CPH Post Diplomancy 6 December 2018

Diplomacy MAGAZINE WINTER 2018 - ISSUE 6

• THE AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR ON INTEGRATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS • MEET DENMARK'S NEW NATO AMBASSADOR • DENMARK'S FIRST ASTRONAUT COMES DOWN TO EARTH

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO AMBASSADORS IN DENMARK

AUSTRALIA: A PROUD MULTI-CULTURAL NATION COMMITTED TO HUMAN RIGHTS

BY STEPHEN GADD

Australia as we know it today has largely been built by immigrants, many of whom arrived by sea. It is perhaps fitting then that the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen is located in Nordhavn, with its breathtaking seaport vistas Mary Ellen Miller, the current Ambassador who took up the post in May 2017, has a background in education and leadership. One of her particular interests is gender equality and women’s empowerment. Her ambassadorial role also extends to non-resident accreditation to Norway and Iceland. The Ambassador spoke to the CPH POST:

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Q

How did Australia and Denmark first establish diplomatic relations?

It has been about 70 years since our countries established diplomatic relations. We've had representation in Denmark since 1955 and Denmark opened its first diplomatic representation in Canberra in 1947. While we didn’t establish an embassy here until the late 60s, Australians and Danes have worked together much longer than that, particularly during WWII. During the conflict, 68 members of the Royal Australian Air Force lost their lives over Denmark.

We also have stories of Australian airmen meeting locals and being helped on their way to Sweden, and from there, back to the UK.

Q

Australia is a good example of a multicultural country built on immigration. How has it avoided the problems that other countries seem to have when it comes to integrating new arrivals?

Australia is a proud multicultural nation shaped by the culture of Indigenous Australians, who have

called the country home for more than 50,000 years, and our history of immigration from all over the world. Every year, almost 200,000 immigrants come to Australia to start a new life. More than one in four Australians, around 7 million people, was born in another country. Australia’s diversity and dynamism is reflected across a whole range of sectors including fashion, recreation, food and architecture. Our well-functioning and generous regular immigration system, a gold standard, is tailored to the Australian context. We invest in integration to help people build safe and prosperous lives in Australia.

Q

We seem to be entering a new political era when countries are becoming more nationalist and closing their borders. Is this trend also taking place in Australia?

Australian society is open and inclusive. Our security and prosperity depend on an outwardlooking approach and engagement with the world.

It is particularly important for us to work with like-minded partners, like Denmark, at a time

Photo: Hasse Ferrold

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Q

How do you see the role of diplomacy in today's 'long distance' 24/7 world. Isn't it a bit of an old-fashioned concept?

Diplomacy is as relevant today as ever, but the world has changed and so too has diplomatic tradecraft. While direct communication between governments has become easier, more areas have, at the same time, opened up for international co-operation, like trade, security, education and migration policy. Governments increasingly look to learn from each other’s experiences when addressing their own domestic challenges across a wide range of issues. Resident diplomats have a key role to play here with their deep understanding of home country interests and the host country’s political context.

Modern diplomacy is also moving beyond the (still very important) realm of government-to-government contact. As people-to-people ties are at the core of any bilateral relationship, our diplomats also need to engage with the broader public to promote an accurate, up-to-date and nuanced understanding of contemporary Australia with the wider public. New technologies have a role to play here, with Australian diplomats embracing social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or their local equivalents.

Q

Would you say that nowadays, Australia politically is primarily orientated towards the US and Pacific sphere or do you still look towards Europe when it comes to things like trade and defence policy?

We want our region, the Indo-Pacific, to be secure, prosperous and open. It is a diverse region, which includes some of the world’s largest economies, countries moving into middle-income status and countries working on development. We feel a responsibility to our region as well as a sense of belonging. We also see the US as a key bilateral partner playing a central role in the Indo-Pacific.

Q

How does Australia co-operate with Denmark in the political arena?

Australia and Denmark engage on a broad range of issues. We have a steady flow of high level political visits in both directions and regular government-to-government consultations. I personally enjoy a warm and productive relationship with my Danish counterpart in Australia.

Our countries also work closely together in multilateral forums on issues like development assistance and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

We work in different parts of the world, but we work on the same kinds of principles regarding the achievement of these goals.

We are both committed to human rights, including gender equality and women’s empowerment. Australia is a member of the Human Rights Council and Denmark will be joining us as a member in 2019.

Our countries have also collaborated in the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan and the Global Coalition against IS. Australian and Danish forces have been working side by side in those environments. We also work together on other global security issues like counter-terrorism and non-proliferation.

Q

Could you elaborate a little on trading relations between the two countries – is it easy to set up joint ventures?

We enjoy a good trading relationship with Denmark and continue to explore opportunities to intensify two-way economic engagement. Here the Australia-EU FTA will have a major role to play once it comes into force.

Traditionally, agriculture has been an important sector, but we also see new opportunities rapidly developing in areas like clean technology, smart city solutions and other high-tech sectors.

Austrade, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, provides specific practical support to businesses thinking of working in Australia. Many Danish businesses are already present in the Australian market.

Our European partners, including Denmark, are also important to us. We need to work with like-minded partners from across the world who share our commitment to the rules-based international order, global peace and security, and multilateralism. We also enjoy a strong economic relationship with the EU, our second-largest trading partner and our largest investor, and we look forward to securing a comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement with the EU in the near future.

Q

Donald Trump's presidency has seen a major shift away from free trade and back towards old-fashioned protectionism. How do you view this from an Australian perspective?

Openness is central to Australia’s economic success story. We have benefited greatly from our region’s rapid economic growth and have enjoyed more than 25 years without a recession.

Australia is working hard to lower trade barriers and contribute to the global trading system, both through our work in the WTO and our active free trade agreement agenda. We are proud to be part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11), which is due to enter into force later this year. In this part of the world, I am particularly excited that we are negotiating a free trade agreement with the EU, which will solidify our already close trading relationship.

With the Australian Invictus Games team 4

Photo: Mary Ellen Miller/twitter

At the same time, we recognise that globalisation, digitalisation and automation bring challenges as well as opportunities. We need to ensure all Australians have access to the opportunities offered by our growing economy by adopting policies that enable our communities and businesses to harness innovation to drive growth.

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Q

How do you see the relationship between the two countries developing in the future?

I expect our already warm and extensive relationship will continue to increase in breadth and depth. Our two countries have so much in common and there are so many exciting opportunities for more engagement across a broad range of issues. And that’s just at the government level. I expect the Australia-EU FTA to bring a boost to our commercial relationship. Crucially to any relationship, our people-to-people ties also continue to grow.

Q

Beyond my professional involvement, I also have a personal connection to the Invictus Games as my husband, a former Australian dual Olympian, volunteered to train the Danish Invictus swimmers.

Q

Another thing I know you are passionate about is the Women in Leadership initiative. Could you tell me a little bit about that?

Gender equality and women’s empowerment is a priority policy issue for

Celebrating International Women's Day with the South African ambassador the Australian Government. We want everyone to have the opportunity to realise his or her potential. Equality is central to our values, but there are also strong economic arguments for an active gender equality agenda.

Unequal representation of men and women suggests we are not maximising our capability. In 2015, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade launched its Women in Leadership strategy to look into structural barriers limiting women’s career progression within our organisation and how to address them. These issues are important to my work here in Denmark—another leader in this field.

Q

Do you think that there is anything Australia can learn from Denmark?

One of the things I've noticed during our time here is the Danish commitment to collaboration. Australians are keen collaborators as well, but I think that the Danes take this to a very sophisticated level and we could learn from that — especially in the business and political sector. It is the notion that collaboration can be a win-win situation.

Q

What could Denmark learn from Australia?

Australia and Denmark share values and take similar approaches to many issues, but we have different geographic perspectives and complementary areas of expertise. Australia has a long record of engagement with our regional partners in the Indo-Pacific, which is increasingly important for Denmark too. With immigration trends changing, we are seeing more people born elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific coming to Australia to contribute to our vibrant multicultural society.

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Australia is probably most renowned for its unique wildlife – and for good reason too. While koalas and kangaroos continue to be drawcards, international visitors are increasingly heading to Rottnest Island outside Perth for a selfie with a quokka, one of our less well-known marsupials.

Reflecting our multicultural identity, many places in Australia enjoy connections to Denmark, including Sydney’s iconic Opera House, which was designed by Jørn Utzon.

Tasmania, home of HRH Crown Princess Mary and known for its fresh produce, snow-capped mountains and beautiful scenery, might even remind Danish readers of a much bigger Bornholm – particularly all of Denmark would fit into Tasmania.

Photo: Hasse Ferrold

I know that the Invictus Games for injured veterans is a project close to your heart – as it is to Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik. How did you get involved in that?

Like Denmark, Australia has been part of the Invictus Games since the inaugural games in London in 2014. For those who are not familiar, the Invictus Games are a multi-sport event for veterans suffering from a service-related injury, with many also suffering from PTSD. Since then, participating countries have taken turns hosting the games and Australia had the privilege of hosting in 2018.

