Europe, a continent steeped in history and culture, is renowned for its rich artistic tapestry. From the Renaissance masterpieces of Italy to the avant-garde artworks of France, Europe’s cultural heritage is a sight to behold. Embark on a journey through the continent’s artistic treasures and uncover a world of beauty, creativity, and inspiration. Get ready to be captivated by the diverse and awe-inspiring masterpieces that await you!
Exploring Europe’s Vast Artistic Tapestry: A Cultural Journey Awaits!
As you set foot in Europe, you are instantly transported into a realm of artistic wonders. Each country boasts its own unique artistic style, reflecting centuries of history and cultural influences. From the imposing architecture of ancient Greece to the intricate tapestries of medieval France, Europe’s artistic tapestry is as diverse as it is captivating.
In Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, you can immerse yourself in the works of legendary artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. The magnificent frescoes adorning the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and the iconic sculpture of David in Florence are just a glimpse of the artistic treasures that await you.
Europe’s artistic tapestry is an unparalleled visual feast that spans across centuries and genres. From classical paintings to modern installations, the continent offers a myriad of artistic experiences that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, Europe’s cultural masterpieces are sure to leave a lasting impression.
So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey through Europe’s artistic wonders. Follow in the footsteps of the great masters, explore hidden galleries, and marvel at the breathtaking architecture that dots the continent. Unveil the rich artistic tapestry that Europe has to offer and let yourself be enchanted by the boundless creativity that has shaped the continent’s cultural heritage. Prepare to be inspired like never before!
Amidst rising tensions, a months-long political stalemate and increasing speculation about yet another conflict in Europe, the international community must stand firm behind a peaceful, unified Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country’s UN envoy told the Security Council on Wednesday.
High Representative Christian Schmidt said that more than 26 years after the signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace – known as the Dayton Accords – citizens are once again talking about the possibility of another conflict, posing the risk of inflammatory incidents.
“The conflict in Ukraine, not so far away, is a sobering reminder that even in the 21st century, another war on European soil is not an impossibility,” he stressed.
Undermining national laws
Outlining the main challenges, Mr. Schmidt said that authorities in the ethnic Serb-dominated Republika Srpska – one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s two entities, alongside the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina – have increasingly embraced rhetoric and actions that could undermine the constitutional framework.
They include attempts to render national laws inapplicable, which would likely mean the Republika’s withdrawal from the country’s unified forces.
Emphasizing that such constitutional changes cannot be made unilaterally, they would threaten the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he stressed the international community has a responsibility to defend the Dayton Accord and the rights of the country’s three constituent peoples.
European integration
The High Representative praised international support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unity, including through targeted sanctions by many Governments.
“We will not sit still while other seek to dismantle 26 years of peace, stability and progress,” he said.
Turning to the country’s potential membership in the European Union (EU) – a path that would help resolve grievances and foster peace and stability – he urged the bloc to keep its doors open to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rest of the Western Balkan nations.
Meanwhile, fulfilling Agenda 5+2 and the European Council’s recommendations before membership can be considered, would help resolve grievances and foster lasting peace and stability, thereby improving the lives of every citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It would also help stem the ever-increasing flow of young people out of the country and provide hope for a brighter future, he said.
‘Secessionist threats’
Šefik Džaferović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, joined the Council meeting on behalf of his country.
Describing the High Representative’s report on the situation as an objective account, he agreed that for over 10 months, his country has been in a deep political crisis caused by the secessionist threats, blockade of institutions and other actions by Republika Srpska.
Noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina lacks a fully developed mechanism to prevent such secessionist activities, he called for the international community’s full support.
Considering the current geopolitical situation – “we feel the strong consequences of the aggression on Ukraine” – he echoed calls on the EU to respond positively to the nation’s request for candidate status.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe – Security Council meets on Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Challenges to High Representative
At the meeting’s outset, several delegates expressed their reservations on hearing Mr. Schmidt brief in his capacity as High Representative.
Anna M. Evstigneeva, the Russian delegate, said Mr. Schmidt is a German citizen whose appointment was never authorized by the Council.
