Two options for Zelensky

By Sazzad Haider

A complete defeat of Russia in Ukraine war is a utopian dream in this high-tech century. However, Ukraine and its western allies can defeat Russian only in conventional war.

But, in the history, Moscow is always far away to reach and the history repeats itself.  The possible USA led NATO invasion of Moscow in 2022 needs to involve of unthinkable lives and resources. The daily overall cost of the invasion towards Moscow will be several hundred times higher than the daily cost of Ukraine war.

According to Newsweek report, SOFREP, a media outlet said the invasion requires approximately $900 million a day. However, Ukraine has lost up to $600 billion, with $92 billion of damage to its infrastructure, according to a study released by the Kyiv School of Economics on 6 May.

The monotonous and   prolonged war can exist for several years. Russian relentless bombardment in eastern Ukraine has settled into a rhythm which resembles World War One trench warfare. The war not will only impact on Russian lives and resources, but it will damage all kind of exiting economic system all over the world and pollute the soil, air, water, seas and oceans. The greenery earth could be disappeared for several centuries. The fate of winner and looser, Moscow and Washington will be same.  Millions dead-bodies of war victims could be buried or burned in the battle fields, but , end of war, millions impeded men, women and children will walk  on the streets of  Moscow, London, Paris, Washington or elsewhere.   

In long run, Ukraine and its Western allies have to do lot of ground work to win the war. First of all, they will prevent Putin from using nuclear weapons and destruct Russian abilities to switch on the nuclear weaponries. They shall deploy infantry three times higher than Russian infantry.  All out measure is needed to push back Putin and his nominated inheritor from Kremlin before reaching Moscow. In this objective the Westerner must pouring fuel into Russian internal conflict to decentralize Moscow’s power-centre and ruin the Russian economy. Then they find a western loyalist Tsar instead of Putin. New Tsar will be a peace campaigner and could step back from war. The Tsar could sign western architected peace agreement. The clauses of this agreement can be copied from the clause of Versailles treaty, was drafted at the Paris Peace Conference in the spring of 1919 and ended World War I.

Since the Russian invasion, every day and every hour Ukraine has lost its land, resources and blood. Influx of Ukrainian refugees have become higher and higher in different European countries. 

Every day Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cried for more western weapons and for imposing extensive sanction on Russia.  Since the invasion, the USA led NATO allies has given him endless sophisticated arms and ammunitions, but reality is often disappointing as yet, he did not got any breakthrough to stop Russian offensive. Russia already occupied eastern Ukraine and continuing indiscriminate missile strikes on different Ukrainian cities including Kiev.   Russia has blocked Ukrainian grain to export. It seems that Ukraine is unable to win the war against Russia without USA led NATO’s full-fledged involvement.   

Former U.S. secretary of state Henry A. Kissinger said recently at a conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland that Ukraine should cede territory to Russia to help end the invasion as a vast majority of Ukrainians are against the war.

He also urged the United States and the West to not seek an embarrassing defeat for Russia in Ukraine, warning it could worsen Europe’s long-term stability.

If USA led NOTO allies avoid direct war against Russian,

Volodymyr Zelensky has two options. First, He may continue the war against Russia with the support of arms-ammunitions from western allies. Another option is to move for peace negotiation instead of seeking western military aides. He will win a great achievement from peace table if Russia retreats from the eastern Ukraine. But the Russian point of view, this would be absurd concession. So, Volodymyr Zelensky may set his mind to grant full autonomy for Russian spoken population in eastern Ukraine.  Zelensky will be winner in this peace battle if he up to keep the Ukrainian sovereignty. 

Dr. Gutmann heads to Kiel Week

Friday, 17 June 2022, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein: With Kiel Week starting, the U.S. Ambassador in Germany, Dr Amy Gutmann, took the opportunity to become acquainted with Germany’s northernmost federal state, and paid an inaugural visit to the State Chancellery in the capital of Kiel, wherein she was received by Premier Daniel Günther. Dr Gutmann was accompanied by the U.S. Consul General responsible for the federal state, Darion Akins -based in Hamburg. 

