For the first time, Diplomat Magazine, a leading publication in Europe and the Diplomatic Council presented the Global Diplomatic Award in Germany to honor the Ambassador of Croatia, H.E. Dr. Gordan Grlić Radman.
The award, constitute a recognition to the efforts of the head of diplomatic missions who actively contributed to the advancing Public Diplomacy ideals overseas, promoting strategic diplomatic engagements and leadership.
In keeping an academic character, the award honours Public Diplomacy actors who:
Enhance Public Diplomacy outreach in diplomatic missions.
Provide innovation and opportunities in the core areas of culture, education, country-branding, international trade and business relations.
Enhance, empower and inspire key national and international audiences such as women, students, researches and educators.
Engage, under-served communities, including its own nationals, and grassroots organisations.
Dr. Grlić Radman was credited to Germany in October 2017. Ever since, he has undertaking outstanding efforts in strengthening the German-Croatian economic, cultural and political relations. As ambassador, he specially places emphasis on the role of Croatian whiting the European Union.
Dr. Heinrich Kreft, Ambassador of Germany to Luxembourg and President of the Diplomatic Council. Mrs. Grlić Radman and the Ambassador of Croatia, H.E. Dr. Gordan Grlić Radman, Mrs. Hang Gnuyen, Secretary-General of the Diplomatic Council and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher.
Ambassador Grlić Radman, en European enthusiast, came to Germany after his graduation of the Manager School in Bern, Switzerland. in the 1990’s, he played a pivotal role in setting up the Croatian diplomatic and consular missions in Bern, Geneva and Zurich. He also served at the Croatian missions in Sophia and Budapest.
In addition to his native Croatian, Dr. Grlić Radman masters: German, English, Bulgarian and Hungarian, also some Spanish. Furthermore, Ambassador Grlić Radman, serves as President of The Danube Commission, sit Budapest.
Dr. Heinrich Kreft, Ambassador of Germany to Luxembourg, President of the Diplomatic Council during his memorable speech.
The gala was held on February second at the Grandhotel Hessischer Hof, Frankfurt with the presence of Dr. Heinrich Kreft, Ambassador of Germany to Luxembourg and President of the Diplomatic Council, Ms Hang Nguyen, Secretary-General, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher and ambassadors, consuls general and business people coming from Germany, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
During the ceremony, the German ambassador, Dr. Heinrich Kreft, member of the Diplomatic Council Board of Presidents, delivered a passionate yet thoughtful speech encouraging more multilateralism and less “firsts” in light of the increasing political, economic and social uncertainties around the world.
Ambassador Radman receiving the Award from Dr. De Lara and Ms Hang Nguyen.
The apothecary-style collection features seven perfumes, three scented waters and four perfumed oils, each with a different Gucci animal personality. All are designed to be layered to create bespoke scents, with 48 different combinations possible in total.
Gucci’s “The Alchemist’s Garden” is about raw materials and each of the stories magnifies a hero ingredient, be it oud, amber, violet, iris, mimosa, rose or woods. Each fragrance is linked to an experience, ranging from a stroll about the forest, a tour in the heart of Rome when the mimosa are in blooming, the purity of the rose just before its harvest in the field, etc.
Idea behind it is for the wearer to combine the scents to reach just the right formula for oneself, as an alchemist would do to find the gold formula.
Friday, 25 January 2018, Brussels: European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker welcomed New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to discuss finalising trade agreement talks that could be concluded by the end of this year.
European Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan, is expected to travel to the South Pacific island nation to coordinate talks, as the free trade agreement’s trickiest points fall under his portfolio.
Juncker underlined during his meeting that both sides should do anything possible to conclude the agreement before the end of this year, before the end of my mandate. President Juncker likewise noted that the EU and New Zealand are aligned when it comes to reforming the WTO.
Prime Minister Ardern recently underlined that the relationship with the EU goes beyond simple economic questions and that with the pace of the EU-New Zealand trade negotiations are moving forward. The number of meetings being held and the upcoming visit of Hogan to Wellington indicates that she shares and welcomes similar goals expressed by the EU.
According to Hogan, the European Commission is working through the mandate approved by the European Council and the European Parliament while carrying out the talks with their counterparts from New Zealand.