Echoing similar misgivings, China’s representative, Dai Bing said that while the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina features a profound deadlock, all members of society – including Republika Srpska – have pledged to uphold the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Describing the High Representative system as a relic from another time, he declared: “Picking sides by external forces will not help resolve differences between ethnic groups.”
He also warned against the imposition of unilateral sanctions, emphasizing the serious humanitarian impacts that the conflict in Ukraine is having on food security as well as lingering challenges caused by the COVID pandemic.
MEPs back CO2 emission standards for cars and vans
Environment Committee MEPs are in favour of a pathway towards zero-emission road mobility in 2035 for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) adopted on Wednesday, with 46 votes in favour, 40 against and two abstentions, its position on proposed rules to revise the CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans in line with the EU’s increased climate ambition.
In the report, MEPs expressed their support for the Commission proposal to reach zero-emission road mobility by 2035.
Proposed measures include:
– removing the incentive mechanism for zero- and low-emission vehicles (‘ZLEV’), as it no longer serves its original purpose;
– a report by the Commission on the progress towards zero-emission road mobility by the end of 2025 and on a yearly basis thereafter, covering the impact on consumers and employment, the level of renewable energy use as well as information on the market for second-hand vehicles;
– gradually reducing the cap for eco-innovation, in line with the proposed stricter targets (the existing 7g CO2/km limit should remain until 2024, followed by 5g from 2025, 4g from 2027 and 2g until the end of 2034);
– a report by the Commission, by the end of 2023, detailing the need for targeted funding to ensure a just transition in the automotive sector, to mitigate negative employment and other economic impacts;
– a common EU methodology by the Commission, by 2023, for assessing the full life cycle of CO2 emissions of cars and vans placed on the EU market, as well as for the fuels and energy consumed by these vehicles.
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Rapporteur Jan Huitema (Renew, NL) said: “This regulation encourages the production of zero- and low-emission vehicles. With CO2 standards, we create clarity for the car industry and stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers. In addition, purchasing and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers. This is especially important now that the prices of diesel and petrol continue to rise. This regulation makes sustainable driving accessible to everyone!”
Next steps
The report is scheduled to be adopted during the June plenary sitting and will constitute Parliament’s negotiating position with EU governments on the final shape of the legislation.
Background
On 14 July 2021, as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, the Commission presented a legislative proposal for a revision of the CO2 emission performance standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The proposal aims to contribute to the EU 2030 and 2050 climate objectives, to deliver benefits to citizens by deploying zero-emission vehicles more broadly (better air quality, energy savings and lower cost for owning a vehicle), as well as to stimulate innovation in zero-emission technologies.
From a legal standpoint, it’s essential to think about how your business will operate in the global marketplace. Depending on where you plan to sell your goods and services, you should consider how and where you plan to operate legally. This article covers the basics of what you need to consider when looking at integration expansion and how to approach this from a legal standpoint to ensure full compliance regardless of where you operate.
What Real Estate Will You Need In Your New Location?
If you plan to operate your business overseas, you need to consider if you need a physical location and what finding the right place entails. Arranging business premises, be it retail, warehouses, or offices, can vary significantly if you are doing so from another country and cannot be there in person to oversee the process.
You’ll also want to look into real estate laws in your new location carefully. Read the small print carefully to thoroughly understand all the differences compared to your home country. Many countries have their way of doing things and laws applicable to leasing or purchasing commercial properties.
Will You Require A Name Change or New Branding?
There are a few different ways to change your business’s name when operating overseas. The most common way of doing this is by filing a name change with the appropriate government authority. This may be the same authority that issues your business’s license or a separate office that regulates trademarks. This can help you avoid any cultural faux pas or even ensure that your branding is globally recognized to incorporate new values or a new direction.
Are You Aware Of All Employment Laws In The New Countries You Are Expanding In?