All dignitaries used the opportunity to exchange views on the relationship between their countries as well as the international situation. The meeting took place as the Kiel Week was about to begin, the single most global event in Schleswig-Holstein, and the largest regatta in Europe. 

Ambassador Gutmann became head of mission on 17 February 2022 upon presenting credentials to Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Consul General Akins serves in the latter capacity since July 2019. 

For further information 

Government of Schleswig-Holstein: https://www.schleswig-holstein.de/DE/landesregierung/ministerien-behoerden/I/i_node.html

U.S. Consulate General in Hamburg (Consul General Darion Akins): https://de.usembassy.gov/de/consul-general-darion-akins-de/

Malu Dreyer and Ambassador Amy Gutmann emphasize importance of transatlantic relations

Tuesday, 7th June 2022, Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate: Premier Malu Dreyer received the novel U.S. Ambassador Dr. Amy Gutmann for her inaugural visit to the State Chancellery. Topics of the get-to-know-you meeting included the consequences of the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine, cooperation with U.S. forces in the country as well as the successful cooperation between BioNTech and Pfizer in the development and production of the Corona vaccine.

Rhineland-Palatinate and the United States have a longstanding relationship of partnership and trust. The approximately 50,000 U.S. citizens (members of the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. civilian employees as well as their family members) who live with us with their families in good neighborliness and friendship shape parts of our country. The major security challenges resulting from the Russian invasion, which violates international law, clearly show the importance of close cooperation between NATO partners and the significance of U.S. bases in Europe,” said premier Dreyer in her statement available in its original German language below. It is our common task to further strengthen transatlantic relations. Only in this way will it be possible to protect peace, freedom and democracy.

U.S. Ambassador Dr. Amy Gutmann said, “We are very grateful to Rhineland-Palatinate for the hospitality that our servicemen and women experience with you every day. Germany and Rhineland-Palatinate are indispensable partners for us to meet the current challenges in Europe and the world, such as the defense of democracy, support for Ukraine, which is under attack by Russia, climate protection and, especially important for me, the lively exchange of young students as a basis for further strengthening our relations. Also, we will always remember the excellent support in the context of the Afghanistan evacuation in August 2021.”

Premier Malu Dreyer emphasized the close exchange between the state and local levels and the U.S. Armed Forces. Likewise, she said, the state government maintains ongoing contacts with the U.S. government and promotes cooperation in areas such as science and education. “Sixty-seven schools maintain a school partnership with the United States. The state’s colleges and universities cooperate with many institutions in the United States. For example, Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz alone has ties to 23 U.S. universities and research institutions,” the premier said.

The close ties between Rhineland-Palatinate and the U.S. are also visible in the economic sphere and in trade relations, she added. “Even though exports declined slightly in 2020 and 2021 due to the Corona pandemic, the U.S. is still the most important customer for Rhineland-Palatinate exports, ahead of France,” said Premier Malu Dreyer. A beacon of successful German-American cooperation, she said, is BioNTech-Pfizer’s success in vaccine production, which is saving lives all over the world.

Dr. Amy Gutmann became the first woman to hold the office of U.S. ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany in February 2022. She served as president of the University of Pennsylvania from 2004 to 2022. In 2009, she was appointed by U.S. President Obama to chair the President’s Commission on Bioethics, which she led for seven years. She is an award-winning author and editor of 17 books on ethical aspects of constitutional democracy, education, health care, and human rights.

For further information

Government of Rhineland-Palatinate: https://www.rlp.de/de/pressemitteilungen/einzelansicht/news/News/detail/malu-dreyer-und-us-botschafterin-dr-amy-gutmann-betonen-bedeutung-transatlantischer-beziehungen/

20 yeas Representation of Rhineland-Palatinate to the German Federation: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2021/02/07/the-representation-of-the-state-of-rhineland-palatinate-in-berlin-celebrates-its-20th-anniversary/

Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia become members of joint investigation team on alleged core international crimes in Ukraine

The judicial authorities of Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia will become members of the joint investigation team (JIT) on alleged core international crimes, which has been set up with the support of Eurojust. The Prosecutors General of the three EU Member States signed an agreement to join the JIT, together with their counterparts from Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine, during a coordination meeting hosted by Eurojust yesterday and today. The JIT was set up on 25 March by Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine, and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) became a participant last month.

