QUARTERLY BUSINESS • AUTUMN 2008
The Commonwealth Women’s Association at the Ambassador’s Residence of the Embassy of India in Washington, DC PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #224 LEBANON, OH 45036
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On the Front
Cover
Commonwealth Women’s Association
Olivia Novak (far right) of the Taj Boston at the Indian Ambassador’s Residence
ON THE FRONT COVER Top row from left: Ms. Neeta Kumar, Embassy of India; Mrs. Donna Karran, Spouse of Ambassador, Embassy of Guyana; Mrs Azmat Moeen, Spouse of Counsellor, Embassy of Pakistan; Mrs. Eva Farrugia, wife of retired DCM and CWA Area Representative, Embassy of Malta; Mrs. Prem Naidoo, wife of the Minister of Administration and CWA Area Representative, Embassy of South Africa; Mrs. Nirmala Mahadevan, CWA Area Representative, Embassy of Malaysia; Mrs. Gauri Rasgotra, Embassy of India; Mrs. Ayesha Hag, CWA Activities Coordinator, Embassy of Bangladesh; Ms. Caroline Hubbard Kamunanwire, spouse of Ambassador, Embassy of Uganda; Mrs. Rashmi Sinha, Embassy of India; Mrs. Patience Nyamboli, Embassy of Cameroon. Top row from right: Mrs. Medha Murugesan, Embassy of India; Mrs. Tam Pham, wife of Commercial Counsellor and CWA Treasurer, Embassy of Canada; Mrs. Lesidi Kuhlmann, Embassy of Botswana; Mrs. Mpho Lekao, Embassy of Botswana; Mrs. Simita Sharan, Embassy of India; Mrs. Terrylea Reynolds, CWA Assistant Secretary, Embassy of Australia; Mrs. Leena Salim Moazzam, wife of Counsellor and CWA Secretary, Embassy of Pakistan; Mrs. Rekha Singh, Embassy of India; Mrs. Joice Sibi, Embassy of India, Mrs. Ritu Panday, Embassy of India. Second row seated from left: Mrs. Rubina Wajid, CWA Area Representative, Embassy of Pakistan; Mrs. Lilian Luswenyo, Embassy of Namibia; Mrs. Isabel Kalaba, Embassy of Zambia; Mrs. Kareen Kakouris, spouse of Ambasssador, Embassy of Cyprus; Mrs. Kalpana Sen, spouse of Ambassador and hostess, Embassy of India; Mrs. Josette Miceli-Farrugia, spouse of Ambassador and CWA President, Embassy of Malta; Mrs. Rokeya Kabir, spouse of Ambassador and CWA Vice President, Embassy of Bangladesh. Second row seated from right: Mrs. Yvette Pintard-Newry, spouse of First Secretary, Embassy of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas; Mrs. Lorna Wong, CWA Membership Secretary, Embassy of Singapore; Mrs. Martha Hlophe, spouse of Ambassador, Embassy of Swaziland; Mrs. Manmeet Bhalla, Embassy of India. ABOUT THE CWA The Commonwealth Women’s Association (CWA) is a non-profit fellowship, established 44 years ago, to promote understanding and goodwill among women diplomats and diplomatic spouses representing the British Commonwealth. Every month, the CWA holds a Meeting during which members learn more about each others’ cultures within a relaxed setting. The CWA also organizes fund-raising activities which contribute to worthy causes within the DC metropolitan area. Every year, CWA members elect the Officers of their Executive Committee. The current President is Mrs Josette Miceli-Farrugia, wife of the Ambassador of Malta to the USA and the Vice-President is Mrs Rokeya Kabir, wife of the Ambassador of Bangladesh. The latest Lunch Meeting of the CWA was graciously hosted by Mrs Kalpana Sen, wife of the Ambassador of India.
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008
Table of
Contents DIPLOMATIC CONNECTIONS
COVER PHOTO Commonwealth Women’s Association INSIDE FRONT COVER Peninsula Hotels ~ Chicago and New York
DIRECTOR OF SALES Washington, DC, JoAnn Pomeroy
INSIDE BACK COVER Qatar Airways US BACK COVER Taj Boston ~ Hotels, Resorts and Palaces Afghanistan, Embassy of 24 Amtrak 31 Australia, Embassy of 44 Autoluxe Transportation Services 20 Best Buddies Ball 56 British Embassy 16 British School of Washington 16 Canada, Embassy of 30 Clinton Global Initiative 26 Commonwealth Women’s Association 1 Emperor’s Brand Vodka 21 Finland, Embassy of 22 George Washington University Hospital 4 Germany, Embassy of the Federal Republic 32 Greece, Embassy of 12 Ireland, Embassy of - Art Exhibit 42 Ireland, Embassy of - Foreign Minister 50 Italy, Embassy of - G 8 Series 10 Italy, Embassy of - Global Health Conference 54 Italy, Embassy of - Nancy Pelosi 43 Kennedy Shriver, Anthony - Best Buddies International 56 Letter from the Editor 3 Malta, Embassy of - National Day 14 Malta, Embassy of - Parade of Nations 15 Malta, Embassy of - Valletta, City of Knights 40 National US Arab Chamber of Commerce 18 Netherlands, Royal Embassy of 24 Qatar Airways US (Inside back cover) Qatar Airways - Best Buddies Ball 56 Reflections Photography 13 Roomstore Furniture 38 Saudi Arabia, Interfaith Dialogue Conference in Madrid, Spain Saudi Arabia, Royal Embassy of - National Day 46 Savannah River Realty 29 Smithsonian Zoo 36 Sri Lanka, Embassy of 36 Travel Insurance Center 62 Turkey, Embassy of 39 Ukraine, Embassy of 52 Westbrooke Place Apartments 15 Wings Private Jets 9
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dawn Parker
DIRECTOR OF SALES New York, Neil Collins ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Kito James, Rueben Martin, Leslie Woods-Hulse MARKETING Traci Allen EVENT COORDINATOR ASSISTANTS Sarah Pomeroy, Rounak Muthiyan Marisa Rainera, Rima Wandhekar To contact an advertising executive CALL: 202.536.4810 FAX: 202.370.6882 EMAIL: dparker@diplomaticconnections.com Diplomatic Connections Website Design & Development IMS (Inquiry Management Systems) 304 Park Avenue South, 11th Floor New York, NY 10010 TOLL FREE: 877.467.8721 X701 Website: www.ims.com Marc Highbloom, Vice President marc@ims.ca Laura West, Project Manager lwest@ims.ca Reflections Photography 631 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003 202.204.6700 x202 www.Reflections-Photo.com Joanne Amos, President Steve Amos, Vice-President Reflections Photography Contributing photographers for Diplomatic Connections Gustavo Gargallo Franmarie Metzler -Cover Photo Abby Brack, Kristen Hall, Ginger Wilber
6
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 / Suite 200 Washington, DC 20016 Diplomatic Connections Quarterly Business is published Quarterly Diplomatic Connections does not endorse any of the goods and services offered herein this publication. Copyright 2008 by Diplomatic Connections All rights reserved.
Cover Editor
Onfrom the Front Letter the
Dear Readers, Thank you for all your articles, comments and feedback in response to our Summer edition of the Diplomatic Connections Quarterly magazine. For this Autumn edition, we have enjoyed covering your Diplomatic receptions, Cultural events, State visits of your highly-esteemed Dignitaries and your participation in Global meetings. Some highlights in this publication are: 1) Saudi King Adbullah convenes historical Dialogue Conference in Madrid, Spain bringing together over 200 delegates from around the world 2) Italian Ambassador Castellaneta organizes the G-8 Series on Global Issues - Russian Ambassador Kislyah attends 3) British Embassy launches UKinUSA Website 4) National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce hosts a welcome reception for the IMF/World Bank meetings in October 5) Embassy of Finland convenes with “cultural attaches” from many countries 6) Ambassador Jawad of Afghanistan and Ambassador Jones-Bos of the Netherlands host a reception for “In Afghanistan” photo exhibition 7) Clinton Global Initiative in New York - Former President Clinton brings together World Leaders 8) Australian, Canadian and Irish Embassies launch cultural exhibits 9) Germany celebrates their Reunification Day with United States Deputy Secretary of Treasury, Robert Kimmitt and 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medalists 10) A Piece of History ~ An exclusive photo of President Bush with Ambassador Adel Al-Jubeir of Saudi Arabia, King Abullah of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Alwaleed of Saudi Arabia and King Abdullah of Jordan at a meeting in Sharm El Shaikh, Egypt 11) Anthony Kennedy Shriver honors Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, wife of the Emir of Qatar, with the “Spirit of Leadership Award” for her outstanding efforts on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities in Qatar and throughout the world. The 20th Annual Best Buddies Ball Raises $3.35 Million to support the International Best Buddies Program. 900 attendees from around the world gathered at the home of Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver in Potomac, Maryland and Qatar Airways US was a proud sponsor of this commemorative event. 12) Ambassador Wickramasuriya of Sri Lanka and John Berry of the Smithsonian Institution Zoo celebrate “Asian Elephant Day” 13) Ambassador Collins of Ireland hosts a welcome reception for Ireland’s Foreign Minister Martin 14) Ambassador Sensoy and Mrs. Sensoy of Turkey host a presentation for Leonard DaVinci’s ~ Turkish Connection 15) Nancy Pelosi bestowed Knighthood by Italian Ambassador Castellaneta 16) Saudi Ambassador Al-Jubeir hosts reception for the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 17) Ukranian Ambassador Shamshur hosts a reception to celebrate the 17th anniversary of Ukranian Independence 18) Prof. Vittorio Daniore, M.D. of the Embassy of Italy hosts a conference on Global Health with the collaboration of Dr. Borjanka Oljaca-Leifboff of the International Medicine Program at George Washington University Hospital 19) United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff attends event hosted by Ambassador Collins of Ireland It is our sincerest hope you will enjoy reading about the Diplomatic / International current events we’ve covered in our Autumn quarterly publication. If you would like to submit any articles on topics of Human Interests, World Trade / Ecomony and Culture to be published in future Diplomatic Connections magazines, go to: www.diplomaticconnections.com and click on “contact us’ Diplomatic Connections’ publications, website and receptions/trade shows provide an exclusive and unprecedented platform for a variety of businesses to showcase their services and products. For futher information on how to get your company represented in the publication, call 202.536.4810 or e mail: dparker@diplomaticconnections.com We hope you enjoy our Autumn edition of Diplomatic Connections Business Quarterly. Sincerely, Dawn Parker Founder & Publisher
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008 3
Borjanka Oljaca-Leiboff, MD Director, International Medicine TELEPHONE: FAX:
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Royal Embassy of
Saudi Arabia
Saudi King Convenes Historical Interfaith Dialogue Conference On July 16-18, the World Conference on Dialogue convened in Madrid, Spain bringing together over 200 delegates from around the world representing Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism and Confucianism. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, called for the conference to promote interfaith dialogue. It followed a meeting of more than 500 Islamic scholars that took place in Makkah, Saudi Arabia in June.
