Diplomatic Connections Sept/Oct 2017 by Diplomatic Connections

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H.E. CARLOS JOSÉ PAREJA RÍOS AMBASSADOR OF PERU TO THE UNITED STATES

NARUHITO, CROWN PRINCE OF JAPAN

PERUVIAN EMBASSY RESIDENCE

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DIPLOMATIC CONNECTIONS WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT IMS (Inquiry Management Systems) 304 Park Avenue South, 11th Floor New York, NY 10010 Marc Highbloom, Vice President marc@ims.ca Maria Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Urso, Project Manager Mariad@ims.ca CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY Christophe Avril; United Nations University To order photos from the events go to: www.diplomaticconnections.com Send any name or address changes in writing to: Diplomatic Connections 4410 Massachusetts Avenue / #200 Washington, DC 20016 Diplomatic Connections Business Edition is published bi-monthly. Diplomatic Connections does not endorse any of the goods or services offered herein this publication. Copyright 2017 by Diplomatic Connections All rights reserved. Cover photo credits: H.E. Carlos Jose Pareja Rios, Ambassador of Peru to the United States, Christophe Avril, Diplomatic Connections; Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan, Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images; The Dugger Estate, The Dugger Estate; Rihanna, Anthony Harvey/Getty Images; United Nations University, Dr. David Malone, United Nations University; Peruvian Embassy Residence, Christophe Avril, Diplomatic Connections

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FOOD Cooking with an Accent/Swedish Residence Chef Johansson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 FRANCE Head of State Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 RIHANNA Ambassador of the Global Partnership for Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 THE CONCORDIA The Concordia and Diplomatic Connections' Happy Hour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 - 79 UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY (UNU) . . . . .48

DIPLOMATIC CONNECTIONS INTERVIEWS PERU’S AMBASSADOR CARLOS PAREJA

Great Grandson Makes Good BY ROLAND FLAMINI

arlos José Pareja Ríos is not merely the son of a leading Peruvian diplomat, he’s also the great grandson of the founder of Peru’s diplomatic service. So it’s not surprising that he opted for

a career as a diplomat himself, and is currently the Peruvian Ambassador to Washington—quite possibly the most senior ambassadorial post his government offers. But the Peruvian ambassador in any capital these days has a positive narrative to tell about his country. Over the past decade, Peru has become one of Latin America’s success stories. Maintaining one of the Hemisphere’s fastest growing economies (6 percent annual growth), continuing to consolidate its gains, and pursuing further reforms to modernize its economy and strengthen its institutions, Peru has noteworthy prospects of reaching high income status. There are still residual problems to overcome, notably social inequality (access to water is still a problem in large parts of the country) and drug smuggling, and 2017 has also brought new issues of the kind that it is difficult to plan against. Earlier this year, the heaviest rains in 10 years drenched the country, causing victims and destroying farms and infrastructure on a wide scale. Also problematic, a massive bribery case of the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht—the biggest in Latin America—in which 16

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H.E. CARLOS JOSÉ PAREJA RÍOS AMBASSADOR OF PERU TO THE UNITED STATES

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Aaron Heredia/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

President of Peru Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2nd L) and his wife Nancy Lange (L) walk to the Governmental Palace, after Kuczynski delivered his message to the nation for it's 196 years of independence in Lima, Peru on July 28, 2017.

former President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva , was recently sentenced to jail. The case has ricocheted through several other Latin American countries including Peru. Two former presidents have been implicated, and perhaps worse, major infrastructure projects, in which the now discredited Odebrecht was the main contractor, have been halted even as Ambassador Pareja looks for a major American company with the capacity to finish the jobs. Another Peruvian challenge is the weakened global commodity market, which Ambassador Pareja says has left Peru’s important mining sector bereft of new orders. The Peruvians are also watchful that the Colombian peace deal between this neighboring government and their insurgents doesn’t lead to a spillover of drug and guerilla traffic across its border. These are the main challenges facing President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, an Oxford and Princeton educated former American citizen better known as PPK. Elected in June 2016, his task is complicated by the fact that the party (Popular Force), led by his political rival Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, now in jail, has a controlling majority in the Peruvian Congress. 18

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On the positive side, Peru and three other Latin American nations—Chile, Colombia and Mexico—have joined together in an economic arrangement to promote trade and investment: the Pacific Alliance. Recently, The Atlantic Monthly magazine said this about the Alliance: “Its members lead the lists of the most competitive economies in Latin America and those where it’s easiest to do business.” The Pacific Alliance could add new dynamism to Latin America, and, some observers believe, the group could become the Latin American economic interlocutor with Asia (Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand have been invited to join as associates) and the United States. But if the four countries could significantly increase the trade among them from the meager 4 percent of total trade that it is now, it would be a very promising start. Interviewed in his office at the Peruvian Embassy, Ambassador Pareja suggested, with diplomatic tact, that the Pacific Alliance had grown, in part out of a reluctance of free-market countries to be associated with Mercosur, the trading bloc including Brazil and Argentina, as well

as Venezuela and Cuba. He also said the Chileans were currently trying to entice Argentina to defect from Mercosur “to join [the Pacific Alliance].”

broken out, Odebrecht is no longer allowed to work in Peru any more, and, as a result, their local sub-contractors are finding it very difficult to continue the big projects.

Diplomatic Connections: What is your assessment of your country’s current economic situation?

Diplomatic Connections: The other setback must surely be that the boom in commodities is over.

Ambassador Pareja: We’ve grown at a very rapid rate since 2003, except for two years, which were not so good. We have a stable economy; we have a stable democracy. The rule of law is respected. We’ve had a lot of investments in mining and other commodities and also in infrastructure and housing. This year, though, the growth rate will be between two percent and two-and-a-half, but that is because of a couple of setbacks. We’ve had the disaster of Niño—rains and floods that destroyed thousands of kilometers of infrastructure, schools, hospitals, housing and bridges. And the other setback, which may be more important, was the scandal of the two major construction companies, which were Brazilian. One company, Odebrecht, won the most important contracts and sub-contracted to Peruvian companies. But now that the scandal has

Ambassador Pareja: Yes, and lately we have not had any major investments in the mining sector. The big mining companies in Peru mining copper, tin, gold, and silver, have significant projects running, but there is no new business coming in. And they don’t foresee any commodity price rise in the near future. Diplomatic Connections: So, what is the government doing about these three challenges? Ambassador Pareja: This situation is PPK’s [President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski’s] biggest challenge as the government tries to overcome all these problems. That’s why I am talking to construction companies to take the place of the Brazilians. After El Niño, there is even more work to be done on infrastructure, but the Odebrecht scandal means that new companies have

Fotoholica Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

President of Peru Pedro Pablo Kuczynski gives a speech to the nation, in the hemicycle of the congress, as part of the celebrations of the independence day, and ending the first year of his mandate.

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Luis Robayo/AFP/Getty Images

(L-R) Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski pose for the family picture of the XII Pacific Alliance Summit in Cali, Valle del Cauca Department, Colombia, on June 30, 2017.

to come in, and that doesn’t happen from one day to the other. A lot of Peruvian companies are in trouble because of Odebrecht, and that has to be cleared up. We are seeking more investments in mining. Fortunately, we are also very big in fishing, and that sector is booming at the moment, bringing in international revenue and providing work. Diplomatic Connections: Doesn’t Peru also have an important tourist industry? Ambassador Pareja: Well, we’re working on that. When I went to say goodbye to the president before coming to Washington to take up my appointment, he told me to go after more investment for tourism, more investment for construction, and, of course, for mining. Additionally, he told me to take care of the Peruvian community in the United States. There are approximately 800,000 Peruvians living in the United States, half of them are already U.S. citizens. Diplomatic Connections: Doesn’t the president also face a political problem, in the sense that the legislature is controlled 20

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by the opposition, the Fuerza Popular party (Popular Force) led by Keiko Fujimori? Ambassador Pareja: They have an absolute majority in the one-chamber Congress. Out of a total of 130 seats, Fujimori has 71, and the government party (Peruvians for Change) only has 18. Diplomatic Connections: So, the Peruvian electorate voted for PPK in the presidential election, and for his opposition in the legislative elections? Ambassador Pareja: Keiko Fujimori won the first round in the presidential election and at the same time 73 seats in the Congress (now 71 because of the death of two members). But Keiko didn’t have enough votes to avoid a run-off. The second round was between Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Keiko Fujimori. The supporters of the other--unsuccessful-presidential candidates voted for PPK, and he won. Diplomatic Connections: So, the runoff vote was in effect a vote against Fujimori. Ambassador Pareja: Yes, but it was also because PPK is a true democrat, and he’s a man with a clean record. He won

with the votes of the right, the center and the left. His own party is not that powerful, but he was an attractive figure. Diplomatic Connections: Was the result a surprise? Ambassador Pareja: It was a surprise even to him. His majority was only 48,000 votes [less than half a percentage point]. But the Fujimori movement remains very strong in Peru. Diplomatic Connections: Why does Fujimori still have such an impact in Peru? Ambassador Pareja: He still stirs great emotion. What the people remember is that he ended (Marxist) terrorism, which was causing chaos, especially in the highlands. We had hyperinflation at that time, and he brought it under control; he opened the economy for foreign companies to invest in Peru. That’s the good part of his legacy, and there is a crusade by the family to keep the memory of it alive. The bad part of his legacy was the corruption of his government for which he is now in jail, and the censure he received because of violation of human rights. Diplomatic Connections: If his daughter had won, do you think she would have released her father from prison?