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THE NORTH STAR OF THE BLUE ECONOMY

BY IRENE HELL

Lise Kingo is an unusual executive.

She's not just in charge of one company or one organisation – it's much bigger Lise Kingo is in charge of the whole global economy, from the greasy hot dog stand around the corner in Soho to the glittering billion dollar trusts in Peking.

It’s hard to catch her. Almost in the air between her UN Global Compact base in Indonesia, Singapore and China and on her way to a talk for the Financial Times in London, Diplomacy magazine managed to get her on the phone.

Danish PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Lise Kingo

GLOBAL GOALS, LOCAL BUSINESS

– as well as a new generation of consumers who

In order to build a strong foundation for the UN

aggressively sanction irresponsible conduct – have

Global Compact, Kingo began to switch from a

changed the game.

voluntary contribution to a fixed membership fee for large companies. Nevertheless, the UN Global

“It's much better to speak openly about your challenges and to follow the UN Global Compact

She sounds upbeat, not showing any sign of stress or jet-lag. “We are about to create a global movement,” she says.

Compact gained several hundred new members

BIGGEST – BUT STILL NOT ENOUGH

increased from 80 to 100 employees.

About 10,000 companies from 161 states have already joined the UN Global Compact, the biggest corporate social responsibility initiative ever. But this is not big enough for Kingo: “We need every company in the world to join us.”

'Making global goals local business' is Kingo’s

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mantra. Around 300 people bring the local

The banner of the UN is blue. Are ‘blue

networks of the Global Compact in 71 countries

investments’ – investment in the UN principles –

on UN course.

rewarded by the markets?

The clock is ticking: the equivalent of three planets

“Yes. Some years ago we created our own

Extreme climate patterns, storms, floods droughts, millions of refugees, new wars and conflicts are all ticking time bombs that threaten everyone and every business.

are needed to meet human consumption by 2050.

stock index: the Global Compact 100 Index.

Sustainable businesses need to take the pressure off

It is a representative group of 100 UN Global

water, food, people, energy and entire ecosystems.

Compact companies. They are selected based on

Alarmed by a recent UN report that makes it clear we have less than 12 years left to prevent the climate apocalypse, Kingo gears up: “Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) takes the biggest transformation the world has seen since the industrial revolution.”

Her job requires almost supernatural powers. The Danish executive not only needs to convert sinners to saints but also has to make them pay trillions of dollars to fix the pollution and other problems their companies and others caused.

Ban Ki-moon’s relentless efforts to make UN member states pay for the mess the world is facing almost failed.

Compared to the trillions needed every year for the UN goals, governmental contributions are only a drop in the ocean. So his successor António Guterres, the chairman of the UN Global Compact, also puts his hopes in Kingo’s tender but firm hands. Maybe it’s her Viking heritage, but Kingo runs a tight ship and does not take prisoners.

“We have to get everybody on board,” she asserts.

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Photo: Irene Hell

On 25 June 2015 UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon entrusted a kind, tough and very ambitious Nordic lady with a gigantic task: to transform the global economy.

Mission impossible? – not for an optimist from Vojens.

so she could hire more people. In the New York headquarters at Third Avenue staff levels were

principles that include the environment, labour, human rights and good corporate governance,” Kingo recommends.

the implementation of the ‘Ten Principles’ and

SEDUCTIVE DIPLOMACY

evidence of executive leadership commitment and

Like all successful women in history Kingo

consistence,” explains Kingo.

convinces with seductive diplomacy. “Implementing

She adds “the Global Compact Index is performing

the UN goals is an excellent way to improve your reputation, attract the best talent, get good press

better than some of the major indexes.”

and raise your shareholder value,” Kingo entices.

Chaired by the UN Secretary-General, the UN

The 58,720 public reports filed by her member

Forum every year during the UN General Assembly

companies give her good reason for optimism. “Many companies are already integrating the 17 UN SDGs right at the heart of their management strategy. They are very active on climate, human rights, labour and on closing the gender gap,” Kingo explains.

What caused this change? Companies used to focus mainly on short-term profits and refused to be charged for the 'market externalities' such as the pollution and global warming they cause.

“You cannot compromise,” Kingo warns. The

Global Compact hosts the high-level Private Sector in New York in September.

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transparency, lightning speed and global reach of

Hollywood stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Arnold

the internet and the power of the social networks

Schwarzenegger, who now fights global warming as

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CPH POST spoke to Lars Hinrich, owner of the company.

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Our greatest strength is definitely our employees. Many of them have been with us for 10, 15 and 20 years. They are skilled, loyal, motivated and hard-working. This ensures a very low rate of staff changes for our clients. We also have a very flat organisation where fast reaction and fast decision-making in day-to-day operations provides efficient, flexible and high-quality services.

It is very important to stress that we are a member of Dansk Industri – SBA, the employer-organisation of the Danish cleaning-business. We are certified under Servicenormen which is independently audited by Dansk Standard. We are obliged to comply with a long list of demands which ensures that we follow Danish laws and union contracts, for example: •

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What kind of consultancy and analysis do you offer?

Some of our clients have wanted in-house cleaning, preferring to employ their own cleaners. Here, we've provided consultancy – making drawings of the locations, calculating the time necessary to allocate to cleaning, giving advice on cleaning products and materials etc.

Do you work for any embassies or residencies?

Relations with our clients are based on mutual trust, so I can't name names without their permission. I can say, however, that we have clients (e.g. in the financial sector, the Danish Parliament), where a high level of security is mandatory – and yes, we do have cleaning experience with embassies.

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Together with the UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme), the UN Global Compact initiated PRI, the Principles for Responsible Investment. Over 1,500 investment institutions with about 62 trillion dollars' worth of assets under management have become signatories. “I think we are beginning to see significant transformations in the financial sector,” Kingo contends.

After a career as executive vice president of the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, her radiant personality and irresistible Danish optimism help to ignite constructive competition amongst the UN Global Compact member companies to deliver the biggest contribution to a global ‘Blue Economy’.

Lise Kingo ‘Green Terminator’, also use the UN Global Compact stage to motivate business leaders to commit to the UN goals.

In this heady atmosphere of stars, business and political power, CEOs recognise that their power for good opens a window to world history.

Many PRI members such as BlackRock and Pension Denmark are committed to divest from fossil fuels and invest in green assets.

Billion-dollar UN Global Compact companies such as Siemens, Grundfos and Unilever are also hoisting the blue United Nations flag and navigating their armadas towards the 17 goals set for 2030.

Given the astronomic amounts of capital available and the fact that we also have the technical solutions to tackle challenges like climate change, good leadership is now more important than every. Kingo is determined to do whatever it takes. “We are at a moment in time where it is really critical to utilise the great momentum behind the SDGs,” she says.

TAKING ACTION

NORTH STAR OF THE BLUE ECONOMY

The destruction of natural habitats to plant trees that produce palm oil caused global protests and outcries. In order to avoid consumer boycotts, companies have acted.

Denmark is one of the smallest member states but nevertheless one of the most important supporters of the UN goals. Copenhagen is one of the very few cities with its own UN Headquarters.

Next to the UN Secretary General as chairman, Unilever CEO Paul Polman and Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd CEO Bola Adesola serve as ViceChairs of the UN Global Compact.

Kingo is strongly supported by Danish PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Realdania CEO Jesper Nygård and Erik Rasmussen, the founder of MondayMorning/Sustainia with whom the UN Global Compact has created a common platform for global solutions.

“Palm oil Unilever 100 percent sustainable. Expect others to follow. No other option if serious on climate change”, tweeted the CEO of the Dutch-British consumer goods giant. Unilever is about to halve its environmental footprint by 2030.

Photo: Irene Hell

Photo: Irene Hell

“We want to be the ‘North Star’ for the economy,” Kingo states.

Erik Rasmussen, founder of MondayMorning/ Sustainia, Lise Kingo, and Realdania CEO Jesper Nygård

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Photo: Andreas Mogensen/flickr

DENMARK'S FIRST ASTRONAUT PUTS EARTH AND SPACE IN PERSPECTIVE

Goodbye Earth!

BY ROSS MCPHERSON

CPH POST asked him about his experience, the

aerospace engineering, and at the time there

Andreas Mogensen is one of a select few who have experienced our planet from space, and the experience has clearly left its mark on him

future of space travel, his experiments, and how

wasn’t really an opportunity in Denmark; there

the change in perspective moulded his views.

is now, but not back then. So I went to the UK

International School and Copenhagen International School. How did attending two international schools prepare you for the globally-diverse environment on the Interna-

to study at Imperial College in London, and given my background it wasn’t a hurdle going abroad, it was almost natural. So in that sense it has been a huge benefit having come from this international background.

On 2 September 2015 the Iriss mission launched from Kazakhstan on a Russian Soyuz rocket.

