‘As a member of the Security Council, our diplomats our playing in the premier league. Poppe sees further interests in this too. That is why our country has always been a fervent supporter of regional collaboration and ‘multi-lateralism’: searching for solutions along with other countries via international institutions. The emphasis is laid on preventing conflicts.Ī more peaceful world is naturally in the interests of a small, open country such as Belgium too, which is “a small fish in a big pond”. In doing so, it opts for political solutions above the use of violence. ‘This gives us the right to contribute to decisions that are binding upon all member states and that are extremely important for those countries in crisis.’ Our country is not so much seeking prestige, but is mainly interested in having its voice heard in order to work towards a more peaceful world. ‘As a member, Belgium has a seat in the world's cockpit,’ says Charly Poppe, a diplomat in Brussels. In short, membership of the Security Council takes quite a lot of effort. He does not get the chance to read his e-mails until the evening. Sometimes there are receptions after the afternoon session, where further important information can be exchanged. Lunch is often a working lunch, where he can discuss themes in a more informal manner. Everything has to be perfect! The Permanent Representative himself, of course, has very little free time during the day. The statements are re-read and the latest details are hammered out. The team meets daily at 8:30am to run through the programme for the day. These include the famous UN peace missions, in which Belgium also participates. There is also a military attaché with two staff who follow the “peacekeeping” section from a defence perspective. The trio leads a team of 22 diplomats, each with their own expertise. A second deputy – Jeroen Cooreman – monitors the General Assembly. In his absence, his deputy Karen Van Vlierberge stands in for him. He represents the voice of Belgium on the Security Council. The Belgian Permanent Representative – or ambassador – is currently Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve.
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