Ensuring you know all employment laws in the new countries you are expanding in is crucial. Depending on where you plan to grow your business, the employment laws may differ in the new country. If you don’t follow all the employment laws in the new countries, you risk running afoul of local laws and violating local employment rules. For example, if you operate a business in the US, you must provide health insurance for your employees. This is a law in every state and one that you must follow if you expand to other countries. You must also follow all the laws and regulations concerning taxes and other financial issues. For example, you must follow local financial rules and laws concerning paying taxes in the new countries you are expanding to. Additionally, you must follow all the rules regarding hiring employees. For example, you must follow all the rules if you hire someone as an independent contractor vs. an employee.
Do You Have The Correct Business Registration?
Depending on the country you’re planning to operate your business in, you must apply for business registration. This can include applying for a business name, filing taxes, and obtaining a business license or an LEI if applicable. Depending on the country you’re expanding to and the type of business you plan on operating, you may need a business registration. Some countries require a business registration to run a business, while others don’t. If you don’t have the correct business registration, you could face significant violations and penalties. This includes fines and having your business shut down by authorities. Ensure you register your business in the new country you are expanding to. Depending on your growing country, you may need a different registration. You can do this through your phone, business contact, or the internet. Make sure you register the correct information to avoid any issues.
The colors of the St. George ribbon have become a well-recognized symbol of military prowess and glory in Russia. The history of the symbol began with the establishment of the Order of St. George, the colors of the ribbon of which then switched to a considerable number of awards of the imperial, Soviet and modern periods of the Russian state, also becoming a symbol of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Order of Saint George
The famous Russian military order of St. George – a combat award exclusively honorary for Russian officers – was officially established on November 26, 1769. According to the statute, it was issued “only for the military rank” regardless of social status to those “who not only fulfilled their duty in everything by oath, honor and duty, but in addition marked themselves for the benefit and glory of Russian weapons with a special distinction, consisting in the following:
Who, despising the obvious danger and showing a valiant example of fearlessness, presence of mind and selflessness, performed an excellent military feat, crowned with complete success and brought obvious benefits. This feat can be accomplished either by order of the higher authorities, or by one’s own suggestion.
The Order of St. George was the highest and extremely honorable military award, denoting the valor of Russian soldiers.
The order was divided into 4 degrees. The order of the 1st degree was extremely rare – in the entire history of the order, only 25 people were awarded the 1st degree. Only 4 people became full or all degrees cavaliers:
– Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov (1st degree for “the defeat and expulsion of the enemy from Russia” in 1812).
– Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly (1st degree for the defeat of the French corps of F. Vandam near Kulm on August 18, 1813).
– Ivan Fedorovich Paskevich (1st degree for the capture of Erzurum in 1829).
– Ivan Ivanovich Dibich (1st degree for valor during the war in 1829).
Prominent military leaders P. A. Rumyantsev, A. G. Orlov-Chesmensky, P. I. Panin, V. M. Dolgorukov-Krymsky, G. A. Potemkin-Tavrichesky, A. V. Suvorov-Rymniksky, N. V. Repnin, V. Ya. Chichagov, P. I. Bagration, M. I. Platov, A. A. Brusilov and others.
Insignia of the Military Order and St. George’s Cross
Initially, only officers could become holders of the Order of St. George. But in 1807, in order to “encourage courage and courage” of soldiers and non-commissioned officers, a military order insignia was established – a silver cross on a St. George ribbon.
During the Patriotic War of 1812, among the awarded were peasants who were not in military service, but who participated in partisan actions. For example, Gerasim Matveyevich Kurin is a serf in the village of Pavlova, Bogorodsky district, Moscow province. After the occupation of the county town of Bogorodsk on September 23, 1812, by French troops, 35-year-old G. M. Kurin organized from the peasants with the help of the head of the Vladimir People’s Militia B. A. Golitsin, a partisan detachment of 5,300 foot and 500 horse soldiers.
Initially, unlike its “older” counterpart, the insignia did not have degrees. But in 1856, according to the new statute, 4 degrees of the insignia of the military order were established – like the officer version. Awards of the 1st and 2nd degrees were golden crosses on the St. George ribbon, 3rd and 4th – silver on the St. George ribbon. In addition, the first and third degrees were supplemented with a bow from the St. George ribbon.