Onboard, flying at thousands of kilometres per hour out of our atmosphere, was Andreas Mogensen, Denmark’s first man in space.

tional Space Centre?

It expanded my opportunities; I was no longer

Certainly my upbringing played a huge role.

just looking for opportunities in Denmark. I

The reason I went to Rygaards and CIS was

saw the whole world as a possibility. I was free

because I had spent much of my childhood living

to go wherever. I didn’t have to overcome that

abroad. I lived three years in Thailand, two years

extra barrier of going abroad and leaving my

Mogensen's trip to the International Space Station (ISS) would begin in May 2009, when he was selected from thousands of applicants to join the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut program.

in Singapore, five years in California and then I

home country.

The mission lasted 10 days during which he conducted experiments and experienced the world from a truly unique perspective.

12

Q

I understand you went to both Rygaards

returned to Denmark for ninth grade. That’s when I started at Rygaards. So certainly, growing up in so many different countries had a huge impact on who I am today, but also in my approach to life in general.

When I graduated from CIS I wanted to study

Q

You were stationed in the Republic of Congo and Angola working on offshore oil rigs. How did those field experiences help you in your space journeys?

When I graduated from university my goal was to work in the space industry. But there really

Soyuz and Progress in space Photo: Andreas Mogensen/flickr

weren’t very many job opportunities at that time. So I looked at what was available and thought I want to do something exciting and travel – see the world. So I ended up in the oil industry working in west Africa.

Q

Did those potentially dangerous field experiences help you or prepare you for your time on the ISS? I’m sure that if something goes wrong, situations onboard could become potentially dangerous …

The irony is that if I hadn’t taken that job in the oil industry, I probably wouldn’t have been selected as an astronaut – simply because the work that we do as astronauts is not without risk and is also very practical.

Even though we are doing science and research onboard the ISS, it's more from the perspective of a laboratory technician that sets up experiments, collects data and repairs things that break. So to be accepted as an astronaut, you really have to have some kind of practical field experience. It’s not enough just to be a scientist or an engineer who has worked in an office environment. So that experience in the oil industry is what helped make the difference and is probably one of the reasons that I got selected.

Q

When you were hurtling into space at hundreds of kilometres per hour, what was going through your mind?

The launch itself is interesting. On the Soyuz rocket what surprised me was how un-rocket-like it was! I was expecting something much more violent, something much more dramatic. But Soyuz lifts off very slowly and almost quietly.

It’s only a minute or two minutes into the flight when a lot of the fuel has been used that you really feel the acceleration and you get that kick in the back seat of your pants. But initially it lifts off very gently. It’s much gentler that I had imagined, so that surprised me.

But otherwise, the other thing to say is that launch is something we've worked towards for the last couple of years. We've trained it on the simulator many many times, so we were very focused on the task at hand: monitoring the system, making sure everything is how it’s supposed to be. It’s not something you so much experience as something you were working on.

It was only maybe two minutes into the flight that I kinda thought to myself: 'Okay remember to enjoy this, because you might not be able to experience it again.' It’s an interesting experience.

Q

I think the public perception of space travel is that it may not be entirely fruitful anymore. People's interest seems to be dwindling. So when events like the October 11 Soyuz rocket failure occur, do you think it reflects badly on the usefulness and the potential of space travel?

I don’t necessarily agree with the premise. Go back to the 60s.

There was a huge interest and then maybe that was reduced. But I think in the last five years, maybe ten years, ever since social media really became an integral part our lives, there has been a resurgence of interest about space exploration. Simply because people are no longer relying solely on newspaper reports or the evening news.

People can now connect directly to the space agencies and with the astronauts through social media to get a much closer and in-depth look into our daily lives and what we are doing – at least that’s how I perceive it. I think there has been a tremendous increase in interest in the last 5-10 years, largely or at least in part due to social media creating a more direct access. I think you see this also with unmanned missions as well, like the European Rosetta spacecraft which had its own Twitter account and tweeted almost as if it was a person. That

13

'For here am I sitting in a tin can, far above the world ...'

Photo: Andreas Mogensen/flickr

Q

Space is an infinite void with endless possibility. Has experiencing that first hand changed your perspective on life or our place in the universe?

In my opinion, sitting in the cupola is certainly one of the most special experiences onboard the space station. I won’t say it has changed who I am, but it lets you experience Earth and our universe from a different perspective. One of the first things you realise is the fact that the earth is just one planet that we share all together.

It takes just an hour and a half to fly completely around the earth. So in the space of 10 minutes you have traversed oceans and mountains, but you don’t see the earth as 300 or 200-odd different countries. You really see it as a single planet that we all share – that we all live on. We have to get along because we are all the same.

When you are flying over the day side of the earth you don’t see cities, borders or roads. You really don’t see any signs of life – or any signs of humans. So you get a sense that borders between countries and countries themselves are artificial. There’s nothing natural about countries and borders between countries.

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The other thing I would say is be flexible and grab the opportunities that arise, because it’s very seldom that the road to your goal is a straight line. Often, the road meanders back and forth and it’s often the surprising things – the unexpected things – that lead us to reaching our goals. So be flexible and grab the opportunities that arise, even if they seem unrelated to the goal.

So that certainly changes your perspective a little bit. Because there is no difference between people in northern Europe and southern Europe or in Africa. It’s all one planet we are inhabiting. And then as soon as you get over to the night side of the earth you turn off the lights and suddenly you see billions and billions of stars. That very quickly changes your perspective as well.

For example, you could be looking down at the earth and you see this gigantic earth, but then you look out at the universe and you realise just how small the earth is in comparison to the size of the universe. And how many billions of stars there are out there. And probably also billions of other planets. And it suddenly just changes your perspective in a quite dramatic way. You just realise that in the bigger perspective we are just a tiny fraction of the universe.

Q

What advice can you give to any young aspiring astronauts?

Figure out what it is you love to do and pursue that. Because success in whatever field you choose requires hard work, but hard work seems a lot more fun if it’s something you love to do. So find whatever it is you love to do and follow that.

Photo: Andreas Mogensen/flickr

gives people almost an emotional attachment to the mission.

The Soyuz TMA-18M blasts off

Photo: Danish delegation

DEDICATED TO MAINTAINING NATO UNITY AND THE TRANSATLANTIC BOND

BY STEPHEN GADD

Denmark recently achieved an impressive 'first' with the appointment of its first female ambassador to NATO

Q

Liselotte Kjærsgaard Plesner with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

Firstly, congratulations on your new appointment. However, some people might not be aware what the job entails. Can you tell us a little about it?

Thank you very much. I am honoured to represent Denmark in NATO. Here at NATO, we work for

Q

Denmark’s interests and values to further freedom, peace, security and prosperity.

In September this year, Liselotte Plesner was appointed Denmark's ambassador to NATO. She has an impressive background in foreign affairs.

Since its founding in 1949, NATO has been the

Plesner holds a master's degree in political science from the University of Aarhus. Shortly after graduating, she joined the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From 1995-1996, she was Private Secretary to the Foreign Minister. She has been posted abroad to embassies in Bonn and Rome.

While we are currently facing certain political

From 2005-2008 she served as Political Director and from 2008-2013, was Denmark's Ambassador to Israel, moving on to become ambassador in Vienna.

She has also been Denmark's representative to OSCE and IAEA before taking up the NATO post.

Liselotte Plesner spoke to CPH POST:

challenge the alliance, undermine Euro-Atlantic

cornerstone of Danish and European security and a testimony to the strong transatlantic bond. challenges, NATO – as a military alliance – is as strong as ever.

At the same time, we are confronted with a fast-changing, dangerous, unpredictable and fluid security environment. Russia’s aggressive actions security and increasingly threaten the rulesbased international order, while global terrorism continues to pose a threat to the allies. This has meant that we have stepped up deterrence and collective defence.

We must be ready to tackle all threats from all directions. At the same time, new threats such as cyber and hybrid warfare have emerged and are evolving quickly. In response to this, we work actively every day with allies and partners to ensure that NATO stays ahead of the curve.

Do you feel that being a woman in what some might consider a very macho world has meant that you are treated differently?

Increasingly, more women are working in the area of security policy. For example, look at our excellent Deputy Secretary General, Rose Gottemoeller. Quite a few of my colleagues here at NATO are women.

For any government it is important when appointing Ambassador to any given position to tap into all human talent – not just half of it!

And at the end of the day, we all work together as ambassadors representing our countries.

Still, since I am the first woman to serve as Danish Ambassador to NATO, my appointment is somewhat significant. Although personally, I am of the conviction that appointments should be based on merit.

15

Q

What do you enjoy most about working in the diplomatic service?

What I enjoy the most is working with my professional colleagues from all around the world and in many different settings. Building a network is a key diplomatic instrument for an ambassador – for any diplomat. Here at NATO, I have colleagues I have worked with during my former postings. Over the years, I have built a worldwide network with colleagues.

Q

Did you have any reservations about accepting the NATO post, or was it a 'dream job'?