Following on from this conference, the United Nations General Assembly will hold a high-level plenary meeting on interfaith dialogue on November 12-13, 2008, under agenda item 45, “Culture of World Peace,� requested by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Top right: King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud addresses the conference Bottom right: King Juan Carlos I of Spain greets King Abdullah upon arrival in Spain Bottom left: King Abdullah greets conference delegates
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Photos provided by the Saudi Press Agency
King Abdullah opened the World Conference on Dialogue with a call for people of all faiths to embrace reconciliation, focus on their shared values and reject extremism. The gathering focused on four major themes: The importance of dialogue in human society; the foundations of religious/civilizational dialogue; the common human aspects in dialogue; and the evaluation & promotion of dialogue.
Royal Embassy of
Saudi Arabia
Top photos are of: King Adbullah of Saudi Arabia (left), Ambassador Al-Jubeir, Saudi Ambassador to the United States (center) and Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul Mohsin Al-Turki, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (right) greet representatives as they enter the conference Bottom right corner: Saudi Delegation
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008
Royal Embassy of
Saudi Arabia
Top left: King Carlos greets HRH Prince Bandar bin Sultan Secretary-General for National Security Affairs Top right: King Carlos addresses the conference Center left: Saudi and Spanish Foreign Ministers meet Center right: King Abdullah, Ambassador Al-Jubeir and a Buddhist Monk Bottom: Delegates of the World Conference on Dialogue
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Royal Embassy of
Saudi Arabia
Top (pictured left to right) Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdul Mohsin Al-Turki, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League; King Juan Carlos I of Spain; King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; and H.E. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Prime Minister of Spain
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diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008
Embassy of
Italy
G-8 Breakfast Series Italian Embassy to present series of discussions on global issues during 2009
Top left: H.E. Giovanni Castellaneta, Ambassador of Italy Far left: H.E. Sergey Kislyah, Ambassador of Russia Left: General Wesley K. Clark (ret.)
By Lisa Di Bernardo Embassy of Italy Throughout 2008-2009, the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC, will be organizing a series of working breakfasts and events aimed at presenting Italy’s G8 Presidency during 2009. The main objective is to foster reflection and study of global issues in view of Italy’s G8 agenda. The idea is to encourage a series of discussions on a single underlying theme:
is the current international architecture still effective and capable of facing today’s challenges or should it be revised so as to make it more responsive to the needs of the 21st century? The first working breakfast of the “G-8 Breakfast Series” took place on September 18, 2008. Chaired by the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Giovanni Castellaneta, and with the valued contribution of General Wesley K. Clark (retired), the discussion focused on political
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and security matters, with particular regard to the theme: is Europe capable, and is the U.S. willing, to better work together to address new areas of common threat? After the end of the Cold War, the bipolar US-Soviet paradigm was eventually replaced by the complex and asymmetrical nature of newly emerging threats, both traditional and non-traditional. Since 9/11, the “war on terror” has dominated the debate in the international arena. As non-state actors, in the form
Embassy of
Italy
Left: H.E. Sergey Kislyak Ambassador of Russia, H.E. Giovanni Castellaneta Ambassador of Italy and General Wesley K. Clark (ret.)
of independent terrorist organizations, continue to update their tactics through innovative methods, aided by contemporary technology, constant vigilance remains a key priority. The complexity of the struggles spans several fronts from Afghanistan and Iraq to the virtual world of cyberspace and global media airwaves. The continuous debate between the use of “hard power” (the use of military force) and “soft power” (dialogue, culture, values and ideals) is a reminder of the differences in opinion on how to confront emerging threats. Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta highlighted how Europe should strengthen its contribution to global security, undertaking more
Bottom left: Luigi Giovine, The World Bank and Jordan D. Stark, Office of Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska
responsibilities and how today’s challenges must be faced with a balanced mix of “soft power” and “hard power.” General Clark underlined the importance of reopening the dialogue with Moscow and remodeling NATO in such a way as to combine military action and effective reconstruction plans. More G8 Breakfast Series events will follow during 2008-2009 and will examine economic and financial issues, as well as environmental and energy concerns.
Bottom right: Michael D. Mosettig Senior Producer for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and Marco S. Vicenzino President and Director of Global Strategy Project and guest Other photos: Attendees of the breakfast meeting
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008 11
Embassy of
Greece Top photo, from left to right: Deputy Chief of Mission Karolos Gadis, Yiorgos Chouliaras, Former Head of Press & Communications Office and Petros Tsarouchis, former Press Attache, Press & Communications Office at the Embassy of Greece in Washington, DC
A Fond Farewell
A party was thrown in September to celebrate Yiorgos Chouliaras as he left Washington to become the Director of the Press & Communication Office and Press Counsellor at the Embassy of Greece in Dublin, Ireland. Before his tenure in Washington, Yiorgos previously served as Press Counsellor in Boston, Massachusetts, in Canada and in Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games. Born in Thessaloniki and educated at Anatolia College, Reed College, and The Graduate Faculty, New School for Social Research, he worked for many years in New York as a university lecturer, advisor to cultural institutions, correspondent, and press officer at the Greek Press & Communication Office at the United Nations.
Yiorgos Chouliaras is the author of Roads of Ink and five previous volumes of poetry in Greek as well as numerous essays—in
Greek and in English—on literature, cultural history, and international relations. Reviews of and translations from his work have been published in leading periodicals, including Agenda, Grand Street, Harvard Review, Modern Poetry in Translation, Ploughshares, Poetry, and World Literature Today. Translations from his work are accessible online at poeticanet.com, where his essay on Greece and Poetry is also available, and elsewhere. An excerpt from his memoir America Is No Longer Here is included in “Greece: A Traveler’s Literary Companion,” while a 2005 interview in English is also accessible online. A founding editor of the influential Greek literary & arts reviews Tram and Hartis and an editor of literary and scholarly periodicals in the United States, he was the third writer from Greece, after Odysseus Elytis and George Savidis, to serve on the jury of the Neustadt International Prize for Literature. An Emeritus Member of the Board of the Ottawa International Writers
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Festival, he was elected and served on the Executive Board of the Hellenic Authors’ Society as Vice President for international relations.
Deputy Chief of Mission Karolos Gadis, Embassy of Greece
Embassy of
Greece
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008 13
Embassy of
Malta
CELEBRATING
MALTA’S NAT ONAL DAY N WASHINGTON, DC
“Thanks to Malta’s accession to the European Union four years ago, Malta has strengthened the sovereignty it acquired with Independence 44 years ago,” said Mark Miceli, Malta’s Ambassador to the United States, stated this during the National Day Reception organized in Washington, DC. “Malta is no longer an island; today it is an active participant within the EU’s globally influential economic and political institutions.” The festivities were attended by various European Heads of Mission, headed by the Ambassador of France, holder of the European Presidency, Mr Pierre Vimont, by Senior Officials from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Treasury, and by members of the Maltese community residing in the greater Washington area. Ambassador Miceli informed his audience about the signing of the Double Taxation Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Visa Waiver Program between Malta and the U.S. Administration. These Agreements will enhance the already strong bilateral relations between both countries. The Ambassador also announced a number of US credentialled courses being coordinated in Malta by the University of Malta in cooperation with different American universities.
