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NL Expert meeting on migration at the IISH
On Wednesday 19 December, we organised an expert meeting on migration at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, as part of the African Perspectives study, to include the perspectives of young people in Africa in the discussion on migration. Why do they want to migrate, or why not? Present were around 20 experts on migration, from different organisations. They gave input on the research our researcher Anne conducted in Ghana. It was a very useful and instructive afternoon, and the input will certainly be used in the rest of the research. We thank all participants for their contribution, and the IISH for their hospitality!
Political Café: A new future for Ethiopia?
On Tuesday 27 November, FMS, FEPS and NIMD organised a Political Café in Pakhuis de Zwijger about the future for Ethiopia, but also about neighbouring country Eritrea. Since the appointment of the new prime minister Abiy Ahmed in April, many reforms have been implemented in Ethiopia. The country welcomed its first female head of state and the first female president of the federal supreme court. Furthermore, Ahmed and Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki signed a declaration of peace in July that formally ended two decades of hostility. Experts in the field of, or from, Ethiopia and Eritrea discussed the new situation in these countries. The moderator of the evening was Alberta Opoku, journalist and political scientist, leading the evening and challenging both the speakers and the public with her questions, furthering the dialogue.
Public meeting: 'Young Generations for the New Western Balkans: Beyond Emigration'
Recent research shows that between 25,000 - 40,000 people are annually leaving each of the Western Balkans countries. Not only young people, but increasingly the middle class as well. A group of young scientist from the region has engaged in a project 'New Horizons for the Young Generations in the Balkans' in order to discuss their visions how to overcome old- fashioned politics and nationalisms and the lack of perspective for younger generations. They will sketch alternative horizons and the look for alternatives for South-Eastern Europe's way beyond emigration. The Hague will be the first place in Europe after Vienna where the results of the mentioned initiative will be presented to the public.
Will you become one of our new interns?
The FMS, in cooperation with the European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity and Building Change, is looking for four interns for the period from January (/February) to June!
Cyber attacks from Russia: no sign of cyber war (yet)
Defence minister Ank Bijleveld stated on 14 October that the Netherlands is engaged in a cyberwar with Russia. It has been in the news regularly since 2015: cyber attacks from Russia in several Western countries. The term war seems exaggerated - after all, no physical damage has been done yet - but the attacks are becoming increasingly brazen. How did it come about, how does it work, and how do we deal with it? On these and other questions, cyber and intelligence expert Andrei Soldatov and Eliot Higgins of Bellingcat spoke at the Rode Hoed in Amsterdam.
Blogs from Ghana 1: How do you see your future?
Do you ever think about this?
In less than two weeks, I will fly to Accra (Ghana) to conduct a research on the migration incentives of the African youth. Do they ever think about migrating? Do they think about living in Europe? Do they have family members and friends who live in another country? And how and where do they see their own future?
Discussing migration and social justice in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
On October 12 and 13, the Burkinabe party People's Movement for Progress (MPP) invited members of the Progressive Alliance to Ouagadougou to discuss the topic of migration and social justice. FMS and FEPS are currently working on a study which aims to include African perspectives on migration in the European discussion on the topic. With more than 25 delegations represented during the seminar, of which many from African countries, it was a perfect occasion for us to learn more about the different African sentiments on this widely discussed issue.
Will you be one of our new Africa Day interns?
Next year, the Max van der Stoel Foundation (FMS) will again organise the Africa Day (www.afrikadag.nl), a national meeting on Africa and international cooperation. With more than 1,000 visitors, 200 speakers and some 100 volunteers, the Africa Day is the biggest event on Africa and international cooperation in the Netherlands.
The FMS is looking for two interns to organise the Africa Day, which will take place on Saturday 13 April 2019. Together with the project officer in charge, you will collaborate on the substantive and organisational work for the Africa Day.
'Do sanctions help resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine?'
On 18 September, during PAX Peace Week, PAX organised a conference in collaboration with SES (European Studies Study Association) around the question: 'How do we stop the bloodshed in the Donbass?'
Experts from different regions in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans had come together for the event to come up with concrete solutions to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. They presented their findings at the mini-conference in the evening.
UNited for a different migration
It's UN week in New York City! That means: Heads of State and Heads of Government from almost all the countries in the world visit New York to join the General Assembly of the UN. This 73rd session of the General Assembly opened on the 18th of September and lasts until the 5th of October. Besides everything going on in the buildings of the UN itself, there are many side events in the city. Including the "UNited for a different migration" conference, organised by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), of which FMS is a member.