The membership of the three countries was announced today during a press conference at Eurojust by Ms Iryna Venediktova, Prosecutor General of Ukraine. The main aim of the JIT is to facilitate investigations and prosecutions in the concerned states as well as those that could be taken forward before the ICC.

The joining of the JIT by Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia reinforces the clear message that no effort will be spared in gathering evidence on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine and bringing those responsible to justice. The fact that the JIT was already set up in March is a sign of the rapid response that is enabling close cooperation and an effective and swift exchange of information and evidence.

Eurojust will continue to support the JIT partners throughout the entire process with operational, analytical, legal and financial assistance. The Agency also accommodates coordination and cooperation between all national authorities, which have initiated investigations into alleged core international crimes.

The coordination meeting, which was held at Eurojust over the last few days, brought together prosecutors and investigators from EU Member States and third countries with Liaison Prosecutors at the Agency. As of 2 March of this year, seven coordination meetings have already been held. These included National Members of EU Member States at Eurojust, Liaison Prosecutors and representatives of the ICC. Since 2018, Ukraine has been one of the ten third countries with a Liaison Prosecutor at Eurojust

First event hosted at Azerbaijan’s Cultural Centre in Berlin Tiergarten

Thursday, 2 June 2022, Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany: The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany hosted a concert and a subsequent reception in commemoration of 28th May Independence Day. The event took place at the newly opened Azerbaijan Cultural Centre, a cultural wing of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Germany.

Opening the event, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the Federal Republic of Germany H.E. Mr. Ramin Hasanov said that Independence Day was associated with the establishment of an independent democratic republic by the Azerbaijani people 104 years ago. He highlighted that this history is a source of pride for every Azerbaijani. The ambassador noted that despite the fact that the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan merely existed for two years, it accomplished many achievements, including the introduction of parliamentarism in 1918, the recognition of elections and other rights for women and national minorities. Hasanov also noted that the people of Azerbaijan regained their independence in 1991 and embarked on a new path of development under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. He added that it was during this period that the nation-building of Azerbaijan and reforms covering all spheres of society began and a modern development strategy was defined. The ambassador said that as a result of this far-sighted policy, our lands, which have been under occupation for almost 30 years, have been liberated and the territorial integrity of our country has been restored.

Ambassador Hasanov noted that this year’s Independence Day is marked by another important event. He noted that the event opened the doors of the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Germany. The ambassador said the centre was established in 2019 on the initiative of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, a selfless promoter of Azerbaijani culture inside and outside the country, and by order of President Ilham Aliyev. The Azerbaijani ambassador expressed his deep gratitude to all those involved in the construction of the center, including the building’s architects Nariman Imamaliyev and Klaus Neumann, noting that the building of the Azerbaijani Cultural Centre added color to the architecture of Berlin. He stressed that the establishment of the centre is a very important contribution of the leadership of our country to the promotion of rich Azerbaijani culture in Germany, and the development of cultural ties between our countries.

Ambassador Ramin Hasanov noted that the opening of the Cultural Centre coincides with the Year of Shusha. Speaking at the concert dedicated to the Independence Day, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, conductor Yalchin Adigozalov also represents the third generation of the ancient musician family from Shusha, the Capital of Culture of Azerbaijan. Ambassador Ramin Hasanov noted that the Cultural Centre will host many interesting cultural events during the Year of Shusha.

2nd image: In attendance: The Apostolic Nuncio, Dr. Nikola Eterović; Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Nabijon Kasimov; Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Berdimurat Redjepov; Russia’s Ambassador Sergej J. Netschajew.

