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NL Retrospective Interview Russia expert Gijs Kessler
On Monday 23 May, we spoke with Russia expert Gijs Kessler, affiliated with the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam. A specialist in the social and economic history of the Soviet Union and Russia, Kessler lived in Moscow between 2002 and 2016. He recently published his book "Russia: country that wants to be different".
Atmosphere report Africa Day 2022
After two years of waiting, Saturday 28 May was finally here. Africa Day could take place again! At 10:00 am, the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) opened its doors and, as ever, it was once again full of visitors. Three great rounds of workshops followed! Unlike previous years, there was no single theme last Saturday, but the overarching core value of Africa Day took centre stage: the important role of African voices in social discussions. The result was an extensive and, above all, diverse range of workshops.
FMS on Africa Day!
In a few days, it will be here: Africa Day. Have you already bought your ticket?
Together with our partners, it will be a jam-packed day with sessions on a variety of topics. As FMS, we are also organising two substantive sessions ourselves.
Vacancy Director FMS
The FMS is looking for a new chief executive.
Ukraine action: first tools arrived on site
On Saturday 9 April, the FMS, in cooperation with the Labour Party, organised a large collection drive for our SD platform partners in Ukraine. A success: some 4.5 tonnes of resources have now arrived in Ukraine.
Drought in Horn of Africa remains under the radar
Parts of the Horn of Africa are facing extreme drought. The worsening crisis by the day is not getting much-needed attention because of the war in Ukraine. Dire food shortages are exacerbated by rising grain prices. The drylands lack attention, financial support and a long-term vision with regard to climate adaptation.
Collection campaign for Ukraine: help!
Since 2012, the Max van der Stoel Foundation (FMS) has been working closely with the Ukrainian SD Platform; a social democratic youth organisation. The network of local activists built up over ten years is currently being deployed to support those who are suffering the most, and provide concrete help to anyone who needs it; from the streets of Kyiv to the shelters of Kharkiv. We want to help the SD platform.
On Saturday 9 April, a big collection drive will take place at various locations around the country, after which these items will be transported to the Slovak-Ukrainian border. You can support this action in various ways, see all the information here!
The West's fault?
In this horrific time of war, the West is often blamed for Russia's attack on Ukraine. It is alleged to have provoked Russia by advancing ever further towards its borders. I doubt that this is so. Rather, I would argue that the opposite is the case. Because of (internal) weakness and lack of international "ambition", the West gave Russia the opportunity to invade.
Support our comrades in Ukraine! Just when the need is so high.
Dear friends,
We have all been affected by the Russian army's horrific invasion of Ukraine. The images pierce our minds. Many have asked me what we can do to help. People have spontaneously offered housing to accommodate refugees when they come to the Netherlands. Many of you have also indicated that you would like to donate money. Of course, you can transfer that to well-known charities such as Stichting Vluchteling and Het Rode Kruis.
Towards EU-Africa summit
Last December, President Macron spoke of establishing a "fair system of peace and prosperity" at the upcoming EU-Africa summit in Brussels on 17 and 18 February. Now that France holds the EU presidency and Macron will thus be the host of this sixth summit, he can really start putting this ambition into action. According to the African Union (AU), this is an important moment for establishing long-term cooperation that represents more than just a donor-and-receiver relationship.
