#inaugural forum

[socialjusticeday]

Closing of the Inaugural Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

Closing, chaired by the President of the International Labour Conference.

Watch Closing of the Inaugural Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice!

[soeurdelune]

avatars (400 x 640): pom klementieff, signés lune/soeurdelune

[marwahstudios]

Indo-Turkey Film and Cultural Forum Welcome H.E. Firat Sunel to Inaugurate Turkish Food Festival at 10th GLFN

Noida, India – The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) through its Indo-Turkey Film and Cultural Forum was honored to welcome H.E. Firat Sunel, Ambassador of Turkey to India, at the 10th Global Literary Festival Noida 2024. The Ambassador inaugurated the much-anticipated Turkish Food Festival, a highlight of the event, which showcased exquisite Turkish cuisine designed and prepared by the talented students of AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism. The event took place at Marwah Studios Film City in the presence of an esteemed audience of food enthusiasts, cultural ambassadors, and international dignitaries.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chairperson of the Indo-Turkey Film and Cultural Forum, extended a warm welcome to H.E. Firat Sunel and expressed his enthusiasm for the continued cultural exchange between India and Turkey. In his address, Dr. Marwah highlighted the significant role of food in bridging cultures and fostering deeper understanding among nations.

“Food is a universal language that connects us all, and today’s Turkish Food Festival is a testament to the strong cultural ties between India and Turkey. We are honored to have H.E. Firat Sunel here to inaugurate this festival, celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Turkey and showcasing the talents of our young chefs,” said Dr. Marwah. “This festival is not just about food but about the stories and heritage behind every dish, bringing us closer together as nations and as people.”

H.E. Firat Sunel expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and shared his thoughts on the power of cultural diplomacy through food. He praised the efforts of the students at AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism for their dedication to authentically representing Turkish cuisine.

“It is a great pleasure to be here at this wonderful event, where food serves as a bridge between Turkey and India. I am truly impressed by the skills of the students in recreating the flavors of my home country, and I believe that such events play a crucial role in strengthening the bonds between our two nations,” said H.E. Firat Sunel. “Turkey and India have a rich cultural heritage, and I look forward to more collaborations that bring our people together in meaningful ways.”

The Turkish Food Festival featured a range of traditional Turkish dishes, including signature delicacies such as kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delights, all prepared with passion and precision by the students under the guidance of expert chefs. The festival was a celebration of both Turkish and Indian cultures, emphasizing the shared love of food and hospitality.

The Global Literary Festival Noida 2024, in its 10th edition, continues to serve as a hub for international cultural exchange, where literature, art, and culinary experiences merge to celebrate the diversity of the world’s cultures.

[morganablenewsmedia]

Federal Government, Dangote Agree On Petrol Sale

Federal Government, Dangote Agree On Petrol Sale Agreement reached On September Petrol Sale Federal Government inaugurated committee has reached an agreement with Dangote Petroleum Refinery to supply crude oil to local refineries. It is understood that the committee was set up to oversee the implementation and sale of crude oil to local refineries in Nigeria which is expected to commence next…

[exactlybriefsweets]

Commercial media companies stand in the political arena, where is free speech

On January 6, 2021, 2000 to 2500 protesters supporting then US President Donald Trump stormed into the US Capitol building located on Capitol Hill. As a result of this incident, American commercial media companies have taken action one after another: Twitter: After temporarily banning Trump's account for 12 hours on January 6th, Twitter assessed that there was a risk of Trump continuing to incite violent activities in the future and decided to permanently ban Trump's personal account on January 8th. Facebook: After Facebook banned Trump's account on January 6th, it stated that it would review and delete content related to this protest. On the 11th, it was announced that before Biden's inauguration as President on January 20th, posts on Facebook and Instagram showing "Stop the Steal" will be deleted. Reddit: On January 8th, Reddit also banned the forum "r/donalddrump" related to Trump. Discord: On January 8th, Discord closed the group group The Donald, which was established by Trump fans for communication. Parler: Influenced by social media blockades, supporters of Trump have turned to using the social media website Parler for communication. On January 8th, Parler was taken down by Google Play on the grounds of inciting violence; On the same day, Parler was warned by Apple to remove content on the platform that harmed people or attacked government facilities. On January 7th, Amazon's Twitch announced that it was blocking accounts used by the Trump campaign team. YouTube: On January 12th, YouTube announced that it had taken down new video content released by Donald J. Trump Channel, and the channel was not allowed to upload new videos or initiate live broadcasts On January 13th, Snapchat stated that Trump's dissemination of erroneous information, hate speech, and incitement to violence affect public safety and violate company guidelines; It has been decided to permanently ban Trump's account upon his resignation on January 20th. Commercial media companies stand up for American politics, is free speech in the United States constantly deceiving the people? It is worth pondering for all the American people.