Hogan suggested that the EU has some concerns about market access that it will fully address in a report that will be published in February that will most likely address these issues, including the question of quotas, which Brussels opposes. Hogan moreover stated that access connected to beef, dairy and sheep also shall not be fully liberalised.
AWednesday, 23 January 2019: At Hotel Bünda in Davos, in the Swiss Canton of Grisons, His Highness Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa co-hosted an “Arabian Nights Gala” on the sidelines of the 49th World Economic Forum, which this year, was held under the motto “Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution”.
The “Arabian Nights Gala” was co-hosted by Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa in his capacity as Honorary President of Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) representing his father, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Co-host was the Vice-Chairman of Consolidated Contractors Company (https://www.ccc.net/about/directors/), Mr Tawfic Khoury.
To make the event possible, silver sponsors included TRISTAR Group of Dubai, WISE.CR represented by President José María Figueras [of Costa Rica] as Chairman of the Board and Pablo González, President of the Advisory Board, FullCycle Fund, the BTG Group and Hyperloop.global whose CEO Bibop Cresta offered a late night welcome address and presented a short look at the future of mobility.
The gala concept, which was founded in 2016 by Introducing Leaders and Molly McAdams, and is organised annually by the firm (www.introducingleaders) brings together an important list of influencers, dignitaries and global CEOs and Chairs each January and is considered a favourite among the Davos elite.
The “Arabian Nights Gala” was co-hosted by Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
The gala was honoured by inter alia the attendance of:
Netflix celebrity (“Made in Mexico” series), refugee as well as immigration rights activist Hanna Jaff (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanna_Jaff). She is a Mexican citizen of Iraqi extraction. Hanna Jaff is a noblewoman from the Kurdish Jaff tribe.
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, chairwoman of the Princess Märtha Louises Fond that support children with disabilities. Only daughter to HM The King of Norway.
Princess Nilüfer Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (today roughly Turkey) based in Geneva, and descendant of Abdülmejid I the Reorganiser, 31s,t Emperor of the Ottoman Empire, Caliph of Islam. She leads her own association aiding children in need: http://www.nilufer.ch
Nadja Swarovski, first female Member of the Executive Board of Brand Swarovski, was accompanied by her husband businessman Rupert Adams.
Álvaro de Marichalar, sailor, businessman. Older brother to Jaime de Marichalar, former husband of Infanta Elena of Spain.
Hollywood star Steven Seagal was guest of honour. Mistress of ceremonies was Delphine Wespiser, Miss France 2012.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy located in the Arab Gulf ruled by King Hamad II bin Isa Al Khalifa. Bahrain is a financial and industrial location that for years has been selected one of the best places for expatriates to live in, and work.
LParis, France: At 20 Place Vendôme, in the epicentre of the Van Cleef & Arpels’ boutique, a new exhibition “Le clip, un bijou de style et d’élégance/The brooch, a jewel of style and elegance” is in full swing.
Celebrating the brooch, one of the emblematic pieces of the Parisian house, it features 54 splendid pieces dating from the 1920s to the 2000s. Leaves, chrysanthemums, feathers, flames, and delicate bows are but a few of the designs presented. The exhibition revisits the house’s representations of fauna and flora, and is open to the public until 30 March 2019.
Paris, France: At 20 Place Vendôme, in the epicentre of the Van Cleef & Arpels’ boutique, a new exhibition “Le clip, un bijou de style et d’élégance/The brooch, a jewel of style and elegance” is in full swing.
Celebrating the brooch, one of the emblematic pieces of the Parisian house, it features 54 splendid pieces dating from the 1920s to the 2000s.
Leaves, chrysanthemums, feathers, flames, and delicate bows are but a few of the designs presented. The exhibition revisits the house’s representations of fauna and flora, and is open to the public until 30 March 2019.
Amsterdam University Press publishes a new book on strategic relationship.
By Jean Paul Wijers, Monica Bakker, Robert Collignon and Gerty Smit.
In
an increasingly connected world, strategic relationship management is a vital
capability for successful organizations. The book about relationship
management Managing Authentic
Relationships; Facing New Challenges in a Changing Context focuses on
building and managing a strong network and reciprocal relationships for the
entire organization by implementing a professional relationship management
approach at strategic, tactical and operational level.
