make reference to theo-

artistic emancipation beyond the norms of figurative sculpture.

Both works shows a differentiated form of femininity and places

I would like to mention one work in this room: “Moon” (2017,

ries and models from the fields of astronomy, particle physics or

it in the context of the subject’s structural dependence on family

Centre for International Light Art, Unna) by Björn Dahlem. With

quantum mechanics.

Eliza Douglas, by contrast, first commissioned other painters

and work.

his sculptures and installations the artist gives a form to cosmic

with the naturalistic depiction of hands and feet only to estrange

phenomena that lie beyond imagination.

and rework them. Similar to Lehmbruck, she lengthens the body

294 295

Tradition in Transition


Erika Hock „Rosa“


DYNAMICS

Both works address the theme of traffic and transportation in

sound product into a large installation. Her sound installation

The term “atmosphere” can describe a subjective feeling or

the urban context. The bottom view of the elevated carriageway

“mono / industriell” (2018, Skulpturenmuseum Marl) has an

mood that varies from person to person depending on their

In this room aspects of mobility and the dense road and mo-

in Schink’s work makes the motorway bridge appear monu-

enormous effect in the exhibition space and adds auditory level

associative capacity, their experience or their mood. At the same

torway network in the Ruhr region are brought to mind through

mental and threatening at the same time. The barren, deserted

to the experience.

time, it describes the gaseous envelope of the earth, in whose

an entire series of works. For example, Hans-Christian Schink’s

surroundings reinforce this impression and lend the scenery an

lower layer, the troposphere, cloud formation takes place.

1998 photograph of a large motorway bridge “A9/A38 Autobahnkreuz

Rippachtal (1)”, Duisburg’s Küppersmühle museum, is

juxtaposed with Michael Sailsdorfer’s installation “Zeit ist keine

atmosphere that is more sombre than romantic.

In another room you can not smell, but you can hear the sounds

ATMOSPHERE

The cloud is the central motif linking the works on display in this

room. Ulrich Möckel’s “Konturenwolke” (2018, Flottmann-Hallen

Autobahn – Basel” (2011) from Kunsthalle Recklinghausen. A car

of the last mine train in the Prosper-Haniel mine, which was

One of the most beautiful rooms with the stucco-decorated walls

Herne) makes the essentially intangible weather phenomenon

tyre rotating on a wall surface leaves a constantly growing pile of

closed in 2015. The artist Denise Ritter thus acoustically docu-

was once the dressing room of Berta Krupp. Today you can see a

tangible as a mobile composition in space. Although a large

rubber abrasion behind – which can also be smelled.

mented the end of mining in the Ruhr region and integrated this

wonderful artwork, a white cloud, between high mirrors.

cloud is visible at first glance, on closer inspection it consists

296 297

of multiple layers of individual contours of trees. Formed from

the outlines of various native trees species, these contours are

characteristic of Möckel’s work. The tree trunk acts as a connecting

element between heaven and earth, which is particularly

emphasised in the floating cloud of contours.

The clouds, which the artist forms from hard foam using copious

contours, are particularly reminiscent of those in Wilhelm

Morgner’s Expressionist landscape “Der Mann auf dem Hügel”

(1911, Gustav-Lübcke-Museum, Hamm). Morgner also takes up

the motif in his painting. The cloudy sky reinforces the pensive,

forlorn mood of the painting.

Yes, on the hill, it has become colourful – even more colourful

than usual. A colourful network of shapes, figures, styles and

epochs, a mix and match from Josef Albers to Gerhard Richter

with the treasures of the Ruhr area!

HISTORY OF THE VILLA HÜGEL

Built between 1870 and 1873 by Alfred Krupp (1812-1887), Villa

Hügel was intended by its owner to be a home and refuge for

his family and himself, far away from the noise and heat of the

Friedrich Krupp steelworks.

Be a member of ANADE

The man appears introverted and is reminiscent of the motif of

the melancholic figure alone in landscape, which has long been

widespread in art and is combined here with the topos of the

reflective artist. Mogner’s brooding natural scenery, which tends

towards isolation and loneliness, supports this interpretation of

the painting.

TRADITION IN TRANSITION

At just 14 years of age he took over responsibility in the company

after the death of his father Friedrich Krupp (1787-1826). In

the decades that followed, he developed it into one oft he most

important industrial companies of the 19th century.

Villa Hügel provided an appropriately dignified setting for representation,

receptions and festivities. Empresses and kings were

guests, as were entrepreneurs from all over the world, politicians

and the heads of government of many nations.

This is the last room of the exhibition. Traditions are passed on

from generation to generation and convey a consistency of ideas,

cultural practices and behaviour. It is not uncommon to find

them as subjects in art, where they are scrutinised, rethought or

even consolidated.

