An Informative Diplomatic Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation JULY-SEPTEMBER 2010. N˚15. www.maec.es
s d r a w to a E L B A N I SUSTA future ng continuous change, oi rg de un is y et ci so ur O ch based on principles oa pr ap t us m e w ch hi w sponsibility of sustainability and re
FOREIGN AFFAIRS > Summit on the Millennium Objectives in New York. > Reforms in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation COOPERATION > Madrid hosts Cooperation Week CULTURE AND SOCIETY > Edgar Neville, the comedy of happiness > Imaginarium conquers the ‘small’ world INTERVIEW > Margarita Salas: “The most rewarding aspect of research is the joy of discovery”
the facts and the image THE DATA
THE DATE
ANNIVERSARY
2.645,7 20 million euros. This figure is the
October 2010. Casa Sefarad-
200
budget allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation for 2011. It represents a reduction of 14.3% compared with the 2010 budget.
Israel, a representative body of public diplomacy, will move to its new headquarters in the Cañete Palace in Madrid, donated by the City Council.
September, San Fernando hosted the commemorative ceremonies to celebrate the first Spanish Constitution
years since the inauguration of the sessions of the Regional Assembly of Cádiz. On 24
PHOTO:
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The image
On 11 July, 2010, Spain was victorious in the World Cup Final in South Africa after beating the Dutch team. A goal by Iniesta in extra time handed Spain the victory they had been dreaming of for so many years and sparked elation across the country. The national team's triumph, led by coach Vicente Del Bosque, helped to confirm Spanish sporting supremacy in all sports. Xavi, Villa, Torres and Casillas were thus united with Alberto Contador, Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol, in a year that continues to rewrite the history books of Spanish sport.
editOrial office > Director: Dámaso de Lario. Editor-in-Chief: José Bodas. Art Director and Editor: Javier Hernández. Contributors: Beatriz Beeckmans, Jacobo García, Alexandra Issakovitch, María Pilar Cuadra, Arturo Carrascosa, Ignacio Gómez, Luis Melgar and Miguel Lizana. management> Directorate General of Foreign Communication. Serrano Galvache, 26. 28033 MADRID. Published and printed by the Directorate General of Foreign Communication and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Total or partial reproduction prohibited without the express consent of the publisher. Miradas al Exterior is not responsible for the editorial content or for the opinions expressed by the authors. email contact> opinion.miradas@maec.es > NIPO: 501-10-013-7
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36 > Madrid hosts Cooperation Week. 38 > The Queen of Spain presents the Bartolomé de las Casas Award40 > Interview with Myriam García Abrisqueta, President of Manos Unidas
the interview
culture and society
68 > Margarita Salas: “The most rewarding aspect of research is the joy of discovery”.
cooperation
14 > Summit on the Millennium Development Goals in New York 18 > The European External Action Service is underway. 20 > Reforms in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. 22 > Guatemala, the land of eternal spring. 26 > Interview with the Director General of IEMED 28 > The Cervantes Institute opens new channels of funding
foreign affairs
on the cover
6 > The Spanish Strategy for Sustainable Development provides an integrative approach to the social, environmental and global dimensions of sustainable development.
42 > Edgar Neville, the comedy of happiness. 44 > Canfranc Station, a crossroads in the history of Spain. 48 > Imaginarium conquers the ‘small’ world. 52 > Burgos, home to the first international museum of human evolution.
editorial board > President: Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. First deputy chair: Director General of Foreign Communications. Second deputy chair: Technical Secretary General. Members: Cabinet Chiefs of the State Department of Foreign Affairs, the State Department for International Cooperation, the State Department for the European Union and the State Department for Ibero-America, and the Cabinet of the Director of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
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editorial
International institutions faced with the challenges of the 21st century The Minister's speech at the United Nations General Assembly
Miguel ﾃ］gel Moratinos
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
A few days ago, New York hosted the 65th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Since the middle of the previous century, September has been a month to mark on the calendar of international politics. The 1945 San Francisco Conference, which opened the way for a new United Nations designed to promote peace, justice and a better life for all mankind, and the 1944 Bretton-Woods Agreements, which established the rules for trading and financial relations among the world's major industrial countries, are now both firmly in the past. In the current climate, we must focus and reflect on a series of landmark events that we have witnessed over the first years of the 21st century and which are undoubtedly having an influence on the transformation of international relations and the future of a new global and interdependent world. These include the terrorist attacks in September 2001 and the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers 7 years later. While 9/11 changed and expanded the concept of security, and led to the United
Nations Member States passing a Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the G-20 (of which Spain is a member) has become a forum for financial governance whose mission is to find a way out of the worst international financial and economic crisis since the first half of the previous century. Within this framework, the Spanish government continues to support effective multilateralism as the method that will allow us to tackle the global agenda of 21st century challenges: a method based on the efforts of international institutions as well as respect and recognition in order to foster new alliances and build common strategies and policies. For this reason, achieving peace in the Middle East continues to be a strategic priority for Spain. At a time when we are about to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Madrid Conference, we continue to work resolutely to ensure that the process of direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians leads to a lasting two-state solution. Another of our
fundamental priorities is to ensure stability in the Western Balkans and the full integration of the countries in this region into the European Union. Africa poses a challenge for the future for both the international community and for Spain. In this regard, we reiterate our firm commitment to consolidate the progress made on good governance and democratization in Africa that should enable crises such as those in Sahel, Somalia and the Great Lakes region of Africa to be overcome. Historically, Latin America has been the priority region for our foreign policy. The subcontinent is witnessing unprecedented social and political changes that coincide with the Bicentennial commemorations of independence of some of the Latin American nations. Spain wants to play a part in this transformation by strengthening bilateral relations and relations between the European Union and Latin America. I am convinced of the fact that peaceful coexistence in a globalized world requires us to reinforce the mechanisms of good governance of cultural and intercultural diversity, which has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century. The international consolidation of the Alliance of Civilizations as an instrument of preventive diplomacy has already taken place, and is a resource that we must draw upon. Currently more than 100 different countries make up the Group of Friends, together with 23 international organizations. Another of Spain's firm commitments is the fight against
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climate change. Tackling it demands that we change the way we think about development and economic growth. Greater effort is needed to limit and reduce greenhouse gases and our dependence on fossil fuels, and we must support renewable forms of energy and efficient and responsible energy consumption. Through its Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations has enabled a benchmark to be set to provide us with a system that implements viable solutions and brings together our interests and willingness to work together. In a few months time we will be attending the Climate Summit and we must be aware of the effort needed to smooth the way for the event in Cancún: the credibility of the multilateral system itself is at stake. The summit will be a success if we adopt a realistic, supportive and generous approach when working with the most vulnerable countries. In the area of human rights, Spain is firmly committed to abolishing the death penalty. We take capital punishment to be an absolute violation of human rights because of its irreversible nature, which makes it the most extreme example of cruel, inhumane and degrading
treatment. The International Commission against the Death Penalty proposed by Prime Minister Rodríguez Zapatero was set up at the beginning of October. The Spanish government is at the forefront of the fight against hunger and poverty and so, along with other nations, we have made a proposal to the United Nations to create a currency transaction tax and use it to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Although the FAO is providing us with encouraging statistics, reflecting the first-ever reduction in world hunger, the figure of 925 million hungry people is ethically and politically unacceptable. The fight against poverty cannot fall victim to the economic recession. This is because, in spite of the crisis, it is not material conditions but political will that holds sway over the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals for 2015. In order for these goals to be achieved successfully, we must achieve equality for
The Spanish government is at the forefront of the fight against hunger and poverty, which cannot fall victim to the economic recession.
We support effective multilateralism as the method that will allow us to tackle the global agenda of 21st century challenges.
almost half of the world population: women. The 10th Anniversary of Resolution 1325 on "Women, Peace and Security" must motivate us to secure gender equality in the public sphere and institutions, as well in economic, social and cultural arenas. We can and we must make progress with these reforms, as there are positive signs such as the recent creation of "UN Women" that will drive forward this mandate under the direction of its president, Michelle Bachelet. The new world requires that we adapt and expand the architecture of international institutions. In the words of Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset, “men do not live together for no particular reason, they live together to undertake great enterprises”. And before us today we have a great enterprise: to complete the reform of our institutions and lay the foundations for global governance; because united we can face up to the challenges and global crises of the 21st century and build a fairer, more balanced and more sustainable international system.
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Sustainable development is a fundamental objective for all European Union states. The concept of sustainable development seeks continuous improvement in the quality of life of the planet's inhabitants as well as that of future generations, as well as preservation of the Earth's ability to sustain life in all its forms. Sustainable development is based on democratic principles, respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights. Likewise, it aims to forge solidarity between current inhabitants and future generations, while promoting a dynamic economy with high levels of employment, education, social cohesion and environmental protection, all in a peaceful world that is respectful of cultural diversity. by Arturo Carrascosa and Alexandra Issakovitch
Sustainable Development and Sustainability
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The concept of sustainability began as a response to analyses of a global crisis, one which has been described as a "planetary emergency" (R. W. Bybee), an unsustainable situation that poses a grave threat to the future of humanity. A Threatened Future, in fact, is the title of the first chapter of Our Common Future, the report issued by the World Commission on Environment and Development, also known as the Brundtland Report (WCED, 1988), named for the Norwegian politician to whom we owe the first attempt at introducing the concept of sustainability: "Sustainable Development," says Doctor Gro Harlem Brundtland, "is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." At the time it was a totally new concept, which sought acceptance of the fact that the world's natural resources are not as unlimited as we had previously supposed, and of the devastating effects of the indiscriminate exploitation of such resources, exploitation which continues through the present day. The idea of the unsustainability of current development is still recent, and was a totally new concept for most people. It is new, however, in another, more profound sense. Sustainability requires global planning; it demands that all the interconnected problems faced by humanity be taken into consideration collectively, that these global problems be solved on a global scale. This implies that the issue of development and that of the environment cannot be perceiveds.
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united nations agenda 21 Given the seriousness and urgency of the problems facing humanity today, the United Nations established a Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014), designating UNESCO as the entity responsible for its promotion, calling on all educators to commit themselves to education, both formal (from primary school through university) and informal (museums, the media, etc.) that pays systematic attention to world conditions, in order to promote attitudes and behaviors favorable for achieving sustainable development.
The United Nations developed this concept into an "Action Plan," referred to as Agenda 21, adopted by representatives of 179 governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 (the Rio Conference, or Earth Summit). Many of the signatories to Agenda 21 have ratified the agreements and organized their own programs on a national and local level, following the guidelines developed for such purposes by various entities associated with the United Nations. Agenda 21 was revised and strengthened at the New York Earth Summit in 1997, and again with the Millennium Development Goals in 2000.
Agenda 21 proposes programs and policies to be developed at a national and local level all around the world. Pure and simple, its a socio-economic action plan focused on sustainability and linked to inter-generational solidarity, agreed upon between citizens and their local authorities for the well-being of the land within their municipalities. It favors a local approach, and as such, must follow certain guidelines, from the fight against poverty to preservation of biodiversity, encompassing the roles of farmers, industries and unions in the sustainable development of each municipality. It goes beyond just the "environment," "urban
In fact, we must recognize that they are closely linked, that these interrelated issues, economic development and the environment, cannot be separated. It is about seeing the poverty of Southern Hemisphere and the extreme consumption of the North as the fundamental causes of unsustainability in terms of development and environmental crisis. This shift towards a sustainable future requires, first and foremost,
that all actors break from strictly local-level and short-term planning, as a solution to these problems is only possible once their global scope is fully understood. Likewise, we must put an end to indifference, fueled by the view that the environment is a lost cause, unresponsive to our "small" actions. This perspective might have been considered valid when there were but a few million people in the world, but this has not been the case for quite some time.
Lastly, we must put stop ignoring our own responsibilities and put an end to solutions that harm others. We can no longer build a future for ourselves at the cost of others. Such inequality over the long term is not sustainable. Sustainability in Spain (some relevant data). In response to the objective need to fully evaluate sustainable development processes and to report on the results of
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environmental quality" or even the indispensable participation of technical professionals, as is often implied.
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promotion of sustainable agriculture and rural development, conservation of biodiversity, rational management of biotechnology, protection of oceans and seas and management of maritime resources, fresh water protection and management, management of toxic products, hazardous waste management, solid waste and sewage management, safe handling of radioactive waste, actions in favor of women for sustainable development, children and youth in sustainable development, indigenous peoples in sustainable development, the role of NGOs in sustainable development, the role of workers and unions, the role of companies in sustainable development,
the role of scientists and technicians in sustainable development, the role of farmers in sustainable development, financial resources for sustainable development, technology transfer, science in sustainable development, education, training and awareness of sustainable development. Development of all these elements is envisaged via national and international cooperation mechanisms for sustainable development, international institutions, international legal instruments for sustainable development, information and dissemination for decision making. The majority of the objectives are to be considered from a municipal point of view.
these assessments, Spain (ESPON), and through established a Sustainability Growing Role the Permanent Forum on Observatory (OSE) in 2005, of Renewable Sustainability it organizes the outcome of a Convention Energy. Wind periodic meetings in between the Ministry of the energy has which key topics on Environment and Rural overtaken sustainable development and Maritime Areas, the nuclear energy are discussed publicly. Biodiversity Foundation in Spain. In addition, they publish and the General Foundation subject-area reports on of the University of Alcalรก issues particularly relevant de Henares. to sustainability in Spain, The mission of the including green jobs, Sustainability Observatory in Spain natural and cultural heritage and air includes facilitating horizontal and water quality. coordination and exchange in But among the works performed sustainability research being by the OSE, its Annual Sustainability carried out in Spain during recent Reports stand out for their years. This mission also includes importance; they are prepared collaboration between networks to based on key indicators that allow guarantee the use and development for an assessment of the progress of the best resources available made towards sustainability in the at universities, research centers, economic, social, environmental, government bodies, as well as in territorial, institutional, cultural and the private sector, companies, global spheres. and in particular in the area of Below, we pass along some of the foundations and non-governmental most illuminating data published organizations. in the last Annual Sustainability The OSE is part of the European Report, focused on the identification Observation Network for Territorial of opportunities to overcome the Development and Cohesion crisis.
Employment, Social Cohesion, Education and the Information Society. During recent years of economic growth, Spain was at the forefront of job creation in Europe. However, given the sharp decline in construction and the overall economic crisis, indicators reflecting general performance from this period, such as the rate of business activity and the municipal unemployment rate, show that this trend towards job creation has changed drastically. A decrease in GDP of 4.1 percent in the third quarter of 2009 and 17.92 percent unemployment in the second quarter of 2009 marked a situation of deep economic recession. Another strategic indicator from the Spanish model, school dropout rate, is undergoing huge changes, after years in which exceptional performance in economic sectors employing low-skilled labor facilitated quick access to jobs. The current collapse of employment in these sectors has led to a return to training and education, in the hopes of earning better qualifications that
The elements and objectives of Agenda 21 include: the fight against poverty, change in consumption habits, demographics and sustainability, protection of human health, promotion of sustainable development of human resources (human settlements), inclusion of sustainable development in decision making, protection of the atmosphere, an integrated approach to planning and managing land resources, the fight against deforestation, the fight against desertification and drought,
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Assessment of Sustainability Luis M. JimĂŠnez Herrero
Executive Director of the Spanish Sustainability Observatory (OSE)
It is essential that development processes are measured and evaluated under the principles of sustainability in the most objective way possible, so that interrelated socio-economic and environmental dynamics are better understood and appropriate strategies, policies and mechanisms can be defined to control our shared future. Therefore, a system of appropriate indicators must be implemented to understand where we are going, where we wish to be, as well as what path we must take and even what "map" we must use to progress towards sustainability. If we are to start with the need to objectively measure and evaluate development processes within the context of sustainability, we must also adopt a working philosophy based on "rethinking" our current and future realities. That is, we must reflect globally on the present in order to rethink the future within this new logic of sustainable development, with a global vision, an integral approach and a long-term perspective. This approach has been clearly implemented at the Spanish Sustainability Observatory (OSE) in preparing its sustainability reports based on key indicators. This conceptual framework gives way to the OSE mission: "to stimulate the social shift
towards sustainability by presenting the best information available and making it available to society to aid in the decisionmaking process and in public participation." With this mission, the OSE aims to become a focal point at the national level (which it is in fact achieving) that rigorously compiles, drafts and evaluates basic information on sustainability in Spain (current situations, trends and future scenarios) within the various affected spheres (environmental, social, economic, institutional and global). In this regard, it bears mentioning that the OSE performs its activities with full autonomy, while fostering extensive collaboration with the university and scientific communities, as well as the participation of economic and social actors, promoting collaboration via networks of observatories. The overall objective is to periodically provide qualified, independent, accurate and authoritative information, suitable for comparison with information from other countries, which is relevant to the decisionmaking process in terms of policy-making, while encouraging awareness and public participation in order to contribute to the social transition towards sustainability. In addition to inclusion of the general principles presented
The availability of quality information allows us to construct future scenarios, which encourages our society to improve sustainable development planning.
by the United Nations on sustainable development, the OSE has adopted the political, strategic and operational framework defined in the EU, in particular by the EU Sustainable Development Strategy (EU-SDS), which declares Sustainable Development to be a key objective of all EU Member States. It seeks to promote economic dynamism with high levels of employment and education, health protection, territorial and social cohesion and environmental protection, all in a safe and peaceful world that is respectful of cultural diversity. We must highlight the progress made by the OSE in its five-year history on key issues relating to improvements in applied research techniques and to the development of methodological approaches for the preparation of general sustainability reports (Sustainability in Spain 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009), as well as subject-area reports based on key indicators. It has been, without a doubt, a learning process, one of constant improvements carried out with the efforts, dedication and enthusiasm demonstrated by the researchers and technicians that make up the Technical Unit of the OSE, which is constantly expanding its vast network of collaborators from the academic and professional worlds in order to create a family of sustainability observers. Likewise,
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the use of new technologies and a collaborative approach encourage the creation of a dynamic framework of positive interaction and exchange of experiences and best practices, enabling quick development of new technical and scientific abilities in the area of sustainability. For example, the developments included in the fifth annual Sustainability in Spain report (2009) were presented in the form of maps, allowing for analysis from a more spatial/territorial point of view. The multiple dimensions of sustainability were shown using georeferencing and mapping the indicators studied, in such way that each indicator reflects not just where (spatial/ territorial dimension), but also when (temporal dimension), in order to more adequately express how sustainability processes interact. The availability of quality information like that the OSE seeks to provide, allows for the evaluation of changes in dynamic realities and for the construction of future scenarios in order to make available to the public knowledge relevant to the decision-making process, as well as to improve sustainable development planning in all dimensions, sectors and regions. We are undergoing a change in our society, involving huge transformations in our current socio-economic models and ways of life, which must be undertaken with the principles of sustainability and ethical responsibility. In this regard, systems of key indicators like that used by the OSE in its reports play an essential role in advancing our analysis and improving our decisions geared towards a sustainable future.
guarantee employment. Spain is a very densely populated nation, and its population is aging and increasingly dependent on social assistance. According to figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE), short-term projections indicate an increase of 3.8 million inhabitants, thus reaching a total of 49,084,332 people in 2018, representing 8.4 percent growth. In the last five years, the Information Society has expanded
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with vigor in Spain. All indicators show a sharp increase in access to and use of new information and communications technologies. The percentage of both homes and businesses with an Internet connection has increased, as well as those with broadband access. These technologies can improve environmental sustainability and energy efficiency from an "intelligent development" model. In this regard, it should be pointed out that the
recycling rate Paper
80% 70%
Metals 60% Glass 50% 40% Plastics
30% 20% 10% 0
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
grOwth of land area dedicated to orgAnic farming 1.500
Area in thousands of hectares
1.200
900
600
300
0 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
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Information Technology sector could reduce global CO2 emissions by 15 percent. That reduction would be five times greater than that achieved in the sector itself.
In the last five years, the Information Society has expanded with vigor in Spain. The IT and Communications Technology sectors could reduce global CO2 emissions by 15%
Sustainable Production and Consumption. The Annual Report from the Sustainability Observatory in Spain highlights the decrease in some of the strongest environmental pressures associated with the Spanish development model. This is the case with Greenhouse Gases and urban development processes related to the construction of new homes, where emissions of these gases have fallen in the last two years, underpinning a shift in trends beginning in 2006, a result in turn of the reduction in energy consumption and the energy intensiveness of the economy, allowing for improvements in competitiveness with a greater share of renewable energy. The amount of materials used in the national economy is also decreasing. Expressed another way, resources are being used more efficiently. However, a materialsintensive model still persists, which requires a shift towards increased eco-efficiency in the economic metabolism, with improvements in productivity and competitiveness aimed at catching up with the most advanced European Union countries. Meanwhile, the economic weight of agriculture is falling, although its environmental impacts are increasing. That being said, organic farming is increasing considerably, and there are strong regulations in place aimed at rural sustainability. The fall in the economic impact of construction (in 2007 it made up 12.3 percent of GDP, falling
to around 10 percent in 2009) is very significant, while difficulties in access to housing persist. Construction was the industry with the largest decrease in the past three years. In 2008, new home construction fell 59.63 percent from 2006, the year with the highest number of new home construction starts. This figure fell further in 2009.