Bottom left: Ambassador Mark Miceli greeting the Ambassador of France, holder of the EU Presidency, Mr. Pierre Vimont Bottom right: Dr. Richard C. Barth, Assistant Secretary for Policy Development at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Ambassador Mark Miceli and Mrs. Carol Barth
Photos by Bruce Guthrie
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Embassy of
Malta
Malta Participates in the “Parade of Nations” Ms. Joyce Ann Said, an attractive, young American lady of Maltese lineage, represented Malta during this year’s “Parade of Nations”—a showcase of diverse national costumes, organized annually by the Congressional Club. For the occasion, Ms. Said wore a blue-toned, traditional Maltese peasant dress with matching apron, enhanced by a white headscarf and hand-crafted, lace collar-wear.Mrs. Josette Miceli-Farrugia, wife of the Ambassador of Malta to the USA, borrowed the traditional dress from Malta—an heirloom of Mrs. Victoire Borg Manché. Every year, the Congressional Club, composed of spouses of Senators,
Barverein In October 2006, several staff members of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and their families founded the “Barclub” (or “Barverein” in German). This association of volunteers organizes an after-work happy hour once a month on the premises of the German Embassy. It provides a great networking opportunity for anyone interested in joining staff members of Embassies and International Organizations with a DC office. Trancending these informal contacts, the mission of the association is to support local non-profit organizations by donating funds and much-needed equipment. The latest donation
Congressmen, Supreme Court Judges, and Cabinet Officials, hosts a fellowship event for spouses of the Diplomatic Corps in Washington, DC. Viewers have the opportunity to compare the diverse, colourfully and culturally rich national costumes of countries from Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. Ms. Said, who is Vice President at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Washington, DC, enjoys dual American and Maltese citizenship. She and her U.S.-based, Maltese-born, parents frequently visit their holiday home in Malta. Ms. Said’s cultural pursuits include the study of Maltese history.
went to the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless (www.aachhomeless.org). The Barclub purchased a mobile barbeque/smoker for AACH which will be invaluable to promote the cause of the homeless in the future. The Chairman, Mr. Karl Roessler of the German Embassy, officially presented this donation to the AACH on behalf of the dedicated club members and contributors on September 16, 2008. He called the AACH a “marvelous and successful example of an organization providing the foundation for individuals to rebuild their lives.” Mr. Roessler announced that the Barclub is planning to
support another non-profit organization shortly by making another wonderful donation. If you would like to be a part of the Barclub at the German Embassy, please call Mr. Karl Roessler at: (202) 298-4000
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008 15
British Embassy Britain’s Voice in America: UKinUSA Website By Melanie Hinton British Embassy An Embassy website is a Government’s store front window. Itis often the first thing that the public access when looking for information on a country whether it be consular or visa news; foreign policy; about your home country or where you are and who is your Ambassador. The British Embassy in Washington and our Consulate-Generals across the United States view our website, ukinusa.fco.gov.uk, as our number one public diplomacy tool. A websites importance means that we need to ensure that it not only delivers the information we want to convey about on how we can work together in climate change; challenges in Afghanistan; how international institutions such as the UN, World Bank and the IMF can be reformed to meet 21st century needs; or why our relationship with the United States is the most important bilateral relationship on both sides of the Atlantic. It also needs to be intuitive, fast, welldesigned, user-friendly and communicative. Communicative? Yes, a good website should invite dialogue. The British Government’s network of Embassies around the world seek to listen as well as inform. That is why the British Embassy recently launched it’s blog where a number of staff, including Ambassador Nigel Sheinwald and his Deputy Dominick Chilcott, will share their expertise and opinion on today’s key issues: Iran, international development; the economy; public diplomacy; foreign trade and more. The success of our blog will be measured on how well it helps us establish an open dialogue on these key issues, how many comments we receive and who is commenting. Modern diplomacy is not about diatribes it is about dialogue. UKinUSA is a living site, updated frequently. Please visit or better yet, sign up for our e-alerts or RSS feed so you don’t miss key statements, speeches or news from the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Foreign Secretary David Miliband, other Ministers and Ambassador Nigel Sheinwald.
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British Embassy
Opposite page, top right: Andy Pryce, Head of Public Affairs at the British Embassy; on either side of Mr. Pryce is Kelvin Williams and Peter Harding both with the British School of Washington Opposite page, bottom right: Tanya Jones, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Stacy Hope with the European Union Commission, and Melanie Hinton and Mao-Lin Shen both with the British Embassy Top left: Terence Murphy of MK Technology (left) and Nic Hailey, Counsellor at the British Embassy (right) Bottom left (left to right): Michael Steele, Elizabeth Passanha and Bradley E. Keelor, all with the British Embassy Top center (left to right): Brian C. McGuigan, Public Affairs Advisor at the British Embassy, Roos Kouwenhoven of the Dutch Embassy and Luke Forgerson of the U.S. Department of State Top right: Kirsten Gercke and Brittany Sammon, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Letter to the
Editor
Dear Diplomatic Connections, Since arriving in Washington DC two years ago I have been nothing but impressed by the way the Defense and Single Service Foreign Liaison teams in the Department of Defense look after the attaché corps. They take the trouble to organize social groups of attachés as well as more formal activities such as the Defense Attaché Operations Orientation Program. Last autumn this involved a visit to U.S. forces stationed in Hawaii. I have been equally grateful for the way in which the wider Washington DC community make diplomatic families welcome. One example is The Hospitality Information Service (THIS), a group of dedicated local volunteers who organize interesting cultural
Activities for diplomatic families such as a private tour of the National Portrait Gallery. This warm welcoming attitude has also been extended to my four children by the two schools they attend. Both schools were particularly caring and to help them settle in organized buddy families. These families arranged play dates before the children started school so that they had familiar faces on the first day in their new schools. I have been particularly impressed by how well we have been treated as an allied partner and by the way the extraordinary benefits and respect ordinary Americans give to the U.S. Armed Forces has been extended to
my husband for example while waiting in uniform at an airport he was bought a meal by a stranger to thank him for his service. It is a pleasure to be posted to Washington, DC. Sincerely, Rachel Fielding British Embassy
If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, please contact us at: dparker@diplomaticconnections.com diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008 17
National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce
On October 10, 2008, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) hosted business leaders from across the Arab world at NUSACC’s second annual Welcome Reception for the IMF/World Bank Meetings. Sponsored by Emaar, FransaBank, Burgan Bank, Citi, and Venture Capital Bank, the reception allowed the participants of this year’s meetings to come together and establish themselves as a community working together for the growth of their nations, as well as the Arab world.
NUSACC President & CEO David Hamod and H.E. Ali Aujali, Ambassdor of Libya
Don DeMarino, Chairman of the NUSACC Board of Directors, as well as the Chamber’s President and CEO David Hamod, greeted delegations from Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Libya, Mauritania, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The Welcome Reception was a “kickoff” event for the annual IMF/World Bank meetings, and was one of few events to cater specifically to the entire Arab world. It provided an opportunity to begin this year’s historic international finance and development meetings with a sense of unity and accord. This event allowed participants to renew and strengthen relationships among delegation members and with American counterparts, as well as to support stronger U.S.-Arab trade and investment cooperation.
NUSACC President & CEO David Hamod and H.E. Houda Nonoo, Ambassador of Bahrain
NUSACC Board Chairman, Don DeMarino and H.E. Suhair Al-Ali, Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation
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H.E. Abdullah Al-Thani, Qatar Central Bank Governor and NUSACC President & CEO David Hamod
National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce
NUSACC’s Reception for IMF/ World Bank Meetings
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008 19
A PIECE OF HISTORY
H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Ambassador to the United States, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudia Arabia, HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein of Jordan and President George Bush in Sharm El Shaikh, Egypt
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Embassy of
Finland
The Finnish “Screaming Men” Top right: Mrs. Kristiina Hako and Mr. Pekka Hako, Cultural Counselor at the Embassy of Finland
By Anita Honkanen Embassy of Finland The cultural team of the Embassy of Finland kicked off the cultural season with a bang. The Kick off the Cultural Season event and the architecturally renowned embassy building attracted nearly a hundred cultural collegues from all over the world who work in Washington, DC. “We wanted to offer an opportunity for networking. Finland wants to operate as a unifier for all the countries in the world, and culture is the perfect instrument for that,” says Cultural Counselor Pekka Hako. The special guest stars of the evening were the Finnish choir “Screaming Men” (“Huutajat”) who among other things screamed Nordic lullabies under the direction of choir leader Petri Sirviö. The audience was amused by the precicely choreographed Finnish humor. This odd 25-man strong choir has toured the world already for 20 years.
Top center right: On the left Mr. Pekka Sauri, Deputy Mayor of Helsinki City, who was visiting Washington DC in environmental matters Center right: (from right to left) Mr. Michele Giacalone, Public Relations, Italian Cultural Institute together with Ms. Mara Del Col and spouse Left: The Screaming Men with conductor Mr. Petri Sirviö
The Finnish cultural team was applauded for its initiative to gather all the cultural teams from all the embassies in Washington, DC under one roof. One of the people responsible for the idea and its excecution is Cultural Coordinator Anita Honkanen, who has worked for the Finnish Foreign Ministry for over 20 years. At the end of the evening, she deemed the night “a success beyond our expectations.”