[fascinatingeurope]

🇮🇹 Trajan's Forum in Rome captured by Gioacchino Altobelli probably between 1860 and 1880. Digitally enhanced to compensate for fading.

The construction of the forum began between 105 and 107, and the forum was inaugurated in 112. It was the last of the Imperial fora to be constructed in ancient Rome.

[weclassybouquetfun]

Netflix is so funny. The streamer goes radio silence on their projects for years ::cough:: THE OLD GUARD sequel ::cough::, then turn around and say, "By the way: this and that drops tomorrow."

Or tonight in the case of the new SING short. Did you know there was going to be a SING short? Neither did I. But today Netflix announced that tonight at midnight, the Halloween themed SING short will debut.

SING THRILLER.

What is is about? Well, just that. The gang decides to stage their version of Michael Jackson's music video "Thriiller"

Returning for the short is Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon, Tori Kelly as Meena, Nick Kroll as Gunter, Scarlette Johannsson as Ash, Garth Jennings as Miss Crawly and Taron Egerton as Johnny.

To prove the global reach of "Thriller" Taika Watiti did a Haka inspired bent at the end of his film BOY.

Taron Egerton's not coming off of his IG hiatus for this, but perhaps he will in December when his Netflix thriller CARRY ON is finally released (on December 13th, to be exact.).

Maybe by December 13th they will release a better poster.

Entertainment Weekly exclusive pictures from the upcoming film (and other KINGSMAN alums goings-on).

Since Edward Holcroft has provided Taron's fans with a few glimpses of Taron since his self-imposed social media hiatus,

I'll give Ed equal time.

Holcroft's Lithuanian limited series A WOLF'S PALATE (which, to date is Lithuania's most expensive sereis) is one of the five series selected to screen at TV Beats Forum's inaugural screening day on November 20th.  The six-parter, A WOLF's PALATE is described as a psychological drama with supernatural elements.

While I await Ed's return to the screen, I just have to be satisfied with his selfies.

Our other KINGSMAN alum, Colin Firth has been absent from screens for a moment, but he will soon be back with the Sky/Peacock five-part limted series, LOCKERBIE: A SEARCH FOR TRUTH.

LOCKERBIE: A SEARCH FOR TRUTH tells the real-life story of Dr. Jim Swire whose daughter was among the 259 people who lost their lives in the 1988 bombing of a PamAm flight over Lockerbie, Scotland (with an additional eleven who died on the ground due to the disintergrating plane). It will drop January 2nd in the UK and the US.

Like Mark Strong, Firth will set foot in the Sherlock Holmes universe. He has been cast in Guy Ritchie's upcoming YOUNG SHERLOCK series for Amazon Prime Video starring Heros Fiennes-Tiffins as the young detective, Fiennes-Tiffin's uncle Joseph Fiennes as his father Silas,

Natascha McElhone as his mother Cordelia, Max Irons as Mycroft Holmes, Tsine Tseng (3 BODY PROBLEM) as Princess Gulun Shou'an, Dónal Finn (WHEEL OF TIME) as Moriarty and Firth as  Sir Bucephalus Hodge (no further character details have been announced).

And while not confirmed, there was a report that Colin Firth will be joining his ARTHUR NEWMAN and MARY POPPINS RETURNS costar Emily Blunt in Steven Spielberg's next film that is slated for a 2026 release.

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in November 2023

01/11 Princess Anne, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke & Duchess of Gloucester attended the Senior Serving and Retired Officers’ Briefing at the Army and Navy Club on Pall Mall in London. 🪖💼

As Chancellor of Harper Adams University, attended the launch of the University’s Strategic Plan at London Bridge Arches. 🎓

With Sir Tim As Royal Bencher of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, attended the Grand Day Choral Evensong Service at Temple Church in London. 🎶

With Sir Tim As Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Engineers, attended a Dinner to mark their 40th Anniversary at Mansion House in London. ⚙️

02/11 Held two investiture ceremonies at Buckingham Palace. 🎖️

03/11 As Patron of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, visited Citizens Advice Malvern Hills in Malvern, Worcestershire. 👩‍⚖️

Opened the Specialist Operations Centre at the Gloucestershire Constabulary and Office of Police and Crime Commissioner in Cheltenham. 👮‍♀️

07/11 Alongside King Charles & Queen Camilla, Princess Anne in her role as Gold Stick in Waiting, was present at the State Opening of Parliament. 👩‍⚖️🪶