In his allocution, the Azerbaijani ambassador also spoke about the developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Germany in all areas. He noted that there is a political dialogue between our countries based on mutual trust at the highest level. He noted that the Azerbaijani foreign and energy ministers paid a working visits to Germany in March this year, and that both sides were interested in continuing such visits in the near future. The ambassador noted that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner for Germany and the European Union and plays an important role in diversifying Europe’s energy supply. In his speech, Hasanov spoke about our policies and approaches in the post-conflict period. He said that the Azerbaijani side initiated a peace initiative for the establishment of peace in the region, as well as offered the other side to sign a peace agreement based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as inviolability of borders.

Speaking at the event, Mattias Luttenberg, Commissioner for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia at the German Foreign Ministry, delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of the German government on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and explored the Azerbaijani-German relations in his own words.

After the official part of the event, the chamber orchestra led by People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, conductor Yalchin Adigozalov performed works by Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Gara Garayev, Fikret Amirov, Asaf Zeynalli, Vasif Adigozalov, Mammad Guiyev and other Azerbaijani composers, as well as German classics. Azerbaijani musicians Anar Ibrahimov (violin), Sahib Pashazade (tar) and Orkhan Jalilov (tenor) performed as soloists of the concert.

After the concert, during the reception on the occasion of 28th May – Independence Day, the participants were introduced to the culture, cuisine, tourism potential of Azerbaijan as well as the opportunities to invest in our country.

For further information 

Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany: https://berlin.mfa.gov.az/az/news/3920/berlinde-yeni-istifadeye-verilmis-azerbaycan-medeniyyet-merkezinde-28-may-musteqillik-gunu-ile-bagli-tedbir-kecirilib

Year of Shushahttps://azertag.az/en/bolme/shusha_year

Pictures by Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany 

ICC terminates proceedings agains Mahmoud Musayf Al-Wefall

ICC terminates proceedings against Mahmoud Mustafa Busayf Al-Werfalli following confirmation of his passing.

Today, 15 June 2022, Pre-trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) terminated proceedings against the alleged former Commander in the Al-Saiqa Brigade Mahmoud Mustafa Busayf Al-Werfalli following the Prosecution’s notification of the death of Mr Al-Werfalli and request to withdraw the warrants of arrest, dated 17 May 2022.

Having considered the information and material provided by the Prosecution, in particular witness statements, photographs, and social media material, the Chamber considered the death of Mr Al-Werfalli to be established and, decided that the proceedings against him must accordingly be terminated, and that the warrants of arrest are no longer in effect, and the outstanding requests for arrest and surrender must be withdrawn.

Focus group of prosecutors specialized in human trafficking meets for the first time

Organized by the European Commission, together with Eurojust, the first informal meeting of the focus group of specialised prosecutors against trafficking in human beings brought together prosecutors and judges from the European Union Member States. The objective of the group is to build expertise and intensify judicial cooperation for a more robust criminal justice response.

The level of prosecutions and convictions for offences of trafficking in human beings remains low. In the EU, there were 15 214 investigations and only 3 019 convictions registered in 2019 and 2020. . While the number of Member States referring to Eurojust for assistance with investigations, as well as the number of joint investigation teams (JITs), has increased, there are still serious challenges in judicial cooperation, both at the national and cross-border levels.

A robust criminal justice response is crucial to carrying out effective investigations, prosecutions and convictions. This requires building expertise and assigning specialised experts and departments for trafficking in human beings among the competent authorities at the national and local levels.

The focus group of specialised prosecutors against trafficking in human beings, which met today for the first time, is a response to the need to intensify judicial cooperation, as outlined in the EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2021-2025).

The meeting was opened by the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, Ms Diane Schmitt, and the President of Eurojust, Mr Ladislav Hamran. After the opening remarks, participants discussed the priorities regarding trafficking in human beings in the EU and the work done by Eurojust in this field.

A session was dedicated to the challenges prosecutors face when they address cases of trafficking in human beings at the national level and in cross-border situations. These include difficulties with the setting-up of JITs, exchanging information on cases, identifying victims and securing their testimonies, cooperation with law enforcement authorities, gathering evidence and addressing the crime online.