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Embassy of
Finland
Top left: Cultural Teams of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden (Ms. Linda TocchiniValentini, Ms. Jannicke Jaeger, Ms. Ingerid Lund, Ms. Sofia Ruhne, Ms. Elisabeth d’Auchamp, Mr. and Mrs. Pekka Hako, Mr. Torsten Jansen, Mr. Arild Stroemmen, Ms. Anita Honkanen, Ms. Marjatta Talbot, Ms. Helen Gästrin, Ms. Liisa Rutanen) Top right: Mr. Béla Gedeon, Cultural Attaché of Hungary, Ms. Monika Varga, Ms. Nida Dalmantaite, First Secretary from the Embassy of Lithuania, Mr. Andrei Valentinov, Head of Press and Culture for Embassy of Estonia Center left: Mr. Andrew Sostek, Ms. Rhoda Septilici, Ms. Cathrine Gyldensted and Mr. Torsten Jansen, Minister Counselor at the Embassy of Demark Bottom left: Mr. José Ignacio Mariátegui, Head of Public Diplomacy at the Embassy of Peru, Mrs. Cecilia Mariátegui, Ms. Marirene Muñiz and Mr. Juan Riveros from the Embassy of Peru Bottom right: Ms. Elisabeth d’Auchamp from the Embassy of Denmark, Ms. Ingerid Lund, Mr. Arild Stroemmen, Ms. Lina Toerum from the Embassy of Norway and Ms. Sofia Ruhne from the Embassy of Sweden
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008 23
Embassies of
The Netherlands & Afghanistan
In Afghanistan: the exhibition
Hans Stakelbeek, H.E. Said Tayeb Jawad, Ambassador of Afghanistan and Mrs. Shamim Jawad, H.E. Renee Jones-Bos and Rear Admiral Matthieu Borsboom.
Ambassador Renée Jones-Bos of the Netherlands and Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad of Afghanistan hosted a reception for the “In Afghanistan” photo exhibition at the Touchstone Gallery in Washington, DC. “In Afghanistan” is a series of striking photographs that reveal the Afghan people as they go about their daily lives. Dutch photographer Hans Stakelbeek was embedded with Dutch troops in the province of Uruzgan as he documented Afghan life amid the reconstruction that is taking place in the country. During the evening, Hans Stakelbeek offered his personal recollection of his time in Afghanistan and the spirit of the Afghan people as he led guests through the exhibition. At the reception, Ambassador Jones-Bos noted that there are nearly 2,000 Dutch troops in Uruzgan as part of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force. The Dutch government uses a comprehensive approach in Afghanistan consisting of defense, development and diplomacy.
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“A comprehensive approach is needed if we want Afghan girls and boys to grow up in peace, go to school, get the healthcare they deserve, get a job or start a business to earn their living. In short, we want them to be free to pursue any dream they might have,” said Ambassador Jones-Bos. Ambassador Jawad spoke of the strong relationship between the Netherlands and Afghanistan. “ ‘In Afghanistan’ highlights the close cooperation with the Netherlands in fighting extremism and working to build a peaceful and prosperous society. From a past that left glorious buildings destroyed and a people left to pick up the pieces, the Netherlands is contributing to a future of hope and peace,” said Ambassador Jawad. In addition to Washington, “In Afghanistan” was exhibited in galleries in Berlin and London. At the Touchstone Gallery, the photographs were on display from September 10 through October 4.
Embassies of
The Netherlands & Afghanistan
Top left: Colonel Hans van der Louw, Colonel Theo Rikken, Air Commodore Tom de Bok Top center: Gerard van der Wulp and Peter Hickman Top right: Guest speaking with Ambassador Jawad of Afghanistan Center: Floris van Hovel, Peter Theunissen and Marc Verburgt Center right: Astrid Fitzgerald and Zev Slurzberg Second from bottom right: Brigadier General Richard Lake, Air Commodore Tom de Bok and Dr. Chantal de Jonge Oudraat
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Clinton Global
Initiative
A GLOBAL CALL TO ACTION Top: U2 lead singer and activist Bono involved in the discussion at the opening plenary session at the CGI 4th Annual Meeting held September 24, 2008 in New York. Other panelists included Vice President Al Gore (right) and Neville Isdell (left), Chairman of the Board of The Coca-Cola Company Bottom: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg discusses the demands of population growth and urbanization
To achieve lasting peace, prevent a climate disaster, and reduce poverty and inequality, we must cultivate a sense of shared responsibility for the wellbeing of the world. The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) brings together a diverse group of the world’s most distinguished leaders from government, business, non-profits and philanthropy—as well as students, university presidents, and concerned citizens everywhere—to do just that. In 2005, President Clinton launched CGI after attending many meetings over the course of his life in which participants talked a lot about problems but didn’t create concrete solutions. CGI is unique because our members are required to make Commitments to Action, which are specific, measurable plans for addressing the world’s most challenging issues. This past September in New York City, nearly 60 heads of state, hundreds of CEOs, five Nobel Peace Prize laureates, dozens of leading philanthropists and global leaders— including both U.S. presidential candidates—took part in our fourth CGI Annual Meeting. Our meetings provide the opportunity for collaboration between public and private sector participants to solve global problems in new and innovative ways. Since 2005, CGI members have made more than 1,200 commitments valued at more than $46 billion to improve the lives of 200 million people in 150 countries. And commitments made at the 2008 Annual Meeting are expected to impact almost 160 million people.
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Clinton Global
Initiative
Top left: President Bill Clinton welcomes President George H.W. Bush to the event Top right: President Clinton welcomes U.S. Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) to a summit on Water, Food & Energ Right: A conversation between Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates and President Clinton.
As in years past, we discussed many of the major challenges of our time, including poverty and economic empowerment, energy and climate change, health and education. While CGI brings leaders together to discuss and learn about issues, our real focus is on action and measurable results. CGI member commitments have helped provide 8 million children with access to improved education and another 11 million children with access to better health care.
Thanks to the work of CGI members, more than 4 million people have been provided with clean energy services, more than 3 million have increased access to safe drinking water, and 42 million children have benefited from interventions that address malnutrition or under nutrition. This year, President Clinton is expanding CGI’s effective model to more people in more regions. In March, we held the first meeting of CGI University (CGI U) at Tulane University in New Orleans. Hundreds of
college students and university officials from the United States and other nations attended and made commitments that range from reducing greenhouse gas emissions on their campuses to creating medical backpacks for roving doctors in Africa. At CGI Asia in Hong Kong this December 2nd and 3rd, President Clinton will convene Asian leaders from business, government, philanthropy and the non-profit sector to take action on regional and world challenges. Asia is brimming with up-
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Clinton Global
Initiative
Photos courtesy of Paul Morse, Juliana Thomas and Todd France/Clinton Global Initiative
and-coming economies, with two economic powerhouses—China and India—leading the way. These countries not only have the ability to address pressing issues regarding health care, climate change and poverty on a local scale, but can play a major role regionally and internationally as well. Online, more than 100,000 people from over 190 countries have logged onto MyCommitment.org, committing nearly 350,000 volunteer hours, donating more than 40,000 items and pledging over $1.7 million to better their communities and help people from other countries. Today’s global challenges call for a new spirit of collaboration. CGI’s unique approach to addressing those challenges—through partnership, accountability, and measurable results—is helping foster a culture of global citizenship around the world.
Top: Lance Armstrong answers questions in the press briefing room Left: Closing remarks for the plenary session on “Integrated Solutions: Water, Food & Energy” were given by U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) via videotape Bottom: Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud of Saudi Arabia on the panel of the plenary session “Meeting the Demands of Population Growth and Urbanization.”
CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE
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Clinton Global
Initiative Left: Tom Brokaw moderated the session titled “Integrated Solutions: Water, Food & Energy.” Panelists included (left to right): Gavin Newsom, Mayor, City of San Francisco; Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Leader, Danish Social Democratic Party; T. Boone Pickens, Chairman and CEO, BP Capital; Shimon Peres, President, State of Israel; Robert Zoellick, President, The World Bank Group Top: Panelists of the “Generating Profits, Jobs and Equitable Growth” from left to right are Hernando de Soto, President, Institute for Liberty and Democracy; Tulsi Tanti, Chairman and Managing Director, Suzlon Energy, Ltd.; and Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, President and Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund. Bottom: Florida Governor Charlie Crist answering questions in the press briefing room
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Embassy of
Canada
Priceless Collection of Maps & Documents at Canadian Embassy Samuel de Champlain
In an era before Mapquest, Google Maps and GPS, travellers relied on explorers to show us the way. The Embassy of Canada is proud to host Champlain’s Dream, a collection of priceless notebooks, maps and documents, some of which were drawn by Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Québec City and one of the first cartographers of North America. “This collection provides a window on Champlain’s explorations and the critical role he played in the development of both our countries by mapping the North East,” said Michael Wilson, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States. “This exhibit coincides with the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City, the cradle of French language and culture in North America.” Known as the Father of New France, Samuel de Champlain was integral in opening North America to French commerce, especially the fur trade. His travels took him along the St. Lawrence River and as far south as New York State and Vermont, where he mapped what is now known as Lake Champlain. “This is one of the world’s best collections of a great American explorer. What I find fascinating is how expansive Champlain’s vision of New France was, incorporating large sections of New England and New York. The U.S.-Canada border has always been more fluid than a simple line on a map,” explained Ted Widmer, Director of the John Carter Brown Library. Curated by the John Carter Brown Library of Rhode Island and in partnership with the Québec Government, Bombardier, and Sun Life, the Champlain’s Dream exhibit is named after a book released this week by Pulitzer award-winning author, David Hackett Fischer.