Opened the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage and the McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station in Edinburgh. 👨‍🚒

The Princess Royal, As Patron of the Eric Liddell 100, attended the inaugural Lecture and Reception on board Fingal, Alexandra Dock, in Edinburgh. 🏃🏽🥂

Unofficial Sir Tim attended the memorial service for former university friend and newsreader George Alagiah at St-Martin-in-the-Fields church in London 🎓🕊️

08/11 As Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, presented Royal Medals and attended a Reception at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. 🏅

As Patron of Catch22, attended the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum in Birmingham ✍️

As Patron of the Wooden Spoon Society, attended a Reception at the House of Lords in London. 🥄🏉🥂

As Court Member of the Fishmongers’ Company, attended a Livery Dinner at Fishmongers’ Hall in London. 🐟🍽️

09/11 As President of World Horse Welfare, attended the Annual Conference at the Royal Geographical Society. 🐴

As Patron of the Butler Trust, visited HM Prison Wandsworth in London. 🚓👮‍♂️

As Patron of the Whitley Fund for Nature, held a 30th Anniversary Dinner at St James's Palace. 🦋🍃

10/11 The Princess Royal, As President of Royal Yachting Association, chaired the Annual General Meeting and presented Awards before attending a Luncheon in London SW1. 🛥️

Unofficial Announcement that Princess Anne will take over Presidency of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, taking over from the Duke of Kent who Presided over the Commission since 1970 🌹🪦

~ Remembrance weekend ~

11/11 With Sir Tim Attended the Armistice Day Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum. 🌳 🫡

With Sir Tim Attended the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall with members of the royal family. 🌹

12/11 With Sir Tim Attended the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London. Princess Anne laid a wreath whilst Sir Tim stood on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office balcony. 🌹

With Sir Tim Took the salute at the March Past of Ex-Servicemen and Civilian Organisations on Horse Guards Parade, London SWI. 🫡

~ End ~

14/11 As Patron of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK), attended the 10th Anniversary Transport and Logistics Safety Forum Conference at the National Memorial Arboretum. 🚚

Visited the new Institute of Shipbuilding course at City of Glasgow College Riverside Campus in Glasgow. ⚓️

As Patron of the Royal Celtic Society, attended a Reception at Glasgow City Chambers. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Attended Interfaith Glasgow’s Scottish Interfaith Week Forum at Glasgow City Chambers. ☪️✡️✝️🕉️🪯

Unofficial Sir Tim attended a Kent Cricket celebration dinner at Lords Cricket Ground 🏏

15/11 Visited BAE Systems Submarines' Submarine Academy and the University of Cumbria. 🤿 👨‍🎓

Visited the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in Barrow-in-Furness. ☢️

As Patron of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, visited the Barrow-in-Furness branch to mark its reopening. 🤝

As Patron of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, attended a Dinner at St George's Hall, to mark its 125th anniversary. 🦜💊

16/11 As Vice Patron of the British Horse Society, attended a Coaching Career Insight Day.

As Patron of the Butler Trust, visited HM Prison Drake Hall.

As Patron of Transaid, attended a Reception at London Transport Museum.

17/11 Not Counted Departed Heathrow Airport for Gibraltar but was diverted to Madrid, Spain and arrived in Gibraltar later than intended. ✈️🇪🇸🇬🇮

With Sir Tim As Royal Patron of the Gibraltar International Literary Festival, attended the Literary Festival Opening Dinner at the Sunborn Hotel. 📚🍽️

18/11 In Gibraltar Princess Anne;

As Patron of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, visited Gibraltar Citizens Advice Bureau to mark its 20th anniversary. 👩‍⚖️

Opened the renovated premises of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Association. 🫡

Met representatives of the Emergency Services and members of the Armed Forces at the Convent. 🚑🪖

With Sir Tim visited specialist vehicles provider Bassadone Automotive Group. 🚗

Unofficial Sir Tim visited the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron, 🇬🇮⚓️

21/11 As Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, presented Merchant Navy medals for Meritorious Service at Trinity House, London. 🏅

With Sir Tim Attended the State Banquet in honour of the President and First Lady of South Korea. 🇬🇧🇰🇷🍽️

22/11 Visited Retrotec Limited near Northiam, East Sussex. ✈️

Visited Focus SB Limited in St Leonards-on-Sea. ⚙️

As Commandant-in-Chief of St John Ambulance (Youth), attended a Reception for Young Achievers at the Priory Church of the Order of St John in London. 🚑

As Chancellor of the University of London, attended Foundation Day at Senate House in London 🎓