The insignia was issued only for a specific feat “on the battlefield, in the defense of fortresses and on the waters”, which brought him closer to his older brother – the officer order of St. George.
St. George Ribbon
A well-recognized distinctive element of both officer and non-commissioned officer / soldier versions of the order was an orange-black ribbon, which, due to being an element of St. George’s awards, was called St. George’s.
Subsequently, in addition to the signs of the order, the St. George ribbon became an element of many other Russian military awards. For example, medals “For courage on the waters of Ochakovsky” (1788), medals “For courage on the waters of Finland” (1789), medals “For the defense of Sevastopol in 1854-1855”, medals “For participation in the war with Japan 1904-1905” and St. George medals issued during the First World War.
St. George’s / Guards Ribbon
In view of the fact that the St. George awards were awarded to soldiers and military units who showed excellent training and heroism, the St. George symbols – in particular, the St. George ribbon – gradually acquired the meaning of guards symbols. Since 1855, lanyards of St. George’s colors have appeared on premium weapons. They were awarded “For Bravery” – such an inscription adorned the hilt of this weapon.
The St. George’s ribbon became an element of the insignia assigned to units that proved themselves: St. George’s silver pipes, banners, standards, etc. – so the St. George’s ribbon acquired the meaning of the Guards.
People’s military symbol
The St. George awards and the St. George ribbon have become a national symbol of the courage and valor of a Russian soldier. So the insignia of the military order were awarded:
until 1812 – 14,800 soldiers and non-commissioned officers,
for 1812 year – 6 783,
for all Napoleonic wars until 1814 – 41,722,
for the Crimean War – 24,150,
for the Russian-Turkish War 1877–1878 – 46 000,
for Russian-Japanese War – 87,000.
During the First World War, the awarding of the St. George Cross (both soldier and officer) became massive. So, for example, in 1915, the Russian regiment in the Baura region near Warsaw twice attacked and put the Germans to flight without firing a single shot – 500 sets of awards were issued to the regiment for the feat shown. Knights of St. George during the war years 1914-1917 also became two chiefs of staff of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War (future marshals and Heroes of the Soviet Union): Zhukov and Vasilevsky.
Continuity of traditions
After 1918, the order was forgotten as a symbol of the imperial period. But the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, in which, as in the years of the First World War, Germany was the main enemy of the USSR, demanded a search for a symbol that would unite the population of the country to fight the threat and the enemy. It is not surprising that the St. George symbolism was restored in rights.
As already mentioned, this symbol has become popular and well recognizable during its existence. This symbol was actively issued during the First World War – that is, it was understandable to the veterans of this war who defended Russia from the Germans, and regardless of their social status. Therefore, during the Great Patriotic War, the wearing of St. George’s crosses by veterans of the First World War in the USSR was allowed. In 1942, the Guards badge was introduced in the Navy.
From the Order of the People’s Commissar of the Navy of the USSR No. 142 of June 19, 1942 “On the establishment of the Guards Naval flag, a special badge and a special ribbon for the cap”:
1. Guards ribbon.
The guards ribbon is an orange silk rep moire ribbon with three longitudinal black stripes applied to it.
ribbon width – 32.5 mm, length – 1420 mm. The width of the black stripes is 6 mm, the width of the orange gaps between them is 6.25 mm, the width of the piping is 1 mm.
The guards ribbon is laid along the band of the cap and fixed at the back seam, with the ends of the tape remaining free. On the guards ribbon, in the place at the front of the cap, the name of the ship, unit, formation is superimposed in gold embossing, and at the free ends – anchors.
In parallel, they began to develop a new order. In 1943 the Order of Glory was approved. Like the New Order of St. George, they were awarded for their courage and courage.
The Order of Glory was divided into three degrees. The order of the 1st degree was made of gold, the 2nd – of gold and silver, and the 3rd – of silver. A distinctive feature of the order – this is clearly visible – is the St. George ribbon.