A map of New France, circa 1674. In 1673 the French fur trader Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit missionary, explored the Mississippi River, but records they kept of their trip were lost in a canoe accident. Upon his return to Quebec, Jolliet drew a map from memory, and the manuscript shown here—one of the earliest representations of the course of the Mississippi—is one of several copies that were made at the time. Away from the areas the French party actually traversed, the geography is fairly poor, but the map accurately shows the location of various Indian nations, information of vital interest to French traders and missionaries. The cartouche at the left is a copy of a letter to the Governor of New France, Count Frontenac, in which Jolliet alludes to the fertility of the country and also to a (non-existent) water passage that would connect the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. With this kind of information about the interior readily available to the French, New Englanders’ concerns were certainly realistic.
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Posthumous portrait of Champlain by E. Ronjat (19th C)
Samuel de Champlain, “The Father of New France,” was raised in Brouage, a town on the Atlantic coast of France during the 16th century. He became one of the most important explorers in North America by mapping much of Eastern Canada and the North-Eastern United States in fourteen different voyages to the New World. Over a span of thirty years, he founded many French settlements in North America, including the first permanent French colony in the New World in Quebec City on the Saint Lawrence River. Soon thereafter he created another settlement in Place-Royale, present-day Montreal. The colonies were created as fur-trading centers and helped open up North America to French trade, as well as increase the importance of the French-First Nation relationship. Champlain’s exploration into Eastern Canada led to the mapping of the region, the founding of settlements and the development of a trading network with the Native population. It is because of Champlain’s vision that the future colonization of Quebec could take place and why we call him “The Father of New France.”
Embassy of
His Excellency Michael Wilson, Ambassador of the Embassy of Canada
Canada
The exhibit will run from October 14, 2008 until December 30, 2008 in the Embassy of Canada Art Gallery. Located at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008 31
Embassy of Federal Republic of
His Excellency Klaus Scharioth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany
Deputy Secretary Robert Kimmitt, United States Department of Treasury
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Germany
Embassy of Federal Republic of
Germany
2008 Beijing Olympics
Bryan Clay
LaShawn Merritt
Shalane Flanagan
Alan Webb
By Enrico Brandt Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany This year’s celebration of the national holiday of Germany, the Day of German Unity, had the theme “(e)motions.” The Germans commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, promoted the leading role of Germany’s car technology, relaunched the Embassy’s Website and announced the IAAF World Championships in Athletics, taking place in Berlin in 2009. Among the special guests at the reception were four of the United States’ most successful track and field athletes, LaShawn Merritt, Bryan Clay, Shalane Flanagan and Alan Webb. They spoke of their aspirations for their participation in that international meet in Berlin. Also present was Dr. Clemes Prokop of the Berlin Organizing Committee of the World Championships. In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Klaus Scharioth highlighted the “unwavering support of the American people” that had been key to the end of the painful division of Germany 18 years ago. We are grateful and we will not forget,” the Ambassador continued. Deputy Secretary Robert Kimmitt’s remarks underscored the very strong relationship between the United States and Germany in all fields. He especially reminded the audience of the economic and financial ties between the two countries. “We will draw on the depth and strength of our relationship to accomplish more together than we ever could alone,” he said. Bosch LLC Chairman, President and CEO Peter Marks spoke as well, highlighting German-U.S. economic ties and reminding the audience that there are more than 3,000 German companies operating in the U.S., creating almost 700,000 jobs.
Top, left to right: Bryan Clay 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medalist—Decathlon 2008 IAAF Valencia Gold Medal World Indoor Championship— Heptathlon LaShawn Merritt 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medalist—400m 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medalist—4 X 400m 2008 Olympic Trials 400m Champion Shalane Flanagan 2008 Beijing Olympic Bronze Medalist—10,000m Alan Webb Finished 5th in the US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon
The more than 2,500 guests were delighted by the cheerful and well organized reception of this year.
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Embassy of Federal Republic of
Germany
Left: Matthias Wolf of Hengst of North America and Mrs. Wolf Center left: Norman Johnson of Robert Bosch and Anna-Maria Schneider of Volkswagen Bottom left: Nancy Pincombe Docksai, Astrid E. Schulte Ruggeri of BMW and Sheriece Matias of Volkswagen of America Center right: Matthias Seidl COO of Volkswagen of American, Thomas C. Baloga Vice President of Engineering -US of BMW of North America, David Geanacopoulos Executive Vice President of Volkswagen of America, Daniel Ehreiser Research Assistant of Volkswagen of America Bottom right: Sarah Pomeroy of Diplomatic Connections and Colonel Dmitry V. Kotov, Embassy of Russia
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Embassy of Federal Republic of
Germany
Top right: Lieutenant Colonel Takehiro TASAKI Embassy of Japan and Mrs. TASAKI, Wing Commander Pete Griffin New Zealand Embassy and Mrs. Griffin, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Hogan Embassy of Canada and Mrs. Hogan Top left: Barbara Stiem and Silvana Reimann of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Center left: Brig. Gen. Mirco Luliani Embassy of Italy, Maj. Gen. Emil Pupis Embassy of the Czech Republic Center middle: Lt. Col. Guermates Lailari and Mrs. Stefani Lailari Center right: Enrico Brandt Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and Mrs. Brandt Bottom left: Lee Godown, Public Strategies; Claus Gramckow, Fur Die Freiheit; guest; and Alexander Kleine of IBG Bottom right: Jeff Werner, David M. Trebing, Emily Wilson and President & CEO Andreas Maas all with Daimler
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008 35
Embassy of
Sri Lanka
H. E. Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Ambassador of Sri Lanka
Washington, DC Celebrates Asian “ Elephant Day� with Sri Lanka at the Center Elephants, Ceylon Tea, Kandyan Dancing and Sri Lankan costumes vividly punctuated the Asian Elephant Day celebrations, held at the United States National Zoological Park in Washington D. C. on 23rd August 2008, while as many as 15,000 visitors attended the attractions scheduled for the day. The celebrations, organized jointly by the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), an NGO working with the Smithsonian, and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C., highlighted the efforts being made for protecting wildlife in the Asian region with special emphasis on Sri Lankan elephants. At the center of attraction were Shanthi, a female elephant donated to the National Zoo by Sri Lanka in 1977 and Kandula, a male elephant born to her in 2001.
The activities planned for the day kicked off with a breakfast reception, which was attended by a large number of VIPs, including the newly appointed Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Mr. John Berry, Director of the National Zoological Park, Mr. Robert Lamb, Executive Director of FONZ, a host of senior officials representing US Departments of State, Commerce, Agriculture, Office of the USTR, media and many animal lovers and enthusiasts. Director of the Zoological Park, Mr. Berry, having extended a warm welcome to all the VIP guests, briefed them on the on-going construction project of Elephant Trails, a facility designed for providing a larger area for elephants within a natural setting. He also highlighted the new strategies, pursued
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John Berry, Director of the Smithsonian Institution National Zoological Park
by the authorities concerned in Sri Lanka, in particular, the Center for Conservation Research and the Department of Wildlife in close collaboration with the National Zoo for mitigating the human-elephant conflict. In his remarks, Ambassador Wickramsuriya touched upon the cordial relations continuing between the Smithsonian and the wildlife conservation authorities in Sri Lanka and the efforts being made for protecting elephants. He was pleased to note that Shanthi and Kandula had become a symbol of the strong friendship established between the people of the United States and Sri Lanka. The Ambassador assured that the Embassy would extend every possible support and cooperation to the Smithsonian Institution and FONZ in further enhancing the existing relations.
Embassy of
Sri Lanka
Center left: Robert J. Lamb Executive Director of FONZ (Friends of the National Zoo) and representative from the Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bottom right: Representative from the Embassy of Sri Lanka and Jack H. Liao.
The Ambassador also thanked the United States for all the assistance and cooperation extended to the people of Sri Lanka. He said that fostering closer relations between the people of the two countries would certainly help them have a deeper understanding about each other and understanding each other would help them effectively overcome the common challenges and difficulties they face today in the international arena. The public events, commenced after the VIP reception and continued till evening included many attractions such as Sri Lanka dance performances, demonstration of sari wearing, tea tasting, elephant bath and weigh-in, logging and mud wallow demonstrations, 60th birthday celebration of Ambika, a female elephant donated by
India and research & conservation projects carried out by the Smithsonian Institution and the FONZ around the world. The dances, performed by “Sigiri Lalanavo” a group of young Sri Lankan female artists with soothing background music combining Kandyan drums and fusionistic rhythms provided a fitting environment to the celebrations, throughly enjoyed by thousands of visitors. The female staff of embassy, who manned the demonstration of sari wearing assisted well over hundred ladies, young and old, who lined up to enjoy draping themselves in saris, both Kandyan and Indian styles. The tea tasting stall was another hive of activity from the beginning to the end with
many queuing up for a cup of world famous Ceylon tea, served both hot and iced. By the end of the day, the stall had served staggering seventy gallons of tea, mainly iced, to the traditionally coffee drinking Americans. Walters Bay International, a Texas-based business partner of Bogawantalawa Estates in Sri Lanka, supported the Sri Lankan Embassy by providing teas and all the iced tea brewing equipment on complementary basis. Walters Bay International was adjudged the best iced tea at the World Tea Expo for four consecutive years from 2004 to 2007. The celebrations ended around 4.00pm in the evening, providing an informative and enjoyable experience to the visitors on the one hand, while injecting a new impetus to the U.S.-Sri Lanka relations on the other.
