GLOBAL DIARY

CHILDREN

“My impression is that taking a child into care is an extremely serious decision which is really taken as a last resort, when the situation warrants it, for the well-being of the children.” ~ JONAS GAHR STORE, NORWAY’S

PRIME MINISTER

Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum

DAVOS: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM ANNUAL MEETING 2022

Under the title “Working Together, Restoring Trust”, more than 50 heads of government attended the World Economic Forum’s (WEB) annual meeting in the Swiss ski resort town of Davos from May 22 to May 26. In its 50-year history, the WEF has never been confronted with such unprecedented global issues as it was in 2022, as the world recovers from a global pandemic, grapples to contain the devastating impact of the climate crisis, and navigates a geopolitical storm following the invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s absence at one of the most important and exclusive meetings of the global elite has left a noticeable vacuum that is being filled in unexpected ways. The programme had six thematic pillars: fostering global and regional cooperation; how to restore stability amid a new era of geopolitical conflict and tension as well as advancing trade, prosperity and partnerships; and securing the economic recovery and shaping a new era of growth.

ANADOLU EFES WIN 2ND CONSECUTIVE EUROLEAGUE TITLE

Anadolu Efes won their second consecutive Euroleague title in final match against Real Madrid at the Belgrade Arena. Both teams delivered impressive defenses right after tip-off, and the Spanish team gained a 5-point lead over Anadolu Efes in the slow-paced first half thanks to their effective offensive rebounds. Coming back from the locker room, although Real Madrid expanded the advantage to 9 points thanks to a 3-pointer of Adam Hanga (40-31), the opponents managed to fill the deficit ahead of the final quarter. Anadolu Efes took over the lead at 43-42 after Vasilije Micic’s 3-pointer and sealed the triumph over Real Madrid in the finish of the match. Micic once again pocketed the MVP with 23 points, Barcelona defeated Olympiacos 84-74 in a battle for third place.

EUROVISION: SIX COUNTRIES REMOVED AFTER ‘VOTING IRREGULARITIES’

Voting irregularities were identified in six countries taking part in Eurovision 2022, according to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). In a short statement, EBU said that certain “irregular voting patterns” were spotted following the second dress rehearsal and second semi-final of the competition. The irregularities were related to national jury votes, not the public votes. While it did not name the countries in its statement, the teams which saw their jury votes removed were: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania and San Marino.

CLIMATE

“We will no longer wait for the slowest and least ambitious. We’ll turn climate from a cost factor to competitive advantage.” ~ GERMANY’S

NEW FEDERAL CHANCELLOR, OLAF SCHOLZ

FINLAND AND SWEDEN NATO BIDS

GERHARD SCHRÖDER QUITS RUSSIAN ROSNEFT

Finland and Sweden are seeking membership to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a historic shift for two traditionally non-aligned countries and a major expansion of the Western alliance as war continues in Europe. Leaders from Sweden and Finland officially signed their NATO applications together mid last month, following meeting with US President Joe Biden, as the US makes a show of support for their bids. This is a dramatic turn for two countries that have defined their geopolitical identities around nonalignment — Finland, for decades, and Sweden for two centuries. However, Turkey’s president has restated his opposition to Finland and Sweden joining Nato - just hours after they said they would seek membership.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Pekka Haavisto and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde

QUEEN ELIZABETH II HAS ATTENDED THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

The Queen Elizabeth II has visited the Chelsea Flower Show in London - using a buggy for the first time at the event, as she toured the gardens and exhibits. The 96-year-old monarch, who has mobility problems, was driven around the annual flower show. After cancelling a series of events earlier this year, the Queen has been much more visible in recent weeks. She attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show and made a surprise visit last week to officially open the Elizabeth Line. On May 23rd afternoon the Queen arrived at the Royal Horticultural Society’s showcase, the day before it opens to an expected 140,000 public visitors.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (78) will step down from his position at Russian state energy company Rosneft. He informed Rosneft that he could no longer continue as chairman of the board of directors of the country’s largest oil company. Schröder’s announcement comes just one day after German lawmakers agreed to strip him of benefits, including his taxpayer-funded office and staff. Members of the European Parliament have also voted for a non-binding resolution calling on Schröder to resign from his posts and be added to EU sanctions lists. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected demands from Brussels to further punish Schröder and said his resignation “would be best for all”.

ELISABETH BORNE – NEW FRENCH PRIME MINISTER

French President Emmanuel Macron has chosen Elisabeth Borne to lead his new government. She was named the new prime minister of France following the resignation of Jean Castex. Borne, whose appointment marks the second time France will be led by a female PM, will be in charge of steering through Macron’s controversial pension reform. Macron reportedly wanted to promote a woman and said he wished to appoint “someone who was strong on social issues, environmental and production issues.” Borne (61) has also served as transport minister and ecology minister under Macron and successfully shepherded through reforms related to vocational training and the French rail company SNCF.