Embassy of the futureWay forward for the Dutch

embassies

Sandra van Soelen17-06-2013

IntroductionMy name is Sandra van SoelenWorking for SNV KenyaParticipant of YEP-1

The project I am working on:Professionalisation of rural water projectPublic-Private Community PartnershipsLooking for market solution in the water sector

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Need for embassiesKenya currently under security threat, most

recently the Mpeketoni attackNeed for correct and on-time information. Currently email and SMS used by the

embassy

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http://nos.nl/artikel/662245-weer-bloedbad-alshabaab-in-kenia.html

Changing worldMore and different use of social media:

Twitter and Facebook are more and more used for distributing Embassy work.

However, Kompas system of the Embassies is not flawless….

More cooperation between European countries? E.g. do we need an embassy for Belgium, Luxemburg and the Netherlands in Kenya or can we change into a Benelux embassy.

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Changing worldFrom aid to trade: new way of providing

development aid. This new approach has an influence on the

embassiesEmbassies should be more focused on

providing trade assistance!

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Buildings

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Are these buildings needed to fulfil the

work?

Right examples of the embassies in Nairobi and

Addis Ababa

Recent development: embassy in London

changed from building.

The embassy buildings should not be to

extravagant.

Embassy of the futureThe embassy should be a place you can easily

approach as a Dutch(wo)men and can help you in finding your way in the Kenyan society. Also for Kenyans, the embassy should be approachable to make links with the Dutch trade market and businesses.

Services: networking and information sharing 

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Networking!Informative website to link people with each

other. Innovative usage of social mediaCreator of networks: e.g. network of Dutch

farmers in Kenya, network of Dutch Ngo workers in Kenya, network of Dutch business people in Kenya.

Every embassy should have a social media expert!

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Golden YEP tip

Core business of an embassy!

Inform the Dutch citizen abroad about security issues and other relevant businesses, connect the Dutch society with the local society and cooperate with different parties.

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Inform CooperateConnect

The End!For questions: sandravansoelen@gmail.com

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