In all my lifetime, NATO has ensured that I have been able to live in freedom and security.

Currently, however, many of the elements we thought would never change are in flux. That makes it an interesting as well as challenging time to serve as Danish ambassador to NATO. So yes – doing my bit to ensure that our alliance will continue to keep our citizens safe definitely is a dream coming true.

Q

Since Donald Trump became US President, there have been several open disagreements between NATO and the US, often about budgetary issues. Do you think that Denmark will be stepping up defence spending even more as a result?

At the Wales Summit in 2014, we agreed to increase defence expenditures. As a result, this year will be the fourth consecutive year of rising defence spending. For example, the Danish Government has recently announced a significant increase to its military budget.

In addition, we will continue our significant contributions to NATO’s operations. We must not forget that burden-sharing consists of three elements: cash, capabilities and the political will to contribute to operations.

16

Photo: NATO Public Diplomacy Divisio

Q

You've had a lot of experience in the diplomatic world. Is being the Danish Ambassador to NATO different from a normal ambassadorial post?

As an ambassador, you always represent your country’s interests no matter where you serve. However, multilateral diplomacy is very different from bilateral. What is special at NATO is the potential very high magnitude of responsibility linked to your decisions – it can literally be decisions about peace and war. It is about how our joint decisions in the North Atlantic Council translate directly into upholding our common security in the transatlantic region, including difficult decisions to send our men and women in uniform on missions like Afghanistan and the new NATO Mission Iraq to address threats to ourselves and our partners.

Q

Trump has also appeared to cast doubt on the 'musketeer oath' – one of the bedrocks of the original NATO treaty that states that if one NATO state is attacked, the others will come to its aid. How do you view this?

During the Summit in Brussels this summer, all the allies confirmed Article V – known as the ‘musketeer oath’. The United States' strong commitment to the alliance has been confirmed on multiple occasions by the US administration, both in Washington and here in Brussels.

Q

What do you see as Denmark's main priorities on the international stage right now when it comes to defence?

Many things are happening right now, but I will try to narrow it down.

Denmark has always been a strong supporter of a rule-based international order: the principles in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act stipulating that every state has the right to sovereignty, territorial integrity and to choose their own allies.

Right now, one of the main challenges we face is Russia’s aggressive behaviour. As the Danish government has laid out in the new Foreign and Security Policy Strategy, Russia uses all means in order to erode the European Security architecture.

More than four years after the illegitimate and illegal annexation of Crimea, Russia continues its aggression in eastern Ukraine. The list of unacceptable actions continues: the nerve agent attack in Salisbury, cyber-attacks against public authorities and companies, resistance to arms control, and interference in elections and campaigns of influence that threaten our democratic processes.

For obvious reasons, Denmark takes a particular

interest in the Baltic Sea and the North Atlantic areas and more generally in reinforcing the maritime aspects. For the Kingdom of Denmark, also comprising Greenland and the Faroe Islands, the sea lines of communication across the Atlantic and the challenges with regard to the so-called GIUK gap are of special importance.

Even though we have seen progress, the fight against terrorism is still a main priority. The coalition against IS is succeeding, but we need to continue the fight against terrorism and the instability that provides ground for terrorists, including through military contributions to stabilisation. A comprehensive approach in cooperation with other international actors such as the EU and UN is very important when countering challenges such as terrorism.

Furthermore, the cyber threat continues to evolve.

As one of the world's most digitalised countries, Denmark needs to make sure that we have the tools to counter cyber-attacks, disinformation and espionage. The cyber threat is both emanating from states, criminal groups and non-state actors – we need to be able to counter all of these threats.

Which is also something we are focusing on here at NATO.

Q

Over the last couple of years, Russia appears to be flexing its military muscles more than at any time since the Cold War. A number of commentators and politicians are even suggesting that a new Cold War could be developing. What are your views on that?

It is true that relations between Russia and NATO are currently at their lowest point since the end of the Cold War. I do hope that we are able to improve our relations. But that is entirely up to Russia

bring the country into NATO under its new name,

In 2016, NATO defence ministers decided to deploy ships to the Aegean Sea to support Greece and Turkey, as well as the European Union's border agency Frontex, in their efforts to tackle the refugee and migrant crisis.

In October of that year, it was agreed to extend the deployment and also instigate Operation Sea Guardian to support the EU's Operation Sophia in the Central Mediterranean. NATO ships and planes are ready to help increase the EU's situational awareness and provide logistical support.

the Republic of North Macedonia.

Q

NATO is not just a defence alliance but has also been active in things such as combatting piracy. Could you tell me a little about this

Q

initiative, how it came about and whether it is still going on?

NATO started to support international efforts to combat piracy in 2008 at the request of the United Nations. From 2009, NATO led Operation

NATO is conducting reconnaissance, monitoring and surveillance in the territorial waters of Greece and Turkey, as well as in international waters. This has been a very substantial success and NATO-EU co-operation should pursue other areas using this as a model.

Ocean Shield, which helped to deter and disrupt pirate attacks, while protecting vessels and helping to increase the general level of security in the region. These operations were carried out in close co-operation with other international

Q

actors such as the European Union. Denmark

Finally, based on your previous experience, what do you think that you can bring to the job and what would you ideally like to achieve in your term as ambassador?

I believe I can bring experience from both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy through my networking skills. I have knowledge about the challenges we are facing from both the Southern and Eastern flank. Furthermore, I will do my part to ensure that NATO continues to stay modern, agile, ready and responsive. I shall work hard together with my team to make sure that Denmark remains a core ally in NATO and that alliance unity and the transatlantic bond are preserved.

has made substantial contributions to Operation Ocean Shield.

since it is quite clearly Russia that is violating international commitments and obligations, such as Russia’s unacceptable behaviour with regard to the INF treaty and in relation to Ukraine.

The Russian invasion and illegal and illegitimate annexation of the Crimea in 2014 made NATO change its policy towards Russia and suspend military co-operation.

Decisions on deterrence and defence were taken in response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, including on the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP). But NATO keeps a door open to dialogue, in particular to reduce the risks of possible incidents escalating into a conflict. This dialogue takes place in the NATO-Russia Council.

But until Russia changes its aggressive behaviour, there will not be a return to business as usual in the relationship between NATO and Russia.

When that will happen is entirely up to Russia.

Q

Do you see the possibility of NATO growing beyond its existing 29 countries, and if so, which countries could be possible candidates to join the alliance?

NATO’s door remains open to any European country in a position to undertake the commitments and obligations of membership and contribute to security in the Euro-Atlantic area.

As you may know, at the NATO Summit in July, the allies invited Skopje to begin accession talks. These talks were formally initiated in October. NATO has welcomed the recent vote by the parliament in Skopje on the proposed constitutional changes. It is now up to the government and political leaders to complete the national procedures required under the Prespa Agreement and seize this historic opportunity to

With no successful piracy, attacks since 2012, NATO terminated Ocean Shield in December 2016. However, NATO is still engaged in the fight against piracy for instance through continuing contact with other international counter-piracy actors and by supporting countries in the region to build the capacity to fight piracy themselves.

Q

Can you tell me a bit about the 'Partnerships for Peace' program and what it does?

NATO seeks to contribute to global security — one of the means to do so is through cooperation and partnerships. The Partnership for Peace program is a practical co-operation between individual Euro-Atlantic partners' countries and NATO. It allows partners to build up an individual relationship with NATO, choosing their own priorities for co-operation and individual activities according to their ambitions and abilities.

For example, both Sweden and Finland have developed a very strong relationship with NATO, both through practical co-operation and political dialogue This is good for their security and NATO security, and Denmark remains very supportive of this development.

Partner countries choose individual activities

Q

according to their ambitions and abilities.

Q

What role does NATO play when it comes to coping with the current escalating refugee crises?

NATO has deployed a maritime force in the Aegean Sea to conduct reconnaissance, monitoring and surveillance of illegal crossings in support of Turkish and Greek authorities and the EU’s Frontex agency. This is an area of great international co-operation.