Ambassador Pareja: I wouldn’t know, but that was the thinking, and one of the major themes of the left and PPK’s supporters. Diplomatic Connections: Is it fair to say that Peruvian politics are dysfunctional, but the economy is efficiently run by the technocrats? Ambassador Pareja: Yes. The Central Bank works. The investment law is the same for foreign investors as for national (Peruvian) investors; there is free inflow and outflow of revenue, and we have a stable exchange rate with the U.S. dollar ($1=3.25 Peruvian sol), which has been the same for many years. Diplomatic Connections: Two of the president’s predecessors are involved in this Odebrecht scandal. Is that so? Ambassador Pareja: Yes, former President (Alejandro) Toledo is already accused of bribery [accepting $20 million in bribes, which he has denied]. He lives in California, and there is an extradition process with the United States. Diplomatic Connections: So, you have to deal with his extradition? Ambassador Pareja: Unfortunately. There is an extradition agreement between the U.S. and Peru, and there is continued to page 28

Matthias Schickhofer/ASAblanca via Getty Images

PERU

JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images

Lake Titicaca is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest mountain lake and is located at the border between Peru and Bolivia. It is known for its clusters of floating reed islands constructed by members of the Uros tribe. The Uros also build bulrush reed fishing boats (below) capable of sailing on the Pacific.

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Ernesto Benavides/AFP/Getty Images

Tourists use a new cable car system to reach Kuelap, a fortified citadel built by the Chachapoya indigenous people between the 6th and 11th centuries, from the town of Nuevo Tingo, in the Amazon region in northern Peru. The 4.4-km cable car built by a French-Peruvian consortium makes it much easier to reach Kuelap, pre-Inca ruins on a mountaintop in the cloud forests of northern Peru. The scenic trip takes just 20 minutes, compared to a three-hour hike through the forest.

Machu Picchu: Mountains loom over the historic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, now deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage site. D I P L O M AT I C C O N N E C T I O N S B U S I N E S S E D I T I O N | S E P T E M B E R â&#x20AC;&#x201C; O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

Paracas National Reserve, Peru. Peruvian archipelago of the Ballestas Islands, off Pisco. South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens, formerly Otaria byronia) relaxing on the rocks.

Andia/UIG via Getty Images

PERU

Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images

Tour boats on inlet off Amazon River, Peru.

Goh Chai Hin/AFP/Getty Images

Andia/UIG via Getty Images

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A Scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is climbing in a tree at the Maranon River in the Peruvian Amazon Basin.

Visitors enjoying the llamas on the ruins of Machu Picchu, located about 2,430 meters above sea-level. Embedded within a dramatic landscape at the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere and the most significant tangible legacy of the Inca civilization.

Fishermen and colorful barges lying at anchor in the small fishing port, 15km away from Pisco. Peruvian pelicans (Pelecanus thagus) by the wharf, Paracas National Reserve, Peru.

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PERU

Almost 800,000 tourists come every year to see the world famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is the base station for all visitors. The village can only be reached by train as there is no road leading through the steep canyons of Urubamba River.

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Tourists at the ruins of Machu Picchu.

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A paraglider is seen from the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Lima's upscale neighborhood of Miraflores, Peru.

Limaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Presbitero Maestro cemetery has become something of a tourist attraction because of its mausoleums and sculptures. D I P L O M AT I C C O N N E C T I O N S B U S I N E S S E D I T I O N | S E P T E M B E R â&#x20AC;&#x201C; O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

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Areal view of Rio Tambopata River in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest basin. The Amazon Jungle is the largest rainforest on earth: 1.4 billion acres of dense forests, half of the planet's remaining tropical forest area, and home to millions of species, many of them still officially unidentified.

full collaboration on the part of the Americans. In the past week, financial investigators are here working with the U.S. Justice Department. The former president is accused of laundering money through the United States. Odebrecht put money in London. That money came through the U.S. to Costa Rica, where he opened an account, and then to Peru where he bought several properties. 28

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Diplomatic Connections: How does the peace agreement in neighboring Colombia impact Peru? Ambassador Pareja: Peru was very much in favor of the deal; we feel there was a good negotiation, and we supported President Santos’s negotiations, and PPK went to the signing of the agreement. Of course, there is concern that some of the insurgents will come through the jungle

and cross into Peru. The defense ministers (of Colombia and Peru) met to organize collaboration on this issue. The terrain is a jungle, and a river, and we’re afraid that it will increase narco-traffic—and that also has an impact on crime.

Ambassador Pareja: No, not that much. We have a problem with cocaine smuggling through our ports, and the corruption that makes this possible.

Diplomatic Connections: Don’t you already have a problem with kidnappings?

Ambassador Pareja: Fortunately, we have full collaboration with the United States including good relations on the

Diplomatic Connections: How would you describe bi-lateral relations with the United States?

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political and economic levels. President Kuczynski was the first Latin American head of state to visit President Trump, that was one month after he took office. The meeting lasted 45 minutes; it went very smoothly. Our president told him that Latin America was a natural ally of the United States and Peru especially. They have been on the phone four times subsequently, and when we had the floods, President Trump called PPK and asked what do you need. In response, PPK said we need transportation, and he sent two C130s. They were there for three weeks. After his statement on Cuba, President Trump called two leaders, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and PPK, to tell them what he had done. We’re also working hard on preparations for the Summit of the Americas that takes place every three years, and in April 2018, it will be held in Lima. President Trump has been invited, and said he hopes to be there. Diplomatic Connections: How will Peruvians be affected by the Trump Administration’s tighter restrictions on immigration? Ambassador Pareja: Half a million Peruvian immigrants are here legally as residents, and 400,000 are still working on their residence. We have hardly any problems with them. There are hardly any crimes. The great majority of them come into this country with a visa, and then they stay longer than they should, which is a minor crime in the United States. A major crime is to enter illegally. And then, they are educated. All of these people have been to school, they have skills and work hard which allows them to easily insert themselves into the society while sending money home. Diplomatic Connections: Are remittances important in the Peruvian economy? Ambassador Pareja: Yes. Peruvians send $1.5 billion to Peru. It helps families send their children to school and university, to finish a second floor to the house. Diplomatic Connections: What about defense cooperation with the U.S.? Ambassador Pareja: We have a good relationship with the defense establishment, but we don’t buy a lot from the United States. Our Navy is supplied from Holland and Italy; we buy our military helicopters from Russia. That pattern was established during the military dictatorship from 19681975 when they changed everything. Private corporations have American helicopters that serve the oil companies.

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Diplomatic Connections: As Latin American countries become stronger economically and seek closer regional cooperation, for example Mercosur, do you think the Hemisphere is moving towards a Latin American version of the European Union? Ambassador Pareja: No, I don’t think so. What has progressed a lot is the Pacific Alliance, the economic bloc consisting of Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile, which was conceived by (President) Alan Garcia. You know, when he was president, the first time, Alan Garcia had left wing policies. Then, he went to live in Europe for many years, and in his second term, his ideas were right-of-center, especially on the economy. It was he who proposed the Pacific Alliance, and now, we have commercial agreements that are very important. At the last meeting they had, two weeks ago in Colombia, the four nations decided to admit associated countries. These are Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore–all countries with open economies. Diplomatic Connections: Is Peru also a member of Mercosur? Ambassador Pareja: No. (Former Argentinian President Cristina) Kirchner decided to include Venezuela, and now (Mercosur) wants them out, but, of course, they don’t want to leave. Actually, once Kirchner had left (at the end of her term), the Chileans favored Argentina joining us. What the Chileans want is for (President Mauricio) Macri to open up the Argentinian economy and then (the Argentinians) can relate with us. Diplomatic Connections: Would that be the end of Mercosur? Ambassador Pareja: Well, the other countries have to work on it. Diplomatic Connections: You were here before from 1984 to 1990 as political counsellor. How has the city changed in the intervening years, and also, how has it remained the same? Ambassador Pareja: First of all, Washington has always been a beautiful city, but some areas have changed. The change from 16th Street to the Capitol is surprising. What has really changed for me is how politics work in Washington. Twenty-five, thirty years ago, you had to read the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and those were the opinion makers. Now, you have all these television channels and the social media. Also, the dynamic of politics has changed a lot. You have to work hard to get to the essence of what is going on.

Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images

Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski speaks to the press outside the West Wing of the White House following a meeting with President Trump in Washington, D.C. on February 24, 2017. Ambassador Pareja accompanied President Kuczynski to the White House and is standing behind him to the left.

Diplomatic Connections: Do you tweet? Ambassador Pareja: No, I have a Facebook account, and the embassy has a very active public diplomacy. We have an embassy Tweet and an embassy Facebook, and we are very active in these media. Diplomatic Connections: Yours has been a long and distinguished career in diplomacy. What advice would you give to a young man or woman interested in a diplomatic career today? Ambassador Pareja: Well, my father was a diplomat; my great-grandfather founded the Peruvian Foreign Service. My children don’t want to become diplomats: they say it’s too structured, too hierarchical. I would tell any aspiring young diplomat that it’s still a very interesting career, and that a

diplomat has to know a little bit about everything; you have to know about politics, and commerce–and you have to have a little bit of luck. My career has been more political then commercial. Diplomatic Connections: But the job has changed, hasn’t it? Ambassador Pareja: In Washington, for example, there are all these think tanks, all these functions, and you are pressed to attend a lot of these events. Whereas, once upon a time, private dinners were important: you established a relationship with a congressman and his wife as a couple. Now, congressmen leave on weekends, their families don’t live in Washington and such relationships are harder to form. Now it’s work, work, work.

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Rear view of the Colonial Revival Peruvian residence designed by the architect Horace Peaslee. The houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lawn (shown here) and its extensive wooded grounds adjoin Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. .

The residence swimming pool, with the house in the distance.

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TREASURES OF PERU IN A

WASHINGTON SETTING ROLAND FLAMINI VISITS THE PERUVIAN EMBASSY RESIDENCE

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Peruvian Ambassador Carlos Pareja and his wife Consuelo at the embassy residence. There are Peruvian silver figurines on the low table and on the mantelpiece.

ne perquisite an ambassador can expect is suitable housing, and DC’s network of ambassadorial residences is among the finest, thanks largely to a handful of early 20th century business tycoons who built grand houses for themselves, then went broke and couldn’t afford to live in them. Among the best of these mansions currently enjoying a new lease on life as embassy residences is Battery Terrill, a gated 25-acre property of wooded land adjoining Rock Creek Park in Northwest Washington, D.C. This spacious Colonial Revival house is the home of Peruvian Ambassador Carlos Pareja, and his wife, Consuelo. Their immediate neighbors are deer and other wildlife residing among the trees; and birdsong replaces the hum of city traffic. Like most of the embassy residences, Battery Terrill has a backstory: it’s named after a Union Army defensive position from the Civil War located on the site. Battery

Terrill was one of the 162 forts, redoubts, and trenches encircling the District of Columbia. The house, built in 1928, was originally owned by Charles H. Tomkins, a leading Washington, D.C. builder responsible for the West and East Wings of the White House, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and numerous other landmark structures in and around the nation’s capital. The architect was Horace Peaslee, who designed several federal buildings, as well as Meridian Hill Park. With its polished and burnt stone from the historic Peirce Mill of Rock Creek—which dates back to 1820—the three-floor, 16-room house is a good example of the renaissance of American Colonial architecture. Inside, however, the ground floor reception rooms have been transformed into a showcase of ancient and modern Peruvian culture. The Peruvian government bought the house as the embassy residence in 1944 and shipped the furniture and continued to page 42

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The main dining room at the residence. The French chandelier was one of several installed by the Parejas, to brighten up the reception area.Â

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The main living room at the Peruvian residence, with its fine collection of paintings of sacred and Biblical subjects painted by local artists in Cuzco, capital of the Inca Empire. Over the mantelpiece is a depiction of the Adoration of the Magi. The large painting on the right shows Charles II of Spain, last of the Spanish Hapsburg kings, defending the Sacred Host.Â

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Sun pours into the conservatory of the Peruvian residence, with, at one end, white wicker patio furniture (page 43). The conservatory is a favorite space for smaller weekend lunches and entertaining.

art from Lima to furnish it. The five, ground floor rooms flow easily from one to the other to accommodate a sizeable number of guests. Inevitably, successive ambassadors have made adjustments to the décor and contents to suit their taste. For example, the Parejas added a chandelier in the dining room and two others in the reception area where there were none because, as Ambassador Pareja explains, “The house was rather dark.” They also replaced modern couches in the main salon with a French antique drawing room set found in the storeroom. They felt it

paintings were mostly destined for churches, and frequently supervised by priests, the subjects were usually religious depicting biblical episodes, portrait of saints, or scenes from the life of Christ. Cuzco art was often inspired by Spanish and Flemish black and white engravings brought from Europe. What makes them unique is the use of brilliant color and a strongly decorative aesthetic, notably the elaborate interpretation of Western dress. The residence’s Cuzcos (on long-term loan from the

complemented the room’s impressive display of one of art’s unique marvels: paintings of the Cuzco School. Cuzco paintings are the creations of anonymous Indian artists working in the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco in vice-regal Peru during the 17th and 18th centuries. As the

National Institute of Culture collection in Lima) include an impressive Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple with a Flemish-inspired landscape, two separate artist’s renditions of the martyr Saint Catherine of Alexandria, elaborately dressed, and in one painting, carrying a sword, and an

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The paneled library, its shelves filled with pre-Colombian ceramics from the Moche, Chimu and Nazca cultures. D I P L O M AT I C C O N N E C T I O N S B U S I N E S S E D I T I O N | S E P T E M B E R â&#x20AC;&#x201C; O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

Framed 19thÂ century watercolors in the small side room with pale yellow walls. They depict costumes, occupations, and amusements.Â

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image of a youthful Saint Laurence (who was 33 when he was martyred), apotheosized, adorned with an angelic halo and a fine priestly robe. Another Cuzco painting depicts a favorite theme: King Charles II, the last Hapsburg king of Spain leading his troops in the defense of the Sacred Host against Moorishlooking attackers. Then, in the adjoining dining room, it’s fast-forward in time to three large, dramatic pieces by leading contemporary Peruvian artists installed by the Parejas from their own collection and features works from abstract painter Ramiro Llona, Luis Garcia Zapatero, and PeruvianAmerican David Herskovitz. The oak paneled library contains few books. Instead, its shelves are used to display the embassy’s numerous

Nazca trophy head vessel from around 700 AD, and a Wari ceramic vessel with a painted face (circa 500-1000 AD). There is also a textile room including fragments of a Chimu tunic (circa 1100 AD) with a geometric pattern of figures bearing a remarkable resemblance to the graphics in an early video game and part of a burial mantle with masklike faces and a geometric pattern that could well represent a modern electronic circuit. Objects of antique hammered silver are strategically placed around the rooms, and there are three walls of framed 19th century watercolors exhibiting the costumes, occupations and amusements of a diverse population. The man traveling in the Andes dressed for the cold altitudes and the Yurimaguas tribe’s female warriors are worthy of special attention. The glassed in conservatory is the Parejas’ favorite area

pre-Colombian ceramics from the Moche, Chimu and Nazca cultures. Among the coveted collectors' items are a Chincha ceramic bottle with geometric designs from the 12th century AD, a ceramic vessel from 500 AD featuring a stylized recumbent feline (a popular design in ceramics), a

for quiet weekend lunches, and beyond this sanctuary are extensive grounds where the floral beds would give more color if the deer would stop feasting on them. But the key to a successful residence is the degree to which it mirrors the culture, society and hospitality of the country that it represents, and this house does that in spades.

The music room also contains a display of Peruvian textiles, including a Chimu tunic with a geometric pattern of faces that look like creatures from a video game.

