Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies – University of Malta

Tribute to Prof. Guido de Marco ..... 1 IFDT Conference ...... 6 -7 Visit by PM / GCSP Course ...... 2 Calendar ...... 8 -9 / Publications Spanish Presidency Seminar ...... 4 / Visit by Gen. Leakey Alumni News...... 10 - 11 / New Students Mediterranean Diplomacy ...... 5 Visit by Amb. Dahinden ...... 12 Forum

A Tribute to An International STATESMAN PROFESSOR GUIDO DE MARCO by Professor Stephen C. Calleya - Director Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies and a Perfect GENTLEMAN University of Malta

rofessor Guido de Marco, personal conviction, drive and stamina President Emeritus of Malta, that ensured that the corridors of Pwill always be remembered power throughout Europe would not as Malta’s outstanding international ignore Malta in post Cold War relations. statesman in professional circles and a perfect gentleman at a As he himself describes in his highly personal level. acclaimed biography, The Politics of Persuasion, being consistent, persistent I had the honour and privilege of and insistent was a formula that meeting Professor de Marco for enabled Prof. de Marco to supersede the first time in 1992 at a Wilton incredible odds throughout his political Park Conference in the United and personal career. Kingdom. Having followed his brilliant career from a distance for As President of Malta he brought new over a decade as an avid student prestige to the Highest Office in the of international relations I was land. He will always be remembered as immediately mesmerized by his the People’s President because of his unique understanding of global open door policy towards the concerns affairs and his crystal clear ability of society and his ability to provide to articulate the most complex of strength in times of difficulties and geo-political equations into plain of the United Nations General challenges. speaking language. Assembly in 1990 as a Presidency with a Purpose. One could say that In recent years all of us were During the next two decades I everything Guido de Marco did was extremely fortunate to be able to was blessed to be able to discuss done with a purpose. He advocated work very closely with Professor de openly with Professor de Marco the necessity for reform of the Marco in his capacity as Chairman international relations on a regular United Nations, a priority that still of the Mediterranean Academy of basis. Despite the tumultuous needs to be addressed. Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) at the times that post Cold War relations University of Malta. His wisdom, vision unleashed, Prof. de Marco’s wisdom Above all else Prof. de Marco will and positivism were the heart and soul always served as an anchor when always be remembered as the of all our activities. All staff, students it came to interpreting the course statesman who succeeded in ensuring and friends at MEDAC were enlightened of events. No one could ask for a Malta takes its rightful place among by his relentless devotion to working greater mentor! fellow European countries in the towards a better tomorrow. While . It was he who Professor Guido de Marco is no longer Professor de Marco always referred submitted Malta’s application to join with us, his legacy of promoting a more to his stint as the 45th President the EU in July 1990 and it was his peaceful tomorrow will live forever.

Fall 2010 / No. 11 • MEDAC Newsletter • 1 PRIME MINISTER of Malta 16th March, 2010 visits MEDAC

he Prime Minister of Malta, Prime Minister Lawrence the Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Gonzi also met all the Tvisited the Mediterranean students of MEDAC Academy of Diplomatic Studies individually and delivered (MEDAC) in March 2010. an address that focused on the importance that Malta At the start of the visit Prime attaches to the promotion Minister Gonzi met with the of education. The Prime academic staff of the Academy and Minister congratulated MEDAC Board members Prof. Jürg MEDAC on the significant Martin Gabriel and Ambassador Alfred contribution it was making Zarb. The Prime Minister was then to promote confidence briefed by MEDAC Director Professor building measures across Stephen Calleya about MEDAC’s the Mediterranean and calendar of activities including the reiterated the Government numerous events that MEDAC was of Malta’s continued Above: Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi organizing to celebrate its twentieth support to further strengthening with MEDAC Director Prof. Stephen Calleya anniversary. MEDAC’s agenda in future. meeting students.