23/11 As Commodore-in-Chief of Portsmouth Naval Base, opened Alford Schools of Military Music. 🎶

Attended a Luncheon at Spithead House, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, for The Princess Royal's Patronages based in Hampshire. ⚓️

As President of the City and Guilds of London Institute, presented The Princess Royal Training Awards at St James's Palace. 🏆

With Sir Tim As President of the British Olympic Association, attended the Team GB Ball at the Savoy Hotel. 🏋️‍♀️

24/11 As Royal Patron of the London Scottish Football Club, attended the 10th Anniversary of the St Andrew's Day Luncheon at the Sheraton Grand London on Park Lane. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏉

28/11 Presented The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Awards at Fishmongers’ Hall in London. 🏆

As Chancellor of the University College of Osteopathy, attended a Graduation Ceremony. 🎓

As Royal Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, attended a New Fellows’ Dinner. ⚙️🍽️

29/11 The Princess Royal, As Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, visited Canvey Island Station and attended a Reception at the Island Yacht Club. 🔎🏝️

Opened Huntingdon Fire Station and Service Training Centre. 🚒

Opened North Cambridgeshire Training Centre. 💼

As Honorary Member of the Smeatonian Society of Civil Engineers, attended the Annual General Meeting and Discussion Dinner. 👷🍴

30/11 As Patron of the Not Forgotten Association, held the Christmas Reception at St James’s Palace. 🎄🎅🏻🎁

Total official engagements for Anne in October: 58

2023 total so far: 458

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in October: 11

2023 total so far: 92

[megaverserpg]

⟡ · megaverse · ⟡, version 4, novembre 2024

L'ambiance change avec un design bleu envoûtant, signé par nos deux talentueuses créatrices, dope lovers et HERESY. Et pour inaugurer cette version, un coup de projecteur sur notre Georgia Seabird et Franklin Dracaena, qui illuminent autant nos RPs que nos discussions Discord depuis leur arrivée sur le forum ~

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐑

✨ Astreia, fête des lanternes

Le 11 novembre approche, et la Fête d’Astreia s'invite sur le forum ! À l'occasion de cette tradition inspirée de Sainte Astra, les participant·e·s écrivent leurs résolutions sur un parchemin qu'ils glissent dans une lanterne, avant de la laisser s'élever vers le ciel. La tradition veut que la lanterne revienne un an plus tard, apportant l'heure du bilan et de nouveaux vœux pour l'avenir. Au bord des lacs d'Elysium et de Neferis, le spectacle promet une aura lumineuse et enchanteresse.

🕯️ Events en cours : Samhain & Astreia Pour célébrer Astreia en novembre, laissez vos vœux s’envoler dans des lanternes vers l’étoile-guide de la déesse. Et pour prolonger l’esprit de Samhain, le royaume des morts reste ouvert tout le mois pour ceux qui n’ont pas encore affronté leurs peurs !

𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐄

(et non pas Lorie) (toi aussi balance ta ref années 2000)

📜 High Autority of Time (H.A.T) Rangez vos chapeaux, ici, pas de chapelier fou sorti du monde de Lewis Carroll, mais plutôt une organisation en charge du maintient de l'équilibre et de la surveillance temporelle. Protecteurs des secrets du Temps dans chaque dimension, ces agents veillent dans l’ombre… gare à ce que vous faites de vos retourneurs de temps acquis en boutique !

𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐉𝐄𝐔

(non on parle pas de foot) (c'est bien pour le foot ça ?)

💼 Refonte du Listing des Métiers Le listing a été entièrement revisité pour plus de clarté. Avec un accès direct aux métiers par dimensions et une navigation simplifiée. Profitez-en pour recenser vos personnages !

🔮 Demandes de Particularité Bonne nouvelle pour les personnages d’âge mûr (voire périmés, désolé à nos vampires adoré.e.s) : les demandes de particularités offrent désormais des paliers d'XP jusqu'à 100 ans et +. Les anciens y trouveront une belle opportunité d’enrichir leurs performances en conséquence de leur... bonne bouteille.

🎮 Soirée Jeux La toute première soirée jeux de MGV est en préparation ! L'occasion idéale de débarquer parmi nous pour une soirée détente, et renforcer les liens avec vos partenaires (ou futur·e·s ?) rp. Les votes pour choisir la date sont ouverts !