Another topic discussed in the meeting was how to enhance the judicial response to cases of trafficking in human beings in relation to the war in Ukraine. This is an objective of the Common Anti-Trafficking Plan prepared under the direction of the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator in cooperation with the Member States and EU Agencies, which aims to address the risks and support potential victims of human trafficking among those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Participants presented ongoing criminal proceedings and the challenges they might encounter.

After the meeting, the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, Ms Diane Schmitt, underlined that ‘the level of prosecutions and convictions for trafficking in human beings remains too low. This is why one of the priorities of the EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings is to break the criminal business model of traffickers, including through tackling the culture of impunity. The focus group of specialised prosecutors against trafficking in human beings has been set up to contribute to this objective. The first meeting allowed for prosecutors from the Member States to exchange on challenges and best practices in order to improve the judicial response to trafficking in human beings.  It was also an opportunity to discuss the risks of trafficking in relation to the war in Ukraine, with the presence of a representative from Ukraine.’

Chair of Eurojust’s Anti-Trafficking Team, Ms Daniela Buruiana said: ‘Combating trafficking in human beings by conducting successful cross-border investigations and prosecutions is a shared responsibility and a joint effort of all the parties involved. Over the years, Eurojust has been active in providing the necessary support and assistance to the prosecutors dealing with trafficking cases to ensure effective judicial cooperation and coordination in this field. A further step was taken today at the EU level by organising the first-ever meeting of the focus group of specialised prosecutors against trafficking in human beings. I am confident that creating a forum for practitioners, allowing them to communicate directly, and exchange best practices, knowledge and expertise with the appropriate resources and support will result in more successful investigations, prosecutions and finally convictions in this crime area.’

EU and US foster cooperation against ransomware attacks

The Hague, 16  June 2022

Ransomware has become a global problem that requires cooperation on a worldwide level. Judicial experts and practitioners from the European Union and the United States participated in a two-day workshop in The Hague organised by Eurojust and the U.S. Department of Justice. The event aimed to share best practices and enhance collaboration in confronting ransomware attacks.

The event was opened by Eurojust President, Mr Ladislav Hamran, and Assistant Attorney General Mr Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.

Mr Ladislav Hamran said: ‘There is no doubt that the scale, sophistication and impact of ransomware attacks is significant, affecting all sectors of the economy and society at large. We warmly welcome the opportunity to join forces with our US colleagues in combating this form of crime. Through this week’s workshop, we are fostering closer cooperation, not only between national authorities, but also between the public and the private sector. I am convinced that this will prove crucial in our efforts to protect our citizens against online and offline threats.’

Assistant Attorney General Polite said: ‘Only by working together with key law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in the EU can we effectively combat the threat that ransomware poses to our society. I am confident that the US-EU ransomware workshop will spur greater coordination and collaboration to address the ransomware threat.’

The workshop, organised by Eurojust and the U.S. Department of Justice, brought together more than 100 prosecutors, law enforcement representatives and experts from the private sector and non-governmental organisations, representing 27 countries . It took place on 15 and 16 June at Eurojust’s premises and online.

Eurojust

Participants attended a series of presentations and panel discussions on topics such as transnational cooperation during ransomware investigations, victim remediation, and prosecution of criminal organisations. 

Attorneys from the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), representatives from the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), European Judicial Cybercrime Network, Eurojust’s Cybercrime Team and Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre shared their experiences, best practices, and lessons learned in directing an investigation to a successful outcome including by collaborating with the tech and wider private sector. Law enforcement officers also discussed adversaries’ tactics and the latest investigative techniques. 

Prosecutors additionally discussed relevant changes in the law, including issues related to electronic evidence, charging options, and cross-border considerations. Private sector and non-governmental organisation representatives included the CyberPeace institute, Microsoft and Bitdefender.

National Day of Russia Celebration 2022

On the occasion of the National Day of Russia, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr Alexander Shulgin and Mrs Natalia Shulgina, organized a reception in The Hague on 9 June 2022.

The evening started with a well-delivered speech from Ambassador Alexander Shulgin and featured a slew of  Ambassadors and diplomats, cognizance of the current situation.