Nowadays, some are trying to speculate on the topic of the name of the tape, stating that the tape was not called “St. George” at all, but “Guards” and only Guards. This is nothing more than an attempt at subversion. As already mentioned, over time, the St. George ribbon, like all St. George’s symbols, acquired the meaning of a symbol of the guard (units and soldiers who showed military prowess). So both options are synonymous and valid.
To prove that the ribbon on the Order of Glory is St. George, I will give the opinions of the creator of the Order N. I. Moskalev:
Especially for a long time I was looking for the color of the ribbon of the new order. And suddenly – St. George’s Ribbon! The distinction of the highest valor of a Russian soldier!
Therefore, all disputes about the existence of the St. George ribbon as a symbol of the Great Patriotic War can be stopped.
The St. George ribbon is also found on other awards of the Great Patriotic War and the post-war period.
The St. George ribbon is present on the medal “For the Capture of Berlin”.
On the medal “For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945”.
The medal was established on Victory Day – May 9, 1945 – by the Decree of the Presidium of the USSR Armed Forces. The medal was awarded to the entire army, including combatants who, due to injury, left the service or were transferred to other work – a total of almost 15 million people.
That is, the St. George ribbon is precisely the symbol of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
In the postwar years, the symbol was not forgotten.
For example, the guards ribbon on the Guards naval ensign of the destroyer Thundering.
And many other examples.
Now in the Russian award system there is the Order of St. George with a well-recognized ribbon.
The colors of the St. George ribbon have been and remain in Russia a symbol of military prowess and glory.
Picture: The photo shows all 4 degrees of the order with the St. George ribbon (above).
Left: 1st and 2nd degrees (crosses of the first two degrees were larger than the crosses of the 3rd and 4th – therefore they were sometimes called “big George”).
They are in the backs of military vehicles that invade Ukraine and have proven to be a mystery to many observers. Here is the military historian’s explanation
These inscriptions surprised even military experts, who had been speculating for several days and could not agree on an explanation. They were disoriented by the fact that neither “Z” nor “V” are letters of the Russian Cyrillic alphabet. Some even risked that the zeta would refer to Ukrainian President Volodomir Zelensky, whose head appears to be Vladimir Putin’s ultimate target.
The truth is that the Russian and Ukrainian armies have many models of tanks, weapons and military vehicles. In fact, one of the main tank factories of the Soviet Union, which continued to supply the Russian and Ukrainian armed forces, is located in the second Russian city of Kharkov.
Therefore, it is no less necessary to clearly define the membership of this or that army on the ground.
In recent hours, French military historian Cédric Mas has shed light on the mystery of letters about Russian tanks and vehicles.
Some Russian cars have a “V”, but there are fewer because they come from a region farther from Ukraine
As he explained, “Z” is used by invading troops from the Western District (ZVO), one of the five subdivisions of the Russian Armed Forces, headquartered in St. Petersburg. Of course, this is the garrison that is closest to Ukraine, and that is why it provides the most troops for the current invasion. Although his name in Cyrillic is the Western Military District, the transliteration of his initials into the Latin alphabet is ZVO.
Meanwhile, the “V” identifies troops coming from the Eastern District (VVO), much further away from the current conflict zone.
Many times these letters are drawn in triangles that identify the southern sub-region, or circles or squares that identify the center of the country within the ZVO or VVO, Mac added.
Russian cars are painted in dark green or three tones
“Ukrainian brands are different and less visible. In any case, these signs, painted in white (in a red square for Belarusians), may fade over time even in inclement weather,” he continued to explain in a thread on his Twitter account.
He also noted that another way to identify armies is camouflage. Russian tanks and transports use two types of paint: solid dark green and tricolor (green, sable and brown). While Ukrainians use 3 or 4 shades of green, but with a distinctive detail: pixilated paint spots.
Symbol of those who support Putin’s invasion
The “Z”, worn by most Russian tanks, quickly became the symbol of those supporting the Russian outpost, rejected in most parts of the world. Russian gymnast Ivan Kulyak caused controversy at the recent Artistic Gymnastics World Championships by putting a “z” on the clothes he wore to compete.