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008 37
Embassy of
Sri Lanka
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Embassy of
Turkey
Leonardo DaVinci’s
Turkish Connection
H.E. Nabi Sensoy, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey and former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, W. Robert Pearson
On September 8, the Turkish Embassy along with partner and co-organizer, American Friends of Turkey, hosted Dr. Bulent Atalay for the opening presentation of the 2008-2009 season in the Turkish Embassy Lecture Series: Leonardo da Vinci and the Turkish Connection. Doors of the Embassy opened at 6:30 p.m. to academics, professionals in design and architecture and students. The program began after the welcoming ceremony, with the introduction of Dr. Bulent Atalay by Mrs. Gulgun Sensoy, the wife of the Ambassador of Turkey. In his lecture, Dr. Atalay talked about Leonardo’s “Turkish Connection.” In 1953 a scholar, carrying out an inventory of the documents in the archives of the Topkapi Palace, uncovered a letter from Leonardo to the Court of Sultan
Beyazit. Written exactly 500 years earlier, Leonardo is seen to be offering his services as a military engineer in Istanbul, and proposing to build a single-arch bridge over the Golden Horn. The lecture was followed by book signing and a small cocktail party where traditional Turkish cuisine was served. Born in Turkey, Dr. Bulent Atalay is a professor of physics at the University of Mary Washington, an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia, and a member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. He received an early classical education in England and the United States, attending Eton (UK) and St. Andrew’s School (Delaware), site of the 1989 Robin Williams film, Dead Poet’s Society. He
received his professional training—BS, MS, MA, Ph.D. and post-doctoral work in theoretical physics—at Georgetown, UCBerkeley, Princeton and Oxford. With works in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Institution, White House, and Buckingham Palace, Dr. Atalay is an accomplished and an inspirational artist. His book, Math and the Mona Lisa, The Art and Science of Leonardo da Vinci, has been reprinted over a dozen times in 10 languages since its publication in 2004 on April 15, which interestingly coincides with Da Vinci’s birthday. Dr. Atalay’s new book in collaboration with Keith Wamsley, Leonardo’s Universe: the Renaissance World of Leonardo da Vinci, will be released in late 2008.
diplomatic connections BUSINEsS QUARTERLY • AUTUMN 2008 39
Embassy of
Malta
Valletta: City of Knights
By Conrad Thake Photographs by Daniel Cilia Valletta’s genesis was conceived in the aftermath of the Great Siege of 1565 when, the Knights of the Order of St John had, against all odds, withstood the onslaught of the Ottoman Turkish army. Grand Master La Valette decreed that a new City of the Order would be built over the then barren Sceberras peninsula. The city would be totally surrounded by massive fortification walls that seem to rise straight from the surrounding sea. This massive urban bulwark would, in the event of an expected Turkish invasion, serve as major line of defence. In fulfilling this vision of building a new city, the Grand Master engaged the Italian architect Francesco Laparelli who had previously served as an assistant to the great Michelangelo whilst preparing designs for
the dome of St Peter’s in Rome. Valletta was planned along a strictly grid-iron plan that was laid along the undulating terrain of the peninsula.
an impending Turkish invasion abated, the Order could afford to focus its energies and finances on the construction of lavish palatial buildings.
Valletta was planned in the tradition of the Ideal Renaissance cities in accordance with a set of rational town planning principles. Valletta’s main raison d’être was that of a fortified military city that would accommodate all the infrastructure and facilities of the Order of St. John. There would be a Co-Cathedral, a Grand Master’s Palace, a Sacra Infermeria or hospital, and several churches and auberges that served as hostels for the knights belonging to the seven langues or languages of Order.
The Knights sought to project Valletta as the monumental Baroque capital of a sovereign and military Order and, in the process, aspired to be recognized on par with other European states on the continent. The early Renaissance palaces were remodeled and enlarged. The Baroque became the prevailing style permeating all art forms: painting, sculpture and architecture. In sharp contrast with other towns on the island, Valletta has throughout its history always been engrained with a distinctive cosmopolitan flavour that dispels all notions of parochial insularity.
Initially, during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century, the architecture was austere and spartan in appearance—a reflection of the military character of the city. However over time, as the threat of
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The Knights were forward-looking and sought to engage the services of established architects, artists and military engineers.
Embassy of
Malta
* A Symposium on “Caravaggio & the Knights of Malta: A 400Year Perspective” was held at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC on Friday, October 24, 2008. Further information is available at: www.udel.edu/ArtHistory Artistic personalities of international fame such as Francesco Buonamici, Romano Carapecchia, Mattia Preti and Caravaggio all contributed to the transformation of Valletta from a relatively austere town to a splendid urban showcase of a Baroque city. Valletta earned its status as a World Heritage Site in 1980 on the basis that it is one of finest Renaissance-period military cities to be built in accordance with an orthogonal plan and also due to its visually impressive and elaborate network of fortifications. There are various major landmarks within Valletta. St. John’s CoCathedral, adorned with Mattia Preti’s frescoes on the life of St. John the Baptist, is a veritable showcase of the Baroque. Within the adjoining Oratory is Caravaggio’s most famous painting ‘The Beheading of St. John’* which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Grand Master’s Palace and the various auberges, palaces and churches built by the Order all contribute to the grand urban spectacle. However, Valletta is not just a historic showpiece. It is a vibrant city where people reside, work or merely visit. It hosts various public manifestations ranging from Carnival, Arts festivals, religious processions, open-air concerts and theatre. A number of historic buildings have been rehabilitated and readapted to contemporary uses. A prime example is that of St James’ Centre for Creativity. This late-sixteenth-century cavalier (raised rampart) set within the city’s fortified land-front was transformed into a socially relevant centre for the creative arts. Valletta as Malta’s capital city faces a number of challenges as it seeks to re-invent itself for contemporary society whilst striving to retain its original historic character. It is no longer the city of a military and religious order as it was originally conceived. Today, it represents the aspiration of an island-state that is a full and active member of the European Union. There are still grand schemes for the site of the former Opera House that was destroyed during the Second World War and for the imposing fortified enclave of Fort St. Elmo. These are projects as yet unfulfilled but which could in the future further consolidate Valletta’s preeminent status as a World Heritage City.
Opposite page: St. John’s Co-Cathedral Top: Romano Carpecchia’s church of St. Catherine of Italy Bottom: Aerial view of Valletta
Throughout the history of cities, there have been a number of socalled ‘instant cities’ that have arisen from a clean slate in accordance with a preconceived plan. One can mention St. Petersburg, Chandigarh, and Brasilia amongst others. Valletta certainly ranks as one of the finest of Ideal Renaissance Cities—a fortified city cast as a machine of war which evolved over the centuries into a veritable Baroque treasure house. Conrad Thake Ph.D (Berkeley) is an architect and co-author of the book “Malta–The Baroque Island” and “Malta–War & Peace: An Architectural Chronicle, 1800-2000.”
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Embassy of
Ireland
Imagining Ireland Left: H.E. Michael Collins Ambassador of the Embassy of Ireland and Secretary Michael Chertoff, US Secretary of Homeland Security Right: Eugene Conway Right center: Secretary Michael Chertoff, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and guest Bottom left: Freya Grand Bottom right: John Kirwan, guest, Stephen O’Sullivan of the IMF
The Ambassador of Ireland, His Excellency Michael Collins and Mrs. Marie Collins, were delighted to launch the exhibition “Imagining Ireland: Sky, Land, Sea” at the historic Arts Club of Washington, DC on October 1. The exhibition by two of Ireland’s finest painters, John Kirwan and Eugene Conway, both from The Molesworth Gallery Dublin, and prominent Washington DC painter, Freya Grand, will be on display at the Arts Club for the full month of October. The opening night reception, sponsored by the Irish Dairy Board, gave the 300 guests present the opportunity to view the very fine collection of landscape paintings.”