Environmental Quality. As consumption has contracted, waste has been better managed, and recycling rates continue to rise, although still falling short of the average of the most industrialized European Union countries. According to the latest information available, cardboard, glass and plastic recycling are trending up, meeting the objectives defined for 2008-2015 in the Integrated National Waste Plan. Air quality has improved in absolute terms during recent years, although air quality in medium and large Spanish cities is still not satisfactory. A large percentage of the population is exposed to pollution levels that pose serious health hazards. According to the most recent data, 24 percent of Spanish municipalities with a population greater than 100,000 exceeded the maximum average annual PM10 concentration (particles measuring 10 microns or less) established for 2005, while 41 percent failed to stay within the current daily limit, and 20 percent of municipalities doubled the maximum number of days established. Meanwhile, water use and management continues to represent a challenge for sustainability in Spain, although more efficient and reasonable levels of domestic water use are apparent. This trend towards
improvement is less noticeable in agricultural uses. Energy and Biodiversity. In the last two years, primary energy consumption has decreased from previous years. This shift is due to the continued increase in primary energy prices in international markets, as well as to a pronounced drop in demand resulting from the international economic crisis. Improvements in energy efficiency and reductions in energy consumption are key in tackling climate change, which requires further promotion of eco-efficient processes and technological changes beyond the effects of contracting demand. At the same time, the role of renewable energies is more prominent. Wind energy has overtaken nuclear energy in Spain. Without a doubt, the increase in energy production from renewable sources raises supply from domestic sources and reduces petroleum purchases at a lower cost to the environment, thus allowing the Spanish economy to make modest progress in its objective of reducing its energy dependency. In the area of biodiversity, greater protection of endangered wild animals is needed. If we want to reduce the number of species included on the Red List, land area dedicated to nature conservation is essential, as well as improvements in the spatial connectivity and environmental conditions of these areas, via implementation of the appropriate management actions. Territory and Transportation. In Spain, there has not been sufficient development of land use planning tools. Despite the fact that all the Autonomous Communities have urban planning legislation in place, only nine have approval for their regional instruments. These include
P cover story 13 Asturias (1991), Catalonia (1995), Basque Country (1997), Aragon (1998), the Balearic Islands (1999), Andalusia (1999 y 2006), the Canary Islands (2003), Navarre (2005) and Cantabria (2006). Some autonomous communities have formulated land use planning tools on repeated occasions without ever earning approval, and others are still in the formulation process. The external costs of transportation continue to rise, representing a significant problem in Spain. Several studies estimate these costs could reach around 7 percent of GDP, which is slightly below the European average. One important part of these costs, that relating to accidents, has decreased. For the fifth year in a row, Spain has reduced the number of traffic accident fatalities. This reduction in accidents leads a decrease in external transportation costs, as well as an improvement in social welfare. Corporate Social Responsibility and Governance. Responsible public procurement has improved in recent years. The use of social and environmental criteria in government contracts is no longer merely testimonial, and has become a standard practice in government entities. Spain has nearly 1,300 work centers with EMAS certification (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), placing us in a position of leadership on the European stage. Certification is concentrated in the service and hospitality sectors, primarily in the Autonomous Communities of Catalonia and Madrid. Meanwhile, government processes for sustainable development (openness, participation, accountability, effectiveness and coherence) have shown improvement, with significant progress in social participation procedures and more efficient administration services,
growth of % of gni allocated to oda 2000-2008 (%)
0% 0,10% 0,20% No data Source: Eurostat Data
thank to new information and communications technologies. From 2000 to 2007, companies increased their investment in environmental protection by some 70 percent. In the last five years, both fair trade and responsible public procurement have trended up, with an increase in sales and in sustainability criteria for public administrations. Responsibility towards Global Sustainability. Responsibility towards global sustainability, and in particular the eradication of poverty, is the primary focus in meeting the international commitments identified in the Millennium Development Goals In Spain, Law 23/98 on International Development Cooperation lists among its objectives to contribute to the eradication of poverty in the world in all its manifestations. Humanitarian aid remains an important Spanish foreign policy tool, which in turn
includes emergency food aid to protect human life and alleviate the situation of populations affected by natural or man-made catastrophes, or those suffering a situation of armed conflict. The Master Plan, a basic element in Spanish international development planning, is drafted every four years and contains an overview and basic guidelines of this policy, indicating policy objectives. The 2009-2012 Master Plan is currently being developed. These difficult economic times have forced the Government to revise the provisions of the Annual International Cooperation Plan. As such, net Official Development Aid (ODA) has been set at 5,264,610,000 Euros for 2010, representing 0.51 percent of Gross National Income. In other words, the ODA is growing, although below its target levels, while maintaining a perspective of continued commitment to the sustainability of global development.
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foreign affairs
In the first half of 2010, the Spanish Presidency of the EU's hard work and commitment led to an agreement among Member States and EU institutions on the best way to implement the EEAS, defined in the Lisbon Treaty. by MarĂa Pilar Cuadra
The European Union and its First Diplomats On 15 September, Catherine Ashton, so that it matches the EU's economic the High Representative of the Union power, and to give greater coherence to for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, its external action. To meet this objective, appointed positions in the EU's embassy a diplomatic service was created to (delegations) belonging to the recently support the High Representative who created European External Action is responsible, according to the treaty, Service (EEAS). Of the 28 appointed for carrying out shared foreign and officials, five are Spaniards who security policy as defined by will take roles as Ambassadors the European Council and (heads of delegation) in The Lisbon Council of the European Argentina, Angola, Guinea- Treaty will Union. Bissau and Namibia, as well provide the Negotiations to create as the deputy head of the EU with a new the EEAS, which included delegation to China. This global voice. the European Parliament, marks the beginning of the were not without difficulty. new European diplomacy, only The EEAS During the first half of 2010, nine months after the Lisbon will inherit a the Spanish Presidency of network of 137 Treaty came into effect. the Council of the European In fact, one of the treaty's delegations Union made great efforts primary objectives was to from the to smooth out differences increase the political influence European between the European of the EU around the world Commission institutions and between
Member States so that the project could progress as quickly as possible, taking into account that the new Service could not be allowed to increase the EU's budget unjustifiably. Finally, on 26 June, the Council of the EU unanimously made the decision which would form the legal basis for the implementation and functioning of the EEAS. One issue to be discussed during negotiations was the distribution of personnel from the three institutions which would provide staff to the Service (General Secretariat of the Council, the Commission and member states' diplomatic services). The consensus that was reached stated that at least one third of the EEAS staff would come from Member States, and at least 60% from the European institutions. It was also agreed that a geographical balance must be achieved in proportion to each
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foreign affairs
At the current pace, the 8 goals set in the year 2000 will be reached by the set date. This was the main message issued by the United Nations Secretary-General to the 140 Heads of State and Government who attended the summit to review and push forward the progress of the MDGs. To contribute to the fight against hunger and poverty, Prime Minister Rodríguez Zapatero asked for a new effort in the way of development aid and announced that his government would make use of international forums to defend the implementation of a financial transaction tax. by Miradas al Exterior
World Leaders' Summit in New York Ten years ago, the United Nations be done”. He then asked the Heads General Assembly made a of State and Government to continue commitment to set the most ambitious investing to boost the development of goals in modern history aimed at the countries most in need. Ban Kieradicating poverty and hunger by moon gave a figure of 45 billion dollars 2015. One decade after adopting this as the global contribution required commitment, the major world leaders to accelerate progress towards the met in New York this September to MDGs, placing a particular emphasis review the promises and assess the on international cooperation, the successes and failures of the document improvement of maternal health, the known as 'The Millennium decrease in child mortality Development Goals'. The and the fight against AIDS United Nations Secretary- The Prime and other epidemics. After General confirmed the Minister reiterating that “we cannot expected: “although as a promised that fail the millions of people result of this program we Spain would who are hoping that the have achieved real results stick to its goal international community in areas such as the fight of allocating sticks to its promise of a against extreme poverty, 0.7% of GDP to better world”, he issued a primary education and development by call to action: “Leaders of access to drinking water, 2015 the world, we are waiting for there is still much work to you”.
Above, the Spanish Prime Minister during his speech at the summit organized by the United Nations. Below, at the summit together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. efe
In his speech, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero proposed two initiatives for meeting the Millennium Development Goals: that countries maintain their efforts to encourage development despite the crisis, and that they implement innovative sources of funding. After requesting that all
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governments state their position on the issue clearly, the Spanish Prime Minister backed the setting up of a tax on international financial transactions with the aim of meeting the MDGs. "My government is committed to defending this policy and putting it into practice; implementing it across all international forums", he said. On this issue, the Spanish Prime Minister described it as “quite reasonable, fair and logical” that countries and nations “request a minimum level of effort to make the financial system work with a view to bringing millions of human beings out of extreme misery”. He went on to recognize that donor countries have stalled on the huge effort being made in the way of development aid, but he felt that this slow-down would be "temporary". At the same time he promised that Spain is
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going to stick to its target of allocating 0.7% of GDP to development by 2015, "after having increased this figure from 0.2% to 0.45% over the last five years". In this connection, the Prime Minister reminded the listeners that Spain has increased its development aid by more than any other developed country over the last five years, establishing itself as a stalwart donor to the United Nations system, particularly in the fight for food security, gender equality and poverty.
which proposes to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. Speaking about the role of women, he noted that it must be supported in order to advance human development, as it is in the least-favored areas where women carry the burden of family responsibility. Thus, if their conditions improve, then so will those of the rest of the family and society. He highlighted that the Millennium Goals will only be achieved if progress is made in gender equality and if all governments view it as a priority.
The fight against poverty. Before his speech at the high-level meeting, the Spanish Prime Minister took part in a roundtable discussion on hunger, gender equality, and the fight against poverty. During his speech he guaranteed that Spain would continue in its efforts to meet Millennium Development Goal 1,
Good relations between Spain and Morocco. The United Nations' headquarters was chosen as the setting for a meeting between King Mohammed VI and Prime Minster Rodríguez Zapatero. The Prime Minister stated that, “this is a good time in our relations” and he announced that
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they had agreed that at the next highlevel bilateral meeting to be held at the beginning of 2011, they would carry out “a review of all the topics we have been working on in recent years: immigration policy, the policy on the Union for the Mediterranean, the policy on Maghreb and, of course, Hispano-Moroccan economic relations, on which we want to place particular emphasis by working together on joint projects”. Meeting with North American investors.
During his stay in New York, Prime Minister Rodríguez Zapatero explained to the United States' main institutional investors that Spain and the Eurozone are beginning the economic recovery and are returning to a level of financial stability following the debt crisis in May and June. The meeting was attended by senior representatives from banks, investment funds and insurance companies such as Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Prudential, Metlife and BlackRock, among others.
Philanthropist George Soros also attended. The Prime Minister told them about the important era of reforms that Spain was facing in order to generate competitiveness and overcome the structural imbalances that have built up over the last 15 years, commenting that to implement them he has had to make "difficult decisions" which have demonstrated his "firm commitment" to make the Spanish economy competitive and once again create
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero during a meeting he held with a group of US investors to present the current state of the Spanish economy. efe
Antonio Banderas undp goodwill ambassador
Count on me
From the moment I began my journey as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, I assumed that in addition to personal recognition it would give me the opportunity to reflect on my commitment to the times in which I live, with the opportunity to explore my own responsibilities to those who are not so fortunate and as a way of understanding and acting in support of millions of human beings who have fallen victim to the endemic injustices that arise from food shortages, gender inequality, the inability to receive health care and decent housing, lack of
education, etc. When, from the developed world, we look on in horror at the state of permanent crisis in which millions of people all over the world are forced to live, we are beset by a feeling of confusion due to being unable to understand how it has not been possible to find a solution to so much suffering. We even run the risk of becoming insensitive to something that we could begin to consider as an unavoidable reality. The plan to achieve the Millennium Goals drew my
attention right from the outset. It is specific, concrete and clear in its goals. It requires the commitment of governments and also the mobilization of civil society. Nevertheless, civil society needs to be informed of the progress made, the objectives achieved and the goals realized. That could be my mission: to try and ensure that the message arrives as clearly and intact as possible and to the maximum number of people, so that people know what progress has been made. For all of the above, you can count on me.
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Spain backs development Juan López-Dóriga
director general of planning and evaluation of development policies
On September 20, 21 and 22 of 2010, the Millennium Development Goals Review Summit was held in New York at the United Nations' headquarters. At the event, the Heads of State and Government from almost all of the world's countries evaluated the progress made in eradicating poverty from the Earth. Ten years on from the Millennium Declaration, two years after the previous review of the MDGs, and with only 5 years remaining to fulfill the promises made an the United Nations' headquarters in the year 2000, the international community recognized that progress had been made, but that an enormous task still lay ahead. Spain has firmly backed development aid as a priority of its foreign policy, and made the fight against poverty and the MDGs key elements of its development policy. It is the country that has most increased its ODA in recent years. Spain's commitment has made it a benchmark for international cooperation; not only for its financial contribution, but also for the importance of its initiatives. This commitment is demonstrated by the SpainUNDP MDG Achievement Fund, the High-Level Meeting on
Food Security, the Water and Sanitation Fund and the creation of the UNIFEM Fund for gender equality. The Spanish position at the New York Summit focused particularly on development funding. It is undeniable that this economic crossroads has required many countries to slow down efforts to increase Official Development Aid. Spain has also decided to postpone the goal set in the Third Master Plan for 2009-2012. But it should also be clear that this is a temporary postponement. The Spanish government, together with its partners from the European Union, will stick to its target of reaching 0.7% of development aid by 2015, as confirmed by the Spanish Prime Minister in New York. United Nations' reports indicate, nevertheless, that there is an annual funding deficit for development and climate change of around 300 billion dollars, which cannot be written off by the world economies in either the short or medium term. To alleviate this difficult situation, the Spanish government expressed its commitment to make use of all forums to support a tax on international financial
Spain is the country that has increased its ODA most in recent years, making it a benchmark for international cooperation
transactions. The idea, the materialization of which seemed remote only a few years ago, is gradually gaining momentum. Perhaps the time has come for us to all speed up progress. Development cannot wait. The delays are measured by the number of lives lost. Nor can we wait to tackle one of the areas that was overlooked by the MDGs: the fight against inequality. We all know that in some cases the progress we have made has not benefited huge sections of the population, and we are subject to what we could call the “tyranny of averages”. Growth, combined with redistributive efforts would produce -and already does in some countries- a faster reduction in poverty. However, social programs that reduce inequality involve a mobilization of internal resources that requires national tax policies and an international climate that is favorable to combating tax evasion and tax havens. This issue, which was the subject of a Doha mandate, and on which Spain worked with special dedication during its EU Presidency, should be one of the G-20's main priorities. That is what we brought up in New York, and that is what we have proposed.
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country's population, as well as a fair representation of women. Regarding EEAS's powers, the final agreement stipulates that the service will have a very broad scope of action: a point of great importance to the progress of EU external actions. The European Commission, which until now was the only EU institution with external delegations, will keep its exclusive powers regarding international business, but the EEAS will take over the rest, in addition to assuming new political representation powers. One example of a transferred power is development cooperation, to which the EU is the world's greatest donor: the EEAS will be in charge of this domain, albeit with the cooperation of the Commission. Something of this type will also happen regarding EU enlargement. Another new area of competence is the ability of the EU, through its network of delegations, to manage consular protection of European citizens. This could be done under the direction of the Member States, for example when a State does not have representation in the country in question. This would always be at the request of the State to which the person in need of protection belongs, for example if the individual is a victim of an accident or crime, finds himself in an emergency, or is arrested.
To appreciate the scope of the EEAS, it is important to remember that it is inheriting from European Commission a network of 137 delegations across non-EU countries and international organizations, a network that had been in development since the 1980s, working under the banner of the then-European Economic Commission to develop economic relations, and that since then has slowly taken on additional roles. Catherine Ashton's 28 appointments in September will join the EEAS and by the end of the year they will be joined by 84 other people who will fill posts both in Brussels and in non-EU embassies and international organizations around the world. The selection process is highly competitive: 470 candidates entered the first stage, taken from the EU civil service or Member States' own diplomatic services, and then were judged on their merits by a panel composed of representatives from the European Commission, the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU and various Member States. The
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large number of Spaniards among the candidates is without doubt proof of the professional quality of Spain's civil servants. There still remain a few loose ends to be tied up. For example, the Lisbon Treaty aims to provide the Union with a voice on the international stage, and to also include the EU's participation in other international organizations. In this regard, work is already underway so that the EU adheres to the European Convention on Human Rights of the Council of Europe, an organization which brings together 47 countries across the continent. Likewise, negotiations are underway with the United Nations that will enable the EU to participate in the UN as a single entity, something that will require consent from all of the UN members. Whatever else happens, by 2013 the EEAS will be fully operational, and the EU will count with the aid of a strong diplomatic service that will defend the interests of EU States and their citizens across the world.
THE EEAS' FIRSTSPANIARDS. Five Spanish diplomats were included in the first round of appointments. They are: Alfonso Díez Torres (Head of Delegation in Argentina), Javier Puyol Piñuela (Head of Delegation in Angola), Joaquín González-Ducay (Head of Delegation in Guinea-Bissau), Raúl Fuentes Milani (Head of Delegation in Namibia) and Carmen Cano de Lasala (China).
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation reforms respond to two distinct realities: the Lisbon Treaty's new framework, and the necessary evolution of diplomacy in the 21st Century in a changing, multipolar world.
MAEC Reforms for a Changing Environment Nobody could fail to notice that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation's reform marked further adaptation of Spain's Foreign Service to the country's needs internationally as a proactive European power which acts within a global and interdependent environment. While the reform of the Ministry comes at a time of economic recession and budgetary adjustments, its objectives extend beyond the current situation and will create a modern, resized Ministry that is closer than ever to the country's citizens. On 30 April, the Council of Ministers approved the Agreement on the structural rationalization of the State's General Administration, which includes a reduction in high offices and restructuring of the public sector. In this way, the objectives of reducing personnel and operating costs will be achieved, while at the same time ensuring the Administration's efficiency and ability to provide citizens with high quality services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation was originally excluded from this process in order to maintain operational capabilities and meet the challenges of Spain's Presidency of the EU Council. Hence on 23 July, Royal Decree 929/2010 was published, which established the current organizational chart with one fewer State Directorate
and 13 fewer Directorates General. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Miguel ﾃ］gel Moratinos, characterized the department's restructuring as "serious, profound and modern", taking into account various realities such as politics in a multipolar world, the norms of the Lisbon Treaty and new diplomatic trends in the 21st century. Lisbon Treaty Guidelines. On the one hand, the Lisbon Treaty sets forth, among other questions, the naming of the new Directorate General of General Affairs and Coordination of the Treaty's Policies for European Union Operations. On the other hand, the treaty has allowed the creation of the European External Affairs Service (EEAS), bolstered by the success of the Spanish EU Presidency. The creation of this diplomatic body and the restructuring of the EU's central services, previously dependent on the High Representative and VicePresident of the Commission Catherine Ashton, also inspired a reduction in the number of Directorates General as well as a consolidation of the second and third levels of our organizational structure. Diplomacy in the 21st Century. The EEAS is innovative in that it recognizes the existence of a new kind of diplomacy
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Pictures of the inaugural ceremonies of the new Deputy Secretary Antonio López Martínez and the Secretary for Foreign and Ibero-American Affairs, Juan Pablo de Laiglesia. PHOTOs j. fernández / j. hernández
for the 21st century; a century which has not only changed global geostrategy and international relations as a whole, but also Spanish foreign policy and diplomacy. Administrative structures and the search to optimize resources and improve their management could never have remained at the periphery of the new European and Spanish realities. Thus, Directorates General are now assigned to geographical areas and cover all aspects in the region in order to avoid duplication of efforts, while also introducing distinctions between bilateral relations with other countries and relations with them through the EU. This reform has established channels for interaction between the Directorate General (DG) of International Economic Relations and that of Energy Affairs in order to promote economic diplomacy and foster the internationalization of our economy and businesses, which continue to have great potential for international growth. The implementation of the new State Directorate for Foreign Affairs and Ibero-America, changes in name of the Directorates General, and modifications of their corresponding offices, have all taken place in response to a need for greater efficiency and coordination in the service of a global Spain. In addition, Royal Decree 941/2010 was published on 23 July. The decree modifies the Charter of the Spanish Agency for International Development and Cooperation (AECID), eliminating the Office of the Water and Health Cooperation Fund, thus meeting the general objective of downscaling
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organizations and of creating a more flexible and streamlined AECID to serve Spanish society's unified commitment to fighting hunger and poverty. Future Reform. This department's central services have begun a process of reforms which will be felt internally and improve the efficiency and quality of services rendered to citizens and to companies operating abroad, and for the spreading of our culture. Without a doubt, improved management will allow the optimization of resources and improve how outsiders see Spain and our "soft power". Although some issues remain to be resolved, the steps taken so far have established a point of no return in the process of reform, which will culminate in the creation of a new Spanish diplomacy for the 21st century with Spain's future Service and External Action Law. These reforms, which have been carried out continuously and with full consensus, have taken full account of new internal and external actors, as well as the necessary inter-ministerial coordination and more flexible management processes. In this regard, the reform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation can be seen as a process whereby advancements are made in terms of modernization, efficiency, and excellence in providing services. All of this will gradually mold Spain's foreign policy and diplomacy in the 21st Century, as it prepares to meet future challenges, the foremost of which are the interests the Spanish state and society.