Although this letter does not exist in Cyrillic, it is easily recognizable and recognizable to Russians. “Often in propaganda, the simplest things get hooked the fastest,” explained Emily Ferris, junior Russia and Eurasia researcher at RUSI, who assured the BBC that the “Z” is a powerful and easily recognizable symbol. “It’s pretty scary and rude. From an aesthetic point of view, this is a very powerful symbol.”
The world’s longest glass-bottom bridge just opened in Vietnam, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Located in the Moc Chau district of the country’s Son La province, the Bach Long bridge spans more 2,000 feet and stands almost 500 feet above a verdant valley. It opened on April 29 to commemorate 47 years since the end of the Vietnam War, according to the South China Morning Post.
If the bridge’s height gives you nightmares about what the drop to the bottom would be like, there’s little to worry about: The bridge’s floor is made of three layers of tempered glass, each about 1.5 inches thick. Hoang Manh Duy, a representative of Moc Chau Island, which operates the bridge, notes in a statement that additional security measures will also be in place; for example, traffic will only go in only one direction, and 500 people at most will be allowed on the bridge at once.
The floor of the structure is made of tempered glass and can withstand 450 visitors at a time.
Authorities hope the attraction will attract more tourists to the region.
To aid in this revitalization of tourism, Moc Chau Island has been working on building several other attractions, such as mountainside villas, a zipline and a glass-bottom infinity pool (we’re sensing a theme here).
The bridge is seeking recognition from Guinness World Records as the longest pedestrian glass bridge in the world. If it receives that accolade, it would unseat a similar glass bridge outside Qingyuan, China, in that country’s Guangdong province.
It has recently become clear that Vietnam is now accessible to unvaccinated tourists.
To support young people’s political participation and amplify their voices in public life, the UN launched a campaign on Wednesday in collaboration with the Youth Envoy.
“The intergenerational gap in power, influence and trust constitutes one of the biggest challenges of our time”, said UN Youth Envoy Jayathma Wickramanayake.
The Be Seen, Be Heard campaign, which partners with The Body Shop International, seeks to create long-term structural changes that foster the inclusion of youth in decision-making.
“With the climate crisis, global conflict and generational inequalities running rampant, the inputs, perspectives and representation of youth are needed more than ever”, the press release reads.
The campaign seeks to raise the voice of millions of young people in over 75 countries across six continents.
Leaders ‘messed things up’ for the planet
To understand preconceptions and structural barriers preventing young people from participating in public life, the Be Seen Be Heard: Understanding young people’s political participation report, also released on Wednesday, not only presents a snapshot but makes recommendations to address these challenges.
The report supports the fact that there is a chronic lack of faith in political systems but a clear appetite for more youth representation from all age groups.
It details that 82 per cent of people around the world think the political system needs drastic reform to be fit for the future, and nearly 70 per cent feel that young people should have more say.
Three quarters of those under age 30 feel that politicians and business leaders have ‘messed things up’ for people and the planet and are ready for change.
Moreover, two in three people also disagree with the age balance in politics and 8 in 10 uphold that the ideal first-time voting age should be 16 to 18 – even though most countries restrict it to 18 or over.
Recent data shows that although almost half the world’s population is under 30, they make up only 2.62 per cent of global parliamentarians and that the average age of a world leader is 62.
Youth participation is key
Ms. Wickramanayake underlined the importance of including youth in the decision-making to fight the mistrust towards political institutions and alienation from elected leaders.
With the climate crisis, global conflict and generational inequalities running rampant, the inputs, perspectives and representation of youth are needed more than ever. Here pictured are environmental activists and founders of Youth for Climate Argentina.
“As young people have made abundantly clear through their activism on the streets, in civil society and on social media, they care deeply about the transformational change needed to create more equal, just and sustainable societies,” she said.
The campaign is an opportunity to change and move towards policies that “reflect the priorities of youth, mirror their concerns, and speak their language”.
Optimism for a better future
According to the survey – which covered 26 countries with 27,043 respondents in total, over half of whom were under age 30 – 67 per cent believe in a better future, with 15 to 17-year-olds most optimistic.
And more than two-thirds agree that political systems would be better if there were more opportunities for younger people to have a say in policy development and change.