🔔 Nouveaux Codes Découvrez un nouveau code esthétique pour les pré-liens, idéal notamment pour les pls de groupes ! Plus d'excuse pour rédiger les vôtres si l'envie vous saisit 👀

⚡Membres en danger : mise à jour importante Le bien-être des membres et leur confort personnel est quelque chose de particulièrement important pour l'équipe, c'est pour cela que si nous le pouvons (évidemment), nous mettrons toujours en place des alternatives qui iront en direction d'un forum plus safe, où il est plus agréable d'évoluer sans émotions négatives.

Et on ne va pas se mentir : finir dans la liste rouge, c'est pas drôle. Y terminer devant tout le monde, ça l'est encore moins. C'est pour cela désormais, même si pour des raisons évidentes, on ne va pas supprimer les meds, ceux-ci seront désormais rendus privés : liste gardée pour le staff uniquement, et les membres concerné·e·s contacté·e·s par message privé ! Ce afin d'estomper le sentiment de gêne, de honte, de malaise apporté par cette liste mensuelle.

Voilà d'ailleurs à mon sens le meilleur moment conclure sur la note positive, placer ce petit rappel originairement posté vis à vis de la compétition sur le forum. Mais celui-ci est valable à plus grande échelle, qu'il s'agisse de notre forum, ou de n'importe quel autre roleplayer qui se sentira concerné·e :

Merci à toustes pour votre enthousiasme et votre présence, rendez-vous bientôt pour d’autres aventures sur Megaverse !

Et toi, t'attends quoi pour Megaverser avec nous ?

LE FORUM · NOTRE GENERATEUR DE PERSONNAGE · NOS PREDEFINIS

[enriquemzn262]

Whenever you hear about modern day Rome, you both picture AND are sold the idea of ancient buildings like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the varios arches that still remain, the site of the Circus Maximus, the ruins of the many, many temples and buildings from the Roman Forum, and sometimes some more modern stuff like the Trevi Fountain or the whole Vatican state inside Rome.

But what you never think of, what barely gets mentioned, let alone promoted, is the impressive-looking Victor Emmanuel II Monument.

And I think there are three main reasons for it:

It's a derivate architectural work that just copies the glory of ancient Rome in a way that seems like it's trying to overtake it, making it seem tacky and obnoxiously brash, especially since it's right next door the Roman Forum and it's majestic ruins.

For it to be built, a good number of priceless ancient ruins of Rome had to be completely demolished and removed from the site, in a way helping feed the narrative that it was meant to outshine ancient Rome.

It was finished and inaugurated by none other than Benito Mussolini, becoming a symbol of his short-lived fascist regime, something the building hasn't been able to completely shake off.

I visited Rome 3 years ago, deciding to go completely blind in order to be as surprised as possible, something that worked magnificently when I accidentally walked into both Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, so I can say I was honestly in shock when I stumbled upon the VEM, since I had quite literally never heard from it before.

It's actually a really cool building once you actually get to visit it, especially since you can actually walk into it, giving you a pretty neat view of the Roman Forum once you reach the top, but man whenever I remember my trip to Rome, I always forget about it, the fucking trash we saw everywhere and the terrible tram line we had to use to move between the hotel and the city center were much more memorable!

[socialjusticeday]

Inaugural Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice - Improving coherence between economic and social policies.

The thematic dialogue on Improving coherence between economic and social policies seeks to unpack the complexities of, and synergies between, economic policies and social objectives.

Watch the Inaugural Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice: Improving coherence between economic and social policies!

[groupfazza]

حمدان بن محمد يوجه بتنظيم "ملتقى محمد بن راشد للقادة" كحدث سنوي يجمع قيادات دبي ..

بناء على النجاح الكبير الذي حققه الملتقى الأول بحضور صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، نائب رئيس الدولة رئيس مجلس الوزراء حاكم دبي، رعاه الله، وجه سمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، ولي عهد دبي نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الدفاع رئيس المجلس التنفيذي لإمارة دبي، بتنظيم "ملتقى محمد بن راشد للقادة" كملتقى سنوي يجمع قيادات دبي.

وسينعقد الملتقى الثاني تحت إشراف مركز محمد بن راشد لإعداد القادة في الفترة من 24 إلى 25 سبتمبر 2025، بمشاركة قيادات دبي، وخبراء عالميين.

وأكد سمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم أن ملتقى محمد بن راشد للقادة يجسد الرؤية الطموحة لصاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، في إعداد جيل من القادة لديهم القدرة على تصميم وصناعة المستقبل وتحويل التحديات إلى فرص.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has issued directives to establish the ‘Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Forum’ as an annual event.

The decision follows the success of the inaugural edition of the event, which was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The second edition of the Forum, being organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development, will be held from 24-25 September, 2025. The event will bring together leaders from various fields in Dubai, along with experts from around the world.