Security Policy Training Course in Cooperation with the Geneva Centre for Security Policy

uring the week of June 21st, part was devoted to civil-military several guest speakers lectured in MEDAC in cooperation with the relations in a multinational context, the course. The training course was DGeneva Centre for Security with a specific focus on peace attended by some 20 participants Policy (GCSP) and the Armed Forces operations and defense attaché- – both civilian and military – from of Malta, carried out a training related issues. Key note speakers at Algeria, Egypt, France, Mauritania, course in security policy issues. The the course included Prof. Guido d e Portugal, Spain and the Arab League. course was open to civil servants and Marco, President Emeritus of Malta, The course was organized by Dr. military officers from Mediterranean Dr. Michael Frendo, former Foreign Derek Lutterbeck, Holder of the Swiss countries. The first part of the course Minister of Malta and Speaker of the Chair at MEDAC, Mr. Marc Finaud and focused on current challenges in Maltese Parliament, Brigadier Martin Col. William Gargiullo, both GCSP the Mediterranean area, such as Xuereb, Commander of the Armed faculty members. terrorism and migration, as well as Forces of Malta and Prof. Stephen Below: (From left to right) Prof. Stephen on the role of different international Calleya, MEDAC Director. Faculty Calleya, Prof. Guido de Marco, Dr. Derek institutions in the region. The second from MEDAC and the GCSP as well as Lutterbeck and Mr. Marc Finard (GCSP).

2 • MEDAC Newsletter • No. 11 / Fall 2010 Dual Degree: Masters in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security

hrough the University of Malta, MEDAC has just launched a new TMasters programme in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security in collaboration with a prestigious institution in the USA. This Masters forms part of the University of Malta’s International Masters Programmes.

This dual degree program combines the faculties of two renowned educational institutions: George Mason University’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR), the oldest and largest programme of Top: Prof. Rubenstein from George Mason graduate conflict studies in the United University and Hon. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime States, and MEDAC. Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Above: Students following the Masters in Apart from offering students the Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security. advantages of a dual degree, this collaboration also provides modules range from Theories of (numbering 11 students) commenced academics from both institutions Conflict and Conflict Resolution, their studies in October 2010. The the opportunity to engage in Negotiation and Euro-Mediterranean students in this first year are collaborative research, conferencing Dialogue to Human Rights and primarily from North America and and peace-making activities. Conflict, Conflict Resolution and Malta. The lecturers who will be Religion. Following 9 months of a teaching on this programme, apart The dual MA programme adopts an taught programme the students also from MEDAC faculty, include ICAR inter-disciplinary approach with complete a Masters dissertation. faculty such as Richard Rubenstein, students taking intensive 2 week Daniel Rothbart, Kevin Avruch and modules in 15 subject areas. These The first cohort of this programme Sandra Cheldelin.

Fall 2010 / No. 11 • MEDAC Newsletter • 3 Seminar on the Spanish Presidency of the European Union: A Mediterranean Agenda

pain’s Presidency of the European Union commenced Son January 1st 2010. This Presidency was a particularly important one for numerous reasons including the fact that the EU was operating under the new rules established in the Lisbon Treaty. The Lisbon Treaty presents new opportunities in many fields of activity but particularly in the field of foreign policy with, inter alia, the nomination of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

Within this context MEDAC and the Institute of Public Administration Above: Prof. Guido de Marco, Prof. Stephen Embassy of Spain to Malta brought in Maastricht and Professor Calleya, Amb. Isabel Maria Vicandi and Dr. together various distinguished Roderick Pace from the European Olivia Orozco. practitioners and renowned academics Documentation and Research Centre from the EU and the southern rim at the University of Malta. of the Mediterranean to analyse the Spanish Presidency’ by exploring the Mediterranean dimension of Spain’s EU The second panel was addressed by initiatives taken in order to re-focus Presidency. The seminar held on March Professor Fouad Ammor from the attention on Mediterranean issues. 18th 2010 was opened with addresses Groupe des Etudes et Recherche by President Emeritus Professor Guido sur la Méditeranée of Morocco, The seminar was closed by Dr. Tonio de Marco and by Dr. Olivia Orozco on Professor Alejandro Lorca from the Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and behalf of the Casa Arabe in Spain. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Minister of Foreign Affairs, who in his and Ambassador Said Hindam, Deputy address reiterated Malta’s staunch Other speakers included Dr. Javier Assistant Foreign Minister for EU commitment within the EU to a Hernandez Pena from the Spanish Affairs of Egypt. This panel examined proactive Mediterranean policy that Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Professor the theme of ‘Reviving the Union for seeks to create a cooperative frame- Simon Duke from the European the Mediterranean during the work in the Euro-Mediterranean area.