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TRANSFORMATION OF THE FAIRMONT WASHINGTON, D.C. GEORGETOWN started with the renovation of the 413 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, and the addition of the Kennedy Junior Ballroom. The final touches of the project covered the redesign of the lobby, lounge and outdoor courtyard, which drew inspiration from the geometry of an aerial view of Washington D.C. The color palette, also influenced by this aerial view of D.C., was intensified to add more drama and sophistication to the lobby and lounge. A variety of seating is available, allowing for a mix of social groups, intimate gatherings, business meetings or quiet contemplation with a laptop or book. The outdoor courtyard oasis with cafe tables spread throughout the center provides a great place for light bites or to enjoy locally inspired seasonal menus. Around the perimeter of the courtyard, under canopies of cherry trees, a new water feature adds to the visual and auditory backdrop. Lounge furniture surrounds three different fire pits, providing a social environment to gather day or night.

GUEST ROOMS AND THE FAIRMONT GOLD EXPERIENCE Inspiration for the guest room decor comes from the city of Washington itself, conveying politics and power in the design. Like the eclectic city, modern furnishings are mixed with classically detailed pieces, while the art collections reflect the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and importance. Added features in the spacious guest rooms, starting at 400 sq. ft. (37 sq. m.), include multiple outlets for charging electronics along with bedside USB ports, a builtin luggage bench and enhanced lighting. For the more discerning traveler, Fairmont Gold is the perfect option. The 58 rooms and suites enjoy special amenities such as private check-in and concierge service in the FairmontGold Lounge. Daily breakfast and evening hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres are also served, giving guests a sanctuary to relax beyond their guest room.

THE PERFECT PLACE TO MEET A diverse selection of meeting and event venues, totaling 30,000 sq. ft. (2,787 sq. m.), make Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, the ideal location for intimate events and grand occasions. Two ballrooms include the Grand Ballroom at 5,460 sq. ft. (507 sq. m.) and the new Kennedy Junior Ballroom at 2,990 sq. ft. (278 sq. m.). An additional 16 meeting and event rooms are also available, the most unique being the Colonnade. With a beautiful view of the courtyard and a glass-dome atrium, this room is a favored location for any social event of up to 300 people.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Nicole C. Majorczyk Senior Diplomatic Sales Manager DIRECT: 202-734-2411 nicole.majorczyk@fairmont.com

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United Nations University

UNU Conversation Series event with Dr. David M. Malone and Mats Berdal

Researchers at the United Nation’s University’s Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology,

UNU’s “JARGON BUSTER” DEMYSTIFIES THE TERMINOLOGY OF THE UNITED NATIONS Anyone who works with United Nations materials – debates, background papers, draft documents, information releases and public awareness efforts – inevitably encounters what can only be called “UNspeak,” an ever growing collection of acronyms and terminology intended to facilitate communication within the United Nations and foreign ministries. The problem, however, is that these terms proliferate and become increasingly impenetrable even to those inside the United Nations system. To those outside the system “UN speak”

a lengthy name that becomes UNU-MERIT in the universe of acronyms, recognized this communication challenge and set out to apply the latest information technology to the problem of translating “UNspeak” into comprehensible English. What these researchers have done is to create what can best be described as a “UNspeak” decoder, a readily available smartphone app: “UNU Jargon Buster.” Technical vocabulary describes it as a meta-glossary, a listing of special terms defined and explained in a way that permits in-depth exploration. In fact, what the MERIT researchers have created is an exceptionally useful tool kit in the form of an electronic dictionary and search engine, literally in the palm of the user’s hand.

actually becomes a barrier to understanding and serves to perpetuate an

UNU Jargon Buster not only defines unfamiliar terms like “brain drain”

image of the UN as an elite institution aloof from the real world.

or “green water, brown water, gray water and black water” but also

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DR. DAVID MALONE LEADS UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY THE UN’S BEST KEPT SECRET JAMES A. WINSHIP, PH.D.

QUESTION: When is a university not a university, at least not what we think of as a traditional university? ANSWER: When it is a global network of highly specialized research institutes that bring together world-renowned experts and highly-talented graduate students from around the world to develop real solutions to critical global issues. That’s UNU.

The existence of the United Nations University (UNU), based in Tokyo, is one of the world’s better kept secrets. To be sure, UNU lacks many of the accoutrements of major universities around the world. There are no school colors beyond the blue and white of the United Nations itself, no sports teams, mascots, cheerleaders, or pennants to hang on the wall. There are no residence halls, stadiums, student centers, parents and students touring the campus, and no shopping list of logo imprinted items.

In that sense, visitors might be disappointed. But, in a deeper sense, the United Nations University embraces what was historically the essence of all universities: exploring, acquiring, applying and sharing knowledge. Beyond being an institution, a university has always been a community of scholars studying and learning together. And, that is exactly what UN University has become, an international community of researchers working in conjunction with the diplomats of the United Nations to

deciphers cryptic acronyms like UNSSSS – The U.N. Security and Stabilization Support Strategy, PSO – Peace Support Operations, or CEDAW – The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. It also allows users to drill down into the details

The results will define the term or decode the acronym queried, but the response does not stop there. Answers are cross-referenced to related SDGs, linked to relevant UN offices and provide links to further information. UNU Jargon Buster offers an accessible, efficient and

to understand how searched terms are actually used in the on-going work

comprehensible means to share the specialized knowledge that

of the United Nations.

is at the heart of the UN’s work with a wider audience, and it can The home page for UNU Jargon Buster opens with a free search field that can be queried by the user. It also includes three "barn door" fields in a horizontal scroll allowing users to search terms by any of the 17 SDG's,

serve to make diplomatic representatives’ lives a good deal easier. As one Permanent Representative to the United Nations described it, this app makes it possible “to cut past the jargon and the arrogance and the sterile briefings and get real.” Pointedly stated, but a high compliment indeed.

The “UNU Jargon Buster 2.0” app can be downloaded for free on either “Google play” or Apple’s “App Store.”

alphabetically, or by UN organization.

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amid the press of the UN’s most immediate concerns for the security and stability of the state system. The United Nations’ third Secretary General (1961-1971) and the first Secretary General from outside Europe, Burma’s U Thant, first put forward his idea for “a United Nations University, truly international in character and devoted to the Charter objectives of peace and progress” in his 1969 Annual Report to the General Assembly. After three years of discussion and preparatory

of the dilemmas facing our globe in the context of international relations. UNU Institutes engage on issues ranging from global sustainability (Tokyo, Japan) to global health (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia); from natural resource management (Accra, Ghana) to Biotechnology (Caracas, Venezuela); from globalization, culture and mobility (Barcelona, Spain) to water, environment and health (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada); from computing and society (Macao, China) to comparative regional

United Nations University Headquarters

United Nations University

tackle many of the world’s most critical issues, issues that are often shunted aside in a world of sovereign states and

work the establishment of UNU was approved in 1972, and its Charter was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1973. The Government of Japan provided a critical catalyst to UNU’s formation by offering headquarters facilities in Japan and providing a grant of $100 million to enable the university to start its work in 1975. Though its administrative headquarters are in Japan, the UNU Charter always anticipated that the university would become “a worldwide system of research and training centers and programs” operating around the globe. Today UN University has become a worldwide network of 15 institutes and programs carrying out dozens of applied research projects of direct relevance to the work of the United Nations. Research centers focus on a sweeping cross-section

United Nations University

UNU-IAS MSc graduate Macnight Ngwese Nsioh conducting research interviews, Ghana

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Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images

integration studies (Brussels, Belgium); from development economics (Helsinki, Finland) to innovation and technology (Maastricht, The Netherlands); and from management of critical global resources (Dresden, Germany) to environment and human security (Bonn, Germany). Reykjavik, Iceland hosts training centers for geothermal research, fisheries, land restoration and gender equity. Three things are striking about the focus of the UN University. First, programs draw on the expertise and energies of scholars and graduate researchers from around the world. Second, each of its centers investigates questions of immediate relevance to their geographic region, receives strong support from national governments, and demonstrates the reality that quality research and the intellectual resources to support it have become global.

Director General of the Policy, International Organizations and Global Issues Bureaus. Following a stint as President of the International Peace Academy, Dr. Malone returned to DFAIT to guide Canada’s economic and multilateral diplomacy and then to serve as High Commissioner to India. Meeting with Dr. Malone in the UNU Rector’s office during a recent visit to Japan Diplomatic Connections correspondent James Winship was able to explore both the work of the United Nations University as well as the remarkable breadth of Malone’s career as a diplomat-scholar. Diplomatic Connections: In many ways your career embodies the United Nations University. You bridge the worlds of academe, public policy and diplomacy. How did you manage to build this unique career path?