Notable appointments: ■ Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Ibero-America: Juan Pablo de Laiglesia ■ Deputy Secretary: Antonio López Martínez ■ Director General of Foreign Communications: Dámaso de Lario Ramírez ■ Director General of the Foreign Service: Juan Ramón Martínez Salazar ■ Director General for Consular and Migratory Affairs: Santiago Cabanas Ansorena ■ Director General for Integration and Coordination of General Affairs and Policy Coordination for the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union: Alejandro Abellán García de Diego
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DISCOVER YOUR EMBASSY Guatemala is a multicultural country, rich in traditions that combine the indigenous with the colonial and modern, providing a blend of colors, tastes and smells. It is known as the land of eternal spring because of its rich natural environment and because it enjoys an ideal climate. The country offers magical locations such as Antigua Guatemala, which enjoys UNESCO world heritage site status, and monuments that have been universally recognized as icons of Mayan culture. Furthermore, Guatemala is one of Spain's brother nations, and the two countries enjoy close and deep relations. by Luis Melgar
Guatemala, the land of eternal spring Tikal, 1000 AD. A glorious civilization in turmoil. The Mayan Empire, whose influence and culture spread across a large part of Central America, began to break up due to internal conflicts. Tikal, the ancient capital of this glorious nation and home to 200,000 people, was abandoned at a time when European bishops were debating the divine nature of Christ at the Council of Nicea. What caused Mayan society to wither? Why did hundreds of thousands of men and women leave their homes in a thriving city, never to return? When Spanish conquistadors arrived in Guatemala in 1523, almost all that remained of this ancient and proud civilization's splendor was the ruins of its cities. The Mayans still existed as an ethnic group, which subsequently mixed with the European invaders, thus giving birth to the mixed race which is dominant in modern Guatemala, and is the foundation of its linguistic, ethnic and cultural richness. Since 1523, relations between Guatemala and Spain have necessarily undergone a lot of changes. Guatemala's independence was obtained on 15 September, 1821, severing the bond between colony and colonizer, a bond which was soon
reforged and was to grow based on new principles. As a result of the Spanish "Transition", relations between the two countries have increasingly complex as they move into a stage of friendship which should unite two nations with a common history, language and traditions. Today, political relations between Spain and Guatemala are good, and run smoothly. This is demonstrated by the numerous state visits by Presidents, ministers and Secretaries of State made by both nations in recent years. Spain gives particular support to the promotion of Human Rights in Guatemala. After 14 years of peace, the situation has clearly improved, even though reports from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Guatemala do not give reason for complacency. Regarding violations of human rights committed during the armed conflict, it must be highlighted that for the first time two sentences have been handed down to military personnel, which represents a great step towards the achieving of justice. From an economic point of view, it must be noted that Guatemala is an important destination for Spanish
investment: almost 700 million Euros by mid-2010, mostly in the electrical distribution and telecommunications sectors. Spain has, on multiple occasions, shown its firm commitment to development cooperation in Guatemala. More than half of the population lives below the poverty line, and 15% live on less than one dollar per day. Rates of chronic child malnutrition, maternal and infant
Guatemala in Figures Area: 108,890 km2 Population: 12.9 million inhabitants Population density: 118.9 inhabitants per km2 Annual population growth: 2,4% Life expectancy at birth: 70.1 years HDI ranking (2009): 122 GDP (per capita in 2007): 4.562 $ Inflation rate: 6,5% (2007) Main export partner: United States Main import partner: United States Main exports: Coffee and sugar Main imports: Fuel and raw materials Resident Spaniards (2007): 5.406 Source: Min. of Foreign Aff. & Coop.
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Pictures of two sites which typify the Guatemalan capital: Plaza Central (left) and the Metropolitan Cathedral (above).
mortality are among the highest in Latin America, second only to Haiti. In recognition of this situation, and in harmony with its commitment to cooperation with the least developed countries (LDC), Spain is the primary bilateral donor in this Central American country, having donated 101 million Euros as of 2009. One particularly noteworthy aspect is food security: Guatemala has a chronic malnutrition rate or around 50%, and in consequence the Spanish Government collaborates closely with FAO and World Food Program (WFP) projects there. Other programs, such as "Justice and Security: Reduction of Impunity" should also be highlighted: this program contributes to the fight against legal impunity in Guatemala, as well as supporting the National Education Plan and projects relating to water and sanitation. No overview of the profound and fruitful bilateral relations between Spain and Guatemala would be complete without mentioning the presence of a considerable Spanish community within the country: 5,800 Spanish men and women were there at the beginning of 2009, a figure which has risen to almost 7,000 since the application of Historical Memory Law, which has allowed descendants or those exiled to Guatemala during Franco's dictatorship to obtain
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Spanish citizenship. projects that increase the The Spanish community Spain is the well-being of its members in Guatemala is extremely country's and build foundations for well organized, notably primary the future. The Association through the Spanish bilateral donor, includes a Foundation Charitable Association. This having given which primarily aims to is an organization which was 101 million support health through founded in 1886 and which Euros in 2009 sport, as well as the Nuestra brings together the majority Se単ora del Pilar Clinic, of Spaniards in Guatemala. whose purpose is to provide The Association's objective quality medical services to is not limited to charity, but also all of the country's population. aims to strengthen relations between Today, Guatemala is a country Spaniards and Guatemalans, that is struggling to emerge from promoting the development of new underdevelopment. Of the six Central
American republics, Guatemala has the second highest GDP per capita, even at its modest international ranking of 77. Of greater concern is its Human Development Index ranking of 122, behind neighboring Panama and Costa Rica. Spain's commitment to Guatemala, on a political, economic and social level is most evident in the development sector, where it supports the Guatemalan people in their aspirations to reach and exceed the level of well-being known by their ancestors in the glorious and eternal city of Tikal.
Images of the Spanish Embassy in Guatemala.
A SPANIARD IN GUATEMALA Carlos Bartolom辿 Presa A Guatemalan of Spanish parentage, he is president of the Spanish Charitable Association: an institution which manages, among other projects, the Nuestra Se単ora del Pilar clinic and the Club Centro Espa単ol.
What opinion do Guatemalans have of Spain and the Spanish people? In my opinion there are many perceptions, although we can see three trends: those who identify with Spanish culture, even though they have never experienced it and are fascinated by Spanish football teams and cuisine; those who are prejudiced against Spain and Spaniards, who talk about the conquest and 500 years of oppression and abuse; and those who feel attracted to Spanish culture and who have visited Spain, or would like to visit. This latter group normally learns more about Spain, its history and geography, etc. As a group, do the Spaniards resident in Guatemala engage in any kind of activity in order to keep in touch with one another? The Spanish Charitable Association
is an organization founded in 1866 which brings most of the Spaniards in the country together. Any Spanish citizen, or person of Spanish origins, can become a member for 20 Euros/month and enjoys discounts on medical services, lab tests and diagnostic imaging, as well as access to the Club. This association is recognized by Guatemalan society as the most active Association and the one that has made the most achievements. Can you give us any reasons to choose Guatemala as a destination for business or pleasure? Guatemala is a multicultural nation, rich in traditions, and known as the land of eternal springtime because of its natural abundance and ideal climate. Due to this cultural diversity, people are warm and hospitable, and welcome visitors with open arms: there are no
foreigners, only friends. The country is home to magical locations, such as Antigua and Tikal, as well as secrets waiting to be discovered such as the Verapaces region, where one can find authentic indigenous cultural experiences. Guatemala's geography is extremely diverse, and hosts a huge variety of species of animals and plants, and impressive landscapes. This makes Guatemala a destination full of experiences in eco-tourism and adventure (you can do extreme sports, scientific tourism such as birdwatching, etc). Furthermore, Guatemala is one of the countries with the best infrastructure in Central America. There is a huge variety of industry, with the presence of several multinational companies and chains which offer high quality services.
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Colonial Past and Cooperation Maria del Carmen D铆ez Orejas spanish ambassador to guatemala
Guatemala is an extremely rich and diverse nation. Occupying an area slightly larger than Castille and Le贸n (or the U.S. state of Florida), it is the largest Central American country. It also has the highest population, with around 14 million inhabitants, more than half of whom are indigenous peoples. The physical environment has a unique beauty. A range of volcanoes (more than a dozen of which are still active) with a height of up to 4,000 m extends across the country, which also hosts majestic high plains, tropical jungles, numerous lakes and fertile plains along its Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The Guatemalan population is composed of 23 ethno-linguistic groups, mostly of Mayan origins, which preserve their languages and culture features. Spanish influence is demonstrated in the language, customs, and towns and cities with a distinct colonial style. This cultural variety is reflected in Guatemala's unique heritage, whose most defining characteristics are the Mayan city of Tikal and the city of Antigua, headquarters of the General Captaincy of Central America. The country's history reveals a complex political, economic and social reality. The highlights and shadows of the colonial past, the consolidation of Creole power following independence, and the long, cruel armed conflict can still be felt today. 14 years after peace agreements were signed, some of the causes of the 36-year-
long conflict are still present today: huge social inequality, discrimination, racism, as well as poverty and exclusion still affect broad strata of the population. Under these circumstances, Guatemala faces several distinct challenges. In the political sphere, state institutions need to be reinforced, as does the fight against violence and legal impunity. In the social context, poverty and inequality need to be reduced. In the economic sphere, the promotion of sustainable development that respects the environment, and the stimulation of greater competitiveness and diversification of the economy, are needed to enable Guatemala's participation in a globalized community. Spain, as a committed friend, actively supports the Government's efforts to face the above challenges. Bilateral relations are especially smooth in all areas. From a political point of view, there is ongoing dialog. Regarding development cooperation, Guatemala is considered a priority. This is shown through the intense activity of the different Development Cooperation entities. More than half of the ODA comes from AECID, and decentralized contributions are also noteworthy. The cooperation efforts managed by MAEC are focused on contributing to strengthening institutions,
Spain, as a friendly and committed nation, actively supports the Guatemalan Government in facing challenges such as reducing poverty and the fight against violence and legal impunity.
especially in the areas of security and justice, promoting local development, supporting municipal management and certain productive projects, increasing social cohesion in education, gender equality and indigenous inclusion, and preserving artistic and natural heritage. Furthermore, Spain is one of the main contributors to the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). In the economic and business fields, in recent years Spain has become the third-largest investor in the country. Although affected by the international crisis, the Guatemalan economy shows signs of recovery with solid macroeconomic policies. It has an increasingly open economy, highlighted by Free Trade Agreements, especially those with Mexico and the USA, and to which the recent EU-CA Agreement has been added Business opportunities are relevant on both a national and regional level. Spanish market leaders in the fields of telecommunications, energy, civil engineering, food and tourism have decided to invest in the country. Finally, it is necessary to mention the role of the country's Spanish community in the development of relations that are as intense and complete as are the natural wonders and the character of this country known as the land of "eternal springtime".
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Knowledge and dialogue. The Director General of the European Institute of the Mediterranean highlights the Mediterranean focus that governs Spain's action abroad and the role played by the institution he leads in the search for a fluid dialogue among the variety of nations that make up the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Senén Florensa IEMed Director General
“We Want to Increase Awareness in the Countries of the Mediterranean of a Shared Historical Past and of Shared Values” — When was IEMed created and what are its main activities and objectives? —The European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed) was founded in 1989 in Barcelona by the Catalonian government and received a major stimulus in 2002, when it was restructured as a consortium among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, and the Barcelona City Council. Its objectives have been defined by those established in the Barcelona process and those added in 2008 with the creation of the Union for the Mediterranean. Along these lines, IEMed's purpose is to promote activities and projects that can contribute to mutual acquaintance, exchange, and cooperation among the various Mediterranean countries, societies, and cultures, as well as promoting the progressive construction in the Mediterranean of a space for peace and stability, for shared prosperity, and for dialogue among cultures and civilizations. In order to pursue these objectives, IEMed organizes seminars, research projects, discussions, lecture series, and publications, along with extensive cultural programming. —What role does IEMed play in Spain's sphere of action abroad? —With a clear purpose to be a think tank specialized in Mediterranean affairs, IEMed is an instrument that reinforces
the traditional commitment of Spanish foreign policy to the Mediterranean. On the basis of a multi-disciplinary focus and of networked activity, IEMed promotes analysis, knowledge, dialogue, and cooperation through its studies and activities, in order to articulate Spanish and European relations with the Mediterranean countries on the best possible foundations. Perhaps the clearest and most current example of this work is the efforts we have been making both for the establishment of the Union for the Mediterranean secretariat in Barcelona in 2008 and for the secretariat to effectively take up its work with the necessary energy and scope to provide the impetus for a new stage in European-Mediterranean relations. Another proof of this commitment took place in 2007, with the organization, with strong support from the Spanish government, of an international seminar to discuss the scope of advanced status for Morocco with the European Union. A few months later, this agreement on the terms of a strengthened relationship between the European Union and that North African country became reality upon being approved in Brussels. — What relationships does IEMed maintain with the various institutions of so-called public diplomacy? — The impulse toward dialogue and mutual knowledge is one of the central axes of IEMed's action, as is true of other
institutions based in Spain that work in the Mediterranean sphere and have a similar focus. Given this confluence of aims and objectives, IEMed maintains ongoing communication not only with institutions such as the Three Cultures Foundation, Casa Árabe, and Casa del Mediterráneo, but also with other centers such as the Barcelona International Studies and Documentation Center (CIDOB) Foundation and Casa Asia, in Barcelona, and the Toledo International Center for Peace. In addition, however, networked activity with institutions in Mediterranean countries, especially Morocco, France, Tunisia, and Turkey, that can fit under this heading has been one of our distinguishing characteristics for many years. For this reason, we also form part of networks of institutions and academic centers with economic, political, social, and cultural interests, such as ANIMA, Femise, the Forum Euroméditerranéen des Cultures (FEMEC), the Euromediterranean Study Commission (EuroMeSCo), Euromed Heritage, and the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation. — In broad terms, how do you see the region today? — The Euro-Mediterranean region is currently affected by a variety of factors. Among others, an economic crisis the outcome of which is not yet in sight, which is especially affecting European Mediterranean countries; it remains
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profile. A diplomat and ambassador, Senén Florensa has a university degree in economics and another in law. He has been the general director of the Institute for Cooperation with the Arab World, the Mediterranean, and Developing Countries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, as well as Spanish ambassador to Tunisia. Previously, he held various positions in the Autonomous Government of Catalonia. Since March 2006, he has been director general of the European Institute of the Mediterranean. He has also been director of studies at the Diplomatic School and a professor of international economics and development at the Complutense University of Madrid.
to be seen how it will end up in terms of shaking up the economies of the southern and eastern Mediterranean. This is a crisis that is contributing to raising tensions in the European social arena around problems linked to religion and identity, which were already prominent due to the rise in Islamic-inspired terrorism. Two other factors that impact the region today are the renewed, although timid, hopes generated by the peace talks in the Middle East and the high expectations of the Mediterranean partner countries with regard to the launch of the Union for the Mediterranean. — A recent survey indicates that the cultural divide between North and South is growing in the Union for the Mediterranean. How can IEMed
contribute to preventing this? — It is true that the survey highlights the differences in values between the two shores, although it also points out the existence of growing personal ties between citizens on both banks. Along these lines, the growing diversity in Europe and the resulting constant increase in relationships of all kinds among groups, communities, and nations, the fruit of, among other factors, migratory flows and of the impact of new communication technologies, can contribute to narrowing this divide. Our contribution is evident in our activities that seek to increase mutual understanding and dialogue among citizens, increase awareness of a shared historical past and of shared values, and make the public aware of the
contemporary cultural diversity in the countries of the Mediterranean. — Does IEMed act in other geographical areas? — Although our primary field of action is the Mediterranean, today's complex, interdependent, and globalized world obliges us to take everything that happens beyond the borders of the Mediterranean countries into account, because it unavoidably ends up impinging on our reality. Along these lines, we carry out activities in collaboration with other institutions on boundary-crossing topics, such as the management of religions, sociopolitical changes in Muslim countries with a clear influence on the Mediterranean, and the structuring of free-trade zones, for example, among many others. We also address issues that transcend the borders of the Mediterranean but that have repercussions in our region by organizing international gatherings. The most recent example is the World Congress for Middle Eastern Studies (WOCMES), which brought together more than 2700 experts and academics from 72 countries in Barcelona from 19 to 24 July.
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Annual Directors' Meeting. The Manchegan city of Alcázar de San Juan hosted the annual meeting, now in its sixth edition. The future challenges for the Cervantes Institute and its lines of action for the upcoming academic year were studied.
The Cervantes Institute Opens the Way to New Funding Sources The Prince and Princess of Asturias presided over the closing session of the Directors' Meeting held by the Cervantes Institute in Alcázar de San Juan (Ciudad Real) in July. They were joined at the event by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the president of Castilla-La Mancha, José María Barreda, and the director of the Cervantes Institute, Carmen Caffarel. "Language has become a key resource in our international society," His Royal
Highness the Prince of Asturias said. "Countries with languages of universal extension, with a demand to learn them that increases every day without cease, have extraordinary comparative advantages available to them today, since their entrepreneurs – supported by their language – can more easily create new wealth, jobs, and social well-being." During his address, he also emphasized that the Cervantes Institute has been "a pioneer in supporting information technology
and communications technology," and he encouraged it to continue down this road in a society that is becoming more familiar with these new technologies every day. During the meeting held in Alcázar de San Juan, new sources of funding for the institution were discussed. The Cervantes Institute's new sponsorship plan considers ways to court donors in order to obtain funds that could enable it to reduce its dependence on the public coffers. Along these lines, the institution's top officials studied new formulas, such as the creation of patronage committees, sponsorship by public and private entities, and a Circle of Friends of the Cervantes Institute. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation confirmed his support for the Cervantes Institute during his address, highlighting the fact that it "is one of the fundamental components of our international relations." Hence, he affirmed that the institution is "the spearhead of a mechanism seeking to increase understanding among different countries and dialogue among different peoples."
His Royal Highness the Prince of Asturias concludes the closing ceremony of the Cervantes Institute's sixth Directors' Meeting. Miguel Muñoz Romero
Spanish Cultural Action Abroad Examined at Menéndez Pelayo University Miguel Ángel Moratinos participated, along with the Minister of Culture and the director of the Cervantes
Institute, in Menéndez Pelayo International University's summer course titled “Spanish Cultural Action Abroad.” The course brought together more than 40 experts in different fields who analyzed the promotion of our culture abroad. During the gathering, strategies were sought to
improve cultural projection beyond our borders, cooperation among different institutional actors abroad, contributions by the autonomous communities and by municipalities to these cultural actions, the role of the media, and the selection criteria for scheduling specific projects.
A Ambassador Máximo Cajal's Most Recent Work Introduced in Madrid The Student Residence hosted an event introducing “Sueños y pesadillas: Memoria de un diplomático” [Dreams and nightmares: Memoir of a diplomat], the most recent work by diplomat Máximo Cajal, published by Tusquets. The work, a finalist for the Comillas Prize, is a historical exercise in which the author recalls almost forty years of diplomacy in the service of Spain, with responsibilities at the highest level. Javier Solana, Miguel Ángel Aguilar, and Josep María Ventosa participated in the event.
Spain Grants One Hundred Scholarships to University Students from Equatorial Guinea Since September, one hundred students from Equatorial Guinea have been studying at Spanish universities on scholarships granted by virtue of a collaboration agreement signed in May to promote cooperation with the African country. The participants in the agreement are the Universidad.es Foundation, the Spanish International Development Cooperation Agency (AECID), and the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities, with the collaboration of the National Distance-Education University (UNED). The purpose of the initiative is to develop Equatorial Guinea's human resources in order to contribute to strengthening its academic institutions.