This campaign recognizes at its core that young people have a vital role to play in the decisions that affect us all.
“As escalating global conflict, the ongoing climate crisis and worsening socio-economic issues continue to plague our world, we increasingly need fresh perspectives to guide transformative political decision-making the breaks beyond the status quo”, the press release adds.
Be Seen Be Heard Campaign
Be Seen Be Heard Promoting youth participation and amplifying young voices in public life.
Transformational change
According to the Youth Envoy, young people’s participation in public decision-making could be improved long-term by lowering voting ages; increasing formal youth representation through youth councils, parliaments, or committees; removing barriers for young people to participate in public decision-making; simplifying first-time voter registration; and improving young people’s leadership skills.
The collaboration between the Youth Envoy’s office and The Body Shop means that young people and others will have many routes to participate in the campaign, which will run until mid-2025 in 2,600 stores.
Local campaign activities will also include partnerships with youth-led or youth-focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs), petition opportunities and other actions.
Preparations for the 2023 General Assembly of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) mature as the assembly aims to bring European churches together in Tallinn, Estonia, from 14 – 20 June 2023, focusing the theme “Under God’s blessing – shaping the future”.
To prepare for the event, the Assembly Planning Committee (APC), chaired by Rev. Anders Gadegaard from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark, met from 9 to 10 May in Tallinn.
The committee members, together with CEC General Secretary Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen, discussed further steps in preparations for the event. The CEC Assembly is hosted by CEC Member Churches in Estonia, such as the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Orthodox Church of Estonia.
The committee also visited local churches and venue for the Assembly, Kultuurikatel Centre.
The CEC Assembly will be a significant moment of prayer, fellowship and reflection for the life and witness of the churches in Europe. The theme will bind the assembly participants together in an ecumenical spirit to offer churches’ contributions toward Europe’s future. Together, they will highlight the voice of Christian faith in European societies in addressing the policymakers.
Every five years, the General Assembly meets to make decisions for CEC’s future. The Assembly brings together participants representing CEC Member Churches, Organisations in Partnership and European National Councils of Churches from across Europe. The Assembly will also elect the new board members who will steer CEC’s work for the next five years.
More than 90 per cent of Syrians live in poverty, gender-based violence and risks to children are on the rise, and potential exposure to explosive ordnance remains high.
Moreover, food insecurity has soared to new records as 12 million Syrians go hungry every day and nearly one-in-two children are missing school – leaving them vulnerable to child labour, forced marriage, trafficking, and armed recruitment.
“Over the past 11 years, we have witnessed suffering and abuses on an immense scale; terrible violent conflict that went beyond all norms; [and] a humanitarian catastrophe that has devastated the lives of well over half the population,” UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen told the Brussels VI Conference: “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”.
Syria remains a highly internationalized crisis in which key issues require constructive international diplomacy, according to Mr. Pedersen.
“It is not secret…that recent international developments, the war in Ukraine, have made that even more difficult than it was before,” he acknowledged.
“But as the UN envoy, I will continue to engage all key actors, Syrian and international, on the importance of contributing not only to alleviating suffering but to confidence-building and a political path out of this crisis”.
Stay focussed
Against the backdrop of a conflict, corruption, mismanagement, COVID, sanctions, and now the Ukraine war with its knock-on effects in the region and beyond, Mr. Pedersen drew attention to the Syrians who are struggling to meet their basic needs – noting that raw statistics never truly convey “the brutal reality that afflicts so many of them”.
At the same time, he described displacement “on a scale with few comparisons; a crisis of detention and abduction; an economic disaster that has impoverished millions and fragmented the country; and the continued threat of terrorism”.
He urged the participants to stay focussed on Syria.
Political solution still out of reach
Despite continuous calls for a nationwide ceasefire and a comprehensive Syrian-led and owned political solution that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity – while meeting the legitimate aspirations of the country’s people – Mr. Pedersen said frankly: “We are far from that political solution”.
Notwithstanding the current strategic stalemate on the ground, Syria continues to require attention, resources, and a comprehensive political solution, despite having dropped from news headlines.