Third, the dozens of research efforts underway have immediate policy Dr. Malone: Soon after starting implications for the work of the work in the Canadian Foreign United Nations and for the actions Service, I realized that there of national governments. were limits to what could Working to bring direction be learned on the job as a and focus to this intellectual practicing diplomat. Other kinds ferment and shape its interactions of experience were necessary. with the wider United Nations Periodically, throughout my system is Dr. David Malone, a career, I would take leave in order Canadian diplomat and scholar to work in the business world, who serves as UNU’s Rector, as an to study for advanced degrees, Under-Secretary General of the sometimes to teach and always United Nations and as a member to write. of the UN’s Chief Executives Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito delivers a keynote speech during the Diplomatic Connections: Didn’t Board. Dr. Malone has spent his "The Water-Energy Nexus" conference at the United Nations University in that take time away from the Tokyo, Japan. Surging populations and economies in the developing world entire career building bridges Foreign Service career will cause a double crunch in demand for water and energy in the coming across the divide between policy decades, the UN said. advancement difficult? studies and on-going diplomacy. Dr. Malone: The to-ing and fro-ing His education is thoroughly ecumenical, beginning between government and academe worked well for me. with a business degree from l’École des Hautes Études There had not been a tradition in the Canadian Foreign Commerciales in Montreal, continuing with Arabic language Ministry of allowing people to take leave in order to work studies at the American University of Cairo, completed with outside the Foreign Service and then return. I was one a master’s degree from the Kennedy School of Government of the first to do that, and somehow there was always a at Harvard and a doctoral degree in International Relations niche when I returned to the diplomatic corps. My career from Oxford University. did not suffer at all from going away. Inevitably, I was told Integrated with these studies was active diplomacy things like: “If you leave you can never come back,” or “If in the Canadian Foreign Service. Dr. Malone has served as you leave, you’ll never get anywhere in the department.” Canada’s Representative to the United Nations Economic Those warnings turned out to be completely wrong. and Social Council as well as his country’s Ambassador to Diplomatic Connections: Even though you did not follow the the United Nations. Within Canada’s Department of Foreign classic path of diplomatic career development, you were named Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) he has served as D I P L O M AT I C C O N N E C T I O N S B U S I N E S S E D I T I O N | S E P T E M B E R – O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

as Canada’s Ambassador to India as well as non-resident Ambassador to Bhutan and Nepal (2006-2008). What was that experience like for you? Dr. Malone: In India, I was very lucky because there was a skilled country team in place led by a superbly capable deputy. That freed me to travel prodigiously. My understanding of India is very much shaped by my experiences on the road rather than being Delhi-centric.

A female farmer is preparing her field for the next shrimp production cycle as the rice harvest has been completed. Hoa De village is following a rice shrimp rotation practice. 2016, Hoa De village in Hoa Tu I commune, Vietnam

I wandered through India, and wrote extensively. Today, all foreign ministries say that they don’t want long dispatches. But, my reports were long, descriptive, great fun to write and reflective. My thoughts found many readers, not because the writing was superlative but because the story of India is astounding. If foreign service officers, as part of their reporting responsibilities, can package perceptive insights in a way that is relevant to policy, then those thoughts will find readers. Diplomatic Connections: You cut your time as Ambassador to India somewhat short after only two years there. What led to that move? Dr. Malone: I left India prematurely in order to serve as President of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The Centre is a unique organization with the ability to leverage other big research funders like the Gates Foundation and Britain’s Department for International Development (DFID) such that it was possible to take on very ambitious projects that mattered in the real world of development assistance efforts. One of the most serious deficits in large parts of the developing world relates to their autonomous, local research capacity. Improving those capabilities was precisely the investment IDRC sought to make. We were determined to avoid the old model of “helicopter development assistance” where outside experts were dropped in to provide one-size-fits-all expertise and then left the locals to their own devices. Instead, we were training and empowering local researchers to explore development options that fit their specific circumstances.

Dr. Malone: The United Nations University opportunity appeared as an advertisement in The Economist. Actually, the same thing had happened with the President’s position at the International Development Research Centre. I saw a job announcement and thought, “Why not? That could be fun.” Despite some initial uncertainty about applying for 52

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United Nations University

Diplomatic Connections: Was it that experience that led you to the United Nations University?

UNU-EHS/ Janine Kandel

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the job, the position was tantalizing. And, UNU was exactly the same. Diplomatic Connections: The idea for UNU originated with Secretary General U Thant, did it not? Dr. Malone: That’s true. U Thant’s basic insight, which was correct in my view, was that the United Nations was terrible at capturing, managing and evaluating knowledge. In U Thant’s vision the whole purpose was for the university to be useful to the United Nations and all of its supporting organizational structure. When I applied for the Rector’s position it was clear that UNU had been doing a number of interesting things, like launching new graduate degree programs. But, it also appeared that the depth of connection to the United Nations system was missing. Diplomatic Connections: How have you tried to deepen that connection between UNU and the broader United Nations system? Dr. Malone: Over the last four years UNU’s leadership has focused on several things. An in-house think-tank has been initiated to give UNU greater policy evaluation capability. Our Center for Policy Research is a small group of rather young policy wonks who know the United Nations very well. Its staff has worked hard on analytic papers and briefs, but they have also been asked to help cultivate the market for their research product. Also, our presence in New York, which had been a representational office, became a much more substantive effort. The institutes and centers of UNU are designed to help the United Nations and its related agencies problem solve, and that requires constant collaboration with UN offices in New York, Geneva and around the world. UNU has added new institutes that point us in cutting edge directions. For example, in Barcelona a very small pod

are exactly what is needed to realize the vision of a United Nations University grappling with real problems and offering the sorts of deep insights that diplomatic negotiation cannot nurture but by which more effective policy can emerge. Diplomatic Connections: Often academic research is subjected to scathing criticism by practicing diplomats and political policy makers who see it as overly abstract and detached from the real world. How have you tried to encourage the uptake of UNU’s work by a variety of UN institutions? Dr. Malone: Two questions persist at the core of UNU’s investigative and evaluative efforts. How will the information and the ideas generated by UNU’s institutes be of use to the United Nations? How are scholars going to frame their research results and their policy recommendations in a way that the UN will actually be interested and make use of the insights that have been developed? The United Nations is simply not good at picking up even outstanding research work that isn’t in formats and in vocabulary compatible with UN practice. Researchers are not accustomed to thinking about how they package their product to be consumed and applied outside the boundaries of their own professional disciplines. I have tried to demonstrate that it is critical to think in advance about how to package the research product in ways that will resonate or “dock” with UN end-users of that work. Diplomatic Connections: Could you offer some specific examples of how UNU has tried to encourage “uptake” of its research product? Dr. Malone: First, personal relationships between UNU scholars and UN diplomats and staff matter a great deal because they build access and eventually bring buy-in to the insights and suggestions that research has developed.

of highly motivated women created an institute focused on mobility and migration. When they began their work, mobility and migration was beginning to be a hot issue in the Mediterranean but not yet a critical global issue. This became UNU’s Institute on Globalization, Culture and Mobility. In somewhat similar fashion, a fascinating network of centers and institutes dealing with focused issues, yet all under the UNU umbrella, has emerged across the globe.

Given that realization, we have been encouraging our teams in far-flung places to spend more time in Geneva and New York getting to know people and telling them what the research centers can do.

A new synergy has emerged that encourages what was once somewhat disdainfully referred to in universities as “applied” research. Turns out that these sorts of centers

Diplomatic Connections: You have devoted a great deal of study to the institutional United Nations and particularly to the central structures of the organization, notably the Security Council.

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Second, our think tank here in Tokyo puts out a monthly compilation of its policy briefs. Because these summaries are succinct and sharply focused, they have found a substantial market at UN headquarters and with the UN’s specialized agencies.

Where do you think the Security Council, itself an artifact of the United Nations original formation in the aftermath of World War II, will or should go in a 21st century world? Dr. Malone: Under the United Nations Charter, fundamental restructuring of core institutions is extremely difficult to accomplish. First, the mathematics of Charter reform is daunting. Second, very few countries are frank about their views on the subject of reconfiguring the Security Council. Formal reform may not be the most promising avenue to follow. The Security Council is effective when the major powers want to work with each other, and when there are middle powers and small states among the non-permanent members who can put forward ideas that might expand the big powers horizons. Nobody expects Canada to do the heavy lifting on Syria, but Canada might have creative ideas if it were sitting on the Security Council, as it hopes to be in three years. Diplomatic Connections: Should the Security Council be enlarged to reflect changing global realities? Dr. Malone: The five permanent members are the heart of the Security Council, and to think anything else is a

mistake. Currently, we are in a period where the three major military powers of our era – the United States, China and Russia – are sizing each other up. Until those three have found their respective comfort zones with each other, they will probably experiment behind the scenes and float diplomatic trial balloons at the UN to see what they can do together without taking a lot of risks in terms of their own interests. Diplomatic Connections: Does that mean that you think the Security Council in its present form remains a key institution of the United Nations? Does it retain a useful role? Dr. Malone: The Security Council is always available to be useful. Even administrations and governments that were not very interested in the Security Council discover that it can be more useful than they had first thought, and many states work to get themselves elected to the nonpermanent seats. China, initially, wasn’t very interested in the Security Council and took a passive role, but today China sees its interests very much served by playing a more active and positive role. For Russia, permanent membership on the Security Council is critical to its identity continued to page 58

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Researchers from UNU's Environment and Human Security program hold a grassroots meeting. D I P L O M AT I C C O N N E C T I O N S B U S I N E S S E D I T I O N | S E P T E M B E R â&#x20AC;&#x201C; O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

UNU-FLORES intern collecting sludge samples to find out sustainable management and reuse options in Guatemala, as part of our SludgeTec project.