The Ship "Juan Carlos I" Will Expand Spain's Humanitarian Action With the delivery of the ship "Juan Carlos I," the Spanish Navy ranks among the most advanced in the world. This vessel, 230 meters in length and capable of carrying 26,000 tons, has a military versatility that allows it to act as an aircraft carrier, an assault ship, and a floating hospital, resulting in greater operating capacity in the humanitarian missions in which the Army participates. The ship was constructed by Navantia in El Ferrol and has been the object of interest from countries such as Australia and South Africa, which are considering a variety of purchase options.
Spain and Norway Agree to Develop the Hisnorsat Satellite At the beginning of September, Spain and Norway signed an agreement for the joint development of a communications satellite called Hisnorsat, intended to improve Spanish and Norwegian strategic communications. The device, which is expected to be launched in 2014, will be manufactured in Spain and will enable the creation of 1,000 jobs, with an investment of nearly 300 million euros. This agreement strengthens the national aerospace industry, which has made it possible for six of Spain's nine operational satellites to have been placed into orbit in the last six years.
Casa América Organizes the Vivamérica Festival Between 5 and 10 October, more than 60 thinkers, artists, writers, filmmakers, politicians, scientists, technology experts, and creators from all the countries of Ibero-America shared their ideas in a dynamic forum open to talent and organized by Casa de América. Cádiz, Zaragoza, Barranquilla,and Madrid were the hosts for a festival that brought together more than a score of cultural organizations.
Submission Period Open for the 2010 Casa África Essay Prizes Submissions for the 2010 Casa Afroca Essay Prizes will be accepted until 22 April 2011. These awards seek to recognize, encourage, and publicize original, unpublished essays that contribute to improving knowledge of Spanish-African relations. For more information, write to premio@casafrica.es.
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Organized by the FIIAPP
Latin America's Future Discussed at the 'First Agora Encounter' in Madrid In Madrid on 7 and 8 October, the International and Ibero-American Public Administration and Policy Foundation (FIIAPP) organized the First Agora Encounter: Latin America, 100 Different Voices, a Common Commitment, an innovative event that brought together one hundred prominent individuals from 18 Latin American countries to discuss effective approaches in the struggle against social inequality. One hundred men and women who shared a vision of the future for the region, reflected in a final declaration in favor of social cohesion and christened the Prado Declaration. Over the course of two days, in discussions and plenary sessions, the invited guests and experts examined in depth key topics for Latin America's present and future, such as new actors in the public sphere in times of change, state and market response to inequality, culture and identity in Latin America, power and the media, and the presence of women in public life. Four round tables under the overarching title of "The Voices of Latin America" were also held: "The Political Voice," at the Congress of Deputies; "The Economic Voice," at the headquarters of the Official Credit Institute (ICO); "The Social Voice," at Casa Encendida; and "The Cultural Voice," at the National Library. In parallel with the conference, the art exhibit "Just Here" was displayed in the Villanueva Pavilion in the Botanical Garden, the principal location of the event. The exhibit offered a panorama of Latin American artists who have found in Madrid an inspiring and welcoming city in which to work.
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International Contact Group on Somalia. Madrid hosted the meeting of this working group as a demonstration of Spain's commitment to the pacification, reconstruction, and development of the African country.
Spain Strengthens Its Commitment to Somalia Between 27 and 28 September, the Casa de América headquarters hosted the eighteenth meeting of the International Contact Group on Somalia, with the presence this year of the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the president of the federal transition government in Somalia, Sheikh Sharif, and the United Nations secretarygeneral's special representative for Somalia, Augustine P. Mahiga. Over the course of two days, representatives from forty-five countries and from a number of international organizations that make up this informal group, created in New York in 2006, discussed the situation in and the future of Somalia, with the aim of evaluating the progress made and promoting coordinated action by the international community. The spheres of security, reconstruction and development, human rights, and piracy constitute the axes around which the group is organized, now seeking to act at a crucial moment for the country, one year from the conclusion of a
transition period established in 2004. Spain has demonstrated its commitment to the Somali government and people through Operation Atalanta, the European Union Somalia Training Mission (EUTM) in Uganda, and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), as well as with three million euros of financial and budgetary support that Spain has committed in order to improve the population's access to basic services and undertake the work of reconstruction. The success of this eighteenth meeting of the group lay in its ability to serve as a laboratory of ideas and a forum for debate and discussion in order to determine all the actions that the government of Somalia itself and the international community as a whole need to carry out in order to achieve the urgent and necessary pacification of Somalia, the stabilization and development of the country, the end of piracy in the Indian Ocean, and regional security in the Horn of Africa. The contact group's next meeting will take place in February 2011.
IAEA Director General Visits Spain Yukiya Amano, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, recently visited Spain on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Spanish Nuclear Security Council. During his visit, he had the opportunity to meet with Miguel Ángel Moratinos, with whom he analyzed the most interesting issues on which the IAEA is working.
Spain Succeeds at Shanghai 2010 On 9 September, the Spanish Pavilion welcomed visitor number 5 million. This figure reflects the significant attention it has received at the Chinese international exposition, becoming one of the most visited pavilions, with a significant calendar of events. The prime minister visited the Pavilion on the occasion of the celebration of the exposition's Spain Day at the end of August.
Meeting on Vocational Education and Social Cohesion The Carolina Foundation and the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science, and Culture (OEI) brought a group of experts together in Madrid to evaluate the state of vocational education in Spain and Latin America and to offer public-policy proposals, in the search for more effective vocational education as a mechanism of social inclusion and modernization.
The Role of Civil Society in PeaceBuilding Grows
The UN secretary-general's special representative for Somalia, Augustine Philip Mahiga (center), the president of the Somali transitional government, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed Sharif (left), and the Spanish state secretary for foreign and Ibero-American affairs, Juan Pablo de Laiglesia (right), during the opening session of the meeting of the International Contact Group on Somalia held in Madrid. PHOTO EFE
2010 marks the end of the "International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010)." With the aim of learning about progress, obstacles, and challenges and generating recommendations in this regard, around a thousand civil-society organizations have drawn up a report with interesting conclusions, available at http://decade-culture-of-peace.org.
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Enrique Yeves, New Director of the FAO Office in Spain Spanish journalist Enrique Yeves has been named the new head of the FAO's Information Office for Spain and Andorra. Yeves was previously a spokesperson for the chair of the UN General Assembly in New York and the director of UN Television, as well as the FAO's communications person in Rome.
Recognition for the Spanish Contingent in BosniaHerzegovina The Spanish contingent in BosniaHerzegovina has been awarded the European Operation Althea Medal. This recognition was granted by the EU's General Secretariat for Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Commitment to Afghanistan The secretary-general of NATO visited Madrid in September to prepare for the upcoming summit of the Atlantic Alliance. Anders Rasmussen met with the king, Juan Carlos, and with the prime minister, who repeated Spain's "firm" commitment to the pacification of Afghanistan.
Spain Will Attend the G-20 Summit in South Korea South Korea, the country that will host the next G-20 meeting in November, has invited Spain to participate in the meeting as "one of the 10 largest economies in the world." In this way, our country is consolidating its position as a permanent member of the Club.
Seventh Casa Asia Prize 2010 Awarded in equal shares to the Dunhuang Project (China), for its work on recovering, preserving, and exhibiting information and images from the manuscripts, pictures, and textiles found in that city, and to Philippine senator Eduardo J. Angara, for his commitment to strengthening relations between Spain and the Philippines.
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Commitment abroad and austerity. The budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation will be cut by 14.3% next year.
The Ministry Budget Will Be 2.645 Billion Euros in 2011 In line with the austerity measures being implemented by the government, the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation will decrease by 14.3% in comparison to the amount spent in 2010, for an overall budget of 2.6457 billion euros. These budgets have been shaped with the goal of bringing the public deficit within the limits imposed by the EU Stability Pact. State action abroad and international development cooperation are the two large areas of activity around which the budget is structured. State action abroad will have an assigned budget of 621.8 million euros. Meanwhile, the line item dedicated to international development cooperation will be cut by 17%, with a total of 2.0239 billion euros available for the 2011 fiscal year. Spanish action abroad will focus
STATE ACTION ABROAD Year Budget (millions of euros) 712,6 2010 2011 621,8 Difference -90,8 (-12,7%) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Year Budget (millions of euros) 2010 2.438,2 2011 2.023,9 Difference -414,3 (-17%) on defending peace and security, protecting human rights, promoting democratic values, and advancing the effectiveness of international law. With regard to international development cooperation, special attention will be paid to meeting the Millennium Challenge Goals, already included as part of the 2009-2012 Overall Cooperation Plan.
Fourth edition of the Leading Brands of Spain Forum Prizes
The Prince of Asturias Foundation, a New Ambassador for the Spanish Brand The Leading Brands of Spain Forum, through a jury with representatives from a variety of backgrounds, and with the backing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, designated the new group of Spanish Brand Honorary Ambassadors at the beginning of September, at its biannual awards ceremony. On this occasion the new ambassadors were the Prince of Asturias Foundation (Institutional Relations),
Antonio Garrigues (Business Management), the Cervantes Institute (Communication), the Vicente Ferrer Foundation (Social Action), Inma Shara (Culture), Rafael Nadal (Sports), Santiago Calatrava (Science and Innovation), and the national soccer team (special award). The objective of these awards is to acknowledge the work of individuals, businesses, or institutions in favor of Spain's image abroad.
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Eurostat report
12.3% of the Spanish Population Are NonNaturalized Foreigners According to data from the most recent Eurostat report, Spain was home to 5,651,000 non-naturalized foreigners on 1 January 2009. This figure represents 12.3% of the Spanish population. The study also indicates that this immigrant population is the youngest in the entire EU, with an average age of 31, compared to an average age around 41 elsewhere. In the European Union as a whole, Germany ranked first in foreign population with a total of 7,185,921 foreigners. Spain was in second place, followed by Italy, France, and Switzerland. On the other hand, the study also indicates that Spain is not sending immigrants to other European countries, as was the case a few decades ago.
Spanish initiative
Commission Against the Death Penalty Established in Madrid On 7 October, an International Commission Against the Death Penalty was established, with the objective of complementing the actions taken in the international arena by representatives of civil society, international organizations, and various governments in favor of the abolition of the death penalty. The distinctive contributions of this commission, created on Spanish initiative, will be its independence, its wide geographical representation, and the high visibility of its actions in the international arena. It will be chaired by Federico Mayor Zaragoza, and Spain will act as the first chair of its support group.
Commencement Ceremony for the 64th Class of Career Diplomats On 28 September, the Diplomatic School hosted the ceremony at which 42 new diplomats received their commissions. With this new class, Spain reaches the number of one thousand diplomats. The ceremony, at which His Majesty the King presided, was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and the director of the Diplomatic School.
Seminar "Beyond the Crisis: The Future of the Multilateral System" The Ramón Areces Foundation and the OECD Development Center organized this international event, which addressed aspects of global governance through four panels: finance, trade, the environment, and governance. The seminar, held at the beginning of October, was opened by OECD Secretary-General Ángel Gurría and former Spanish deputy prime minister Pedro Solbes.
Survey on Anti-Semitism Conducted by Casa Sefarad-Israel In September, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, together with the director general of Casa Sefarad-Israel, Diego de Ojeda, presented the results of a survey of over 1,000 citizens on the subject of anti-Semitism. The poll found that about 35% of Spaniards have an unfavorable opinion of Jews, a group with 45,000 members in Spain. The reason most often cited by those polled to justify prejudice against Jews was the conflict in the Middle East.
Business Forum: The Spain-Brazil-Arab Countries Triangle Casa Árabe organized a meeting in Madrid among businesspeople, chambers of commerce, and trade attachés in order to promote the dynamics of trade among Spain, Brazil, and the Arab countries. The participants included, among others, Michel Alaby, secretary general of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Claudio Garón, head of the trade office of the Brazilian embassy in Spain, Isabel Ariza, international director of Grupo Volconsa, Jacinto Soler, a professor at Pompeu Fabra University, and Olivia Orozco, coordinator of Casa Árabe's socioeconomic and business program.
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Kazakh chairmanship of the OSCE. In the last days of the Kazakh chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Kazakh ambassador to Spain evaluates the progress made to this point, as well as the state of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Yergali Bulegenov "The Priority of our OSCE Chairmanship Is Strengthening Its Role and Consolidating the Internal Unity of Its Members" Kazakh Ambassador to Spain
—Ambassador, how would you evaluate the bilateral relationship between Kazakhstan and Spain? — Kazakh-Spanish relations are on the level of strategic association and trust. The official confirmation of this occurred when an agreement was signed in Astana in July of last year. The personal friendship between President Nazarbayev and King Juan Carlos I contributes a great deal to the dynamic development of the relationship. The annual meetings of the two heads of state are a tradition, which promotes friendship and provides a strong stimulus to the state structures. The heads of both foreign ministries, Kanat Saudabayev and Miguel Ángel Moratinos, work in harmony with them. — This year Kazakhstan chairs the OSCE. Could you suggest some preliminary conclusions from this chairmanship, which has coincided with Spain's term in the presidency of the EU? — I want to take advantage of the opportunity to underscore the fact that Spain was one of the most active backers of Kazakhstan's candidacy for the chairmanship of the OSCE, which was approved in November of 2007 while Spain held the rotating chairmanship. Kazakhstan has been successfully following its roadmap. The priorities are
to strengthen the OSCE's global role and significance, as well as to consolidate the internal unity of its members. Significant progress has been made toward these objectives. On the political side, Kazakhstan is continuing the Corfu process begun last year to address the future of the security architecture on the European continent and the postwar reconstruction of Afghanistan. In the area of the economy and the environment, we are paying special attention to increasing the effectiveness of transportation in the region, to issues of energy security, and to the problem of the Aral Sea. The two parts of the eighteenth OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum, held in Vienna and Prague in February and May 2010, were devoted to these issues. In the humanitarian dimension, our principal objective is to make progress on the ideals of religious and ethnic tolerance. We have extensive experience in this sphere, since representatives of more than 140 nationalities and 46 religions live together in peace in Kazakhstan. One of the most important events was the high-level conference on tolerance held in June in Astana. As you pointed out, our chairmanship coincided with Spain's presidency of the EU. Taking into account the strategic nature of the association between
the two countries, we did everything possible to make maximum use of the effect of this synergy. We are glad that the Spanish government shares the point of view of the Kazakh authorities on all the issues currently on the international agenda and offers us its unconditional support. In order to illustrate this close cooperation, I offer the example of the crises in Kyrgyzstan in April and June. Spain gave its full backing to the measures taken by the acting OSCE chair, expressing the EU's support in this complicated matter. — For the first time in 11 years, the OSCE will hold a summit in Astana in December. What will be the main items on the agenda at this high-level meeting? — Holding a summit of heads of state was one of the main objectives of the Kazakh chairmanship from the beginning. The president of Kazakhstan proposed the idea of organizing the summit in 2010 – the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, the 65th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and the 20th anniversary of the Charter of Paris for a New Europe. All the members of the OSCE backed the idea during the informal meeting of OSCE foreign ministers in Almay in July. We are now developing an agenda that will be acceptable to all sides and
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photo by ignacio
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profile. Yergali Bulegenov has been ambassador to Spain for two years. "I'm having a wonderful time. The two countries' positions coincide on the majority of issues in regional and international politics, and the people are very welcoming. In this regard, it's a lot like my country." "I greatly admire Spain's culture, history, and traditions, and I would like to work on bringing the regions of the two countries closer together, for example in the economic and trade sphere through their chambers of commerce. We are also planning university and cultural exchanges."
address the most current issues in the OSCE region. It is quite probable that it will incorporate matters such as the reaction to new threats (terrorism, drug trafficking), peaceful resolution of the situation in Afghanistan, strengthening the OSCE's role in developing economic cooperation, and solving environmental problems. In addition, the Astana summit should define the strategic direction of the OSCE's development. — What are the sectors with the greatest potential in Kazakhstan's economic relations with Spain? — Economic and trade cooperation and investment are an important part of Kazakh-Spanish bilateral cooperation. Traditionally, the bulk of our country's exports to Spain are mineral products, common metals, and items made from them. At the same time, we import equipment, construction materials,
citrus fruits, medicine, etc. from Spain. Among the large firms that are working successfully in the Kazakh market, I can highlight Indra, TALGO, Imabe IbĂŠrica, and Repsol YPF, among others. In recent years, there has been a great deal of progress. Always in search of new niches, Spanish and Kazakh firms are beginning to explore alternative markets. Many Spanish firms have only recently thought about moving into Central Asia. In order to move further along these lines, a legal basis is needed and in fact one exists, but the embassy is working to expand it. We have begun a project to sign an agreement to create a cooperation council bringing together Kazakh and Spanish chambers of commerce, and there is a great deal of emphasis being put on interregional cooperation.
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Analysis. Spain has celebrated Cooperation Day on the 8th of September since 2006, when the Council of Ministers approved by Royal Decree a commemoration on this date in recognition of the work of thousands of individuals around the world cooperating and working towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, 8 objectives signed by 189 heads of state on the same date in 2000.
From Left to Right. Photograph of the group of assistants at the Sectorial Conference, which took place as part of the Cooperation Week events. Soraya Rodrﾃｭguez speaks a few words to the hundreds of people present at the reception, while journalist Susana Roza, Minister Miguel ﾃ］gel Moratinos and the President of the CONGDE Eduardo Sﾃ｡nchez look on. Antonio Fraguas "Forges" receives special mention. Federico Mayor Zaragoza and Eduardo Galeano receive a gift in honor of Cooperation Week photo by miguel lizana.
Madrid Hosts Week of Cooperation Under the motto "No Greater Objective," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, through the Secretariat of State for Cooperation and the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID), organized several events from the 6th to 11th of September, Cooperation Week, which included the participation of all cooperation agents. Here are some of the events. Awarding of the Second Vicente Ferrer National Prize. Fifteen Educational
Centers from across Spain were awarded the Second Vicente Ferrer National Education Development Prize, and were handed their certificates by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation at the Palacio de Santa Cruz in Madrid. The ceremony was held following their return from Colombia, where they participated in the Seminar for Exchange of Educational Best Practices, which took place at the AECID Training Center in Cartagena. The Prize is awarded by the AECID and the Ministry of Education.
Dialogue with Eduardo Galeano. Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano closed the "Post-Global Crisis: Media Impact in Developing Countries" meeting, an event organized by the AECID together with the IPS News Agency, bringing together media executives. The open meeting with Galeano ("Capital Sins of a World Upside Down") attracted hundreds of audience members to the AECID Assembly Room. Minister Moratinos Receives Cooperation Agents. On Cooperation Day, Miguel ﾃ］gel Moratinos, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, received at the Palacio de Viana those involved in the Spanish Cooperation mandate on the fight against poverty and for sustainable human development. In addition to the usual Spanish Development participants (cooperating agents, NGOs, institutions, foundations, parliamentary groups, business firms, as
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Popular Songs from Nicaragua The album by Nicaraguan Ramón Mejía (Perrozompopo) titled CPC (Canciones Populares Contestatarias, Popular Songs of Rebellion) has been nominated for Best Alternative Music Album by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences ahead of the 11th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, to be held in November in the United States. The album is part of a project financed by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID), and explores and represents Nicaraguan and Central American identity, taking on the paradoxes inherent to the region: immigration, development, equality and social justice.
Amazonian Innovation in Mathematics Teaching Anthropologist Andrés Chirinos Rivera presented his book "Tahuantinsuyo Quipus. Curacas, Incas and their Mathematical Knowledge in the 16th Century," which according to the author, marks the start of a new era in the study and practical application of the Quipu and its calculation tool, the Yupana. The book was published with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID) and was presented at the Spanish Cultural Center.
Fishing Cooperation between Spain and Mozambique Juan Carlos Martín Fragueiro, General Maritime Secretary of the Spanish Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Areas, issued certificates in Maputo for completion of the training course on issues relating to extraction and processing activities, completed by 44 Mozambican specialists, who were trained aboard the Intermares, a Spanish vessel used for cooperation and training programs. .
Spain Celebrates 1,000-Year Anniversary in Hanoi well as the Autonomous Communities present at the Sectorial Conference that took place prior), this year the reception included special recognition for the emergency and reconstruction teams working in Haiti, one of the most significant efforts in international cooperation of this past year, in recognition of their firm commitment to and visible efforts towards Spanish solidarity. The ceremony was conducted by journalist Susana Roza with the participation of the President of Development NGO Coordination, and the Minister and the Secretary of State of Cooperation awarded certificates to all the NGO and Civil Protection teams in Haiti that participated in emergency and reconstruction efforts. Antonio Fraguas "Forges" received special mention for his important role in raising awareness, thanks to his daily cartoons paying homage to Haiti.
The Spanish Embassy in Hanoi is officially participating in the Millennial Celebration of the City of Hanoi, with a show by theater company Els Comediants, to be performed on October 2nd at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi. The show, titled "The Dragon Party," was created especially for this occasion, and recreates the legend of the birth of the city of Hanoi, mixing elements from Vietnamese and Mediterranean culture and tradition.