Photo: Danish delegation

NATO's new headquarters in Brussels

With NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller 17

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Many of the faces on these pages will be familiar to readers of CPH POST as they are foreign ambassadors to Denmark and feature regularly in Hasse Ferrold’s About Town. Many are not based in Denmark, but fulfil their ambassadorial positions from overseas

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AMBASSADORS BASED IN DENMARK

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Algeria

Argentina

Armenia

Ali Benzerga

Conrado Solari

Alexander Arzoumanian

Mary Ellen Miller

Brazil

Bulgaria

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Austria

Bangladesh

Maria Rotheiser-Scotti

Muhammad Muhith

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Belgium

Benin

Leo Peeters

Eusebe Agbangla

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Carlos da Rocha

Burkina Faso Maria-Goretti Agaleoue

In transit

Canada Emi Furuya

Haris Basic

Chile

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

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Penelope Erotokritou

Radek Pech

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Iceland Benedikt Jónsson

Egypt Ayman Alkaffas

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Flavio Tarsetti

China Deng Ying

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Vesa Vasara

Caroline Farrari

Gigi Gigiadze

Andreas Meitzner

Efthalia Kakiopoulou

India

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Ajit Gupte

Muhammad Said

Morteza Moradian

Alaa Musa

Ireland Cliona Manahan

Israel Benjamin Dagan

Hungary Kristof Altusz

Italy Luigi Ferrari

All photos: Hasse Ferrold unless stated

AMBASSADORS BASED IN DENMARK

Ivory Coast

Japan

Latvia

Libya

Lithuania

Mina Balde-Laurent

Toshiro Suzuki

Alda Vanaga

Mohamed Selim

Ginte Damusis

Macedonia

Janine Finck

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Palestine

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Netherlands

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Henk Swarttouw

Amadou Tcheko

Poland

Portugal

Henryka MoscickaDendys

Rita Laranjinha

Romania

Russia

Mihai-Alexandru Gradinar

Mikhail Vanin

Pakistan

Norway Aud Kolberg

Saudi Arabia Fahad Alruwaily

Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi

Serbia Jasmina Mitrovic-Maric

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Morocco Khadija Rouissi

Slovenia

South Africa

South Korea

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Ukraine Mykhailo Vydoinyk

United Arab Emirates Fatema Almazrouei

United Kingdom

United States

Vietnam

Dominic Schroeder

Carla Sands

Nguyen Thanh

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Ahlam Ali (Oslo)

Dr Wilbrod Slaa (Stockholm)

Komi Bayédzè Dagoh (Berlin)

Elyes Ghariani (The Hague)

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Should you notice any omissions, out-of-date information or errors (mis-identifications, spelling etc), please don’t hesitate to contact CPH POST at ben@cphpost.dk

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CULTURED, ELEGANT AND PHILANTHROPIC: GETTING TO KNOW THE IWC PRESIDENT Eleanor Bomholt is president of the International Women’s Club in Copenhagen. She is also an active member of the Southern Cross Club, which caters especially to people with Australian and New Zealand connections, and for 10 years was president of KUKS (the Cultural Confederation of Foreign Societies) – where she continues to work actively as its Honorary President

Q Q Q

Could you tell me a little about yourself?

I was born, bred and educated in Auckland, New Zealand. As a school teacher I’ve worked in New Zealand and England, where I met my Danish husband. I have two children and four grandchildren here in Copenhagen.

Are you any relation to the politician Julius Bomholt?

Yes, my husband’s cousin was Julius, the first Minister of Culture.

What is the IWC? The International Women’s Club is an English-speaking social club that brings together female expats and Danish women with international backgrounds. We’ve just had our 40th anniversary.

Women in Denmark, regardless of where they are from, are welcome to become members.

Q Q

When did you become president of the club?

Just this June. I’ve been the program’s co-ordinator for the past two years and a member for more than 20 years.

How many members do you have and how often do you meet?

We have approximately 225 members. We hold board meetings every first Thursday of the month and coffee mornings every second Thursday, where

24

Photo: Hasse Ferrold

BY ROBERT EYFJORD

we get together to introduce and welcome new members over tea or coffee and homemade sandwiches. The third Thursday is for whatever activity the co-ordinator has planned for us and the fourth is the luncheon. So there’s something going on every week.

Q

What happens at your gatherings?

We take up all kinds of different issues, although our biggest focus is probably philanthropy. We raise funds to support all kinds of charities around the world. We recently presented our patron Princess Benedikte with a cheque for 10,000 kroner to SOS Børnebyerne. We have also ‘adopted’ five children through Børnebyerne. Whenever there is a tsunami or earthquake disaster in the world, we seek to contribute in any way we can.

Q Q

There is also a quota for Danish members. Many of them are used to an international life and when they return to Denmark, IWC can be a welcoming alternative.

Q

What do you have planned for Christmas and New Year?

For Christmas we have invited some young musicians from Ordrup Gymnasium to join us, entertain us and lead us in singing our favourite carols. January is our birthday month where we will be celebrating our 41st birthday.

Q

I had heard you’re a keen singer?

Yes, I'm in several choirs. In New Zealand, my singing teacher was the same teacher Dame Kiri Te Kanawa had, and as a member of the

Who are the ladies in the IWC? A lot of our members have been married to a diplomat who has spent significant time overseas.

The majority of members are from the United Kingdom, USA, Sweden and Norway, but we have 45 different countries represented.

World Festival Choir, I’ve sung eight concerts in

How do you keep it international?

The board is elected for two years and then it changes. In our constitution, the board must consist of as many countries as possible. This year we’re two New Zealanders, one Australian, one from Myanmar, one from Hong Kong, one from Germany and four from Denmark.

Messiaskirkens Koncertkor. In December, we'll

various countries with Luciano Pavarotti as a soloist. I ended up being on the executive board of the World Festival Choir for ten years, where I learned the different Scandinavian languages.

Here in Copenhagen I sing in a choir called be singing Handel's 'Messiah'. I’m also a member of the Canta Køge Choir. We also gave three concerts in October, singing Fauré’s Requiem.

So that keeps me busy – along with my other duties of course.

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THE DANISH MONARCHY – A LONG, LONG HISTORY

BY ROSS MCPHERSON

Royalty: from the Jelling dynasty to Queen Margrethe II, their influence has been crucial in crafting modern Danish society

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN The roots of the Royal Family date back to the early 10th century when Gorm the Old, considered Denmark’s first true monarch, consolidated power from the small town of Jelling between 936 and 958.

We know of him through the great runic stones he erected, now named the Jelling Stones – the first of which was dedicated to his wife Thyra, who is referred to as 'tanmarkar' or ‘Denmark’s Salvation’. At the time of Gorm's reign, the nation was only loosely unified. Gorm would act as the unifying power that would bring the nation together, eventually leading to the great nation we know today.

After Gorm's death, the crown fell to his son and heir to the Jelling dynasty, Harold Bluetooth, the king best known for introducing Christianity to Denmark, although the latest archaeological evidence has pushed that date back by quite some time. The religion would go on to encompass the nation.

Bluetooth’s reign also marked the beginning of the North Sea Empire, a name given to the joint nations of England, Denmark and Norway.

Painting: August Thomsen

CONQUERING ENGLAND

Gorm the Old Those who have lived in Denmark for any extended period will know the importance of the Danish Royal Family to the nation. Their main residence, Amalienborg Palace, stands tall and proud in the heart of Copenhagen as a symbol of their legacy, attracting tourists from all over the world.

The monarchs themselves set an example for all Danes, both inspiring people to do better and fostering a sense of national unity. Much of the Royal Family’s influence is clear when you stroll through the charming streets, but many people may not be aware of the long and sometimes complicated history of the Danish monarchy.

26

The empire reached its biggest size during the reign of Cnut the Great (1016-1035).

The whole of England had fallen to his father Sweyn Forkbeard in 1014, but Cnut had to launch his own invasion to claim the crown.

He attempted to unify the two nations through culture, taxation and, of course, violence. Later he would conquer the Norwegians as well, consolidating the newly-formed North Sea Empire.

Cnut pushed Christianity wherever he conquered and had extensive ties to the Holy Roman Empire. But unfortunately his legacy in England would be erased after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

LEGACY MAKER The next five centuries were characterised by almost constant warfare with the south, Norway and Sweden. The monarchy at the time

was elective and the monarch would receive absolute power upon inauguration.

The most notable monarch was Margrete I (1387-1412) – the name of the current queen is spelt with an extra letter, Margrethe II, although she still chose to be the second to use it.

Over Margrete’s life, she consistently out-manoeuvred her rivals, successfully uniting the regions of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, to leave a powerful legacy for her heirs.

THE BUILDER KING Assuming the throne aged 19, Christian IV reigned as king of Denmark-Norway and duke of Holstein and Schleswig from 1588 to 1648.

His 59-year reign is the longest of any Danish monarch – and of any Scandinavian monarchy.

He is frequently remembered as one of the most popular, ambitious and proactive Danish kings, having initiated many reforms and projects. Although his reign encompassed a period of stability and increasing wealth, he also became involved in numerous conflicts, such as the Thirty Years' War (1618-48), which devastated much of Germany, undermined the Danish economy and cost Denmark some of its conquered territories.

Christian rebuilt and renamed Oslo, the Norwegian capital, as Christiania after himself – a name used until 1925.

His legacy is still very much in evidence today, as he was responsible for many of Copenhagen's architectural pearls, including the Round Tower (built as an observatory), Rosenborg Castle, and the old stock exchange building.

However, his successor Frederik III signed away absolute power in November 1665 in a charter named Lex Regia (or Kongeloven) in exchange for the crown and a male primogeniture-based system. This agreement led to the nobility and common folk gaining a certain amount of political influence. The terms of the charter took full effect in 1670, when Frederik's son Christian V acceded to the throne.