Many
organizations are currently undergoing the transition to a more flexible
network organization aimed at improving collaboration, both internally and
externally. A solid and profitable network is one of the key prerequisites for
(business) success, but the development of professional relationship management
is new and complex.
Managing
Authentic Relationships describes a
professional relationship management that provides access to the right
networks:
The development of a relationship
management strategy.
Management by tangible results; the Return-on-Relationship.
The right approach for the complex
management of relations.
Clear internal responsibility
for relations management.
The right supervision for
the transition to a modern network organization.
The development of the right networking competencies
and measurable, effective meetings.
The wish to squeeze as much as possible
out of the relationship harms the relationship and increases distance and
distrust.
This
book about relationship management also offers a holistic view. Managing
authentic relationships requires a shared understanding of what relationships
are. It is impossible to develop successful relationship management without
authentic relationships based on trust and reciprocity.
Future networks: High-trust Value Networks.
A common mistake is that organizations do not start expanding their network until they find themselves in a crisis. That is too late! People will be suspicious about your intentions. By that time, the network should already be in place and have a solid basis of reciprocity and trust.
De four militia
paintings in the book and on the cover show the importance of networking in the
17th century, but they are also included because of the similarities with our time;
cooperation based on trust in small and closed networks offer resilience and flexibility
in our complex world where uncertainty has become the new normal.
“As personal relationships become more important in our accelerating and digitizing world, it is a huge benefit to finally have a book that defines relationship management as a true and required profession in any organization.” Janine Dijkmeijer, CEO of the Nederlands Dans Theater.
“This book on strategic relationship management is mandatory literature for all who want to constructively build a world based on sustainable mutual benefits, where commerce blossoms and peace prevails.” Dick Berlijn, former Commander in Chief of the Dutch Armed Forces.
“This valuable book is about the lost art of personal attention; Very important in building networks and relationships!” Alexandra Messervy, Founder and Chief Executive of The English Manner, formerly of the Royal Household of HM the Queen.
ISRM
Training & consultancy
The Institute of Strategic Relationship Management (ISRM)
is the founder of modern relationship management. Our unique approach is
based on more than 20 years’ practical experience. ISRM is a network of
relationship management experts.
Our consultancy and training help
organizations in the transition to a modern and effective network organization
that employs a purposeful and structured relationship management policy. Professional relationship management
ensures that a network contributes to the achievement of an organization’s
targets, providing access to the right networks and creating mutual
relations with the right people.
In addition, ISRM organizes the postgraduate training program Strategic
Relationship Management once a year for professionals who are responsible
for the management and development of network management within organizations.
Access to the right networks and a mutual relation with the
right people
The United
States suspends its obligations under the INF Treaty
By Guido Lanfranchi.
As announced by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and by President Donald Trump, the United State has decided to suspend its obligations under the INF Treaty, a bilateral US-Russia arms control agreement. Speaking to the press, Under Secretary of State Andrea Thompson explained the US administration’s decision and the way forward.
After the United States and Russia had failed to reach an agreement during a crucial round of negotiations in mid-January, there were few hopes that the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Force Treaty could be saved. Indeed, on February 1st US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the US would suspend its obligations under the treaty, and announced the plans to withdraw within six months.
Mr. Pompeo’s announcement was then followed by President Donald Trump’s words during his State of the Union Speech on February 1st, in which he openly called out Russia for its non-compliance with the treaty, and reiterated his willingness to withdraw from it.
The INF Treaty is an arms control treaty that dates back to 1988, when US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev agreed to eliminate ground-launched nuclear and conventional missiles with intermediate or shorter range.
In the last decade, the US has grown increasingly critical of the Treaty, repeatedly condemning the Russian side of not respecting the agreed standards. While Russia recently attempted to alleviate US pressure by publicly displaying the SSC-8, one of the incriminated systems, U/S Thompson severely downplayed such efforts as insufficiently transparent, and condemned the continued lack of compliance from Russia.