“Your contributions are once again urgently needed,” he underscored.
Seeking a breathing path
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths spoke at length of the “unprecedented levels” of needs driven by a decade of conflict, long-term protracted humanitarian crisis, rapidly worsening economic circumstances, climate shocks and gender-based violence.
“We have got chronic electricity, fuel and water shortages undermining the functionality of essential services, livelihoods and delivery of assistance,” he said.
The “highest importance for all humanitarian workers and humanitarian agencies,” is a comprehensive political resolution to the conflict, said Mr. Griffiths, who also heads the UN humanitarian office, OCHA.
“While we try to address the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people, we need a path to allow…[them] to breathe again and be away from the conflict”.
Lives behind numbers
To survive this year, 14.6 million Syrians need humanitarian assistance and another 12 million Syrian refugees and those hosting them across the region also require support.
“No surprise that $10.5 billion, an astonishing and eye-watering amount of money, is needed to fully support Syrians in need. $4.4 billion of that is for the response inside Syria, and another $6.1 billion for the refugees and host communities in the region,” Mr. Griffiths explained.
Acknowledging it as “the largest appeal ever” for Syria, he added his fervent hope, that it will be “the last appeal of this scale”.
“Syrian women, men and children should not be allowed to fall off our attention span and should be given a future…better than the one they faced this year,” concluded the Emergency Relief Coordinator.
Syria ‘deadly’ for children
Catherine Russell, the head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), warned that “an entire generation is struggling to survive”.
She painted a grim picture of commonplace attacks on civilian infrastructure, families struggling to put food on the table, and nearly one-third of the country’s youth “chronically malnourished”.
“These are dangerous, even deadly, times to be a child in Syria,” maintained the UNICEF chief. “Since the war began, we can verify that nearly 13,000 children have been killed or injured – but we know the toll is much higher”.
Psychological trauma
The war has not only scarred Syria’s children physically but also caused “invisible wounds that can last a lifetime,” Ms. Russell flagged.
Roughly 2.8 million Syrian youth are now living in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, and Turkey – riddled with loss, risk, and uncertainty.
“I don’t know what the word home means,” an 11-year-old girl told a UNICEF staff member.
The informal Salhabiya settlement, in rural Raqqa, northeastern Syria is home to many displaced families.
Flexible support needed
And 11 years of war, disruption, and displacement have also threatened the education of an entire generation.
“More than three million Syrian children are still out of school,” the UNICEF official informed the conference, adding that these children need “sustained flexible support”.
She said that although UNICEF requires $312 million for its Syrian response along with an additional $20 million for its work in northwest, to date, less than half has been received.
“We are counting on you to provide that support. More important, Syria’s children are counting on all of us,” Ms. Russell appealed.
Impoverished refugees
Due to the interlinked factors of COVID’s socio-economic shockwaves and a food, energy, and finance crisis, precipitated by the war in Ukraine, “we are seeing soaring poverty rates and hunger; deepening inequalities; and increased tensions across the region,” said Achim Steiner, head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
He cited that nine out of 10 Syrian refugees in Lebanon are now living in extreme poverty as are some 81 per cent of Lebanese people – a figure that has nearly doubled since 2019 – and around 1.8 million Syrians in Turkey.
“Our collective efforts are perhaps more vital than ever before,” attested the top UNDP official.
Inside Syria
He said that the 14.6 million people inside Syria who need assistance represent “an enormous increase of 1.2 million”.
“Saving lives through humanitarian responses will remain of paramount importance, but we should remember that early recovery and resilience activities save not only livelihoods – they also save lives,” Mr. Steiner upheld.
He noted that scaling-up early recovery assistance does not mean shifting away from humanitarian aid but is based on “an assessment of real-world needs on the ground”.
The ask
For early recovery and resilience, $1.2 billion is needed, representing25 per cent of this year’s Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP).
Within this, the UNDP-led Early Recovery and Livelihoods section is asking for $247.6 million in 2022 to help lift one million people out of poverty and allow 150,000 people to find work.
“Apathy is not an option,” concluded the UNDP chief.