"La Bestia. Photographs by Isabel Muñoz," in Mexico City The exhibit "La Bestia. Photographs by Isabel Muñoz" was opened on September 11th at the Spanish Cultural Center in Mexico City as part of the Network of Cultural Centers, Migration: Looking South. The exhibit will be on display through November of this year, and includes 81 images captured by Isabel Muñoz during three different trips taken between 2008 and 2009, during which she followed the path of migrants along a stretch of Mexico's southern border.
AECID Medical Team Treating an Average of 220 Patients Daily in Pakistan The medical team sent to Pakistan by the AECID on August 28th has treated an average of 220 patients each day at its specialized healthcare station set up at the Haripur hospital. The group is made up of 10 medical specialists offering medial care in coordination with Pakistani authorities and the Agha-Khan organization. According to the Head of the Humanitarian Action Office at the AECID, the situation in the area in which they are working is "critical," as there are "more than a million displaced persons around the city of Sukkur (Sindh Province) with problems relating to access to clean water and sanitation."
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'Join our Team' Campaign The Spanish National Football Team is collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in an awareness campaign for the Millennium Development Goals. Participants include the National Coach Vicente del Bosque, the National Team Captain, Iker Casillas, and others including Torres, Cesc, Xavi, Iniesta and Llorente. Their objective is to bring attention to the need for support in working towards the Millennium Development Goals.
Her Majesty the Queen Awards the Bartolomé de las Casas Award As part of the celebration of the 9th General Assembly of the Indigenous Peoples' Development Fund of Latin American and the Caribbean, the AECID has organized several activities to foster awareness of the current situation of indigenous groups, their culture, thoughts and grievances. Likewise, Her Majesty Queen Sofia awarded the Bartolomé de las Casas Award to the Colombian group the Association of Indigenous Councils from Northern Cauca (ACIN) and presided over the inauguration of the Assembly.
Scholarships Awarded at the Cervantes Institute in Damascus At a ceremony at the Cervantes Institute in Damascus on 27 September, full scholarships were awarded to four Palestinian students to study Spanish in the Syrian capital. The event included the participation of the four students, two boys and two girls, who presented the reasons why they wished to study Spanish, as well as the Director of the Cervantes Institute in Damascus and a representative of UNRWA from Syria. The four students pose in the photograph with members of the Cervantes Institute in Damascus and representatives from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees.
"5 Ideas for Lima's Historic Center" Competition Begins The AECID, together with several Peruvian organizations, has started a competition aimed at presenting creative and innovative ideas for the urban renewal process of the Historic Center of Lima. The competition is open to professionals and students, and will award 2,000 US Dollars to the winner. Entries are accepted through December 1st.
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Presentation of the Sociolinguistic Atlas of Indigenous Peoples in Latin America On 8 September at the Casa de América in Madrid, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), UNICEF and the Foundation for Education in Multilingual and Multicultural Environments (FUNPROEIB Andes) presented the Sociolinguistic Atlas of Indigenous Peoples in Latin America, a linguistic and sociocultural analysis of Latin American indigenous groups. With information on 21 countries, the Atlas embarks on a journey from South to North, Patagonia to Mexico, describing the 522 Latin American indigenous groups using demographic and geographic data and offering a critical view of their current situation. The Atlas is expected to become an important tool for the design and implementation of public policies that take into consideration the richness and complexity of culture and language in Latin America. The Atlas is published in two volumes and contains demographic, ethnic and linguistic information. In addition, an interactive DVD accompanies the publication with charts, statistics and maps, to be distributed in schools, among the media and to indigenous organizations in Latin America.
Jamaica
Spain Supports Maternal and Child Health Spain strengthens its commitment to Jamaica with the inauguration and groundbreaking of the Queen Sofia Women's Center in this Caribbean nation, financed by the Government of Spain. The Spanish Ambassador, Jesús Silva, underscored the importance of this initiative, which will centralize medical services for women.
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Prince of Asturias Award for Concord. The same year it celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, the Catholic organization Manos Unidas has been recognized for its continued fight against poverty and its promotion of education in countries with scarce resources. The organization's President asks the Spanish Government to fulfill its pledge of 0.7% of GDP as soon as possible.
Myriam García Abrisqueta "At Manos Unidas, we work to raise awareness in Spain of the reality of poverty" President of Manos Unidas
— Manos Unidas has just been awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord. What does this mean for your organization? — For all of us that make up this big family at Manos Unidas, the Prince of Asturias award is an honor and an encouragement. An honor because the work of so very many people, here and in the countries where we have been present, has been recognized by the Prince of Asturias Foundation; and an encouragement because it serves as an incentive to continue working for those most in need. — Tell us about the fifty-year history of Manos Unidas. How does it work, to whom are your projects aimed? — Manos Unidas is a volunteer-based Catholic NGO, which since 1960 has fought against hunger, poor nutrition, poverty, disease, underdevelopment, lack of education and their causes. On our 50th anniversary, we have renewed our commitment to continue working to raise awareness in Spain of the reality of poverty and to fund development projects that can
improve the living conditions of the poorest people in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania. In 2009, Manos Unidas approved 692 very diverse development projects (schools, maternity clinics, wells, irrigation systems, micro-financing, and countless other initiatives) in 58 countries, at a value of more than 41 million Euros. Every year we carry out a campaign to raise awareness on a specific topic (in recent years, we've focused on the Millennium Development Goals) and to collect funds to be used for our projects. This year our work is focused on Goal 7, under the motto "Against Hunger, Defend the Earth." — What are the main challenges this NGO faces? — In an organization as complex as ours, which includes 71 offices throughout Spain, there are always many challenges. We want to continue improving the quality of our work, communication, training, social support, fund-raising and encouragement and support for
our volunteers. We are also taking measures to promote the participation of young people. New technologies require that we be constantly adapting. We also want to take care of our presence in public institutions, both in Spain and abroad. . — Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals is on the agenda of every institution dedicated to cooperation and development. What does Manos Unidas do to achieve these goals? Do you feel confident in the viability of these goals? — For Manos Unidas the MDG are a fundamental tool for raising awareness in Spain and in the projects we support in developing countries. We cannot continue to be indifferent towards what is perhaps the most ambitious program in history to fight hunger and poverty. For this reason, in our annual campaigns we work and reflect on these goals, encouraging Spanish society to learn about these goals and to mobilize, as it has so many times in the past, to demand that they
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profile. Myriam García Abrisqueta, a native of Madrid, is married with two children. She received her degree in Geography and History, with a specialization in Art History. She participated in the Spanish Archaeological Mission in Jordan in 1982, and the Archaeological Mission in Veranes (Gijón) the following year. Since 1999, when she began as a volunteer, she has worked at Manos Unidas, first in the Americas Department (Brazil and Colombia) of the Projects Area, collaborating with the Education and Development Area. In June 2006 she began coordination of the Operation Enlace Department under the Projects Area, where she remained until May 2009 when she was elected President of the organization.
be met. This is part of the work we do as an NGO of the Catholic Church for development in Spain. With regards to the summit which was just held in New York, despite the fact it doesn't seem to have done much good, we're not ready to throw in the towel. We always hope that meetings like these result in real commitments and effective aid in the fight against poverty. In this case, they don't seem to have gone beyond the 40 billion dollars pledged by the UN to improve the health of women and children around the world. We welcome this initiative, but keeping in mind that our leaders have shown great agility and determination in fixing the banking mess, it seems to us this same level of determination should be applied to the funding needed to meet the Millennium Goals. — What would you recommend to these Governments, and specifically the Spanish Government, to meet these goals? — To make the fight against poverty, as well as measures towards redistributing wealth, like the 0.7% goal, an urgent priority. It's important that we work to put an end to actions that obstruct the development of the poor. Corruption is a serious obstacle in many countries; international business interests appear at times to take precedent over the basic human rights of citizens of the Global South, without a sufficient response on the part of Government and the United Nations. There are large companies that can literally sweep aside the small producers in a poor country. Also, armed conflicts are fed by the sale of arms. All of these areas involve participation of agents not only from the Global South, but also from the North, and it doesn't appear that we are as involved as we ought to be. There are injustices that generate poverty and exclusion. In terms of the Spanish Government, we would ask that it continue to support cooperation and meet its pledge of 0.7% of GDP in the shortest time possible.
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— What is your opinion on the role of the United Nations in eradicating poverty? — The United Nations is far from achieving everything set out in its charter, but its role is fundamental, because it has representation (for better or worse) from almost every country on Earth. Likewise, the magnitude of global inequalities, extreme poverty, famine, as well as the challenges in upholding human rights and global peace, requires action at the highest level. But it seems there is always something to distract us (security concerns after the attack on the Twin Towers, the economic crisis, and so on) that puts the fight against extreme poverty on the back burner. What we need to do is return to the fray. Technical experts say this goal can be achieved. As such, we ask the United Nations for an authentic commitment in terms of utilizing available means, austerity and political will. Perhaps simpler objectives than those that appear in the MDG, but that are even more essential. — What is your opinion on the participation of Spaniards in this fight? — Our experience has been positive; the Spanish people are generous. We feel a deep commitment to the initiatives we take on. It's true that people mobilize in a special way in the face of a catastrophe that receives a lot of media coverage, but there is also a segment that maintains an ongoing commitment, offering financial support as well as voluntary collaboration. This participation sustains us, because the majority of our income (77.2%) is from private sources, and although we have hired technical experts, the vast majority of the some 4,500 people who work with us on a regular basis are volunteers, including the presidents of each of the 71 Manos Unidas offices, the people responsible for the Central Services work areas, and myself.
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He sought inspiration in the muses of theater, literature, cinema, painting and poetry, but above all, drew inspiration from a muse in the flesh, actress Conchita Montes, with whom he formed an emotional and professional partnership over the course of the years. by Jacobo GarcĂa
WRITER DIPLOMATS (4th Installment)
Edgar Neville The Comedy of Happiness A diplomat by default, writer by day, businessman (not by choice) and bon vivant, he was a devoted only child, a great friend, a faithful lover, and a distracted husband. He had been affiliated with the center-left and the ultra-right, but at his core he belonged to nobody, except perhaps to the women he loved. Public affairs did not really concern him, and he never really believed morality to be more than a purely private matter. People have said that what drew Neville to a career in diplomacy was the possibility of seeing the countries that Luisito from La familia MĂnguez, a recurring text from Edgar's childhood, dreamt of traversing in his fantastical automobile, but this cannot have been true, as he always rejected destinations offered to him that would have taken him far from Madrid, the theater of his own dreams. The most likely reason he became a diplomat was so he would not have to work as a lawyer. In his career, he played a discrete, even dull role to the extent this was possible. What he wanted was time to write, direct theater and film and, of course, to go out with fun and exciting people. Still, there was no avoiding having to work on a handful of occasions. The first of such occasions was in 1928, when he was sent to Washington as Embassy Secretary. For a new diplomat who did not speak English, it was a lowly post, but he took advantage of his first vacations to head to
The Republic sent him to the Embassy in London, where he spent months passing information to the nacionales. But he must not have done it carefully, because come December, he was fired. If as a diplomat he was incompetent (and by his own will, at that), as a writer he was among the most active and prolific of his generation. The trademark of the so-called "Other Generation of '27" was a sharp wit, and a kind, even sympathetic approach to others. Hollywood. The second occasion was in 1935, when he was appointed Consul in Oujda, on the border between Morocco and Algeria, so he could search for evidence of the existence of Spanish prisoners from the Battle of Annual (he found no such evidence, and was decorated for his efforts). The third occasion was during the Spanish Civil War.
At first, it was clear to no one which side the young diplomat really supported. The Republic sent him to the Embassy in London, where he spent months passing information to the nacionales. But he must not have done it carefully, because come December, he was fired. After that, it took several months before he was allowed to return to Franco's Spain. In the end he was given permission, then joining the Spanish Falange to earn forgiveness for the serious sin of having worked with the Republican Left, and he was sent to the trenches of Madrid working in propaganda. Between the trip to Oujda and the War, his marriage had fallen apart. Neville returned to Hollywood, where he was reunited with Conchita Montes, whom he had met at the university. From then on, they were partners, though unmarried, resisting an onslaught of moral judgments typical of this time. Conchita was always on his mind as he wrote, directed, edited, produced, and she, with her characteristic Castilian lisp, played the roles she was born to play. If as a diplomat he was incompetent (and by his own will, at that), as a writer he was among the most active and prolific of his generation. The trademark of the so-called "Other Generation of '27" was a sharp wit, and a kind, even sympathetic approach to others. Tono, Mihura, Neville and Jardiel were the figureheads of those
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(From left to right) Photograph of Edgar Neville, dated 1964. Photograph of Neville, at the time working as a Director's Assistant in Hollywood, together with Actor Charlie Chaplin in 1930. Photograph with Actress Ava Gardner in 1953, upon her arrival to Spain, together with artist Salvador DalĂ at the Chicote Museum in Madrid. PHOTO: EFE.
members of the war-time generation that never went into exile, leaving them with the task of entertaining a society that every day filled the theaters and cinemas. As a writer of narratives, theater and cinema, a rare feat, Neville was in a perfect position to meet this challenge. He made his debut playing with nonsensical theater, which was the ruin of many of the avant-garde of the time, but once he got over these delusions, he limited himself to pure entertainment, with barely a reflection on the harshness of reality. His fondness for the works of Goya and GutiĂŠrrez Solana may have been useful in splashing a bit more life into his melodramas, which tended to feature more pastel tones. His favorite area of entertainment
was not "high society" comedy, to which it seemed he would be condemned from birth, but the so-called "comedy of happiness." The name just about sums it all up. Neville in both his personal and professional life was guided by the same golden rule: live and let live. He often would strip his characters of any features that might make them hated by his audience. The majority of his characters are kind and friendly, corresponding to an orderly world ruled by pleasantness, kindness and a strong awareness of social class. He thought (or pretended to think, anyway) that this world really did exist, especially in Madrid's Palacio District, the hallowed grounds of his childhood, and he was true to this belief in
everything he wrote. The result is a rare opportunity to read the works of an author who, having lived through a time of revolution, overthrow and war, speaks to us of a place that could easily be seen as the best of all possible worlds. In the mid-1960's, the public lost interest in this style of comedy, and began to ask for something new. The playwright then turned painter and poet, although his gifts were always more suited to film and the theater. But he never had much time to pay court to his new muses. Disease linked to his obesity put an end to his life, a life which might have languished painfully along with the messiness of filming, the fever of rehearsals and the dizziness of opening nights.
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The Canfranc International Train Station, for years the second largest in Europe, served as the backdrop to many important chapters in European history. Its role during World War II became one of a communications hub, where Gestapo agents, republicans fleeing France, members of the Resistance and German soldiers crossed in and out of Spain. Its decline and subsequent close in 1970 marked the end of the story of an ambitious project with which Alfonso XII of Spain sought to modernize rail travel in Spain, a struggle which continues to the present day. by Jacinto Heredero
The Canfranc Station, a Crossroads in the History of Spain The Carthaginians, Phoenicians and the Romans had all used the Canfranc Pass (Summus Portus for the ancient Romans) to cross the Pyrenees. With a view to exploiting this most ancient passageway between the Iberian Peninsula and France, railroad construction began in 1852, connecting the French town of Oloron Sainte-Marie and the Spanish village of Canfranc. Spain saw in this project not just a new means of access to Europe, but also a way to showcase Spain as an modern and emerging power, the railroad being the greatest symbol of modernity at the time. Negotiations were arduous, taking place over the course of years, which contributed to the gradual emergence of the legends surrounding Canfranc Station. The project finally began under the helm of two companies, the Spanish company Norte and Midi, a French contractor, both of which would construct the track corresponding to their side of the border. The year 1915 saw the
Top Image, from July 18, 1928 at the inaugural ceremony of the railway connecting France and Spain through the Canfranc Pass, with the attendance of King Alfonso XII and President of the French Republic, Gaston Doumergue. The images below show two moments during construction of the tunnels and the railway track between Spain and France.
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completion of the tunnel, which since then has linked these two countries through the bowels of the Pyrenees, under the Canfranc Pass. At a height of 1200 meters, a tunnel some 8 kilometers long was drilled through the interior of the mountains, a pioneering work for the time, and one of great technical complexity. In this regard, the spiral hole drilled inside the mountain stands out for its level of complexity, intended to overcome the sharp slope of the tracks' trajectory. The numerous viaducts constructed
to manage the difficult terrain are another hallmark of this ambitious project. Of interest to many is the fact that 20 percent of the total budget for the project was used to change the course of nearby streams and to correct area topography to avoid landslides along the tracks. In 1910, the Spanish Ministry of War decided on the final location of the other fundamental point of this immense project: the new train station. Canfranc thus became home to an international railway station providing service to Spain and France.
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As a port of entry to Spain from Europe, Canfranc was conceived as a monument of sorts, demonstrating the country's economic and logistical might. The foundation that supports the station is constructed on land that in Medieval times was the site of the small town of Los Mara単ones. Around the station, several buildings and dwellings were built, intended to provide services to the station workers, and which over time became the town of Canfranc Station, which celebrates local festivities on the 18th of July, the date the railroad
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The Canfranc Gold In 2001, Jonathan DĂaz, a French bus driver of Spanish ancestry, found a large number of abandoned documents near the Canfranc Station, proving for the first time the heavy flow of gold trafficking that took place along the Canfranc tracks
(image at right). During World War II, the Nazis brought significant amounts of this precious metal, destined for Portugal, and to a lesser extent Spain, as payment for the sale of minerals on the part of the Franco Regime. Portugal was the port of exit from Europe to South America, where many officials from the
Nazi Army obtained refuge at the end of the War. According to historian MartĂn AceĂąa, at least 20 tons of gold entered Spain by way of payment for the sale of tungsten. Although we already knew about these events, it had never been proven, thus feeding the popular legend of the so-called "Canfranc Gold."
was inaugurated. Local industrial architecture of workers and Frenchmen As a port of the period, predominate in alike began to live in the entry to Spain the building's construction. environs of the station, from Europe, The station has two given the dual nationality of Canfranc was platforms, each with a the infrastructure. During conceived as different gauge to receive World War II, the town saw a monument trains from both countries. the arrival of the German of sorts, The building itself featured army, engineers, Swiss demonstrating a passenger lobby and along citizens and others, turning the country's the sides accommodated Canfranc into an unusual economic an international hotel, the scene of coexistence and and logistical customs house, a police counterespionage on the might. station and a post office. other side of the Pyrenees. After years of work, At 1,200 meters long and interrupted by World War 170 meters wide, situated The Second I, the international station on an 26-hectare site, the World War was was inaugurated on July station's grandiose design the high point 18, 1928. King Alfonso XII was fitting for the site of in the station's and the President of the an international railway history, French Republic, Gaston station. For many years, with heavy Doumergue, attended the Canfranc was the second- commercial inaugural ceremony, which largest railway station in and passenger also hosted General Primo Europe, exceeded only traffic, de Rivera and a young by Leipzig Station in including Francisco Franco, at the Germany. With a mix of passengers time the Director of the different architectural fleeing the Nazi Zaragoza Military Academy. styles, including Classicism regime. The economic crisis of 1929 and Art Nouveau, the struck the whole of Europe station featured an air of and had an irremediable magnificence, matching perfectly effect on traffic passing through its role as a powerful national the station. Two more important showcase for travelers arriving from historical milestones took place in the other side of the border. Glass, the following years: The Spanish cement and iron, all materials of the Civil War and World War II. During
the Civil War, the tunnel was closed off, according to historians, to avoid an invasion from France and, above all, to close the doors on the Republican exodus. After the end of the war in 1939 and the closure of crossings at Irun and Portbou, Canfranc seemed to again have a promising future. . With the outbreak of World War II, an era of heavy commercial trade between both countries began. The Canfranc railway began to see countless trains loaded with tungsten (there are still abandoned cars at the station loaded with this mineral) and other materials linked to the military industry, which Spain was selling to the Germans. There were months in which 1,200 tons of goods crossed through the station, arriving to and from Germany by way of Switzerland. The frequent, but secretive transport of gold gave life over time to the legends that surround the station's history, legends of the so-called "Canfranc Gold." Business with the Nazi Regime brought the arrival of members of the German Army, who ended up controlling international customs in the area. This Pyrenean enclave attracted spies from several different factions and the station became a point of escape for countless Jews
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The Canfranc Station in its current abandoned state represents a living museum not only of railroad history, but of the history of Spain as a whole, a place where time seems to have stopped some seventy years ago.
and others fleeing Nazi persecution. Canfranc was the crossing point for, among others, the renowned Jewish painter, Marc Chagall. The splendor of Canfranc Station began its decline at the end
of the War. The economic embargo and competition with Irun and Portbou brought about a decrease in investment. The station closed on March 27, 1970, after a train derailed, causing damage to a bridge on the
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French side that was never repaired. Currently, the Coordinating Body for the Reopening of the Canfranc-Oloron Railway (Crefco) is struggling to reopen the station, in order to bring to fruition the historic desire of many locals to reclaim their international railway. Made up of labor unions and several associations and foundations, Crefco has significant popular support, and all its initiatives are backed by numerous citizens. One of the main arguments for the reopening of the railway was the commissioning in 2003 of the Somport Tunnel, through which a large portion of cargo truck traffic crosses into France. For the members of this Association, this tunnel not only puts the Canfranc Railway recovery at risk, but represents a much more aggressive and polluting solution for the Aragonese Pyrenees. The future may yet revive the Canfranc Station.