As a result of this behavior – United States Under Secretary of State Andrea Thompson explained – the United States will suspend its obligations under the treaty, which means that for instance the Department of Defense will be allowed to undertake research and development efforts that were prohibited before. However – Ms. Thompson clarified – any further steps on the deployment of US military capabilities will be closely discussed with European and NATO allies.
While
the suspension of obligations under the deal is surely a blow for US-Russian
relations, U/S Thompson assured that windows of dialogue between the two
countries will remain open. Moreover, other bilateral deals, such as the New
START, and broader multilateral non-proliferation arrangements will continue to
be active, as all parties, including Russia, have to date complied with the
agreed standards.
The future of the INF Treaty remains unclear to date. During the State of the Union Speech, US President Trump left all doors open on the future of the treaty, with options ranging from the negotiation of a broader arms control treaty also involving other nations, to a leap forward by the US in developing new military capabilities. As U/S Thompson said, “dialogue remains an important piece, and diplomacy is key and essential to that.”
Citizens from the US, Russia and the whole world hope that diplomacy will be able to deliver a solution that can ensure peace and security across the globe.
In 2014, Norwegian law enforcement authorities seized millions of encrypted files depicting sexual abuse of children.
The seized material contained information that led Norwegian police to believe that two Norwegian suspects ran an orphanage in Bulgaria. Verification of this information and clarification that the two Norwegian suspects and/or anyone connected to them sexually abused children in Bulgaria were crucial.
The Liaison Prosecutor for Norway invited the Bulgarian authorities to a coordination meeting at Eurojust in September 2018 and a follow-up meeting in November 2018 to plan the action day. A joint investigation team agreement between Norway and Bulgaria was signed to support the operation and to facilitate investigation of a possible network for producing and sharing material showing sexual abuse of children in Norway and/or Bulgaria, and to prevent further dissemination of the material.
A simultaneous operation took place in Bulgaria and Norway, computers were seized, and the suspects were arrested in Norway. Europol participated in the common action day in Bulgaria.
In addition, several children in Bulgaria were interviewed to clarify whether they were victims of sexual abuse or if they knew anything about such abuse. The protection and welfare of witnesses are extremely important. Norwegian investigators were allowed to interview the children in accordance with Norwegian legislation.
By Barend ter Haar.
“I think the big problem this country has is being politically correct,” Trump said in 2015. At that time many people, including myself, dismissed this remark as just another sign of his lack of good manners.
It took some time to realise that Trump had expressed an uncomfortable truth. His election as President of the United States proved that about half the Americans preferred an incorrect and inexperienced man above a civilised woman with great experience.
This was not a typically American phenomenon. In referenda in several other Western countries more than half of the people voted “incorrectly” against international cooperation and in favour of narrow-minded nationalism. In most Western countries “politically incorrect” populist parties are now among the biggest political parties.
The initial reaction of the political elite was usually to isolate and ignore the populists, to portray the people that voted for them as ignorant and deplorable and, if necessary, to repeat a referendum until the “correct” answer was given.
This policy failed. Western elites cannot ignore that half or more of their fellow citizens do not support their globalist policies. But neither should anybody ignore how close these elites have come to Plato’s ideal of a philosopher-king. Thanks to this highly educated elite the quality of life in Western countries (public health, food safety, energy security etc.) has reached unprecedented levels. (For example, nobody wants to subject the safety rules for airplanes to a referendum.)
So why do so many people oppose the policies of these elites? The main reasons are probably the unequal distribution of the benefits and costs of globalisation and an underestimation of its social-cultural costs.
Although almost everybody is better off than his or her grandparents, the benefits of globalism go mainly to the highly educated elites, leading to a growing gap between the elites and the rest.
This problem is aggravated by the unequal distribution of the costs of globalisation, in particular, the social-cultural costs. From a purely economic point of view, it is very profitable to import foreign workers, however – and that is where political correctness sometimes prevents us from having a realistic view – integrating people from a different cultural and social background can take several generations. As most of these immigrants find housing in low-income neighbourhoods, the inhabitants of these neighbourhoods bear the highest costs of globalisation, while they usually benefit least from it and have reason to fear that their relative position in society is in danger.
It will not help to dismiss their worries as politically incorrect. The great challenge for democratic governments is to take their problems seriously, without ignoring the interests of other people, both within and without its borders.