Field visit to South Tehran Wastewater Treatment Plant, Iran, as part of UNU-FLORES capacity development workshop.

as a great power. Russia can’t simply be a wrecker or a spoiler. Indeed, there are times when Russia has played a very skillful and constructive role in UN negotiations.

Diplomatic Connections: You have worked both sides of the international diplomatic coin, meaning bilateral relationships and multilateral institutions. How is working in each one different from the other? What have you learned from those experiences?

Diplomatic Connections: What do you mean by “attracting company?” Dr. Malone: Even the most powerful actors want company. That was the brilliant insight of the first President Bush and Jim Baker when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait (1990). They understood that it would be useful to the United States to see how much company could be gathered to deal with Saddam. In that way, the actions taken by the United States were not only not controversial but remarkably popular internationally. The lesson of that experience was: company matters no matter how powerful you are. But that point has been insufficiently internalized, not just in the U.S. but also in other countries. Russia needs more company in its ventures. So, too, does China. So, too, does the Trump administration. 58

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Dr. Malone: Oddly enough, I prefer bilateral diplomacy. Diplomatic Connections: That seems contrary to many of the commitments to which your life has been devoted. Dr. Malone: It does, except that it doesn’t. I have had only three bilateral postings – Egypt, the Palestinian movement, and India. Societies are intrinsically fascinating. Bilateral diplomacy is a huge luxury because you have time and opportunity to explore your host country deeply and to experience life there first-hand. Diplomatic Connections: What are the inherent challenges facing multilateral diplomacy? Dr. Malone: Because of the many voices involved and the leveling effect of the plethora of national interests at work, there are times when the process becomes burdensome and self-sustaining. The biggest problem is the misallocation of time. Too much effort is expended on crafting high minded resolutions that produce few results. More helpful are major efforts that have a degree of intellectual integrity and into which substantial thought

United Nations University

The United States doesn’t need to use the Security Council, but often what it does need to do is to attract company around the policies it wants to pursue. And, the United Nations is a great place to attract company.

has been invested. The Sustainable Development Goals engendered a great deal of debate and constructive discussion, which produced guidelines that are at once general and quite meaningful. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good example of a sustained and productive process.

be improved in order to funnel better information and creative policy options to decision makers? Exploring these questions and working them from both ends, diplomatic and political, could be a way for young diplomats to become particularly useful to their foreign ministries.

Diplomatic Connections: Looking back on your career, if you were designing the training module for the next generation of diplomats, what are the most important lessons that you would like to pass on?

Think of a diplomatic career as modular. Engaging in assignments outside the Foreign Ministry early in the professional development process is a productive idea. The notion of a straight-line cradle to grave path of advancement is no longer true. Such a vision was once reassuring and useful, but those paths were often narrow and ultimately self-limiting. Today the horizons of diplomacy are ever expanding, incredibly challenging and excitingly creative. And that is true even when diplomacy is met with hard push back and sometimes scathing criticism.

Dr. Malone: Be curious. Curiosity is at the root of nearly all good research, but it is also at the root of nearly all productive diplomatic efforts. Relationships are critical in statecraft, and they are vital in every aspect of United Nations work. I would stress that there is no country that is inherently uninteresting, and inquisitiveness is how you gain insight and understand nuance. Classic diplomacy and foreign ministries are built around expertise, but the foreign ministry clearance process is inherently bureaucratic and seems inordinately slow from the outside looking in. Parliaments and politicians are increasingly impatient. That is a reality. So, how can the interaction between the foreign affairs agencies and the policymaking apparatus be strengthened? How can the interactions of multiple foreign affairs agencies

Diplomatic Connections: Dr. Malone, thank you for introducing the United Nations University to our readers. It has been a fascinating and multi-faceted conversation. And, like your career, it has been wide-ranging, energizing and thought-provoking. For further information on the work of the United Nations University, go to: www.UNU.edu

Daniel Powell/UNU

ProSPER.Net Young Researchersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; School participants discuss solar energy technology at Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, India.

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COOK T N E C C A

WITH AN

Chef Frida Johansson

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I NG Short story by Christophe Avril

March 25th, marks the beginning of spring and Elsa is turning 13. She lives in the village of Barsviken, off the gulf of Borthnia. This special day, not only for the reason that she is going to be a teenager, is also Våffeldagen, Waffle Day. To celebrate these two joyous events, a big party is being hosted. All day, there will be a lot of culinary action in the kitchen to prepare enough waffles to satisfy the many guests. Her grandmother always makes them in a square-shaped, the way it was done many years ago; before the 19th century, they were orignially cooked between two rectangular plates over an open fire. Her mother prefers to use a modern, round, cake machine that cuts the treat into five delightful hearts. Two kinds of those delicatessens will be prepared: the Äggvåfflor (made with egg) and the Frasvåfflor (crispy). They will be served with Lingonberry jam, a variety of fresh fruits, ice cream, and Chantilly. Since the party will take place for several hours, they will also serve some salted waffles with fresh petite shrimp from the Baltic Sea sometimes including a bit of savory cheese. This festive occasion would not be complete without the Jordgubbstårta, the traditional birthday cake. It is a sweet dessert nicely decorated and made of a base of sugar cake, filled with strawberries mixed with two types of cream, heavy and almond. This is a celebration that she will never forget. continued on page 63

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SWEDEN

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u To learn more about how to prepare this delicious menu, please visit our webpage, www.DiplomaticConnections.com, to watch the Cooking with an Accent video featuring

Chef Frida Johansson. You can also download the recipes. To the west, the Scandinavian mountain chain, the Skanderna, serves as a border with Norway. In the east, facing Finland is the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea. Sweden has also maritime borders with Denmark, Germany, Russia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The fishing industry is, of course, extremely important and vital to the economy. The most popular commercial marine fish species are the following: cod, herring, sprat, and flounder. Thus, by being so close to the sea, fish and seafood are an enormous part of the national cuisine. One is particularly popular, the herring. The Surströmming, as it is named in its original language, is a fermented fish. It is usually served with flatbread, the tunnbröd, with tuber, and finely diced onion. There is also the famous Skagenröra, prawns with mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh dill, served on toast and topped with caviar. The crayfish party, the kräftskiva, takes place in August. Fresh water crayfish cooked in broth with dill, accompanied by Swedish schnapps and beer is the culinary highlight of the event. There are a lot of special days during the year and among them there is a favorite: Fettisdagen, better known in English as Fat Tuesday. It is an old tradition, and in the early 1900’s, it involved dressing in extraordinary costumes and was popularly known as, “Fettisdagsgubbar,” which can be translated into “Fat Tuesday old man.” This even was characterized by people perusing through the streets asking for food or snacks, not unlike trick-or-treating on Halloween. On this particular holiday, the Semla Bun, sweet bread filled with a generous heaping of

whipped cream, almond paste, and a lot of sugar, can be found everywhere. This pastry is not very good for a diet, but it is extremely tasty and everybody loves it. Similarly, October 4th, Kanelbullens, or Cinnamon Bun Day, is not quite as ancient, and was established in 1999 by the Home Baking Council. Everywhere in the world one can find these sweet rolls. Some will come with dried raisins, others with cream or jam, but they always have a cinnamon accent. Gustav II Adolf den Store (the great) was the Swedish King in the 17th century, from the age of 19-years-old until his death at 37. Considered as one of the greatest military commanders of all time, he is also known for starting Sweden’s postal service and creating its universities. Killed the 6th of November in 1632, during the battle of Lützen, in Germany, the King is widely celebrated every year on the commemoration of his death. Culinary treats such as a creamy sponge cake decorated with marzipan or chocolate silhouettes of King Gustav II Adolf are eaten on this occasion. And of course, on Christmas Eve, all the regional dishes are present. If one travels to the northern part of the country, they will be served reindeer. It is cooked for 4 to 5 hours and then marinated until completely cooled. Then, the meat is very thinly sliced and usually served with a side of gratin, fried root vegetable, stirred lingonberries, and pickled mushrooms. Now, in the coastal area, fish will be the main ingredient. Many times, a platter, or as it is called, a smorgasbord will be prepared. This is what one will find: Schnapps such as Aquavit or Vodka,