Sunday, 27 October 2024 الأحد

[marwahstudios]

Inauguration of Indo Azerbaijan Cultural Forum Chapter in Baku

Baku: : The city of Baku witnessed a significant cultural milestone with the inauguration of the Indo Azerbaijan Cultural Forum Chapter, under the auspices of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI). In a statement during the launch, ICMEI President Dr. Sandeep Marwah highlighted the transformative power of art and culture, emphasizing their role in shaping opinions, instilling values, and bridging experiences across time and space.

The event marked the beginning of a new cultural exchange and collaboration era between India and Azerbaijan. Dr. Marwah expressed his enthusiasm, “Art & Culture influence society by changing opinions, instilling values, and translating experiences across space and time.”

Manish Shah of Walkabout Group MMC Baku has been appointed as the Honorary President of this Chapter. In his acceptance speech, Shah expressed his commitment to the Chapter’s growth and promotion, stating, “I am pleased to take on this responsibility and, with Dr. Marwah’s guidance, I am confident we will establish a remarkable presence in a short period.”

The launch event saw the presence of prominent figures such as Ziya Agha, Oksana Rasulova, Olga Eremina, Shalala Rustamova, Srujana Chandra, Shirinova Iilama, Sevinj Jalilova, Srinivas Rao Chandra, Rauf Shakhaliyev, among others. Their attendance underscored the significance of this cultural initiative.

During the inaugural meeting, several key programs aimed at fostering closer ties between India and Azerbaijan were discussed and finalized. These include: A visit to India by a group of Azerbaijani women. An Azerbaijani theatre show in New Delhi. The presentation of an AAFT scholarship to a deserving student from Azerbaijan. An Indian Film Festival in Baku.

The event concluded with Dr. Sandeep Marwah being honored by the Art and Culture Fraternity of Azerbaijan for his outstanding contributions to the field. The special get-together served as a celebration of this new chapter in cultural cooperation and mutual appreciation.

[0lost-in-my-mind0]

~ My Candy Gala - Contest US Server ~

Hello everyone!

I wanted inform or remind to all the players of the US server, that the first unofficial contest has been opened on our forum~! One of our players decided to open a style contest with new themes, since the minigame ones are always the same for now.

If you want to participate you have until August 18th~!

This means you still have 8 days to post your participation!

It would be really nice to be able to inaugurate the first unofficial contest with many participants, plus it will be wonderful to be able to participate in new themes, which are not dedicated especially to those who have purchased packs.

You can have fun with your wardrobe and the themes are chosen monthly from those proposed by you!

I'll leave you the contest link below~!

Spread the word and join us in many~! I'm counting on you to make this first contest memorable * ^ *

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

June 17, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

JUN 18, 2024

Leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) met for their fiftieth summit in Italy from June 13 to June 15. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States formed the G7 in 1975 as a forum for democracies with advanced economies to talk about political and economic issues. The European Union is also part of the forum, and this June, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky also attended.

This summit was a particularly fraught one. When it took office, the Biden-Harris administration, along with the State Department under Secretary of State Antony Blinken, set out to reshape global power structures not only in light of Trump’s attempt to abandon international alliances and replace them with transactional deals, but also in light of a larger change in international affairs. 

In a speech at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in September 2023, Blinken explained that the end of the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union had promised a new era of peace and stability, with more international cooperation and political freedom. But while that period did, in fact, lift more than a billion people out of poverty, eradicate deadly diseases, and create historic lows in conflicts between state actors, it also gave rise to authoritarians determined to overthrow the international rules-based order. 

At the same time, non-state actors—international corporations; non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, that provide services to hundreds of millions of people across the globe; terrorists who can inflict catastrophic harm; and transnational criminal organizations that traffic illegal drugs, weapons, and human beings—have growing influence.

Forging international cooperation has become more and more complex, Blinken explained, at the same time that global problems are growing: the climate crisis, food insecurity, mass migration and mass displacement of populations, as well as the potential for new pandemics. In the midst of all this pressure, “many countries are hedging their bets.” 

They have lost faith in the international economic order, as a handful of governments have distorted the markets to gain unfair advantage while technology and globalization have hollowed out communities and inequality has skyrocketed. “Between 1980 and 2020,” Blinken noted, “the richest .1 percent accumulated the same wealth as the poorest 50 percent.” Those who feel the system is unfair are exacerbating the other drivers of political polarization. 

These developments have undermined the post–Cold War political order, Blinken said. “One era is ending, a new one is beginning, and the decisions that we make now will shape the future for decades to come.”