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In just 20 years, this Aragon-based firm has managed to transform itself into the company with the greatest number of stores worldwide dedicated to children's play and education. With over 350 stores and over 1,500 points of sale in 28 countries, Imaginarium is aiming to expand its foreign business, consolidating its position in those places where it already has a presence and breaking into new markets. by Javier Hernรกndez
Imaginarium, conquering the 'little' world
C In a country whose toy industry enjoys a long tradition, opening a business involving the production and sale of toys was nothing new. However, the project begun in 1992 by FĂŠlix Tena and a small number of collaborators has revolutionized the industry. There are several reasons why his business model has proved such a success, but according to the company's founder and president, there is one in particular that makes a difference: “although our main toy business has a great deal to offer, in the 21st century there is an added dimension to what is traditionally expected of a toy: it must also help you to experience learning". It was this innovative vision regarding children's recreational development that led him to pledge from the outset to contribute to the development of children through creativity and fun. Imaginarium sells and produces toys, using the brand name ItsImagical, that
IMAGINARIUM BRINGS CHILDREN CLOSER TO THE WORLD OF SCIENCE The educational aims of the Spanish company has recently led it to sign an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA), which will see Imaginarium create a new line of products inspired by the ESA's scientific programs. This initiative aims to awaken children's curiosity for scientific knowledge about space, and science in general.
are not sexist nor war-themed and that have high educational content. This has allowed the company to establish a very prominent image that sets them apart from the rest of the industry. Much of the company's success is due to the stores themselves. Their unique distinguishing feature (today recognized worldwide) present in all of their stores is their use of two doors: one for children and the other for parents. The Imaginarium concept begins with a group of 450 specialists (educators, psychologists and pedagogues) charged with creating entire collections of toys that respond to the needs of each and every stage of childhood: development of motor skills, intellectual curiosity, creativity, and so on. The fruits of their labor are captured in the two collections launched each year with a total of 4,000
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products, 25% of which are brand new. In each collection, 70% of production is based upon the company's own designs, while the remaining 30% are products from third parties with whom Imaginarium deals exclusively and which use different packaging. But the Imaginarium model does not end with its toy collections; it is now making roads into new areas of leisure and culture for the whole family. An example of this is the birth of Viajes Imaginarium in 2006: a novel family holiday concept centered around experiences involving culture, adventure and history. Also worth mentioning is its publishing house, which boasts more than 250 exclusive books in 7 languages. In 2008, Imaginarium created "MyFamilyweb", a private website through which families can share experiences and use the photographic product customization service using
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Images of the company's logistical hub in Zaragoza and its headquarters.
various media. The new products even include a line of cosmetics for children. The Spanish company has always paid special attention to its employees, who are given ongoing, specific training which allows them to provide an expert and qualified service to each of the customers visiting their stores. The company employs more than 1,400 people, with an average employee age of under 30, 80% of whom are female. This hegemony, according to the company's president, "is due to the fact that women have a great deal of creativity, talent, spontaneity and sensitivity, which is sometime difficult to find in men". A great deal of the company's success lies in its original business model, which is designed to the meet the needs of different types of customers. As well as a network of stores, Imaginarium has invested heavily in alternative ways of selling, meaning they have more than 1,500 points of sale through which to sell their products. These range from spaces in drug stores, airports and
stations, to whole areas in department success not just to the quality of its stores. They have also concentrated products and its efficient service, on Internet and telephone sales with but to an original marketing concept supplementary commercial programs, which it has pursued rigorously since such as those which enable a sale 1994. Club Imaginarium currently has made through any channel to 1,250,000 members in 28 be delivered anywhere in the countries, with whom the 80% of world. company can communicate 80% of Imaginarium's Imaginarium's more directly, achieving production is carried out production is improved loyalty and in Asia, though the design carried out in helping ensure year-round is managed from the Asia, though sales. company's headquarters. the design is The outlook for In order to serve each of managed at Imaginarium and its the company's points of the company's president have not been sale, Imaginarium has a headquarters. affected by the crisis. logistical infrastructure of Consolidating their various the highest quality. Its center points of sale has allowed of operations is in Zaragoza them to come through and has a capacity of 20,000 pallets, recent years with a rise in turnover with technological logistical systems - something that, according to its which allow them to ensure over 99% President, is due to the fact that the accuracy for all deliveries. Due to the company belongs to the knowledge volume of sales, the company opened sector. The future, according to a second logistical platform in Asia FĂŠlix Tena, goes like this: "either we two years ago in order to optimize the understand that European companies service it provides to its stores in Asia are in the knowledge sector or it will and the Americas. be very difficult for us to be globally Imaginarium owes much of its competitive".
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Toys as a driver of development FĂŠlix Tena
President of Imaginarium
Imaginarium was born from the desire for all children to be able to enjoy play as a fundamental pillar of their development and future. Play and toys are key to the physical, mental and emotional development of a child. However, in a market that has become banal, where a toy is simply a product for consumption, the child and his or her well-being lose their fundamental importance, and values such as education, creativity, coexistence and the future are tossed aside. For this reason it seemed the right time to return to the essence of the toy, to reclaim its true playfulness and innocence, to return to the simple educational values upon which they should be based and that we seem to have forgotten. Imaginarium, which is already 18 years old, was a success from the outset because there was an important market niche and we were able to identify it. Distribution had become quite homogeneous, with everyone making and selling the same thing. When we began, we were not trying to break away from the market but to provide something different for families: something in which education and play were inextricably linked. And this is how we came up with the Imaginarium concept, a world where parents and children share a space and a moving experience that they can enjoy together from the moment they pass through our 'double' doors - our special welcome for young and old. By putting forward the concept of Imaginarium as a contribution to
children's education, we made a commitment to them and to their families that continues to be our principal driving force today. Since we opened the first Imaginarium store in Zaragoza in November 1992, the brand's DNA was already defined as that of an international chain, and three years later we were already doing business in two other countries. Another trait that has defined us since the beginning is that our solutions are directed at a very precise segment of the population that can be found all over the world: parents who are concerned about their children's education and who want something better for them. As such, we view our long term investment as directly related to our capability to be more international. The brand currently has a presence in 28 countries through 348 stores, and our percentage of international sales is constantly growing. Being in so many countries has provided us with a great deal of experience, but such a broad international expansion in such a short space of time has been a real challenge. According to our forecasts, in 2012 half of the group's sales will be generated in the international arena, which currently represents 36% of sales. We hope that foreign investment will grow so that we can meet our target. Though there are markets where the brand has been present for a long time, we have a long road ahead of us. Take, for example, Germany, where we opened only a year ago - we know that we still have a lot of work to do
According to our forecasts, in 2012 half of the group's sales will be generated in the international arena, which currently represents 36% of sales. We hope that foreign investment will grow so that we can meet our objective.
there. We are currently concerned with consolidating our position in the markets where we already have a presence. It is not enough for us to simply place little colored flags on a map, when what we really need is to have clearly consolidated and stable markets. In our plans for expansion we are aiming at the European market, and some of our next stores to open will be in Eastern Europe. However, we have not forgotten about Latin America where we have two large subsidiaries in Argentina and Mexico. We are also in other countries further afield, such as Israel, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. In order to service the company's entire network we have a highly effective logistical infrastructure in line with the highest level in the retail sector. The logistical platform of the company's world hub is in Zaragoza and since 2008 we have had another in Asia, which supplies the region more efficiently. As a result, the company is based, on the one hand, on a model of vertical integration in which the entire process is centralized and, on the other, on a concept of simple products which aim to strengthen children's five senses. At Imaginarium we feel the same urgency as we did on the first day: we have a long road ahead of us, many, many ideas and lots of creativity that drives us to constantly innovate.
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Since the Queen of Spain opened the museum in July, Burgos has been placed on the map of the museum circuits with a facility that is truly unique in the world: the Museum of Human Evolution. A space closely linked to the Atapuerca Archeological Site, which some consider the Sistine Chapel of the archeological world. by Javier Hernández
Burgos is home to the first world museum of human evolution The site, which forms part of the network of museums of the Council of Castilla y León, was established in 2000 by the Burgos City Council as the location for a complex of scientific and cultural facilities in which to present the adventure of human evolution, supported by the discoveries that have been made in the Sierra de Atapuerca. To this end, the city council announced a tender for the construction on the site known as 'Solar de Caballería’ of three large facilities: the National Center for Research on Human Evolution, the Museum of Human Evolution and the Conference Center. At the same time, in the year 2000, UNESCO listed the Atapuerca archeological excavations as a World Heritage site. The numerous fossils found there of the first human beings to settle in Europe were deemed valuable enough to award the site the highest level of protection. Media coverage of Atapuerca increased accordingly. Cantabrian architect Juan Navarro Baldeweg (designer of the recreation of the Caves of Altamira) won the call for proposals and faced the challenge of making a museum based on human
evolution. After ten years of work, the inauguration of the museum at the beginning of this summer presented visitors with a prism-shaped building 60 meters wide, 30 meters high and 90 meters deep. A total of 15,000 square meters divided into permanent exhibition areas and a cultural area. The layout of the site is divided into four large blocks: the Sierra 50,000 years ago, 350,000 years ago, 600,000 years ago and 850,000 years ago. The architectural and educational concept is basically a topopgraphical representation of the excavations both inside and outside, where a series of gentle terraces descend to the Arlanzón river. The Museum is equipped with the most advanced museum technology available today and includes a range of hominid replicas designed by the French artist Elisabeth Daynès. But the true jewels of the Museum of Human Evolution consist in the more than 200 original fossils from the excavations at Atapuerca, including the remains of lions, horses, bears, deer and a diverse range of tools. Essentially, the Museum aims to be a museum for Atapuerca, although not
‘Miguelón’, the jewel of the museum ‘Miguelón’ is the name given to the hominid whose skull constitutes one of the most important pieces on display in the Museo. It belonged to a 500,000 year-old hominid (Homo heidelbergensis) found in the Sima de los Huesos ("the pit of bones") in Atapuerca in 1992, and is the most complete and wellpreserved fossil ever found.
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the "Atapuerca Museum". Its objective is to become a virtual anteroom to the excavations and to use Atapuerca as a teaching resource for its own discourse on human evolution. It is without doubt a boost to the international prestige of the Atapuerca Archeological Site, more than half a century since the first excavations began and more than ten years after the Prince of Asturias Award for Scientific and Technological Research was presented to its co-directors: Emiliano Aguirre, Juan Luis Arsuaga, Eudald Carbonell and José María Bermúdez de Castro
A 70 million euro investment. The budget for the Museum of Human Evolution, including the external development and museum construction, comes to 70 million euros, funded entirely by the Council of Castilla y León. The site thus forms part of the network of museums of Castilla y León, which also includes the Ethnographic Museum in Zamora, the Museum of Contemporary Art in León and the Iron, Steel and Mining Museum in Sabero, León.
Images of different spaces inside and outside the Museum of Human Evolution, which was recently opened in the city of Burgos. PHOTOS: MUSEUM OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
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Jaime I Prize for New Technologies. Since 1992, Spanish scientist Manuel Martín-Neira has been working for the European Space Agency (ESA), where he forms part of one of its most groundbreaking projects, the SMOS mission, a satellite that gathers extremely precise data on the moisture of the Earth and the salinity of our oceans from space.
Manuel Martín-Neira Spanish engineer at ESA
“The participation of Spanish companies, universities and scientists in the space missions is fantastic” — You've just been awarded the King Jaime I Prize in the category of New Technologies. What does this recognition mean for your career? — It's the icing on the cake for all the work I've done on an Earth observation mission called SMOS, as the prize has coincided with the mission's operational phase, following the launch on November 2, 2009 and six successful months of fine-tuning. SMOS - an acronym for Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity satellite - is a mission dedicated to measuring the moisture of the soil and the salinity of the ocean, important parameters in climatology, meteorology and in the prediction of natural disasters. The prize was also awarded for another important achievement: the original proposal of "Paris", a concept consisting in using the signals from the global satellite navigation systems that are reflected off the surface to detect tsunamis, among other applications. To receive this prize from my own country has truly been the biggest satisfaction, as it represents a recognition of the efforts of a Spaniard abroad whose work has been beneficial to Spanish industry, universities and scientific groups. — When did you begin working for the European Space Agency? — In 1988, I received a grant from ESA to work on microwave radiometry in the Netherlands. I spent four years after that at GMV, a leading Spanish
company involved in contracts with ESA related to GPS and satellite navigation applications. On November 15, 1992, I started working at ESA. — And on the SMOS Project? When I joined ESA, the main task they assigned me was the development of the MIRAS instrument, which was to become SMOS's single payload. So I've actually been involved in the development of SMOS since 1992, although the project as such was only approved in May 1999, after selecting from among 27 mission proposals submitted to ESA. I'm still providing support for SMOS, in drift calibration and image processing improvements, thanks to the experience acquired in orbit. — What have been the biggest challenges you've faced in carrying out the SMOS mission? — The first challenge was to produce the 72 lightweight, low-energy, sensitive microwave receivers, which make up the MIRAS antenna, with the same electrical characteristics. Secondly, the high-speed digital correlator unit responsible for the on-board interferometric processing, which has to perform several thousand correlations and without which the huge quantity of data could not be transmitted to Earth. The third challenge was the development of the first optic wiring that ESA has launched in space. Optic fibers are necessary to transport the signals
from the receivers to the correlator without generating electrical noise that would ruin the measurements taken by MIRAS. Finally, the concept for the deployment of the three-arm, 4-meter antenna, with the mechanical precision required, was another big achievement. As were the basic theory we had to establish for the instrument and the necessary calibration techniques. — And the biggest satisfaction? — To be part of the mission from beginning to end. This is an experience that very few people have enjoyed and I feel privileged for that. It has also been a pleasure to work with our industrial partners, many of whom are Spanish companies with a high level of professionalism, and with the SMOS project team at ESA. On an international level, I felt greatly supported by engineers and scientists from many different countries. In the predevelopment phase, I worked with a lot of Spanish, European and international grant holders who contributed to the definition of SMOS. This experience was extremely gratifying. Basically, SMOS is a mission that has been a huge success, and has also received some important awards, both within ESA and outside it: the Academie des Technologies in France, the Salvà i Campillo Award, and this prize. — Once this project is completed, will you continue working for ESA? — Yes, I hope to be working at ESA until
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profile. Manuel Martín-Neira is an engineer with a Ph.D. in telecommunications from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. After a year on a grant from the European Space Agency (ESA) and four at the company GMV, in 1992 he began working at ESA as an engineer in microwave radiometry, where he has developed new concepts for satellite observation of the Earth. Principal engineer of the MIRAS instrument on board the SMOS. In 2002, he received the Confirmed Inventor Award from ESA and in 2007 he was nominated for the Prince of Asturias Prize for Scientific Research. In 2010, he has received the Salvà i Campillo Award and the King Jaime I Award in the category of new technologies. He is also a member of France's Academie des Technologies.
I retire. I'm currently providing support for SMOS, which could last another 4 years. At the same time, I'm trying to organize a small demonstration mission for the Paris concept, which consists of a small satellite that receives signals from global satellite navigation systems such as the American GPS, the Russian Glonass and, in the future, the European Galileo, the Chinese Beidou and the Indian INSS systems. The originality of Paris is that it also has an antenna that points toward the Earth to pick up the same signals after they're reflected off the Earth's surface. By measuring
the delay of the reflected signals in comparison with the direct signals, it is possible to estimate sea levels with a precision of centimeters, which is enough to detect tsunamis spreading on the open ocean, where their height tends to be only a few decimeters. — Spain is a founding member of ESA and participates in its programs. What does this participation bring to the scientific and business communities in our country? — SMOS, for example, has been the first ESA mission where the construction of a whole instrument has been led
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by a Spanish company (EADS-CASA Espacio). The most critical subsystems have also been produced by Spanish companies: MIER, the manufacturer of the receivers; SENER, responsible for the deployment mechanism; RYMSA, the antennas; CRISA and TECNOLOGICA, who defined and tested the optic wiring, and GMV, involved in the data processor. The Polytechnic University of Catalonia established the theory for the instrument, took part in its technical specification and calibration, and developed a valuable simulator. The ground segment of the SMOS instrument, where the control commands are generated and the scientific data are received and processed, is located at ESAC, near Villanueva de la Cañada in Madrid. This ground segment was constructed by INDRA and INSA. Also, the co-lead investigator of SMOS is a Spaniard, Doctor Jordi Font, a first in ESA's earth observation missions. Thanks to this fact, other Spanish universities such as Valencia and Salamanca are involved in data validation for the mission, and an Expert Center of SMOS investigators has been created in Barcelona. — And what do our companies and scientists bring to ESA? — The response of Spanish companies, universities and scientific groups within the SMOS project has been simply fantastic. Engineers and scientists from other special agencies and different countries around the world, in the forum of several international conferences, have acknowledged ESA's remarkable achievement with SMOS, largely due to this magnificent Spanish participation. — What is currently ESA's “star” project? How is Spain participating? — ESA currently has a lot of projects under way in many fields. I think that each project is a star project in its own right. What I can say for sure is that SMOS has represented a significant boost for Spanish industry, universities and scientific institutes, and with SMOS we've put a new star in the sky.
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The “Concavenator Corcovatus� lived 125 million years ago. This specimen represents the most significant discovery of all the dinosaurs found at Cuenca, one of Europe's most prolific regions for the remains of these Mesozoic reptiles. It is the most complete articulated dinosaur skeleton ever found on the Iberian Peninsula. Its humped back is a characteristic never before seen in a dinosaur
Remains of a unique dinosaur specimen found in Cuenca Scientific publications don't tend to record findings of large carnivorous dinosaurs in Europe, and less still in Spain. Nevertheless, a recent issue of the magazine "Nature" featured an article by Spanish researchers Francisco Ortega, Fernando Escaso and JosĂŠ Luis Sanz, in which they present a flesh-eating dinosaur sporting an eye-catching hump, which they have scientifically baptized 'Concavenator corcovatus', and nicknamed Pepito. It is the first dinosaur to exhibit a physical feature of this type, according to the authors of the article. In addition to the mysterious hump, the 'concavenator' has another characteristic that could revolutionize the field of Cretaceous paleontology: in
many birds today, the back ridge of one of the bones of the forearm, the ulna, has small lumps on it that serve for the insertion of larger feathers. This characteristic has also been recognized in some small dinosaurs related to birds. But its presence on the dinosaur found in Cuenca, which is much more primitive than its feathered kin, reveals that there was already an ancestral structure for feathers in earlier species than was previously believed. The 'concavenator' constitutes the most complete articulated dinosaur skeleton found to date on the Iberian Peninsula. The fossil, which has taken
more than two years to prepare, is approximately six meters long and in a good state of preservation. It was one of the large predators of the ecosystem of Las Hoyas (Cuenca), one of the most prolific regions for the discovery of remains of these Mesozoic reptiles in Europe, with findings from the Lower Cretaceous period (at Las Hoyas) and the Upper Cretaceous period (at Lo Hueco). The name of this newly discovered dinosaur actually means "the humpbacked hunter of Cuenca". The area of Las Hoyas contains thousands of fossils - mostly of primitive birds and dinosaurs - who lived in a wetland there some 130 millions years ago. A total of more than 15,000 specimens constitutes the core of the current collection of the Museum of Sciences of Castilla-La Mancha. This impressive legacy has served to define, with increasing accuracy, a wetland inhabited by dinosaurs, crocodiles, pterosaurs, lizards, frogs, turtles and many other animals and plants.
Recreation of the carnivorous dinosaur "Concavernator corcovatus" found at the site in Cuenca known as 'Las Hoyas'.
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Santander becomes the United Kingdom's fourth biggest bank. With Banco Santander's purchase of 318 branches from the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Spanish financial group has become the fourth biggest bank in the United Kingdom in terms of number of offices. The group, under the direction of Emilio Botín, now has a total of 1,641 branches, a figure exceeded only by Lloyds, RBS and Barclays. The group has made significant investments in the UK in recent years and is looking at the possibility of listing a part of its operations on the country's stock exchange.
The MACBA and Caixa foundations combine contemporary art collections. The presidents of the Caixa Foundation and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation (MACBA) have reached an agreement that will allow them to combine their contemporary art collections for the next four years, amounting to a total of 2,400 works. The agreement also covers the establishment of a coordinated policy for the acquisition of works, which will enable a merging of private management to the benefit of the public sphere.