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herring and beet salad, pickled herring, gravlax, mustard-dill Sauce, Jansson's Temptation (a sort of gratin with anchovy filet), Kottbullar med Potatismos (Swedish Meatballs with a purée), Julskinka (Christmas Ham), butter saffron cake, Glogg (Christmas punch) and delicious ginger cookies. Since the winter can be quite cold, a variety of soups are part of the daily menus. The classic ones include salmon with cream that contains potatoes and onion flavored with dill and parsley; Mutton Stew, a hearty mélange seasoned with root vegetables and sauerkraut, and slightly spiced with ginger and pepper; the Nässelsoppa Orkdal is a preparation of lamb and rice enhanced with vegetables; and the Meat Stew also made with various vegetables and an assortment of meats. Additionally, there is the Yellow Pea Soup (Ärtsoppa). This is an authentic Nordic-style recipe with just water, salt, onions and a bit of herbs; Pork or lamb can be added to it. Unique in its serving temperature, The Chilled Beet, Orange and Dill Hash is eaten cold. Precisely, two of those meals that can

only be found in this country are the Nyponsoppa and the Blåbärssoppa. Nyponsoppa can be translated as Rosehip Soup. In the past, this mixture was very common, but now it is considered a delicacy, prepared with dried rose hips, sugar, potato flour and Madeira wine. Blåbärssoppa is a blueberry mixture. Surprisingly not prepared with blueberries, but rather with Bilberries. These berries grow in the north of Europe. Other ingredients include sugar, lemon, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. The concoction is served to energize. Receiving the Bocuse d’or for an accomplished culinarian is like attaining a gold medal at the Olympic Games for an athlete or winning the Super Bowl. World-renowned Swedish Chef Mathias Dahlgren, received this universally acclaimed trophy; and as a famous master cook he promotes the New Nordic Cuisine in his country and around the world. In Washington, D.C.’s preeminent House of Sweden’s kitchen, you will find the very distinguished executive Chef Johansson who might be one day competing for this distinction. She started her career by studying in

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Göteborg, at the Hotel and Restaurant School. This young culinary artist traveled to Antwerp, Belgium, working in two famous restaurants, the “Kommilfo” and the “Bernardin” as a trainee; subsequently accepting a managerial position overseeing the cold buffet at the “La Collana Azzura” in Roma, Italia. Back home in Sweden, Miss Johansson was the head chef in the kitchen of an exclusive hotel in Idre, a luxurious ski resort in the west of the country. From there, a new international opportunity availed itself in Austria, as the master of the kitchen at the “Villa Crazy Daisy.” This was certainly to accumulate additional experience and a bit of savoir-faire to entertain future sophisticated and discerning palates. Returning to her native land, she was employed by the "Van Der Nootska Palatset" to prepare banquets and other events. Ever adding to her achievements, Johansson found herself traveling to New Zealand to become the Larder & Pastry Chef, as well as the second in command at a fine dining restaurant, the Mudbrick’s private room, focusing on this new country of

adoption cooking and French inspired recipes. Thereafter she accepted the position of Head Chef on the Ferry Stena Line Scandinavia. Continuing on the course of this extraordinary career, she executed her now acquired remarkably proficient and polished culinary skills and talents at the "Restaurant Valand" and the "Park Avenue Cafe" in Gothenburg and, since 2010, has served as the highly-esteemed Executive Chef for the Swedish Ambassador. This accomplished young lady prepared a very nice three-course lunch for Diplomatic Connections. First, as a starter, a Löjrom (vendace Roe) with a Västerbotten cheese waffle, red onion, sour cream, and followed by poached salmon with Skagen (shrimp salad), new potato and pickled cucumber. Finally, the delicious Rhubarb Crumble with vanilla sauce. Frida is absolutely meticulous and very careful with how the plates are presented as she maintains an exceedingly high standard setting a precedence difficult to compete amongst when it comes to culinary creations.

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WHAT’S THE FRENCH E.V. COLIN

French President Emmanuel Macron (not pictured) receives U.S. President Donald Trump (not pictured) at the Elysée Palace on July 13, 2017 in Paris, France. Two presidential Cadillac limos with the same licence plate number 800-002 Washington, D.C. parked in the Elysée courtyard. 72

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t the French National Day military parade in Paris on July 14, 2017, President Emmanuel Macron had a distinguished guest by his side: President Donald Trump. At the last minute, Macron had invited his American counterpart via a personal phone call, and there was no question that in hosting Trump, he was taking a risk. Trump is unpopular in France, and throughout most of Europe. The U.S. president’s first meeting with European leaders in Brussels this past May had gained him no friends. Clearly, anti-Trump demonstrations could have disrupted Macron’s very first Bastille Day as the newly elected French president. As it turned out, there were no demonstrations, and the visit went off without a hitch. Even so, it’s still reasonable to ask why Macron did it. The official reason given by both sides was to mark this year’s 100th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I and the arrival in France of General Pershing’s Doughboys (to underscore the occasion, a contingent of U.S. troops marched in the parade). But there’s more to it than that. Trump had an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to visit the United Kingdom this summer, thus displaying the so-called U.S.-U.K. special relationship. But the trip was postponed in the face of protests and threats. And, following a disastrous election result and facing complex Brexit negotiations, Prime Minister Theresa May no longer seemed the confident, powerful ally with whom Trump held hands at the White House last year. Successive British leaders had for years told Washington the United Kingdom was in a position to advance U.S. interests in the European Union. In reality, the United States didn’t need such help, but Brexit has put an end to that boast. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel seemed likely to win another term in the coming German

common security assumptions. Trump’s behavior and pronouncements—and especially the latter—have raised serious, nagging questions in Europe about his commitment to this historic understanding. However, Macron seems to be arguing that keeping Trump at arms’ length does little more than reduce the ability to influence his actions. The two leaders do share a common experience. Both are political novices who had never before run for office; and both were elected in wave of anti-establishment sentiment. Nonetheless, the differences are greater than the similarities. Gerard Araud, the French ambassador to Washington, has described his new president as “a populist with a centrist platform who wants to create a new way to govern. [Macron] didn’t run in the traditional way, or within the traditional system.” That sounds familiar, of course, but Trump ran a right-wing populist campaign, full of strong rhetoric against illegal immigrants, international trade deals, and what he saw as impassioned ideas about climate change. But his language found broad support among white working class Americans who see themselves as marginalized by globalization. While Macron--- who is 39 to Trump’s 71—may not be a politician, he does have government experience at the highest level. In the space of five years, he went from being a senior official in the ministry of finance, to being appointed France’s economy minister in the government of his mentor, Socialist President, François Hollande. Trump, grappling with a steep learning curve, gives almost daily evidence of his lack of knowledge of both politics and government. Trump did not hide his support for Macron’s far-right rival, Marine Le Pen in the French presidential election, and when Trump met Macron in May, their long handshake

elections; but there was little chemistry between her and Donald Trump. Consequently, Macron has moved to occupy the space left by a weakened and distracted British prime minister, as Europe’s leading interlocutor with the Trump administration. In inviting Trump to Paris, he was making the point that it is in Europe’s interest to push back against the new mood of transatlantic alienation. From the European perspective, Trump is—not surprisingly—turning out to be an awkward and unpredictable ally (if “ally” is still the right word any more). For the past 60 years, relations between the U.S. and Europe have been enshrined in shared values and

seemed more like an arm wrestle. This mano-a-mano was seized by the media as symbolic of the differences between the two leaders on such global issues as climate change, the European Union, security, and trade policy. Macron was critical of Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accord and has invited U.S. climate researchers to move to France. At that May summit, Macron spoke to Trump about Article 5 in the NATO treaty, which states that an attack on one member state is considered an attack on the whole alliance (Article 5 was used by the Bush administration to drum up NATO support in Afghanistan). But in his speech later, Trump failed to reiterate U.S. support of Article 5.