Alicja Kwade appropriates the tradition of the self-portrait yet

removes all its characteristics. Neither the physiognomy nor the

figure of the artist are recognisable.

The sculpture raises the question about the sculptor’s self,

which is apparently to be found under the sheet, just as the title

“Selbstporträt als Geist” (2019, Lehmbruck Museum Duisburg)

suggests. Nevertheless, the viewer’s scepticism remains: who or

what is really hiding under the sheet?

Zofia Kulik’s work “Wer erobert die Welt” (1994, Kunstmuseum

Bochum) deals primarily with the patriarchal world order. This has

always conveyed an intrinsic inferiority of women compared to

men. Kulik’s work attempts to undermine the traditional normative

symbols of masculinity through a juxtaposition of signs with

female connotations and to negotiate a reorganisation of the

world.

During the last 20 years of his life the construction of Villa Hügel

and the layout oft he park were Alfred Krupp’s primary concern.

Based on his own sketches and designs, the first of which date

back to 1864, a building was created that primarily fulfilled functional

criteria. The formal design, according to the wishes of the

client, was alloted secondary importance.

Krupp therefore repeatedly fell out with renowned architects who

were unwilling or unable to comply with his specifications. After

World War II, the villa was confiscated by the Allies and became

the headquarters of the Allied Coal Control Commission.

The Krupp family regained the property in 1952 but in fact never

returned to it. Instead, the family opened Villa Hügel and the park

to the public in 1953 and established a tradition of exhibitions

that continues to this day.

Text: Dr. Marion Agthe

Photos: © Michael Radermacher

The exhibition “21 x 21” provides the public with the unique

pportunity to experience a multifaceted interplay of the 21

museum collections. It is a colourful journey through the exhibition

in the impressive setting of the Villa Hügel – affectionately

called “hill”.

298 299

ULRIKE BOLENZ

GERMAN-BELGIAN ARTIST

The German-Belgian artist Ulrike Bolenz has a very distinctive

style that stands halfway between tradition and experimentation.

Her artistic practise revolves around exploring themes such as

the human condition, cloning, DNA manipulation, and social

constructs. She works with a variety of materials, including resin

and natural polymers, to create multi-layered works that often

incorporate video recordings and digital manipulations. Bolenz’s

stylistic approach involves creating transparency in her works,

allowing viewers to discover different layers of depth through

varying incidences of light.

The contemporary symbiosis between men and machine is

central to her work. Both men or women are depicted on sheets

of Plexiglas, a material reminiscent of computer or smartphone

screens, while the noise, the pixels and the fragments of bar

codes, refer to the many technological developments that are an

integral part of our lives today.

Her works are extremely fascinating to look at because they

show and conceal themselves simultaneously. Ulrike Bolenz offers

us fragments of stories, but she speaks in halfwords, erasing

traces as if she wanted to keep an unspoken secret concealed.

That she also switches smoothly and virtuosically from one

artistic language to another and from one medium to another can

be seen in a series of impressive paintings, including monumental

portraits of important personages such as Samuel Beckett,

Donald Tusk or Herman Van Rompuy, the former President of the

European Council – in office from 2009 to 2014.

From the outset, Ulrike Bolenz brings to her own personal formula,

for representing human psychology, according to which physical

likeness is subordinate to capturing the sitter’s feelings. She

tries to intuit from the face, from its play of expressions and from

gestures, the truth about a particular person, and to recreate in

her own pictorial language.

Born in 1958 in Castrop-Rauxel, Germany, she graduated in 1979

from the Art Academy in Kassel under Prof. Manfred Bluth and

Tom Gramse. Ulrike Bolenz has featured in solo and group exhibitions

throughout Europe and has an impressive list of public

assignments and entries in renowned collections and museums.

She lives and works in the Belgium.

All photos: Ulrike Bolenz

300 301

Hartmann Tresore_left side.pdf 1 13/05/2022 13:15

MAISON LEEA

FURNITURE THAT TRANSCENDS TRENDS

AND STANDS THE TEST OF TIME

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

302

JLR GLOBAL DIPLOMATIC SALES

Our Global Diplomatic Programme offers accredited diplomats exclusive taxfree

pricing, access to all market vehicle specifications, and worldwide delivery.

Qualifying individuals must be diplomats or representatives of an international

organisation purchasing a vehicle for official use. Experience the luxury, capability,

and bespoke service tailored to your diplomatic needs.

JLR Global Diplomatic Sales, 20 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA

landroverdiplomatic.com | +350 200 72598

Vehicle shown: 2025 Range Rover with optional equipment. © 2025 Jaguar Land Rover

Diplomatic World_Magazine_77

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?