The year of Xacobeo embraces art with 'Santiago, a meeting point' As part of the Xacobeo 2010 festival, the Caixa Galicia Foundation is offering a unique exhibition at its headquarters in Santiago until November 7, bringing together 58 art works in different media, taken from the vaults of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and the Caixa Galicia collection. The works, separated by centuries of history, are distributed in ten exhibition rooms which position them in open dialogue for the first time, offering a display of exceptional parallelisms. Among them are medieval works by unknown artists and by Maestro Mateo, and more recent masterpieces by artists like Dalí and Picasso.
Endesa prepares a 12 billion euro strategy in Latin America. The Spanish company Endesa has marked out a clear objective for growth that includes investment in a range of hydraulic and renewable projects in Latin America. Notable among the different projects currently being analyzed are several hydroelectric plants in Chile, Colombia and Peru. Also not to be overlooked are the significant business opportunities offered by Brazil, where the company hopes to build a large dam of 1,000 to 2,000 megawatts.
Elías Díaz wins the Caballero Bonald International Essay Prize The prize was awarded for his work ‘De la Institución a la Constitución. Política y cultura en la España del siglo XX’, ("From Institution to Constitution: Politics and Culture in 20th Century Spain"), a book for which the jury praised "the interpretation and defense of the progressive tradition that is the backbone of contemporary Spanish intellectual history.” The work is a compilation of a series of studies and extracts that deal with a century of contemporary Spanish culture and politics, the aim of which is to show the clear and complete continuity that links the Institución Libre de Enseñanza of 1876 with the current democratic Constitution of 1978.
Salamanca hosts International Spanish Teachers Meeting. During the month of July, the City of Salamanca was host to the International Spanish Teachers Meeting, opened by Cervantes Institute Director Carmen Caffarel. At the event, the potential of Spanish in the U.S. was made clear, as 75% of the meeting attendees were from that country. The United States represents a priority for the Cervantes Institute.
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Third Don Quijote Prize
Awards go to Juan Goytisolo and the 'Nueva Gramática Española' The ‘New Grammar of the Spanish Language’ by the Spanish Royal Academy and Juan Goytisolo were both recognized this summer with the 25,000 euro Don Quijote International Prize organized by the Santillana Foundation and the Council of Castilla-La Mancha. Barcelona writer Juan Goytisolo was lauded by the jury as "a writer who has revitalized the Spanish novel and extended the vitality of critical thought with his influential international presence and cultural dialogue with the Arab world." With regard to the 'New Grammar of the Spanish Language', the jury highlighted the contribution of the 22 Spanish academies to a monumental work of more than 3,800 pages, aimed at offering unified standards for the Spanish language throughout the world. This marks the third edition of the Don Quijote International Prize, to be presented soon in Toledo. Winners in previous years include the writer Carlos Fuentes, Lula de Silva, Mario Vargas Llosa and Gloria Macapagal.
In the year 2012
The 5th Congress on Ibero-American Culture to be held in Spain Spain will host the 5th Congress on Ibero American Culture in 2012, according to an agreement reached following the 13th Ibero-American Conference on Culture held in Argentina. Also agreed at the event was the creation of the Miguel León-Portilla International Center of Amerindian Culture, to be operated by the Ministry of Culture and based at the Museo de América in Madrid.
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Malaspina 2010 . In November, the Spanish research vessels Hespérides and Sarmiento de Gamboa will set sail on a 42,000 nautical mile voyage in the biggest global change expedition ever undertaken.
FIFA praises Spain-Portugal bid Following the FIFA delegation's visit to Madrid at the end of August, its members praised Spain and Portugal's joint bid to organize the World Soccer Cup in 2018 and 2022. The joint proposal will be competing with bids from England, Russia, the United States and Belgium/the Netherlands.
Álex de la Iglesia wins the Silver Lion in Venice
The oceanographic research vessel Hespérides at its base in Cartagena.
Spanish scientists sail the world The Malaspina 2010 expedition, set to depart from Cádiz in November, is an interdisciplinary project led by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) which seeks to evaluate the impact of global change on the ocean and to study its biodiversity. The expedition takes its name from the naval officer Alejandro Malaspina, who at the end of the 18th century directed the first Spanish expedition circumnavigating the world. 2010 marks the 200th anniversary of Malaspina's death. For nine months,
the oceanographic research vessels Hespérides and Sarmiento de Gamboa will travel a collective total of more than 42,000 nautical miles with multiple stops on which they will collect samples of air, water and plankton from the surface down to 5,000 meters deep. According to CSIC researcher Carlos Duarte, "with this expedition, we're going to go around the world, and also, in a certain way, turn Spanish oceanography around, generating a new culture of cooperation and joining of forces."
Iciar Bollaín's film to represent Spain at the Oscars
‘Even the Rain’ to compete for an Oscar The film ‘Even the Rain’, directed by Icíar Bollaín and starring Luis Tosar and Gael García Bernal, has been nominated by the Film Academy to represent Spain at the Oscars. The film, yet to see its commercial release, will open the Film Week in Valladolid (Seminci) at the end of October. Filmed in Bolivia, in the jungle of Chapare and the city
of Cochabamba, the picture is a major production that employed thousands of extras, including nearly 300 indigenous people, a team of 130 and more than 70 locations. The picture tells the story of the shooting of a period film about the legend of Christopher Columbus, a gold-obsessed slave hunter and repressor of natives.
Film director Álex de la Iglesia received the Silver Lion and the award for best screenplay at the Venice Film Festival for his film ‘A Sad Trumpet Ballad’. De la Iglesia took the National Cinematography Award one week later, thereby consolidating the international profile of the Basque director who is also President of the Spanish Film Academy.
Award-winning drawings Valencian illustrator Ana Juan has received the National Illustration Prize for her work as a whole. Her creations have appeared in publications such as Time and The New Yorker. She is also a regular contributor to Spanish newspaper El Mundo.
The Prado unveils a work by Bruegel the Elder After months of study and restoration, experts in preservation at the Prado Museum have confirmed that the painting titled ‘The Wine of Saint Martin's Day’ is the work of 16th century painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder, one of the great masters of the Flemish school, of whose work only 40 paintings survive. The painting belongs to a private collection whose owners were seeking to sell it through the Sotheby's auction house. Spain's Minister of Culture now has a call option on the work.
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Murcia to be home to a Paramount theme park US film studio Paramount Pictures has reached an agreement to build a theme park in the Murcia region, although exact dates and locations are not yet known. This tourist facility could attract more than three million tourists each year, according to some studies.
Number of divorces falls for fourth consecutive year According to data released by the National Statistics Institute, 2009 saw a 10.7% drop in the number of divorces, consolidating a downward trend begun in 2006. In 2009, a total of 106,000 marriages were dissolved, with the largest number of separations occurring in the 40-49 age group.
Nacho Duato to direct the Mikhailovsky Theatre Spanish choreographer and dancer Nacho Duato, who for 20 years has been at the head of the National Dance Company, will join St. Petersburg's Mikhailovsky Theatre in 2011 as director of the ballet company. Duato is one of the most prominent choreographers on the world scene today.
Two panda cubs born at Madrid Zoo Three years after the arrival in Spain of the two panda bears given by the Chinese government as a gift to the King and Queen of Spain, ‘Hua Ziu Ba’ has given birth to two cubs. The Madrid Zoo was the first in the world to successfully breed a panda in captivity, with 'Chu-Lin' in 1982. The panda population is seriously endangered, with an estimated total of approximately 1,600 specimens living in China.
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European City of Culture 2016. Of the 16 candidates presented, the final selection has left six competing cities that will share the title with a Polish city.
Countdown for cultural capital Considering the number of candidates presented (16), Spain has bet heavily on this opportunity, which could reap significant benefits in terms of tourism, infrastructure and international prestige for each city. The selection completed at the beginning of October identified the six finalists: Burgos, Córdoba, San Sebastián, Las Palmas, Segovia and Zaragoza. Six months remain before the winner is decided, during which time each city will have to finalize its projects in order to convince the jury. The experiences of cities that have previously held this title have resulted in
excellent economic returns, a significant factor to explain why no other country has ever presented as many candidates as Spain has this year. The six cities selected in this final round will share the title with a Polish city during 2016, representing an opportunity that will not come around again for Spain until 2031. Since 1985, when this European initiative began, 33 cities have been cultural capitals, of which three have been Spanish cities: Madrid (1992), Santiago de Compostela (2000) and Salamanca (2002).
Salamanca was the last Spanish city to hold the title of European City of Culture in 2002.
The Spanish bank will pay 100 million dollars
BBVA to sponsor the NBA for four years Spanish bank BBVA has signed an agreement through its US subsidiary BBVA Compass, which, with more than 700 branches in the country, is the 15th biggest bank in the US in terms of market share. BBVA has decided to invest in this sponsorship, banking on synergies with the most important basketball league in the world, which seeks to open new
avenues of promotion in countries such as China and Russia and even in Africa. This is also the aim of the subsidiary of the Spanish bank, which seeks to consolidate its brand visibility in Europe and the Americas. This important sports sponsorship agreement adds to the bank's existing agreement with La Liga, Spain's professional soccer league.
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4,700 stores around the world . The Spanish company, with a presence in 77 countries, is recovering its global dominance in 2010, with its turnover surpassing that of the US chain Gap. This year it will open between 365 and 425 new stores.
Inditex recovers world top spot in the textile sector In less than 50 years, the dream of Galician businessman Amancio Ortega has gone from a small workshop in Arteixo to revolutionizing the world fashion sector. Since 2004, the Spanish company Inditex has doubled its business with the opening of 2,700 stores that helped place it in first place in the sector in Europe by 2005. It has now become the worldwide leader in the sector, following the close of the first quarter of its financial year. It has thus moved ahead of its two main competitors, the US company Gap and Sweden's H&M. To further strengthen its dominance, Inditex, which owns companies such as Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius and Pull & Bear, plans to open 365 to 425 new stores this year, 95% of which will be located in Asia.
With a budget of 300 million euros, the Chilean government has chosen the Spanish firm Indra to implement its electronic national identity document. The project, which will have a 10-year duration, will strengthen the company's international activity, which accounts for 40% of its annual turnover.
Madrid, among the ten most livable cities
Image of Inditex central headquarters, in the municipality of Arteixo, in A Coruña.
At the same time, Inditex seeks to increase its turnover through its on-line store, an emerging channel for worldwide sales with which the Galician firm plans to increase its revenue by 4%. This e-commerce option is currently open to Spain, France, Germany, the UK, Italy and Portugal, with plans for the progressive addition of the United States, Japan and South Korea.
Starting this fall, they will jointly operate more than 60 routes
Iberia, American and British to promote Madrid's airport as a major hub The authorization of the European Commission for the merger of British Airways and Iberia, issued at the end of July, also serves to strengthen the alliance of both companies with American Airlines. This alliance will allow the joint operation of routes between Europe and North America with the aim of winning market share away from their rivals (Air
Indra to provide 20 million Chileans with electronic IDs
France and Lufthansa) and enhancing their product range. To achieve this goal, Madrid's Barajas airport will play a key role, as the option of increasing flights from London is ruled out due to the saturation of its airport. Barajas, with 98 takeoffs and landings per hour, could expand its operations to as many as 120 if demand so requires.
According to a study by the prestigious British magazine ‘Monocle’, Madrid is the tenth best city in the world in terms of quality of life, with the magazine highlighting “the city's continuing development.” In the ranking, which is headed by the city of Munich, Barcelona holds 17th place.
Spain increases its sales to Equatorial Guinea by 30% Spain has managed to increase its exports to Equatorial Guinea by 30% during the first half of 2010, representing a volume of more than 100 million euros. The main sales sectors in the African nation are centered on beverages, machinery and vehicles.
The work of Eugenio Ampudia in Jordan Until October 15, the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts hosted an extensive exhibition of the works of Valladolid artist Eugenio Ampudia, known for his creation of carefully realized works, surprising, playful and full of irony. Throughout his career his work has constantly questioned art as a medium for the transmission of ideas, developing it as a system of communication through which thoughts and reflections can be conveyed.
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Reading his work produces the illusion of returning to the sacred soil of Greece, like that time in our youth, when we ran naked among the ruins of the ancient stadium at Olympia. by Jacobo García. JOURNALIST
With thanks to... Emilio Lledó
The dominions of the Logos His approach to his métier has nothing to do with the dilemmas and logical charades we were taught at school, like the paradox of Achilles and the tortoise that so enraptured Borges. The work of the philosopher does not consist merely in finding the missing phrase to give meaning to an obscure Pythagorean fragment or to hit upon the correct interpretation of a Platonic myth. It also consists in breaking new ground on which to philosophize and in preventing the crystallization of existing philosophy into academic preconceptions. When examining the ideas of those who preceded him and who made his ideas possible, the philosopher (or the historian of philosophy, which in this case is the same thing) needs above all to be sure of the precise terms on which they were formulated. In this sense, the philosopher's activity is similar to the archeologist's, except that the object of study is the Greek Logos, that Gran Dolina of thought to which one must return
again and again in order to come to understand the meaning of the words with which Western culture was constructed, while acknowledging that their original meaning will remain a submerged Atlantis that we will never reach. The task is not easy, because the deposits through which we must sift contain all kinds of sediments: not only the original ideas of the first thinkers, but also an enormous quantity of versions thereof and commentaries thereon which have been deposited on top of the original soil over the course of time. The books of Emilio Lledó have the quality of works written at the excavation site, by the shores of Greek antiquity, the birthplace of what today is the West. In his books he searches tirelessly through the dominions of the logos, in particular analyzing the relation between language and thought, although there is something that hints that his ultimate goal (his Eutropia) is the defense
of an increasingly Utopian tradition: the existence of maîtres à penser capable of responding to any question with the same rigor with which Socrates confronted the theoretical problems posed by his disciples, in the conviction that the health of the polis depends on the existence of such men. A soothing, leisurely writer, of the kind who never puts forward a concept without first having pondered it and reduced it to pulp, his prose seems designed to make us believe that the truth is an objective within our reach. One of his great merits is his ability to position each sentence in its proper place within the endless chain of reasoning that forms the topography of the discourse, thereby saving the reader from much of the suffering that reading philosophy normally entails. At the risk of harming his image with the academic community, it must be added that he is a Platonic philosopher, at least in terms of literary style. Like the language of the founder of the Academy himself, Lledó's is a beautiful
language, clear and precise, as befits a thinker for whom esthetic concerns are as much of a priority as theoretical ones. In a poem titled Philosopher in the Night, Joan Margarit describes Emilio Lledó in the flesh, intellectually alert and emotionally isolated. Alone, facing his memories, the citizen exiled from the modern polis converses with his wife, who died when she was still young. He speaks to her of their children who live far away, of all there is to yearn for, of the places where he was happy at her side... A passionate reader of the Iliad, the protagonist of the poem engages in a literary interweaving of his life with the characters of Homer's epic. The monologue develops on multiple levels. The voice of the Catalan poet takes over the inner voice of the insomniac thinker, ultimately leading us to the conclusion that each individual voice is always the echo of earlier voices, of all those that have given shape to the language that gives meaning to what we feel, think and are.
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publications
● Victoria, Eros y Eolo.
Fernando Riquelme. Editorial Verbum Written between Madrid and Bern, the second novel from diplomat Fernando Riquelme, current Spanish Ambassador to Switzerland, offers a stroll through the cosmopolitan landscapes of Europe and the Middle East within the world of international organizations and development projects. It is here that Victoria - the protagonist - a very modern woman, is faced not only with various encounters and amorous frustrations, but the reality of the interests governing the politics of international aid.
seemed. This novel, a story of courage and personal achievement that demonstrates how poverty and discrimination can have a catastrophic effect on the future of brilliant young people, received a rapturous response in the author's native country, Zimbabwe. Neurosis, anorexia and doubt regarding the choice between Europe and Africa are central themes. This book has been read by millions of women throughout the African continent. ● Green Electricity:
Renewable Energy and the Electrical Power Grid. Various authors. Marcial Pons Ediciones
● Nervous Conditions
Tsitsi Dangarembga. Icaria and IntermonOxfam Like all the girls in her village in 1960s Rhodesia, before Tambu - the novel's protagonist lay a future as sad as it was inevitable: working in the fields, raising children. When her older brother dies, this self-confident young woman is given a golden opportunity and wins a place to study at the mission managed by her uncle. However, it is not long before she realizes that all is not quite as rosy as it first
The generation of electricity is responsible for a significant percentage of
all CO2 emissions. It is for this reason that the electric power system is destined to play a decisive role in the industrial revolution going on in the fight against climate change. In this book, edited by Boaz Moselle, Jorge Padilla and Richard Schmalensee, fourteen respected specialists discuss technology, politics and questions of practical application. Descriptions are also provided of the renewable energy policies of United States, the European Union, United Kingdom, Germany and Spain. This book offers an objective analysis, basing its work in economic theory and evidence that includes the experiences of countries who have dedicated considerable resources to promote the generation of renewable energy.
surveys. According to the study, the presence in Spain of approximately one million Arabic speakers makes the publication of specialized media directed specifically at this community absolutely necessary in order to facilitate their "media integration". ● La hora de la igualdad.
(Time for Equality) Various authors. CEPAL “La hora de la igualdad: brechas por cerrar, caminos por abrir” (Time for Equality: Gaps to Breach, Paths to Open) is a document published by the Economic Commission for Latin America (CEPAL) which proposes an integrated
● “La comunidad árabe y la prensa escrita en España”. (The Arab Community and the Print Media in Spain). Andalus Media The first public study carried out on "The Arab Community and the Print Media in Spain" provides an exhaustive analysis of the media consumption habits and the priorities and areas of interest of the Arab Community living in Spain. This is the broadest study conducted to date which deals exclusively with the Arab collective. In order to carry out this scientific research, fieldwork was done in areas frequented by the Arab population, as well as a small number of telephone
vision for the future of Latin America and the Caribbean, putting forward a broad range of State policies for development regarding fiscal agreements, productive development, social protection, territorial convergence, the generation of skills through education and opportunities through employment. As such, this document underlines the importance of equality of rights as the axis of this new policy aimed at promoting development in the region.
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✱... a must read ● Reivindicación de la política. Veinte años de relaciones internacionales. (Revindicating Politics: Twenty Years of International Relations) Javier Solana, in conversation with Lluís Bassets. Editorial Debate. Over the past fifteen years, Javier Solana has been an exceptional witness to such decisive international events as the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, the advent of Islamist terrorism, the expansion of NATO and the enlargement of the European Union. Thanks to his experience and presence at key international summits and meetings affecting our recent history, this work offers a unique insight into the end of the Cold War and the subsequent evolution of International Relations, while discussing the challenges and uncertainties we are facing. The book is based on Javier Solana's responses to the questions posed by journalist Lluís Bassets and revolves around two concepts and a principle. The first concept is the West's loss of power to emerging powers such as Brazil, China and India; the second is the future of the plan for building Europe, which is facing the task of adapting to new international challenges. Finally, the principle: Javier Solana's unyielding faith in politics as a means to reconcile interests, achieve objectives and avoid conflict.
In short, the report raises the need to formulate a vision for strategic development in today's world, leading to a fundamental restatement of the role played by the State in various areas. This report was edited by Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of CEPAL, in collaboration with Antonio Prado, joint Executive Secretary, and Martín Hopenhayn, director of CEPAL's Division for Social Development. ● Patriotas y demócratas.
El discurso nacionalista español después de Franco. (Patriots and Democrats. Spanish Nationalist Discourse after Franco) Xosé M. Núñez Seixas. Los libros de la catarata. Multicultural nation, nation of nations, a unique and indivisible homeland, or a multi-national State? In 21st century Spain there are differing discourses on what the Spanish nation is
and what its relation should be to the various Stateless nations, historic nationalities and "national realities", which live side by side with it in significant areas of its territory. In this book, the author provides a general overview and basic typology of the various understandings of the Spanish nation put forth since 1975, from the "One, Great and Free Spain" of late Francoism to "Plural Spain". Xosé Manuel Núñez Seixas is a PhD in Contemporary History and a specialist in the comparative
study of European and Spanish nationalism. ● Pensamiento
Iberoamericano. Retos y oportunidades ante la crisis. (Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Crisis) Various authors. Fundación Carolina and AECID This latest edition of the review Pensamiento Iberoamericano, edited by Spanish professor José Antonio Alonso and the Executive Secretary of CEPAL, Alicia Bárcena, explores the causes, effects and responses to the present crisis, paying particular attention to the regions of Latin America and Europe. Given the magnitude of this crisis it is unsurprising to find a broad spectrum of issues considered, in order to both analyze the determining factors of this crisis and to consider the responses needed to avoid the future repetition
of similar episodes, so destructive to the economic lives of nations and to the welfare of their citizens. Providing their own commentary are, among others, expert economists such as Rafael Doménech, José María Fanelli, Santiago Fernández de Lis, Stephany Griffith-Jones, Juan Pablo Jiménez, Osvaldo Kacef, Pilar L’Hotellerie-Fallois, Fernando Lorenzo, José Luis Machinea, José Antonio Ocampo, Emilio Ontiveros, Osvaldo Rosales and Diana Tussie.