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Instead, “while Macron looked on aghast,” according to the New York Times, the president lectured the allies on failing to meet the established financial contributions to the NATO budget. In his July speech in Warsaw, Poland, Trump repaired the omission. He affirmed Washington’s commitment to Article 5 saying that the United States had demonstrated “not only with words, but with actions, that it stands behind Article 5.” Some Europeans, however, remained skeptical, believing the president to be reacting to pressure from his advisers, without personal conviction. The French president is a strong supporter of expanding the role of the European Union, for example, strengthening the euro by creating a common budget for all 27-member states. Trump, on the other hand, has applauded the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU. Macron has assembled a gender-balanced cabinet and even took care that his political movement, en Marche (On the Move), field an equal number of men and women candidates in the legislative elections. Trump’s controversial tweets are a matter of concern to his advisers and to his party. Macron’s phone call to Trump followed the White House warning to Syria against carrying out another deadly chemical attack. Based on intelligence reports detailing that the Syrians were planning a second such raid (the

existential threat, so we need a real dialogue, but also firmness – firmness without fighting.” Like Trump, Macron has been labeled an antiestablishment candidate. He talks of revolution, and the Macron version of Trump’s “drain the Washington swamp” is that “the political class is all too often made up of men over 50 who never had a proper job.” But if Macron is antiestablishment, he is tunneling from within. He’s a graduate of the National School of Administration (ENA, by its French initials), and then went on to teach at the equally prestigious Paris Institute of Political Studies, SciencesPo. Taken together, they are a scholastic breeding ground for senior government officials and top business executives. Prior to entering government, he worked at Rothschild’s investment bank. If that’s not an establishment background, what is? He even trained as a classical concert pianist. The ease and rapidity with which Macron has established a presidential style has startled the French, many of whom have compared him with Napoleon Bonaparte. No training wheels for this new president, declared one columnist in the newspaper Le Monde, after Macron announced that he would, for the first time ever, address a combined session of the French National Assembly and the Senate at the Palace of Versailles—an occasion resembling the U.S. president’s State of the

first was in April), the White House Union address: “At 39, he has warned that Syria would “pay a slipped with disconcerting ease into French President Emmanuel Macron, French First Lady heavy price” and Macron wanted to Brigitte Macron, President Donald Trump and his wife, the habits of a republican monarch.” discuss it. Unlike Trump, Macron’s First Lady Melania Trump, are pictured on the steps of Les Invalides as part of the commemoration of the 100th Macron’s own position on Syria biggest challenge is to overhaul the anniversary of the entry of the United States of America is that the West needs to start a French economy. The success of his into World War I on July 13, 2017 in Paris, France. conversation with Putin, according presidency will be judged on his to Ambassador Araud. “Russia is there,” Araud declared in ability to push through reforms of the labor market and a recent appearance at a Washington think tank, “Russia change the taxation system to make them both more has sent us a strong message, so let’s talk.” He admitted business friendly — a course that is expected to lead to that there was no guarantee of success. “The Soviet Union a confrontation with France’s strong labor unions. While was an existential threat to Europe, but Russia is not an Trump champions the coal industry, Macron wants to create a French Silicon Valley. But that’s all another story. D I P L O M AT I C C O N N E C T I O N S B U S I N E S S E D I T I O N | S E P T E M B E R – O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

The Concordia

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The Concordia

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FEATURES AND AMENITIES

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The Concordia is a modern, extended stay hotel, ideally located in an attractive and central area of Washington, DC, between Dupont Circle and Washington Circle. As a LEED Gold Certified property, we pride ourselves in providing a comfortable guest experience that embraces the highest standards of environmentally conscious initiatives. The Concordia is ADA-Compliant and a non-smoking facility. Our modern guest suites come complete with fully equipped kitchens and amenities that will make you feel at home while in the center of the city. Stay within walking distance to the IMF, World Bank, restaurants, shops, tourist attractions, cultural centers and nightlife.

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Email: Reservations@theconcordia.com

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Rihanna is welcomed by French First Lady Brigitte Macron as she arrives for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee Palace on July 26, 2017 in Paris, France. During the meeting they talked about contributing to education in developing countries.

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RIHANNA VISITS FRENCH PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY FOR GOOD CAUSE

“

We just had an absolutely incredible meeting with the president and the first lady,” pop-star Rihanna told reporters, “they were incredibly welcoming to us.” She wasn’t referring to the Trumps, but rather, French President Emmanuel, and his wife, Brigitte, after her July visit in Paris as ambassador of the Global Partnership for Education. Brigitte Macron welcomed Rihanna at the entrance to the Elysee Palace, the French presidential residence—a rare compliment—and her meeting with the president lasted more than an hour in which the main topic was “education from global aspects,” said Rihanna, who spearheads a foundation to educate girls in developing countries. During her visit with the Macrons, the styleconscious French couple praised her commitment, but took exception with her outfit, particularly her oversized, asymmetric grey jacket. The government spokesman delicately called it “a little too ample.” Rihanna’s outfit prompted quite a few remarks, but she’s a smart lady so perhaps more thought was put into this accoutrement than what meets the eye. The singer is not called a style chameleon for nothing. Rihanna’s accomplishments are many and is universally known for her beautiful voice, possessing a unique pitch that goes higher than most singers. However, these days, she is contributing in a higher way by bringing global attention to those less fortunate in emergent nations. She’s taking her worldwide platform to new levels and with great deliberation successfully communicating the importance of education internationally. The Macrons don’t invite people to their estate whimsically. They want to assist in Rihanna’s efforts towards educating girls by bringing greater awareness to this admirable enterprise. Could it perhaps be Rihanna’s outfit was a paradoxial subliminal message attempting to portray respect, honor and deference, not only towards the french first couple, but for the female gender at large? Clearly, she did have a communiqué and it’s conceivable that her attire was actually a hidden effort toward an ecumenical movement concerning the topic of education. It certainly did get the press talking about the subject.

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Giulio Origlia/Getty Images

Either way, put any type of clothing on Rihanna, and whatever the cause, she’ll bring increased recognition and this time, it’s for a noteable and praiseworthy purpose. Earlier in the summer, she was the center of attention at the Cannes Film Festival party hosted by the high-end Chopard jewelers, appearing in a classic, black tulle wrapped Ralph and Russo gown and Chopard bling from a collection she designed with the brand’s creative director, Caroline Scheufele. The guests included Czech model Eva Herzigova in a pair of 18k white gold earrings set with 51.6 carats of diamonds and a matching white and gold bracelet from the Chopard collection. Others attending were Portuguese model Sara Sampaio; Canadian fashion model Winnie Harlow; Brazilian model and actress Adriana Lima; American fashion models Bella Hadid, Tina Kunakey and Kendall Jenner; American actress Julianne Moore; International stylist Erica Pelosini; and Australian fashion model Andreja Pejic, among others. 82

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Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images

Thierry Fremaux and Rihanna, Jeffrey Katzenberg attend the “Okja” screening during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 19, 2017 in Cannes, France.

Singer Rihanna poses as she arrives for the screening of the film “Okja” at the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France.

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German Chopard co-President Caroline Scheufele (L) and Singer Rihanna pose upon arrival for the Chopard party on the sidelines of the 70th Cannes film festival, on May 19, 2017 in Cannes, southeastern France.

Schober/WireImage

(L-R) Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Christine Scheufele, Caroline Scheufele and CarolineMarie Scheufele attend the Chopard party hosted by Chopard's co-president Caroline Scheufele and Rihanna, at Port Canto on May 19, 2017, after the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France.

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Other celebrities attending the Chopard dinner party in honor of Rihanna and the Rihanna X Chopard Collections during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival on the Chopard Rooftop on May 18, 2017 in Cannes, France.

Brazilian fashion model and actress Adriana Lima

Canadian fashion model Winnie Harlow

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American actress Julianne Moore

Gisela Schober/WireImage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hadid Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

American fashion model Tina Kunakey

Portuguese fashion model Sara Sampaio

American fashion model Bella Hadid

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Yann Coatsaliou/AFP/Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Chopard Gisela Schober/WireImage

Australian fashion model Andreja Pejic

International stylist Erica Pelosini

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Czech fashion model Eva Herzigova

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MANAGING OPERATING COSTS OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OWNED REAL ESTATE ASSETS IN NEW YORK CITY Foreign Governments See the Financial Value of Ownership in The Big City In NYC most businesses choose to rent their office space rather than own it. However, this is not the case for foreign governments looking for a prestigious piece of “The Big City.” Countries look at NYC as a safe haven to place their investment money. That is why they often do not castoff the opportunity of owning the crown jewel of real estate, as they are in it for the long haul. However, that safety net comes at a substantial price. The majority of businesses avoid the purchase of real estate

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