Managing Director, Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), a UN affiliated international financial organisation devoted to poverty alleviation and bridging. 08/04/20
Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Joined June 2010
- Tweets765
- Following235
- Followers240
- Likes4.5K
benas retweeted
🚗 Volkswagen factory in Germany vs Portugal
💶 Labor cost per hour
🇩🇪 Emden: €74
🇵🇹 Palmela: €37
⏱️ Annual working hours per worker
🇩🇪 Emden: 1,282
🇵🇹 Palmela: 1,419
🤒 Sick leave rate
🇩🇪 Emden: 10.5%
🇵🇹 Palmela: 4.1%
🚙 Cars built per employee per year
🇩🇪 Emden: 29
🇵🇹 Palmela: 39.9
🏭 Factory cost per vehicle
🇩🇪 Emden: €4,850
🇵🇹 Palmela: €2,385
⚡ Electricity cost per kWh
🇩🇪 Emden: €0.15–0.23
🇵🇹 Palmela: €0.10–0.16
Source: BILD, Deutsche Welle (September 2026)
CFC Marks 37 Years of Common Action for Commodities diplomatmagazine.eu/2026/09/… via @Diplomat magazine
benas retweeted
Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has described the five permanent members of the UN Security Council as “Lords of War.”
He called on them to stop acting like “emperors” and waging war on poorer countries.
benas retweeted
The Iran war has exposed a widening fault line at the heart of the Gulf. Once close partners, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are now competing for economic dominance, regional influence and control of vital trade routes.
From Yemen and Socotra to Sudan and Somaliland, the two powers are pursuing fundamentally different strategies. Riyadh largely backs recognised governments, while Abu Dhabi has built networks of armed non-state actors and strategic footholds across the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa. Their opposing relationships with Israel, Pakistan and the United States are pushing them further apart.
In this video, Gulf security experts @andreas_krieg And @Cinzia_Bianco explain how the war has shattered confidence in the US-led regional order, accelerated the Saudi–Emirati rivalry and raised new questions about nuclear proliferation, military alliances and the future balance of power.
Can the Gulf monarchies overcome their differences, or are these prisoners of geography heading towards a permanent strategic divide?
benas retweeted
Dealing with difficult people may be hazardous to your health.
Data: Each additional "hassler" in your network predicts 1.5% faster biological aging—and worse health a year later. Non-spouse family hasslers are the most problematic.
Some ties aren't worth the toll they take.
Our thoughts adn prayers with #Japan and their people. nytimes.com/live/2026/07/28/…
benas retweeted
Nico Williams es campeón del mundo. Y tras la premiación, va directo a la tribuna a entregarle la medalla a su madre. Ella, que en 1994 salió de Ghana y cruzó parte del Sahara para poder llegar a España en busca de nuevas oportunidades.
Una campeona más.
benas retweeted
In Bangladesh, heavy rains, floods and landslides have affected more than one million people over the past week.
The UN and partners are racing to provide clean water, food, shelter, health services and other vital support to the most vulnerable families.
benas retweeted
29 countries, including China, Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia, signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in Shanghai.
🔗fmprc.gov.cn/web/wjbzhd/2026…
A pleasure to welcome H.E. Akan Rakhmetullin, Ambassador of #Kazakhstan to the #Netherlands, to the #CFC in Amsterdam. We discussed sustainable commodity finance, value addition, SME financing and improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers.@ARakhmetullin, #Kazakhstan #CFC
I had the honour of signing the Book of Condolences at the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in The Hague following the passing of former President H.E. Abdrabu Mansour Hadi. May his legacy continue to inspire efforts towards peace, unity, and stability in Yemen. @YemEmbassyNL
benas retweeted
Congratulations to Dr. Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh on his election as President of the 81st #UNGA session. We will benefit enormously from his remarkable political & diplomatic experience.
I thank the current @UN_PGA Annalena Baerbock of Germany for her outstanding leadership, wisdom, guidance &commitment to the @UN & multilateral solutions.
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) warmly welcomes the G77 and China call for increased voluntary contributions. At a time of mounting uncertainty, the Sevilla Outcome opened the door; the G77 and China have now invited the world to walk through it. #G77 #CFC #CommodityMarkets
🤖 Made with AI
benas retweeted
Congratulations to H.E. Mr. Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the General Assembly at its 81st session! At a time when the UN is facing immense pressure, the role of the PGA is no longer simply procedural. I wish the PGA-elect nothing but success in guiding the work of all 193 Member States and defending the UN and its Charter during a particularly consequential 81st session.
benas retweeted
#BREAKING
Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh ELECTED as President of the General Assembly at its 81th session (Sep 2026-Sep 2027) @UN_PGA
Total ballots: 190
Abstentions: 0
Votes obtained
Khalilur Rahman: 99
Andreas S. Kakouris: 91
ALT General Assembly votes for its next President
ALT General Assembly votes for its next President
ALT General Assembly votes for its next President
ALT General Assembly votes for its next President
A brilliant evening marking the 75th Anniversary of Philippines–Netherlands relations with Secretary General @ChristiaanRebergen as Chief Guest. An epitome of diplomacy through music, where a packed audience was captivated by the magnificent soprano Rachelle Gerodias. @malaya_ed
Kudos to @DiplomatMagazine and to Amb. Malaya, who put diplomatic acumen on full display — from playing the piano to masterfully hosting diplomats and dignitaries from across the world. A memorable celebration of friendship, culture, and diplomacy.@malaya_ed
benas retweeted
Very pleased to meet with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), for a meaningful discussion on how Somalia can better support its farmers, producers, and rural communities through stronger commodity value chains.
We discussed the importance of humanizing the value chain of commodities by placing people — especially farmers, women entrepreneurs, and local communities — at the center of development and trade. Commodities should not only create economic value, but also improve livelihoods, dignity, inclusion, and resilience for the communities behind them.
With the right partnerships and support, Somalia can unlock its agricultural potential, create more local value, and expand opportunities for its people