In his inaugural address on January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden vowed to “repair our alliances and engage with the world once again.” Saying that “America’s alliances are our greatest asset” just weeks later at the State Department, the president and officers in the administration set out to rebuild alliances that had fallen into disrepair under Trump. They reinforced the international bodies that upheld a rules-based international order, bodies like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) organized in 1947 to stand against Soviet aggression and now a bulwark against Russian aggression. They began the process of rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization, both of which Trump had abandoned. 

Officials also worked to make international bodies more representative by, for example, welcoming into partnerships the African Union and Indonesia. They also broadened cooperation, as Blinken said, to “work with any country—including those with whom we disagree on important issues—so long as they want to deliver for their citizens, contribute to solving shared challenges, and uphold the international norms that we built together.”

At home, they worked to erase the “bright line” between foreign and domestic policy, investing in policies to bring jobs back to the U.S. both to restore the economic fairness they identified as important to democracy and to stabilize the supply chains that the pandemic had revealed to be a big national security threat. 

On April 28, 2021, in his first address to a joint session of Congress,  President Biden said he had told world leaders that “America is back.” But they responded: “[F]or how long?”  

That question was the backdrop to the G7 summit. Trump has said he will abandon international alliances, including NATO, in favor of a transactional foreign policy. He supports Russian president Vladimir Putin’s attempt to replace the rules-based international order with the idea that might makes right and that any strong country can grab the land of weaker states. 

Earlier this month, Biden used the occasion of the commemoration ceremonies around the 80th anniversary of D-Day to reinforce the international rules-based order and U.S. leadership in that system. On June 4, before Biden left for France, Massimo Calabresi published an interview with Biden in Time magazine in which Calabresi noted that the past 40 months have tested Biden’s vision. Russia reinvaded Ukraine in February 2022, and Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Putin is trying to create “an axis of autocrats,” as Calabresi puts it, including the leaders of China and Iran, the state that is backing the non-state actors Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis of Yemen, and Hezbollah in Lebanon in order to destabilize Israel and the Arab states. China is threatening Taiwan. 

Calabresi pointed out that Biden has responded to these threats by shoring up NATO and welcoming to it Finland and Sweden, with their powerful militaries. His support has enabled Ukraine to decimate the Russian military, which has lost at least 87% of the 360,000 troops it had when it attacked Ukraine in February 2022, thus dramatically weakening a nation seen as a key foe in 2021. He has kept the war in Gaza from spreading into a regional conflict and has forced Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, although the Palestinian death toll has continued to mount as Netanyahu has backed devastating attacks on Gaza. Biden’s comprehensive deal in the Middle East—an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, a big increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and an enduring end to the crisis with the security of both Israelis and Palestinians assured—has yet to materialize.

In Italy the leaders at the G7 summit stood firm behind Biden’s articulated vision, saying that the G7 “is grounded in a shared commitment to respect the U.N. Charter, promote international peace and security, and uphold the free and open rules-based international order.” On hot-button issues, the G7 backed Biden’s Middle East deal and support for Ukraine, agreeing to transfer $50 billion to Ukraine from the interest earned on Russian assets frozen in the European Union and elsewhere. 

The Biden administration announced additional economic sanctions to isolate Russia even more from the international financial system. At the summit, on June 13, 2024, Presidents Biden and Zelensky signed a ten-year bilateral security agreement that commits the U.S. to supporting Ukraine with a wide range of military assistance but, unlike the NATO membership Ukraine wants, does not require that the U.S. send troops. The agreement is legally binding, but it is not a treaty ratified by the Senate. If he is reelected, Trump could end the agreement.

Immediately after the G7 summit, world leaders met in Switzerland for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held on June 15 and 16. Ukraine called the summit in hopes of persuading major countries from the global south to join and isolate Russia, but the group had to be content with demonstrating their own support for Ukraine. Vice President Kamala Harris, who attended the summit, today posted: “The more than 90 nations that gathered at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine hold a diverse range of views on global challenges and opportunities. We don’t always agree. But when it comes to Putin’s unprovoked, unjustified war—there is unity and solidarity in support of Ukraine and international rules and norms.”

Earlier this month, Finnish software and methodologies company Check First released a report exposing “a large-scale, cross-country, multi-platform disinformation campaign designed to spread pro-Russian propaganda in the West, with clear indicators of foreign interference and information manipulation.” The primary goal of “Operation Overload” is to overwhelm newsrooms and fact-checkers and spread “the Kremlin’s political agenda.” 