During his opening remarks Ambassador Alexander Shulgin noted, “this year we are celebrating for the 30nd time the Day of Russia, a feast established in honor of the Declaration on State Sovereignty of Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic adopted in June 1990. For Russians these are not empty words, as the notion of sovereignty appears to be deeply meaningful.”

“Throughout our tumultuous history Russia has gone through the crucible of multiple hardships, bloody wars and attempts to invade its territory. In the 13th and 14th centuries Russia was devastated as a result of the Mongolian and Tatar onslaught.”

“At least twice, in 1610 and in 1812, foreign troops coming from Europe penetrated Russian territory so far as to occupy Moscow.”

Ambassador Shulgin and Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

 “The similar events took place as Fascist Germany launched an aggression against the Soviet Union. Once again the hordes of invaders, not only German Fascists, but their auxiliaries form various European countries ranging from Alsatians to Flemish and including Italians, Romanians, Spaniards rushed into the plains of our country causing indescribable suffering to peoples of the Soviet Union.” He came to say.

“Nowadays as many times before,” expressed Ambassador Shulgin “our country faces unacceptable threat to its sovereignty. Indeed there is a proxy war being waged now against our country with the involvement of Western countries, both European, but also from overseas.”

“Russian currency is stronger than ever before. Notwithstanding reduction of oil and gas supplies Russian revenues are still on the rise owing to the surge in prices for the energy. Forecasts about centrifugal tendencies in the Russian civil society proved to be unsubstantiated. Russians as a single person made block to support their President Vladimir Putin. He is supported by 80% of the Russians. And this massive support is still growing.”

National Day of Russia Celebration 2022.

“Russia has lots of friends and allies with which we continue mutually advantageous cooperation. To put it another way, we do not intend to close the window to Europe, opened up, as many of you know, by the first Russian Emperor – Peter the Great. It so happens that today we mark the 350th anniversary of the Tsar – reformer, founding father of our relations with the states of West Europe, first and foremost with the Netherlands, where he traveled several times, and with the people of the Netherlands, whom he held in high esteem for their hard work, determination and friendliness. Even if it is considered bad taste to talk about anything Russian, we are sure that the legacy of Peter the Great will be forever remembered by grateful future generations. We stand ready for resuming contacts if and when our partners come to their senses.

H.E. M. Abdel Sattar Issa, Ambassador of Lebanaon, H.E. Mr. Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Ms. Reenat Sandu, Ambassador of India and Mrs. Nawrid Sharmin, First Secretary, Embassy of Bangladesh.

But we will be very careful about rebuilding relations. It will be up to us to define areas of cooperation that we may be interested in.” In conclusion, Ambassador Shulgin treated his guests to a Russian cuisine buffet.

El Sisi, host eighth IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians

Under Auspices of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, Eighth IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians to Kick off Wednesday in Sharm El Sheikh in Cooperation between Egyptian House of Representatives and Inter-Parliamentary Union

The Eighth Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians will kick off Wednesday morning, June 15, 2022, in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El Sheikh under the auspices of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The two-day conference will be held in cooperation between the Egyptian House of Representatives and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. It will be attended by Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Chancellor Dr. Hanafy El Gebali and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Mr.  Duarte Pacheco, along with parliamentary delegations from more than 60 countries and international watchdogs.

Sinai, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

The conference is planned to address the issue of climate change from the viewpoint of young parliamentarians. It is the first time that a country holds a separate parliamentary conference a few months before hosting a session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which demonstrates Egypt’s strong will to crystallize an organized and just global effort at all governmental and legislative levels to combat the negative impact of climate change threatening the capabilities of the entire world. Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Chancellor Dr. Hanafy El Gebali is scheduled to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the conference.

During the conference, young parliamentarians, representatives of civil society organizations and experts will engage in four interactive sessions at a unique dialogue platform to tackle the issue of climate change at all levels, as the most critical issue threatening the planet as well as its resources and capabilities. The topics of the conference will also include the state of climate change and its impact on human rights, parliamentary action to fight climate change, and partnership between civil society and parliamentarians to combat the phenomenon of climate change.