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Embassy of
Nancy Pelosi
Italy
Nancy Pelosi Bestowed the Knighthood of the Grand Cross at Villa Firenze Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta Bestowes the Medal upon the Speaker of the House of Representatives, The Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Ambassador of Italy, Giovanni Castellaneta, in the name of the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, conferred upon the Speaker of the House of Representatives, T.H. Nancy Pelosi, the Knighthood of the Grand Cross, the highest honor of the Italian Republic. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the residence of the Italian Ambassador and Mrs. Castellaneta, and saw the participation of Representatives and Senators of both parties. Members of the Italian-American Congressional Caucus as well as members of Congress with special ties of friendship with Italy were present. Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to become Speaker of the House of Representatives, concluded her remarks at Villa Firenze with these words: “God Bless America e Viva l’Italia.” Words spoken with great pride because – as the one known as “most powerful woman of the United States” explained – they are the same words used by her father Thomas D’Alessandro (a former member of the House of Representatives and famous mayor of Baltimore) to conclude
his speeches. “It’s a phrase I cherish very much and I want to repeat tonight with even greater pride”, Pelosi said in front a group of guests, mainly composed by Italian-American members of Congress. Ambassador Castellaneta, in his speech, underlined how this symbol of honor conferred upon the Speaker of the House of Representatives “is meant to be an expression of gratitude towards all Italian-Americans who still have a significant tie to their Italian roots and whose personal and professional lives are guided by the “Italian spirit” that we all share”. The Ambassador also recalled that Pelosi’s father formerly received the same honor: “It’s unusual for two members of the same family – said Castellaneta – to receive the highest honor of the Italian Republic. Pelosi also expressed her “deep pride” in her Italian roots and her “great joy” for having received such an honor and thanked the Ambassador, defining him as a “great ambassador”, and the Italian authorities, underlining an odd coincidence: the street where she grew up in Baltimore is called “Albemarle Street”, just like the one where Villa Firenze is located. The Speaker wore the Italian sash encrusted with the symbol of the Knighthood of the Grand Cross with evident pride, and then joined the guests in the Villa’s garden, where the sound of harps delighted the atmosphere.
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Embassy of
Australia
Two hundred guests joined the Embassy of Australia on the 10th of September to welcome principal designer Robert Foster of F!NK and Co. to Washington DC for the official opening of the exhibition “F!NK: Fostering Design.” The exhibition is on display until October 31 and features a range of prototypes and production pieces from one of Australia’s most respected design companies. Founded by Robert Foster in 1993 F!NK: Fostering Design presents a range of work designed and produced over the past 15 years. Foster said that “the exhibition has realised his vision of being a true company of designers, where industry meets integrity”. Under the guidance and mentorship of Foster, some of Australia’s leading artists and designers have produced memorable and unique objects.
Jane Scott, Missy Higgins and Beatrice Gralton
A range of F!NK and Co. objects are available for sale at exhibition partner Apartment Zero Washington DC and at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Opened by the Director of the Alcoa Foundation, Ms Meg McDonald, the guests also enjoyed the music of DJ Kalani. On the 23rd of September 130 guests enjoyed a unique concert and dinner in the Australian Embassy’s Main Hall under the iconic Southern sky ceiling. An Evening with Missy Higgins presented Australian singer-songwriter Missy Higgins who at just 24 years of age has two albums to her credit, Australian Recording Industry Awards and triple platinum album sales.
Lyn Moffat, Lieutenant Commander Gemma Pumphrey, Anna Lisa Nash, Carol Saad and Commander Ray Saad
Robert Foster and Meg McDonald
Opposite page: Top right: Betty Richardson, Denise and Mike Hedrick Center left: Dave Sharma, Rachel Lord Bottom left: Joshua Meltzer and Ella Humphrys Bottom right: Missy Higgins
Photos provided by Embassy of Australia and Paul Morigi
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Embassy of
Australia
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Royal Embassy of
Saudi Arabia
Photos Provided by Saudi Press Agency
Saudi National Day 2008
Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations
Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Yemeni Ambassador Abdulawahab Al-Hajjri
Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Lebanese Ambassador Antoine Chedid
Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Former Congressman Ambassador Richard Swett H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir is the Saudi Ambassador to the United States
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Mr. Tom Albert, former Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar and Mr. Terry McAuliffe
Royal Embassy of
Saudi Arabia
General Michael Hayden, Director of the CIA and Ambassador Al Jubeir
General Amin Shaker, Ambassdor Al Jubeir, Larry Harris and Jack Deschauer, Sr
Tania LaHood and Liz Cheney (daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney)
Ms. Khulud Al Khalaf, Ms. Margaret Buffington, Dr. Minoo Buffington and Dr. Mofhy Al Khalaf
Josh Baker, US Department of State, Ross Allen, British Embassy, Ben Peracchio and John Brown (both) with the US Department of State Ambassador Al Jubeir with Saudi boy
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Royal Embassy of
Saudi Arabia
Ambassador Ali Aujali, Embassy of Libya and Ambassador Hussein Hassouna, Arab League
Mr. Ali A. Abualia (center) Chairman, President & CEO of Aramco Services Company, Mr Jack Moore (left) Director of Aramco Services Company and Mr. Louis Aboud (right) Public Affairs for Aramco Services Company
Jefferson S. Hofgard, VIce President-International Operations of Boeing, Heather J. Pederson, Director - International Operations of Boeing and Jon Roth of Middle East Policy Council Left: Dr. Borjanka Oljaca-Leiboff of George Washington University Hospital, Liz Cheney (daughter of Vice President Cheney), Bill Schachte and Don Richer of Qatar Airways
Mr. Mohammed Al-Maghlouth, Mrs. Leslie Bosch and Mr. David Bosch
Left: Former Congressman J.C. Watts and John Sununu (former White House Chief of Staff)
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Royal Embassy of
Saudi Arabia
Left: Hisham Alsabony and Mustafa El Tinay of University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Oussama El-Baba, MHA Director of International Programs at Children’s National Medical Center and Janiene Torch, Public Relations for Children’s National Medical Center
Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Mr. Teymour Kooros
Mr. Khalid Albalawi, head of Saudi Airlines in North America, Mr. Abdulaziz Alssagher and Mr. Mohammed Al-Robayan
Dr. Musaid Al-Assaf and Mr. Khalid Al-Assaf
CNN National anchor and correspondent Gene Randall and former Congressman J.C. Watts
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Embassy of
Ireland
Foreign Minister Martin By Myles Geiran Embassy of Ireland Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, visited Washington DC on 23rd-24th September and met with a number of Members of Congress including the Friends of Ireland, chaired by Congressman Richard Neal. On the afternoon of September 24, the Minister held discussions with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, John Negroponte. During the visit to the United States the Minister also announced over €1.5 million in grants to frontline organisations working with Irish-Americans. In making this announcement, the Minister underlined how important it is that we continue to provide financial support to organisations that work with Irish communities in the U.S. and elsewhere.
On the evening of September 24, the Ambassador of Ireland, His Excellency Michael Collins hosted a reception at the Ambassador’s residence in Northwest Washington to mark the first visit to Washington, DC by Deputy Micheál Martin in his new portfolio of foreign affairs. Micheál Martin, TD, was appointed Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs in May 2008. Prior to this appointment, Minister Martin served as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment from September 2004 to May 2008, Minister for Health from January 2000 to September 2004 and Minister for Education and Science from June 1997 to January 2000.
Top: Deputy Micheal Martin, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and H.E. Michael Collins Ambassador of Ireland. Top right: Deputy Micheal Martin, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Center right: Alan Hanley and Dr. Catherine Conway (both) of SlidePath Digital Slide Solutions from Dublin, Ireland with Dr. James Bernstein of Noxilizer Bottom right: Angela Moore Beleek and Catherine O’Farrell of the IFC, World Bank Group
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Embassy of
Ireland
Visits Washington
Top: Colleen Graffy of the U.S. Department of State and Myles Geiran from the Embassy of Ireland. Top right: Thomas D. Hickey, Vice President of Cyren Call and Mrs. Hickey Center right: Mrs. Marie Collins (wife of Ambassador Collins) and Dianne Kube of the Women’s National Finance Council Bottom right: H.E. Michael Collins, Ambassador of Ireland Bottom: Mrs. and Mr. Robert Bell and son of Bell Design, Dr. Ernest E. Lack of Washington Hospital Center and Mrs. Lack, Mrs. Seager and Professor S.W.J. Seager of the National Rehabilitation Hospital
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Embassy of
Ukraine
THE THREE PILLARS OF UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE
By H.E. Oleh Shamshur Ambassador of Ukraine A few days ago, the Embassy of Ukraine held its diplomatic reception to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the nation’s independence. Many of our friends asked me how Ukraine was doing. My answer is three-fold. First, since the Orange revolution of 2004 the roots of democracy have settled firmly in Ukraine. Free and fair elections, freedom of speech and assembly, broad rights of the parliamentary opposition, development of party life and civil society have become intrinsic to domestic politics. Those achievements remain solid and irreversible. Second, despite some political turbulence, the economy has been doing pretty well in the last years. The explanation of this lies in the fact that Ukraine has long grown up from its pre-school years, and the heated debates in the parliament or society may bring valuable inputs, but they do not affect fundamentals of the economic or foreign policy in any dramatic way. Ukraine remains firmly committed to the principles of a market development, strong private property and openness to international trade. Its WTO accession earlier this year gave additional impetus to the rise in
trade and FDIs. Since the beginning of 2008 only the influx of foreign direct investments amounted to $ 7 bln. The inflation is being dealt with, and the GDP rise is projected at 5-6%. The bilateral Ukraine-US trade in goods and services surged by 70% and is estimated to reach $ 5 bln. by the end of the year. Taking into account the general investment climate in the world, this is a pretty encouraging outlook. In the opinion of many foreign businesses, the most promising and lucrative areas for investment in Ukraine are agriculture, energy sector, financial services, manufacturing industries, R&D in space and nano technologies, telecommunications. The third pillar of Ukraine’s modern development is its consistent foreign policy. The developments on the Caucasus invigorated our drive for collective security within NATO and closer ties with the European Union. The NATO membership action plan and the enhanced agreement with the EU, including political association and economic integration on the basis of the free trade area, are the medium-term objectives down the highway to stability and prosperity.