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✱... a must read ● Contra la indiferencia (Against Indifference). Josep Ramoneda. Galaxia Gutemberg. Círculo de Lectores This political essay, distinguished by its blending of various literary genres, consists of thoughts developed by journalist and philosopher Josep Ramoneda over the last six
● Migraciones: una puerta
abierta al desarrollo. (Migration: An Open Door for Development) Vicente Condés Moreno and Manuel Gómez Galán (Eds.) Fundación Cideal.
years. "Abuse of power", as the worst of evils, is his main target. It covers topics from the resurgence of religion to the misunderstood concept of 'multiculturalism', which can sometimes, according to the author, cause people to justify their behavior based on their origins. The role of Europe in the world is another of
Ramoneda's concerns. In his opinion, "Europe is in danger. Its biggest problem is exhaustion. The weight of history is so great that it seems to paralyze us". He also discusses the war on terror which followed 9/11 as an instrument for sowing fear, and the Internet, which has revolutionized globalization in the 21st century.
areas of co-development: institutional stability, financial tools, human capabilities and the potential of entrepreneurship.
thematic sections with 26 chapters, which demonstrate over the course of 452 pages the status of sustainability in our country using maps, charts, images and text in a way that both synthesizes and informs.
● Sustainability in Spain
2009.Observatorio de la Sostenibilidad (OSE). Mundiprensa. The fifth Annual Report on Sustainability in Spain 2009 analyzes 165 sustainability
● Carlos V. Un hombre
para Europa. (Charles V. A Man for Europe). Manuel Fernández Álvarez. Editorial Austral. The Emperor Charles V is one of the historical figures
This book explores the study of co-development (a concept linking migration and development) from a new perspective: the analysis of the experience of Spanish emigration in the 1960s and 1970s, and its repercussions on the growth experienced by the country in later decades. The book's editors benefitted from the participation of such well-renowned economists as Juan Velarde and Ramón Tamames, and contributions from experts on four strategic
indicators while considering their geographic distribution, which has a bearing on the territorial dimension of sustainable development while also aiming to achieve a more didactic and informative summary of the indicators analyzed in the four previous Annual Reports on Sustainability in Spain. The report is organized into
his wars, his activity as a Statesman and even his personal life have given rise to numerous studies. The winner of the National Prize for History in 1985, Manuel Fernández Álvarez was professor of Modern History at the University of Salamanca and one of the most respected European specialists on the Emperor. In this book we find a lively biography that contemplates the many facets of the man and politician, placing him in the context of many other historical figures familiar to the reader. In this way, the author manages to introduce us to one of the most fascinating eras in European history. ● Banker to the Poor.
Micro-Lending and the Battle against World Poverty. Muhammad Yunus. Editorial Paidós. who has most captured the attention of historians and the general public alike. His emblematic role in a unique and diverse Europe,
Muhammed Yunus has a dream: the total eradication of poverty. In 1983, Yunus founded Grameen, a bank dedicated to providing microloans to the poorest people in Bangladesh. His aim was to
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✱... a must read ● La llamada de África. Estudios sobre el cine colonial español. (The Call of Africa. Studies on Spanish Colonial Cinema) Alberto Elena. Edicions Bellaterra.
generate a mechanism with which to ignite the initiative and entrepreneurial spirit that would allow people to lift themselves out of poverty. His solution to poverty in the world, founded upon the belief that credit is a fundamental human right, is brilliantly simple: lend money to poor people, foster a series of sensible financial principles to regulate their lives, and they will help themselves. The author. awarded the Príncipe de Asturias Prize in 1998 and the Nobel Prize in 2006, calls into question our normal way of understanding the economic relationship between rich and poor, their respective rights and responsibilities, their origins and their future. The Grameen Bank has provided more that 2.5 billion dollars in micro-credits to more than two million families in Bangladesh. Almost 95% of Yunus' clients are women and the loan repayment rate is almost 100%. ● Infancia (Childhood).
Photographs by Isabel Muñoz. Various Authors. Lunwerg Editores Isabel Muñoz is currently one of Spain's most
Many aspects of the history of Spanish colonial cinema have remained virtually unexplored. This book has emerged from a desire to raise awareness on the subject. In the aftermath of some of the better known, classic films of the 1940s, numerous later works dealt with the subject of Spain's overseas possessions using different formulas and genres. Spanish colonial cinema echoed the renewed Imperial dreams of Franquismo, but it also reflected the incessant tensions of an historical period marked
by decolonization and the independence of numerous, young African states. Using an analysis of Spanish film production tied to the Protectorate of Morocco, Ifni, Western Sahara and Guinea, this book by Professor Alberto Elena (head of the Department of Audiovisual Communication at Madrid's Carlos III University) revisits our peculiar colonial history and offers reflections upon its delayed effects.
visual universe, achieving images of great beauty that reflect hope, happiness and the perception of the uncertain future faced by many boys and girls on our planet. ● The Totalitarian
important photographers. In this book she shows us the work she has done in 20 countries, which has one central theme: the children of the world, in their diversity and equality. She turns her gaze upon them and recreates her own
Experience. Tzvetan Todorov. Galaxia Guetemberg Círculo de Lectores Bulgarian philosopher and historian Todorov reflects over seven essays on what Communism meant - a doctrine that went beyond politics to become a secular religion that did not
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postpone paradise until after death, but was imposed on millions of Europeans in an area that extended from the Urals to the heart of Berlin. While paying tribute to masters such Raymond Aron and Mikhail Bakhtin, Todorov deals with problem of morals and justice in Communist countries, and he warns that certain traits of democratic ultra-liberalism are beginning to project equally messianic and totalitarian overtones. ● Género y paz. (Gender
and Peace) M. Elena Díez Jorge and Margarita Sánchez Romero (eds.). Icaria Editorial Research for Peace and Research for Gender aim to reclaim the silenced histories of peace and gender that we are do not normally consider. We are facing a lack of methodological and conceptual tools, and this poses a scientific challenge that is not only novel, but ethical and socially necessary. This book aims to reveal the tools needed for the creation of a new model for society in which the culture of peace and gender equality are fundamental values. To this end, researchers with many years experience in this field confront the need to think about peace from a gender perspective, considering, on the one hand, the various practices of peace throughout history while, on the other, offering theoretical proposals which will provide new tools for analysis and reflection.
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Her mentor, Nobel laureate Severo Ochoa, would say about researchers that "you need to give them the freedom to research and the applications will follow". This is precisely what this renowned biochemist has tirelessly dedicated her life to at the Center for Molecular Biology named after her mentor. Following a prolific career, the first Spanish woman to become a member of the United States National Academy of Sciences talks to Miradas al Exterior about her career, "inappropriately named genetically modified foods," and the funding of science in Spain - "where we work miracles". By Beatriz Beeckmans.
Margarita Salas "The most satisfying thing about research is the ‘joy of discovery’” — Doctor Salas, you understand research to be a commitment "to which one must dedicate 100% of their efforts". What do you find most satisfying? — Firstly, the research in itself, trying to discover new aspects of biology. In the field we work in, with DNA duplication mechanisms and mechanisms for controlling its genetic expression, it is very satisfying to make new discoveries and learn as much about them as possible. When new results come to light it gives great satisfaction; it is what Severo Ochoa used to call “the joy of discovery”. Unfortunately this doesn't happen
every day, not even close, but when it does happen, it makes all the hard work and effort worthwhile. Secondly, I have a team of 15 people working at different levels. There are more senior individuals who help me manage, post-doctorate students who are also fairly independent, and PhD students writing their dissertations. Being in contact with all of these colleagues is also very satisfying. In 43 years, 50 doctoral theses have been written in my laboratory. It gives me great satisfaction to see those PhDs who have trained with me now heading up groups and carrying out excellent work.
— What is your opinion of scientific education in Spain? — I think that at the PhD level it is excellent. Fortunately, there are some outstanding research groups and they offer doctoratelevel teaching at an internationally recognized standard. The students receive excellent preparation and when they go abroad, they are fought over. This is in part because they are very well prepared and because they will "go that extra mile", as they are so interested in research and will work hard out of interest in their work and in order to improve their CV so that they can eventually return
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to Spain, or stay if offered a research post. — You are a member of the United States National Academy of Sciences alongside the world's most prestigious scientists. What was your experience of being accepted? — Well, I was elected as a member in 2007. My selection was entirely unexpected, I didn't even know I had been nominated. I was enormously surprised when, at the end of April of that year, I was sent a series of emails from American colleagues congratulating me on being made a member. This was how I found out; they sent me the official letter later on. — It must have been a moment of great happiness for you… — Enormous, particularly as it was so unexpected and such a surprise for me. The induction ceremony was held a year later. In April 2008 I visited the headquarters in Washington and was made a member in a delightful ceremony. It is a great honor for me to be a member of this prestigious Academy. I always say that it is the highest accolade to which I could aspire. For the Americans themselves it is the pinnacle and, as there are fewer places for foreigners, it is, in my view, the highest honor in science. It also keeps me in direct contact with my American colleagues, voting in new members, and publishing in the Academy's journal, which is very prestigious. — Much of this recognition will have been due to the fact that you devoted half of your life to studying the bacteriophage Phi29. What did your research consist of and how do your findings translate into people's daily lives and well-being? — When my husband Eladio Viñuela and I returned to Spain, we soon found that the DNA of this virus had a characteristic that nobody had identified up to that point: a protein joined to the ends of the DNA. It was a great revelation that led to us discovering a new mechanism for
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profile Margarita Salas Falgueras was born in Canero (Asturias). Having gained her PhD in Science from Madrid's Complutense University, between 1964 and 1967 she carried out her post-doctoral research at New York University, under the supervision of Severo Ochoa. She is a Professor of Molecular Genetics at the Complutense University in Madrid, CSIC Research
Professor at the “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM) Center for Molecular Biology and Head of research in "Replication and Transcription of the DNA of bacteriophage ø29”. Dr. Salas is a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), and the United States National Academy of Sciences. Her numerous prizes and awards include the Ferrer Foundation Severo Ochoa
Prize for Research (1986), the G.J. Mendel Medal from the Czech Academy of Sciences(1988), the Helena Rubinstein-UNESCO “Women in Science” Prize (1999), the Santiago Ramón y Cajal National Prize for Research (1999), the Medalla de Oro from the Community of Madrid (2002), the Medal of Honor from the Menéndez Pelayo International University (2003) and the Spanish Grand Cross of the Civil
Order of Alfonso X el Sabio (2003). In 2008 she was named Marquise of Canero for her dedication to scientific research in molecular biology, and a year later she was awarded the Mapfre Foundation “Professional Lifetime Achievement” Prize (2009). President of the Real Patronato de la Biblioteca (Royal Patronage of Libraries), Salas also sits on the editorial boards of 12 international journals.
From top to bottom and left to right: Image taken in 1993 of Margarita Salas with Severo Ochoa; Salas receiving the UNESCO Prize; with Alberto Ruíz Gallardón being awarded the Medalla de Oro of the Community of Madrid; in 2003 during her induction ceremony at the Royal Spanish Academy of Language; Margarita Salas during an audience with His Majesty King Juan Carlos I; and making her deposit at the Caja de las Letras at the Cervantes Institute. . PHOTO: EFE
initiating DNA duplication using this protein. This was an important discovery. This is when I experienced the joy of discovery I spoke about earlier. It turned out that this new mechanism could be extrapolated to other viruses of great importance to health, such as the human adenovirus, which causes carcinogenic transformation, or that of hepatitis C. We could say that our discoveries can be applied to other viruses with a very similar mechanism for duplicating
their genetic material to the one we discovered in our virus. The Phi29 virus, being bacterial (meaning that it infects bacteria), is more easily accessed for study, and what we discovered with Phi 29 could be applied to other viruses that are more complex and difficult to manage, but of vital importance when it comes to human health. But there is another application that is even more important. We discovered that when the virus infects
the bacteria it produces the synthetic protein, known as DNA polymerase, which is involved in DNA duplication. By studying it, we discovered that it had certain properties that were very interesting for its use in biotechnology. We patented it and the operating license was obtained by a US firm that eventually released a kit for DNA amplification. It has been a genuine revolution because it allows one to amplify DNA using very small quantities. This is highly
p important for genetic, forensic and anthropological analysis. When one has very small samples of DNA they cannot be analyzed. With our DNA polymerase, one can produce millions of copies with which to study and sequence DNA from just a tiny sample. This has been an enormously important practical application that has come about as a result of our work with the Phi 29 virus. In fact, the royalties received by the Spanish High Council for Scientific Research (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - CSIC) for the DNA polymerase of Phi29 accounts for 50% of the total sum or royalties. The system for DNA amplification using DNA polymerase of Phi29 has had enormous economic repercussions as it is used throughout the world. — You are the 'Spanish Brand' Honorary Ambassador for Science and Innovation. How do you think Spain is perceived internationally? How do you view the export value of our country's scientific knowledge? — Just 20-30 years ago Spain was still rather unknown; today it occupies an important position in international science. It publishes international journals of great prestige, the researchers have international contacts and are invited to conferences to discuss the work they carry out here. Science in Spain has a significant influence on international science and is a respected voice. Despite funding not being as high as we would like, here in Spain we work miracles. We have a standard of scientific production that is superior to the level of funding to which we have access. We produce a great deal with very little. When means are scarce, we must sharpen our wits to move forward. It is important for more money to be available, particularly so as give more opportunities for young people to return to Spain. — You have been described as the "First Lady of Spanish Science". You say that the only obvious difference between a man and a woman is
"Severo Ochoa did not just teach me molecular biology, but imparted his rigorous approach to experimentation, his enthusiasm and his dedication to research" "It was an enormous surprise to be named a member of the United States National Academy of Sciences. For me, it was the greatest possible recognition" physical strength, and that you only hope your career serves as an inspiration to other women.... — I do not think that men have certain qualities, different from those of women, which make them better suited to research, something that was widely accepted when I began. Today it has been clearly demonstrated that we are worth as much as men. The difference lies with the individual and not their gender. At the beginning of
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my 43 years working in Spain with many students, they were almost all male. Later women started to arrive and today there tends to be more women than men. — You defend genetically modified foods as an indisputable step forward. Why? — It is wrong to call them genetically modified foods. It is the plants that are genetically modified. I defend them because they allow the introduction of the so-called transgene of interest which can provide the plant with, for example, a greater capacity to grow in arid or saline terrain, or to be more resistant to viruses or insects. By introducing genes into the genetically modified plant, it is given properties that allow it to thrive in adverse conditions. This is particularly important for issues of nutrition in the developing world as it allows the production of foodstuffs in terrain that would not otherwise be arable, or the cultivation of plants that have a particular vitamin which can be accessed when the crop is eaten. Genetically-modified plants offer enormous opportunities, particularly when it comes to solving the problem of food in the developing world. People get scared when they hear talk of genetic modification, but only one or two of the plant's genes have been changed. Since time immemorial farmers have cross-bred plants in order to make them edible and had no idea what the end result would be. Now we know exactly which gene we want to introduce, and it is done in a much more controlled and expedient manner. — Imagine we meet again in the year 2020. What things that are unthinkable today could be a reality in just a matter of years? — We are moving towards much longer life spans. Today's average age span is just over eighty years, and it is thought that by 2020 or 2030, people will be living until they are 120. It is also forecast that within the next 20 years
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certain diseases that currently have no cure, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes, will be treated using stem cell technology. There are also all the genetic advances: the possibility of genetically diagnosing diseases. Once the disease has been diagnosed, you will be able to prevent it, and in many cases, cure it altogether. This will provide a better quality of life for people living for more than 100 years. In 30 years, we will probably be living for an average of 100 years with an acceptable quality of life. — As you have referred to them, what do you believe are the main ethical implications of stem cell research? — The problem you are referring to is when embryos are used that have been created as a result of invitro fertilization. They are frozen, and after 5 years they are no longer viable and cannot be implanted into a woman's uterus. From my point of view, the options are hiding them away sine die, destroying them, or using them for research. I defend their use for research, but there are, of course, voices which say the opposite, particularly from a religious standpoint. Alternatives are being found to the use of embryos for isolating pluripotent stem cells (ones that can create different type of tissues - nerve tissue for neurodegenerative diseases or heart tissue for cardiac diseases); there are endless possibilities. There are other kinds of stem cells, called IPS - induced pluripotent stem cells. These are produced from an adult cell (from the skin or any other kind of tissue) using the right treatment with a pair of proteins, and are capable of producing all kinds of tissues. This technology would avoid the use of embryos. Some people are against the use of embryonic stem cells. Even in the USA, there was a time when public funds could not be used to finance stem cell research. Obama revoked this ban,
"With the protein we discovered, DNA polymerase, DNA could be amplified using very small quantities. It was a real revolution" "Genetically modified plants offer enormous possibilities, particularly when it comes to solving the problem of nutrition in the developing world" but it seems that there is a judge who has quarantined the use of embryonic stem cells, which means the use of embryos is currently on hold, but not the use of IPS. Alternatives are now appearing based on the use of stem cells to create different kinds of tissues capable of curing disease. — Nobel laureate Severo Ochoa was your mentor. What was it like working with and learning from him? — Working and learning about molecular biology with him was incredibly important. He did not just
teach me about molecular biology, which I was then able to develop and teach in Spain, but he imparted his rigorous approach to experimentation, his enthusiasm and his dedication to research. He taught me how to live research, not just perform it. — Do you think that governments are aware of the importance of investing in research in order to support the dedication of professionals like yourself? — In theory, everyone agrees that investing in science is important. In practice, the crisis and its cuts have taken their toll, and investment in science is one of the first things to go. Though I must say that our Minister for Science and Innovation, Cristina Garmendia, who did her doctoral thesis with me, is doing everything possible to ensure that the funding is not cut. The majority of politicians are aware of the importance of science, but in hard times, funding gets cut. And it is something that shouldn't be cut because we can guarantee its future. In these times of economic crisis, if we can't raise funding levels, we should at least hold them steady so that science in Spain does not suffer too greatly. — Lastly, how do you think the relationship between basic research and its everyday application could be improved so as to raise more private funds? — Well, by using the scientists' personal connections to business. What I mean is that researchers do their job, patents are taken out, and there are companies that could be interested in their work and finance the research. This is already happening, but the level of private research funding in other countries is approximately 66%, while in Spain we are stuck at around 50%. We need business to be more involved in funding research based on greater familiarity and more direct contact between companies and researchers, and to slowly make progress in this direction.
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Miradas al exterior is an official diplomatic information publication of the Spanish Government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. About 14,000 copies are distributed worldwide on a quarterly basis, and it has been translated into English and French. Available online at www.maec.es
vayas como vayas al extranjero, Recuerda que
Tu Embajada puede ayudarte
Para atender a nuestros compatriotas en el extranjero, España cuenta con una amplia red consular dependiente del Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y de Cooperación, compuesta en la actualidad por 185 Oficinas Consulares y Secciones Consulares de Embajadas, así como cerca de 375 Consulados y Viceconsulados Honorarios. > La función de los Consulados consiste en prestar determinados servicios administrativos a los ciudadanos españoles, ayudar a quienes hayan sido víctimas de delitos o abusos y asistir a quienes se encuentren en situación de necesidad. > Infórmate en www.maec.es
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> Expedir pasaportes o salvoconductos en caso de caducidad, pérdida o robo. > Informar sobre los servicios médicos, educativos y legales del país; > Prestar asistencia a detenidos; > Adelantar, de manera extraordinaria, el dinero imprescindible para eventuales casos de necesidad que pudieran surgir, incluída la repatriación. > Realizar inscripciones en el Registro Civil, expedir poderes y actas notariales, legalizar documentos así como otros trámites administrativos.
> Hacer funciones de agencia de viajes; > Conseguir un trabajo en el extranjero; > Garantizar en un hospital o en una cárcel un tratamiento mejor que el otorgado a los nacionales de ese país; > Avalar, prestar dinero o pagar multas; > Hacer de intérprete, guía o asistente social.
> El sistema de registro de viajeros, accesibe desde la web www.maec.es. permite a quienes viajen al extranjero facilitar todos sus datos personales, los datos de su viaje (país de destino, lugares que va a visitar y en los que se va a alojar) y los de los familiares que tienen previsto acompañarle, así como los de las personas a las que habría que contactar en caso de emergencia. > Ello permitirá a la Unidad de Emergencia Consular, en caso de crisis, disponer en todo momento de listados actualizados de las personas que se encuentran de forma transitoria en el país o región afecta da por la misma, facilitando la puesta en contacto con los viajeros y su asistencia en caso de necesidad.
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