Thus, the hereditary monarchy was formed under which Danes still live today, making the Danish monarchy one of the longest to have existed.

Christian IV

Portrait: Pieter Isaacsz, Riksarkivet

Photo: Svend Thorsen, portrait by Heinrich August Georg Schiøtt

A ROYAL AFFAIR

It could have been five children, as Prince Valdemar

The 1700s would prove to be a difficult period for the monarchy. Christian VII (1766-84) was plagued by mental illness and only nominally the ruler during the period. The de facto ruler was the German doctor and Enlightenment thinker Johann Friedrich Struensee.

turned down the offer to become king of Bulgaria.

During his time at the Danish court, he began an affair with Christian's wife, Princess Caroline Matilda, and of Christian VII’s two children – the future monarch Frederik VI and Louise Auguste – the princess was widely believed to be the child of Struensee.

In 1772, Christian VII divorced Princess Matilda and Struensee was arrested and later executed.

Matilda would live her days out in Germany, where she died aged just 23. This turbulent period was the subject of the 2012 film 'A Royal Affair'.

King Frederik VII (1848-63), the childless king, ended up being the last king of the House of Oldenburg – a line of succession dating back to 1448. He was also the last absolute monarch as in 1849 he signed a constitution, giving Denmark a long overdue constitutional monarchy. It was a decision that endeared him to the public for the rest of his reign, but despite marrying three times he was unable to produce an heir.

EUROPE'S FATHER-IN-LAW When Frederik VII died, a distant relative from the House of Glücksburg was picked to become king: Christian IX. Although his reign had a rather inauspicious beginning, Christian IX acquired the nickname 'Europe's father-in-law' as four of his children went on to sit on major European thrones. Dagmar married Tsar Alexander III and became empress of Russia, Alexandra married Edward VII and became the queen and empress of the British Empire, Vilhelm became King George I of Greece, and Frederik succeeded his father as Frederik VIII.

Christian IX

Frederik VII

Christian VII Portrait: Alexander Roslin c1772 at Frederiksborg Slot

Photo: Svend Thorsen, portrait by Henrik Olrik

But just before his death, Christian IX was able to witness his grandson Prince Carl being elected king of Norway.

WAR, TUMULT AND PEACE Christian X (1912-1947) ruled during a particularly tumultuous period that included both world wars. However, it for a little-known event outside Denmark that he is probably best remembered at home: the constitutional Easter Crisis of 1920 in which he expelled a democratically elected cabinet because of a disagreement. His ruling style was described as authoritarian and dogmatic.

In his later life he became a symbol of hope for a nation in distress during the German Occupation of Denmark. Every day he would ride his horse,

Christian X Photo: Underwood and Underwood/Library of Congress

unaccompanied by guards, through the streets of Copenhagen in a gesture of defiance to the Germans. On these rides, he was feted by swarms of children and citizens on bikes. Some stories claim he wore the star of David in solidarity with the Jews, but this was never confirmed. He did, however, help fund the escape of Jews from Denmark to neutral Sweden.

His son, Frederik IX, was a popular king and because of his love of all things nautical was known as 'The Sailor King'. He often wore his naval uniform and also had a number of tattoos. As well as this, Frederik was seriously interested in classical music, played the piano and made a number of recordings as a conductor.

Frederik would go on to amend the constitution to allow women to become monarchs. This paved the way for Denmark’s current monarch, Queen Margrethe II, who became queen in 1972 and celebrated her ruby jubilee in 2012.

However, she still has another 13 years to go if she wants to match Christian IV, by which time her heir, who will become Frederik X, will be 63.

Frederik IX Photo: Johannes Jaeger

27

DIPLOMATS COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY OF THE ARMISTICE

Remembrance, like their suffering, is eternal, and it was a solemn occasion at Bispebjerg Kirkegaard on November 11 that was befitting of the occasion

PHOTOS: HASSE FERROLD WORDS: BEN HAMILTON

One hundred years after the ceasefire, the world is still remembering the sacrifice of the doomed youth of World War I and the conflicts that followed “What passing-bells for these who die

Among the many worldwide commemora-

as cattle?” asks World War I poet Wilfred

tions marking the centenary this year, his

Owen in the first line of his revered poem

portrait was drawn in the sand on a British

‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’.

beach at Folkestone on the south Kent

“Only the monstrous anger of the guns. Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle can patter out their hasty orisons,” he concludes.

coast facing France. Thousands gathered to pay their respects as the tide rose and

French ambassador Caroline Ferrari pays her respects

washed away the work.

FAREWELL TO AMMUNITION TAKEN BY THE TIDES Owen might take solace that 100 years later the world is still remembering the

28

Owen would have appreciated the poetic timing of the Armistice, timed as it was on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the

doomed youth of the Great War, and the

eleventh month.

conflicts that followed. He himself might

The decision to line up six number ones –

have been among those paying their

resembling the many coffins needed to bury

respects at the first and the many more

the 8.54 million soldiers who perished dur-

Armistice Day services had he not been

ing World War I – was taken early on the

tragically killed just a week before the end

day at around 5:30 am in the Compiègne

of World War I.

Wagon, a railway carriage parked in a

British ambassador Dominic Schroeder pays his respects

Australian ambassador Mary Ellen Miller pays her respects

US ambassador Carla Sands pays her respects French forest near the front line. Representatives of the Allied and German forces (whose allies had already formally surrendered) agreed on a ceasefire commencing five and a half hours later.

But if the timing of Owen’s death sounds unfortunate, spare a thought for the soldiers who were killed after 11 am that day. According to Colonel Thomas Gowenlock of the American 1st Division, “many fell” as “men on both sides had decided to give each other all they had: their farewell to arms”.

NO RELIEF – ONLY GRIEF “At the front there was no celebration. Many soldiers believed the Armistice only a temporary measure and that the war would soon go on.

As night came, the quietness, unearthly in its penetration, began to eat into their souls,” wrote Gowenlock.

“The men sat around log fires – the first they had ever had at the front. They were trying to reassure themselves that there were no enemy batteries spying on them from the next hill and no German bombing planes approaching to blast them out of existence. They talked in low tones.

They were nervous.”

ONLY THE BEGINNING Gowenlock’s observations are a reminder to humanity that the war would never end for many of the surviving soldiers – a subject they seldom liked to discuss, the memories would stay with them until their dying day.

“After the long months of intense strain … the abrupt release from it all was physical and psychological agony. Some suffered a total nervous collapse. Some, of a steadier temperament, began to hope they would someday return to home and the embrace of loved ones. Some could think only of the crude little crosses that marked the graves of their comrades. Some fell into an exhausted

sleep,” continued Gowenlock’.

“All were bewildered by the sudden meaninglessness of their existence as soldiers. What was to come next? They did not know – and hardly cared.

Their minds were numbed by the shock of peace.

The past consumed their whole consciousness.

The present did not exist – and the future was inconceivable."

Indian ambassador Ajit Vinayak Gupte pays his respects

LEST WE FORGET Through Armistice Day on November 11, which became better known as Remembrance Day (Veteran Day in the US) in most countries just prior to or after World War II, humankind has never forgotten the sacrifice of the doomed youth and the unspeakable horrors the survivors would remember for the rest of their days.

Pakistani ambassador Zulfiqar Gardezi pays his respects

Every single soldier who served in WWI may be long dead – soon, the same will be said of those who fought in WWII – but the world continues to remember 'lest we forget'.

SOLEMNITY AT THE GRAVEYARD As they do every Remembrance Day, a great many members of the Copenhagen diplomatic corps were at the centenary commemoration at Bispebjerg Kirkegaard by the Commonwealth War Graves.

This year November 11 fell on a Sunday – brilliantly timed, you might say, although it’s doubtful they knew this inside the Compiègne Wagon.

Irish ambassador Cliona Manahan pays her respects

Among the countries represented were: France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Ireland, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Germany.

Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen • Journalists: Stephen Gadd, Ben Hamilton, Ross McPherson, Robert Eyfjord, Irene Hell, Christian Wenande Layout: CPH POST • Info: hans@cphpost. dk • Tel: +452420 2411

German ambassador Andreas Meitzner pays his respects 29

NEW IN TOWN PHOTOS: HASSE FERROLD WORDS: STEPHEN GADD

Ambassadors come and go and Diplomacy magazine would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new ambassadors who arrived in Denmark this autumn

Cyprus: Holding BAs in Turkish, Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, Penelope Erotokritou went on to read history and the theory of international relations at the LSE and political science at London University. She joined the diplomatic service in 1997 and has served at the UN in New York and in Toronto. Erotokritou was appointed ambassador to Denmark on September 21

France: Caroline Ferrari is a graduate of the Ecole supérieure de commerce de Paris and the Institut d’études politiques de Paris. She was first secretary at the French permanent representation to the European Union in Brussels from 19972001. Since then, she has held posts in Berlin and France. Ferrari was appointed ambassador to Denmark on September 3

Hungary: Kristóf Altusz began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2002. Shortly afterwards he became a foreign policy advisor in the Hungarian National Assembly and worked in the European Parliament. In 2010 he was posted to Berlin. After two other significant domestic appointments, in September this year he became ambassador to Denmark

Italy: After graduating from the University of Rome in political science, Luigi Ferrari joined the foreign service in 1993. He has held a number of posts in the foreign service in areas such as human resources, Europe, IT and communications, as well as postings to Stockholm and Luanda. Ferrari was appointed ambassador to Denmark on September 21

Portugal: Rita Laranjinha holds degrees in international relations and European studies. She joined the diplomatic service in 1996. As well as positions in Portugal, Laranjinha has held posts in Madrid, and Angola. In May 2015, she was promoted to Minister Plenipotentiary. She took up the post of Ambassador to Denmark in September this year

Slovakia: Before entering the sphere of foreign affairs, Miroslav Wlachovský studied philosophy and sociology. As well as political posts at home he has held posts in Washington (as deputy chief of mission), Vienna (on the permanent mission to international organisations) and the UK. Wlachovský was appointed ambassador to Denmark on October 19

30

BY HASSE FERROLD

ROYAL CIRCLES

Icelandic President Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson (left) waited in line with Parliament’s speaker Pia Kjærsgaard and Danish PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen to greet Queen Margrethe ahead of a gala performance to mark his country’s centenary anniversary at the Opera House on October 10

Crown Prince Frederik was at hand to extend a warm royal welcome to South Korean President Moon Jae-in at DR Koncerthuset, as the dignitaries in attendance at the P4G Copenhagen Summit (October 18-20) gathered to discuss the Copenhagen Commitment – a pledge to accelerate efforts to fight climate change

Prince Joachim and Princess Marie were among the royals in attendance at Christiansborg Slot on October 24, where Queen Margrethe hosted an evening party for MPs and MEPs in Riddersal (the knights’ hall)

On October 29, Crown Princess Mary again fulfilled her duties as the patron of Julemærkefonden to unveil this year’s Christmas Seal at City Hall, pictured here with its designer, Peter Madsen

Queen Margrethe attended the first day of rehearsals of Tivoli’s Christmas ballet ‘The Nutcracker’ on October 30. The premiere was on November 23 and the run will continue until December 23

Crown Princess Mary was the guest of honour at the awarding of this year’s 2018 Magasin du Nord Fashion Prize on October 25. The winner gets to host their own show at Copenhagen Fashion Week (Jan 29-Feb 1) 31

BY HASSE FERROLD

ABOUT TOWN

German ambassador Andreas Meitzner was the host of a concert at DR Koncertsal on October 2 to mark the Day of German Unity (Tag der Deutschen Einheit), the anniversary of the 1990 reunion of East and West Germany. It included a performance by star violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann. Among the ambassadors in attendance were Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi (Pakistan), Aud Kolberg (Norway), Laura Lochman (US deputy) and Leo Peeters (Belgium)

Austria’s national day on October 26 marks the date in 1955 when its government adopted permanent neutrality, so it has nothing to do with the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on 3 November 1918. Among those celebrating the day at the residence of ambassador Maria Rotheiser-Scotti (centre right) on October 26 were Serbian ambassador Jasmina Mitrovic Maric (centre left) and Lithuanian ambassador Ginte Bernadeta Damusis (left)

Hungary’s national day marks the start of the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, although it also has a national day in March that marks the 1848 revolution. Ambassador Kristof Altusz welcomed guests to Sølyst on October 24 to help him celebrate

Among the guests of Turkish ambassador Uğur Kenan İpek at the celebration of his country’s national day at the Hellerup Park Hotel on October 29 were US ambassador Carla Sands. The occasion marked the 95th anniversary of the foundation of the republic

During his time in Denmark, French ambassador François Zimeray has become one of the most recognisable diplomats in the country – not least due to his presence at and survival of the first of the terror attacks in February 2015. On August 30, he met the queen to officially say adieu

Joining Chinese ambassador Deng Ying (centre) at her country’s national day celebration at the Marriot Hotel on September 25 were Eva Kjer Hansen (left), the minister for the fisheries, gender equality and Nordic co-operation, and Copenhagen Post CEO Hans Hermansen (right)

32

Spanish ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi welcomed guests to his residence in Østerbro to celebrate his country’s national day on October 12, which marks the anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492.

Among those in attendance were (left-right) Turkish ambassador Uğur Kenan İpek, Greek ambassador Efthalia Kakiopoulou and Polish ambassador Henryka MościckaDendys

Among the ambassadors gathered at the Nepalese National Day celebrations at Asia House on September 19 were (left-right) Toshiro Suzuki (Japan), Muhammad Ibnu Said (Indonesia), Vaidotas Karvelis (Lithuanian deputy), Yiliam Sardinas Gomez (Cuba), Muhammad Abdul Muhith (Bangladesh), Deng Ying (China), Uğur Kenan İpek (Turkey), Choi Jai-Chul (South Korea), Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi (Pakistan), Amadou Tcheko (Niger), and the host, Yuba Nath Lamsal (Nepal)

Algeria celebrated its national day at the Skovshoved hotel in Charlottenlund on November 1. Among the guests welcomed by the Algerian Embassy were Indonesian ambassador Muhammad Ibnu Said

Saudi ambassador Fahad Alruwaily (left) was among the guests of Brazilian ambassador Carlos Paranhos (centre) at the celebration of his national day at Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub in Hellerup on September 7

The dean of the diplomatic corps, Ivory Coast’s ambassador Mina Balde Laurent, was at Amalienborg on August 30 to officially bid farewell to the queen after a long period of distinguished service in the capital. Her successor as dean is Russian ambassador Mikhail Vanin

Ugandan ambassador Zaake Kibedi, the dean of the African diplomatic corps, held a farewell reception at the Hellerup Park Hotel on October 9, where he was joined by (left-right) Bangladeshi ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Nepalese ambassador Yuba Nath Lamsal, [Kibedi], and Saudi ambassador Fahad Alruwaily 33

BY HASSE FERROLD

ABOUT TOWN

Back by popular demand, the Crazy Christmas Cabaret (ongoing until Jan 5) is this country’s most popular English-language show, entertaining up to 50,000 each year at the Glassalen theatre in Tivoli. Vivienne McKee, the creator and star since its first year in 1982, invites you to step aboard Phileas Fogg’s balloon and traverse the world

While most culture venues shut during the winter, Det Kongelige Teater continues with a full program. Among the highlights are acclaimed British ballet ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ (until Dec 22), Puccini operas ‘La Boheme’ (ends Dec 18) and ‘Turandot’ (from Jan 19), and Johan Strauss operetta ‘Die Fledermaus’ (ongoing, ends March 3)

The Swedes have been marking St Lucia’s Day with all-white singing processions since 1927 – a tradition adopted by the Danes at the end of the Occupation. On December 13, many of the country’s kindergartens, schools and churches, including Jerusalemskirken, will recruit youngsters to sing the hypnotic Neapolitan song in dazzling white attire

There’s more to Xmas than Tivoli (open until Dec 31) with a wide range of Christian denominations catered to: from Lutheran (CPH Cathedral: Dec 24 14:30, 16:30 & 23:30; Dec 25, 10:00 & 17:00), to Anglican/ Episcopal (St Albans: Dec 24, 12:00 & 23:30; Dec 25, 10:30), to Catholic (St. Ansgar's: Dec 24, 16:00; Dec 25, 00:00, 10:00 & 15:00)

As it should be over the winter, there are plenty of film festivals to enjoy in Copenhagen, be it animated works aimed at adults (Void FF, Jan 24-Feb 2), horror (Night Terrors FF, Feb 7-8), documentaries (CPH:DOX, March 20-31), indies (Annual CPH FF, March 15-16), anthropological (Sjón, March 8-10) or Jewish (Jan 27-Feb 3)

The St Andrew Society of Denmark, currently celebrating its 70th year as one of the country’s oldest international associations, is hosting its Burns Night Supper at Circle Orden in Frederiksberg on January 26. Enjoy piping, haggis, whiskey and the ‘Immortal Memory’, which this time will be given by actor Ian Burns from That Theatre

34

coming up soon...

It’s out with the ‘Dog’ and in with the ‘Pig’ on February 5 as a week’s worth of Chinese New Year festivities clicks into gear. In recent years, the Spring Festival has been increasingly making its presence felt in central Copenhagen – both indoors at locations such as City Hall and outdoors on Strøget, the main walking street

Still going strong after 18 years, the winter edition of the Copenhagen Jazz Festival has arguably become just as iconic. Vinterjazz (Feb 1-24) will stage close to 500 concerts at 75 venues to soothe the winter blues. Also making February bearable are the Copenhagen Light Festival’s 25 installations, which will be in place over the same time period

Not long ago, a winter edition of Copenhagen Cooking was held in February as part of the month-long Wondercool festival, and some remnants remain. First off, we have restaurant opportunities galore in Copenhagen Dining Week (Feb 11-17). And in case you need an aperitif or nightcap, there’s the Gin Festival (Feb 15-17) and Cocktail Week (TBC)

It wouldn’t be spring without another one-month run of a That Theatre production.