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Washington D.C. is the place where the matters of global stability are felt most acutely. We appreciate the effort of Vice-President Dick Cheney who traveled to Georgia and Ukraine to bolster the security in the region.
We mark the words spoken by the US President at the last UN General Assembly: “In this chamber are representatives of Georgia and Ukraine… We admire your courage… We thank you for your inspiring example. We will continue to stand with all who stand for freedom.” These important principles will be further discussed during the upcoming meeting of President Victor Yuschenko with President George W. Bush in Washington on September 29. The two leaders will have extensive negotiations covering the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with the special focus on regional and European security and our cooperation in stabilizing the Black Sea area. These close consultations and the genuine bond existing for many decades between the people of the two countries, also thanks to the very active Ukrainian American community, determine the strategic and longterm character of our partnership. I hope the readers of Diplomatic Connections will enjoy the photos from the Independence Day reception. The Embassy of Ukraine and its historic Washington Room are always open to our friends on many cultural and social events that we host.
Embassy of
Ukraine
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Embassy of
Italy
Global Health in the 21st Century By Prof. Vittorio Daniore, MD Scientific Attache, Embassy of Italy Leading experts on the latest news on research, policy and technology issues as well as strategies employed in improving global health participated in this conference. They explored advances and innovative practices for enhancing and sustaining health delivery systems in both developed and developing countries. The symposium underscored the urgent need for enhances international cooperation to improve health and health security worldwide. The first day was devoted to a discussion of the globalization of health and science, social needs and economic opportunities, the critical health challenges, emergency preparedness. Interdisciplinary and collaborative activities in science, policy and health care delivery to improve global health were highlighted. The second day focused on the global patients movement, maternal and perinatal health, the committment of the pharmaceutical industry to global health, the problems of refugee or obese children and obstetric and neonatal care in the developing world.
Top right: Charlotte M. Ponticelli, Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor Top left: Charles W. Wessner, Director, Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, National Academy of Sciences Center: Zeda F. Rosenberg, International Partnership for Microbicides
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Embassy of
Italy
The Latest Successful Perspectives Top: Prof. Vittorio Daniore, MD Embassy of Italy Bottom right: Ambassador of the Embassy of Sweden, H.E. Jonas Hafstrom
These photos are from the conference organized and hosted by the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC in cooperation with: • Italian Cultural Institute • Royal Embassy of Sweden • European Commission Delegation in Washington, DC • Embassy of France In Collaboration with: • George Washington University Hospital International Medicine Program • Center for Celiac Research, University of Maryland • Pan Amerian Health Organization • Reproductive Health and Research Health Organization • The NIAF Frank J. Guarini Public Policy Forum
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Best Buddies Ball • Anthony Kennedy Shriver • Qatar Airways
20th Annual Best Buddies Ball Raises $3.35 Million To Support Programs Around the World Robert DeNiro, Randy Jackson and Kenny G among the 900 guests who attended the Grand Finale Ball Best Buddies International, an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment, announced that the annual Best Buddies Ball raised a total of $3.35 million. 900 attendees from around the world gathered at the home of Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver in Potomac, Maryland, on October 21, 2008, to Eric Matthis and Anthony Kennedy Shriver
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Kenny G and Brett Banford
Best Buddies Ball • Anthony Kennedy Shriver • Qatar Airways
Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al–Missned (second from right), Academy Award winning actor Robert DeNiro (right), A buddy pair from Qatar (far left) and Anthony Kennedy Shriver
celebrate the accomplishments of Best Buddies and pledge their support for the continued expansion of the organization. The black tie gala, held on Saturday, October 18th, featured a formal dinner, silent and live auctions, a performance by Cirque du Soleil and a private concert by Kenny G. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, wife of the Emir of Qatar, was honored with the “Spirit of Leadership Award” for her outstanding efforts on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities in Qatar and throughout the world. “I strongly feel that the real spirit of leadership is reflected in the perseverance of young people who are physically or mentally challenged,” said Her Highness. “They teach us so much about trusting ourselves against all odds, about living.”
Eric Matthis and Brett Banford
In a touching moment, Academy Award winning actor Robert DeNiro was joined by Omar Nasser Al-Khanji and Faisal Khamis Al-Sultan, a Buddy Pair
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Best Buddies Ball • Anthony Kennedy Shriver • Qatar Airways
from Qatar, to present the prestigious award to Her Highness Sheikha Mozah. “The Best Buddies Ball has been an extraordinary trajectory of 20 years of philanthropy, and I am so profoundly grateful to the greater Washington community and all of our supporters from around the world for their efforts in making this year’s event such an overwhelming success,” said Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founder and chairman of Best Buddies International. “I am particularly grateful to my parents, who have opened their home and their hearts to the Best Buddies mission of friendship for more than two decades. Although this marks the final year that the Ball will be held at their home, I look forward to the next phase of the Ball and to many more years of celebrating Best Buddies through this inspirational gathering of support.” The total amount raised through the Ball exceeded the $3 million fundraising goals set by Best Buddies. Funds came in the form of sponsorship, guest contributions and silent and live auctions, which were chaired by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Included in this year’s auction were the 2008 Audi S8 customized for and driven by New England Patriot’s Quarterback Tom Brady; a five star getaway to Qatar; a magnificent Egyptian Arabian mare; visits to two of DPS Sporting Club’s luxurious sporting club properties; and a rare vintage wine collection. The auction became especially exciting when “American Idol’s” Randy Jackson, a special surprise guest, took over the role of the auctioneer and offered two backstage passes to the hit show.
When the bidding reached $32,000, Mr. Jackson decided to double his offer and both individuals were awarded tickets, earning $64,000 for Best Buddies.
Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Missned honored with “Spirit of Leadership Award”
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The “Spirit of Leadership Award” is presented to individuals on the occasion that Best Buddies International recognizes extraordinary achievement in positively impacting the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities. At this year’s Ball, , Best Buddies was proud to honor Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned of Qatar
Best Buddies Ball • Anthony Kennedy Shriver • Qatar Airways
Top (left to right): Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, Miss Teen USA 2008 Stevi Perry, Mark Wylie (from “The Biggest Loser” and a Best Buddies employee), and Miss USA Crystle Stewart Left: Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Maureen McCormick and Best Buddies International Board member Brad Blank. Bottom: Maureen McCormick with a couple of Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s grandchildren.
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Best Buddies Ball • Anthony Kennedy Shriver • Qatar Airways
for her outstanding efforts on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities. She is the first international recipient of this award.
Top: Bobby Shriver, Richard Ragsdale and Anthony Kennedy Shriver Bottom: Miss USA Crystle Stewart, Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, Sargent Shriver, Best Buddies Board Member Brad Blank and Miss Teen USA Stevi Perry
Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned has been actively engaged in education and social reforms in Qatar for many years and has played a major role in spearheading national and international development projects. She currently serves as Chair of Qatar Foundation, President of Qatar’s Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and Vice Chair of Qatar’s Supreme Education Council. One of her greatest achievements has been the creation of the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, a first-of-its-kind facility in the Middle East that offers state-of-the-art technologies, including an on-site Genetic Research Centre, cutting-edge therapies and first-class faculty and counselors. It is one of Qatar’s steps in a broad vision for regional educational leadership that has been made the centerpiece of its national development strategy through initiatives such as Qatar Foundation and Education City.
About Best Buddies International Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 middle school, high school, and college campuses worldwide. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States. We have accredited international programs in 40 countries, with additional ones under active development. Our six formal programs – Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies and Jobs – positively impact more than 350,000 individuals with and without intellectual disabilities annually. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org.
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Best Buddies Ball • Anthony Kennedy Shriver • Qatar Airways
A DEDICATION TO EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER Top: Dawn Parker, Diplomatic Connections with Eunice Kennedy Shriver Left: Eunice Kennedy Shriver with Brett Banford Bottom left: Eunice Kennedy Shriver with her grandchildren Bottom right: Eunice Kennedy Shriver with family
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Best Buddies Ball • Anthony Kennedy Shriver • Qatar Airways
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Best Buddies Ball • Anthony Kennedy Shriver • Qatar Airways
Randy Perkins, Randy Jackson (judge on American Idol) and Anthony Kennedy Shriver
Kennedy grandchildren with Cirque du Soleil
Ron Kashmal and Gloria Bohan of Omega World Travel
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Best Buddies Ball • Anthony Kennedy Shriver • Qatar Airways
H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani of Qatar – Qtel Chairman and Akbar Al Baker – CEO Qatar Airways
Katrin Phillips, Airport Manager–IAD, Ruth Muschinski–Senior Events Officer, Tony Hughes, Senior Vice President of the Americas, Rebecca Jelfo, Marketing Manager of the Americas and Bill Schachte, Director of Washington Metro Area – of Qatar Airways
Rebecca Jelfo, Marketing Manager of the Americas and Bill Schachte, Director of Washington Metro Area – of Qatar Airways, Mr. David Bosch and Mrs. Leslie Bosch
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