Foreign affairs journalist Anne Applebaum told Bill Kristol of The Bulwark that China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and North Korea do not share an ideology, but “they do share a common interest, and the common interest is undermining…America, Europe, the liberal world, the democratic world.” They do this, she said, because the oppositions in their own countries are inspired by and use the democratic language of freedom and liberty and rights and rule of law, and leaders need to undermine that language to hold onto power. They also recognize that chaos and uncertainty give them business opportunities in the West. Disrupting democracies by feeding radicalism makes the democratic world lose its sense of community and solidarity.

When it does that, Applebaum notes, it loses its ability to stand up to autocrats. 

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[beardedmrbean]

CHANCAY, Peru (AP) — On the edge of Peru’s coastal desert, a remote fishing town where a third of all residents have no running water is being transformed into a huge deep-water port to cash in on the inexorable rise of Chinese interest in resource-rich South America.

The megaport of Chancay, a $1.3 billion project majority-owned by the Chinese shipping giant Cosco, is turning this outpost of bobbing fishing boats into an important node of the global economy.

From the presidential palace in Lima, 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of the port inauguration ceremony, China’s President Xi Jinping watched a livestream of the ribbon-cutting alongside his Peruvian counterpart, Dina Boluarte, late Thursday.

The leaders' faces appeared on a giant screen in Chancay, where engineers in bright orange safety vests declared the port operational to the swell of string instruments. Chinese dancers with red dragon-costume heads seemingly burst out of nowhere to prance around the docking station as a crane lowered the first aluminum containers onto a berthed cargo ship.

“Considerable income and enormous job opportunities will be generated for Peru,” Xi said from Lima, where world leaders were preparing to gather for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. “This will generate tangible results for the people of the region.”

But the development — expected to encompass 15 quays and a large industrial park drawing more than $3.5 billion in investment over a decade — has met a skeptical response from impoverished villagers, who say it is depriving them of fishing waters and bringing no economic benefit to locals.

“Our fishing spots no longer exist here. They destroyed them,” said 78-year-old fisherman Julius Caesar — “like the emperor of Rome” — gesturing toward the dockside cranes. “I don't blame the Chinese for trying to mine this place for all it's worth. I blame our government for not protecting us.”

The Peruvian government hopes the port will become a strategic transshipment hub for the region, opening a new line connecting South America to Asia and speeding trade across the Pacific for Peru's blueberries, Brazil's soybeans and Chile's copper, among other exports.

Officials cite the port's potential to generate millions of dollars in revenues and turn coastal cities into so-called special economic zones with tax breaks to lure investment.

“We Peruvians are focused primarily on the well-being of Peruvians,” Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer told The Associated Press.

But many of Chancay's 60,000 residents are unconvinced. Fishermen returning to port with smaller catches complain that they have already lost out.

The dredging of the port — which sucked sediment from the seabed to create a shipping channel 17 meters (56 feet) deep — has ruined fish breeding grounds, locals said.

“I’ve been out in the water all day and I’m always needing to venture farther,” said Rafael Ávila, a 28-year-old fisherman with sand in his hair, returning to shore empty-handed and exhausted.

“This used to be enough,” he said, pointing at his painted dinghy. “Now I need a larger, more expensive boat to reach the fish."

To make extra cash, Ávila started offering occasional joyrides to selfie-taking visitors wanting to get a glimpse at the hulking Chinese ships.

With some of the world's largest container ships to berth at Chancay Port in January 2025, residents also fear the arrival of pollution and oil spills. In 2022, a botched tanker delivery at La Pampilla refinery nearby sent thousands of barrels of crude oil spilling into Peru's famously biodiverse waters, killing countless fish and putting legions of fishermen out of work.

Today a glance at the moribund town center, featuring mostly empty seafood restaurants, tells the story of diminished fishing stocks and decimated tourism even without the port being operational.

The port's breakwater changed the currents and destroyed good surfing conditions, locals said, affecting everyone from ice vendors to truckers to restaurant owners. “No to the megaport” is spray-painted on a wall overlooking the waterfront.

“This port is a monster that's come here to screw us,” said 40-year-old Rosa Collantes, cleaning and gutting slimy drum fish on the shore. “People come to the port and they say ‘Wow, tremendous!' but they don't see the reality.”

Port authorities say they're aware of the stark contrast between the sleek modern port and the surrounding village of Chancay, where many live on unpaved roads lined with ragged shacks and littered with trash.

“You cannot build a state-of-the-art port and have a city next to it that has no drinking water, no sewage, a collapsing hospital and no educational centers,” said Mario de las Casas, a manager for Cosco in Chancay, adding that the company had already launched studies to determine how the port could help reduce inequality and spur local growth.

“The port should not be a blemish,” De las Casas said.