The February 20 premiere of Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning dark comedy ‘Art’ at Krudttønden, the scene of the 2015 terror attack, is a great place to meet thespians and creatives from the city’s niche English-language theatre scene and beyond

Filling a void left by Forum’s annual holiday fair in late January, the Danish Travel Show at MCH Exhibitioncenter Herning (Feb 22-24) is a hit with participating embassies. The Cuban Embassy recommended a Billund-Havana route after attending, while the Turkish Embassy reported “very good sales” by its travel agencies

Fastelavn on March 3 is Denmark’s Halloween – even though half the nation’s children also honour that festivity. Celebrated two days before Shrove Tuesday, it incorporates similar pre-Lent excesses, including the striking of a cat (today candy will suffice) out of the barrel – a similar tradition to the beating of the piñata in Mexico 35

THE INSIDE STORY

THE FRENCH EMBASSY IN DENMARK – AN ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE STRADDLING KONGENS NYTORV

BY CHRISTIAN WENANDE

Dating all the way back to the 17th century, the Thott Mansion is a fitting jewel in the crown of Danish-French relations It doesn’t take long after entering the French Embassy in Denmark to realise that one is in the presence of something very unique. Indeed, it oozes history – and with just cause.

One of Copenhagen’s most recognisable buildings was established on Kongens Nytorv square way back in 1686 at the behest of the famous Danish admiral Niels Juel, and was originally designed in the Dutch Baroque style by Lambert van Haven.

The mansion then had an assortment of high-profile owners, including Sophie Amalie Moth, the official 36

mistress of King Christian V. In 1760, noted statesman Otto Thott acquired the building and it is from this family dynasty that it gets its name and, more importantly, its French heritage.

NEOCLASSICAL MODERNISATION Thott commissioned French architect Nicolas-Henri Jardin to modernise the building and the Frenchman converted it into the Neoclassical style in 1763. Danish architect Gotfred Tvede further revamped the building in 1893 and it stayed in the Thott family up until 1930, when it was taken over by the French Embassy.

In 2012, the mansion underwent its latest significant restoration, which was orchestrated by Frédéric Didier, the head architect at the Palace of Versailles.

It’s no exaggeration to claim that the newly-arrived ambassador, Caroline Ferrari, has one of the most magnificent diplomatic places of work in the Danish capital.

BRIMMING WITH HISTORY Today, the dazzling interior is brimming with history as elegant wooden staircases give way to stately halls and spacious high-ceilinged dining and meeting rooms furnished with an expansive assortment of art, statues, chandeliers, carpets.

Impressive doorways and towering windows caressed by boundless curtains allow majestic glimpse of Kongens Nytorv and the Nyhavn canal area.

When savouring the opulent design, one can't help but lap up wide expanses of parquet flooring, antique furniture, lavish marble mantelpieces and the enticing bedroom decked out for visiting dignitaries – in itself a lovely touch.

One can only bow and think: Mon dieu, c’est très glorieux!

All photos: Christian Wenande

37

A DIPLOMATIC UPBrINGING

AN ARTICULATE HUMANISTnobel WITH A PASSION MeeTing a FUTUre prizeFOR MEDICINE, MOTORBIKES AND HELPING OTHERS winner anD learning langUages

BY ROBERT EYFJORD

all political topics. I’ve had the opportunity to

CPH POST interviewed Isabelle cph postdaughter interviewed antonio Schmidt, of Kristian cascias whose although Schmidt, currentfather, ambassador/ EU of delegation nowhead retired, served as to a diploMyanmar mat for his country.

cians, and I’ve always found our talks productive.

Schmidt has previously served as ambassador/EU head of delegation to Uganda and has held the post in Myanmar since 2017. Isabelle has accompanied her father on a number of his postings.

converse with numerous diplomats and politiI hold diplomacy in high regard and I value its as the child of governance a diplomat can ■inLife importance maintaining good and be isolating and been full ofable uncertainty, world order.

I’ve often to see myputting dad a strain friendships and working and I canon appreciate why heforcing enteredyoung the people to adapt quickly to new cultural foreign service. environments and languages.

Do you feel privileged to have been taught

Q

in values which from countries didage? your parents diplomatic an early I definitelyserve? do. It has allowed me to see things all I waspeople born ),around USA, Denaround theBelgium world not(where many other mark, the unique Netherlands, republic. me have. I’ve heard stories Czech and learned about different cultures through first-hand experiwhat country didfrom theyreading represent? ence, things you cannot learn a book.

Portugal.

What did you do post-graduation?

Q

was engaging and fulfilling and has contributed to the person I've become today; understanding that perhaps our approach may not be the optimum one. what life lessons could be learned from being the child of an ambassador?

Life as a son of a diplomat is a very privileged one – and can at times be superficial. One should measure one's words prior to voicing them to avoid any misinterpretation.

I graduated in 2016 then I went on to what yearsand were they active?

life as a son of a Life as diplomat the child of a diplomatis can be aisolating veryand full of uncertainty, putting a strain on friendships and forcing privileged – young people to adapt quickly toone cultural environments and languages. and can at times How many different countries have you lived in? be superficial.

The US, Belgium, Uganda, Denmark and France.

Isabelle at her graduation with her father

Q Q Q Q

to study medicine. I’m in the first year of my bachelor’s degree.

Q

What goals did you have for your NGO? We actually managed to establish an on-site clinic where people could be medically checked for of 20 pence in pounds sterling. After the initial consultation fee we would then offer free treatment for whatever our patients were suffering from. With additional time and resources, I am positive that we could have created long-standing

What is the most exciting place you’ve ever been to?

The most exciting place I’ve ever been to must be Myanmar. My father works there now and I visited for two weeks last December. Myanmar is wonderful – it embodies a mix of culture and modernity.

Graduating from the English college in Prague

Q

absolutely love immersing myself in a compelling book once in a while, and I occasionally write myself: mostly social observations and cultural experiences. Other than that, I quite like motorbikes and I’ve recently purchased my own. A friend and I are planning a trip across Europe on my motorbike this summer, which I am greatly looking forward to.

Q

What is your favourite book?

That has to be 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khalid Hosseini. I read that when I was quite young and it has always stuck with me. I’ve

effects on local communities in dire need of med-

also just finished Franz Kafka’s 'The Meta-

ical attention and potentially have partnered up

morphosis'– another great book.

with larger organisations, such as the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.

Q

Have your experiences sharpened your global

How do you interpret diplomacy?

From what I’ve seen on numerous occasions, a diplomat is one who has the adept ability to hold a conversation on

30

I’ve enrolled at the University of Montpellier

1,000 Ugandan shillings, which is the equivalent

Where did you grow up?

I was born in New York. We moved to Belgium after a year or so and lived there for 13 years. Then we were off to Uganda for four years, where I graduated from high school.

38

who is the most famous person you attend Sorø Academy for six My ambassauncle Antonio’s father wasmonths.

Portugal’s have with? nent, butshaken also thehands rest of the world. Unfortuwent there absolutely there.

One dorand to he Denmark fromloved 1986it to 1991.

Meeting Queen Mother juliana of nately, many former European classmates of of the many things he was enraptured by at the Orange-Nassau and her husband mine have huge misconceptions ofPrince what it is Did ever which accompany your parents Bernhard – their warmth and humanity school was theyou library, contains books like to live in an African country. We do not were visible during that encounter. And abroad? it like to be a many centuries old.ifIso, feltwhat very was inspired to enrol ride to school on elephants, nor do we live josé ramos-Horta – at the time, his foreigner there? there. I returned to Uganda for six months after in huts! It’s still developing and things might approach to achieving independence in It was a great experience living abroad.

Sorø to volunteer as a medic. take a little there, but Uganda East Timorlonger through non-violence and is thea I didn't feel like a foreigner, yet naturally I’ve always been passionate about medicine and wonderful place to live. people's self-determination was inspiraabsorbed different cultures and lifestyles, I was planning on creating a sustainable meditional. Later, he was awarded the Nobel with respect for the views voiced.

LearnWhat are your hobbies and interests? cal NGO on Kampala.

Following Peace Prize. ingthe theoutskirts basics ofof the local languages and I have a penchant for music, animals and those six making months,friends I movedoftodiverse Marseilles, where background travelling. I’m very interested in medicine. I I tutored students in English for a year. Lastly,

awareness?

Q

Any future aspirations?

I have many ambitions. As a candidate to join L’Armée de terre, I fundamentally believe in helping others. If anything, discovering our

Unquestionably so. Uganda has totally changed

differences across countries and continents will

my way of seeing not only the African conti-

only make us realise that we’re all quite similar.

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