Visit of Lieutenant General David Leakey Director General of the European Union Military Staff

n 4 March 2010, Lieutenant Union Military Staff, a post which General David Leakey, he held until his retirement from ODirector General of the the in May 2010. In European Union Military Staff, his presentation, General Leakey addressed MEDAC students. General focused in particular on the specific Leakey has had a most illustrious advantages and challenges of the military career, and has occupied EU’s military and civilian peace numerous important posts in operation. During his visit, General multilateral military operations. Leakey also met with MEDAC staff Between 2004 and 2005, he was to discuss various issues related to commander of EUFOR Althea, the the EU and its role in the current European Union peacekeeping force, international security environment. which replaced the NATO-led SFOR in . In 2007, From left to Right: General David Leakey, General Leakey was appointed Brig. Martin Xuereb and Prof. Stephen Director-General of the European Calleya at MEDAC.

4 • MEDAC Newsletter • No. 11 / Fall 2010 Mediterranean Diplomacy Forum at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

n the occasion of Mediterra- nean Day 2010, MEDAC Otogether with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malta and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) organized a half day Mediterranean Diplomacy Forum at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 20th April 2010.

The Hon. Dr. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote opening address at the Forum. Foreign Minister Borg highlighted the consistent track record of Malta in promoting Mediterranean the main activities falling under alumni shared their respective security initiatives since becoming his responsibility. The Director experiences with the students of independent and the pivotal role General of Political Affairs, Mr. John MEDAC. that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is Inguanez, highlighted the main playing in advancing Mediterranean issues his directorate is dealing with The Forum concluded with the issues in contemporary international at the Ministry. Acting Director of Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Tonio Borg, relations. Protocol, Ms. Joanna Pisani, provided presenting certificates to all the information about procedures students of MEDAC that had attended Mr. Sergio Piazzi, Secretary General adopted to ensure protocol this extremely informative and highly of the PAM, also addressed the responsibilities were followed at all motivating Mediterranean Day event. meeting at the start of proceedings. times. He articulated the proactive agenda Above: The Hon. Dr. Tonio Borg delivering PAM has been implementing since The Mediterranean Diplomacy Forum the opening address at the Forum. also included a session with MEDAC commencing work in Malta with a Below: Dr. Tonio Borg and Prof. Stephen specific focus on the importance alumni who today are officials at Calleya with all the participants at the PAM attached to enhancing security the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Forum. throughout the Mediterranean area. A r oundtable discussion moderated by Professor Stephen Calleya, Director of MEDAC followed. Students of MEDAC were able to ask questions about the Strategic Objectives Policy document of Malta’s Foreign Policy. During the discussion that followed Foreign Minister Tonio Borg provided a clear overview of all the policy initiatives that Malta has been supporting to advance Mediterranean security, including the Euro- Mediterranean Partnership, the Union for the Mediterranean and the West Mediterranean Forum (5+5). During the Forum the students of MEDAC were able to gain insight into the functioning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through presentations delivered by the directors of the principal sections of the Ministry. The Director General of European & Economic Affairs, Mr. Joseph Cole, provided an overview of

Fall 2010 / No. 11 • MEDAC Newsletter • 5 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON DIPLOMATIC TRAINING (IFDT)

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EDAC together with DIPLO and Directors of Diplomatic Academies of modern diplomacy and trends in Foundation hosted the 38th and Institutes of International diplomatic education. MMeeting of the International Relations, at the Diplomatic Academy Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT) in Vienna. Its co-chairs are the More than 80 participants from all which met in Malta between the 27th Director of the Vienna Academy continents participated in this year’s and the 30th September. The choice and the Director of the Edmund forum. The session was co-chaired by of Malta by IFDT was in recognition Walsh School of Foreign Service at Ambassador Hans Winkler, Director of of the leading role both MEDAC Georgetown University, Washington the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and and DIPLO perform, MEDAC as the DC. This group meets annually at Dr. Paula Newberg from Georgetown main regional diplomatic training the invitation of the Diplomatic University. One principal theme that institution in the Mediterranean and Academy or Institute of International was addressed during this International DIPLO Foundation as the leader in the Relations and co-chairs of the Forum. Forum was e-diplomacy and online field of online diplomatic training. In 1996 the group adopted the name learning which was moderated by International Forum of Diplomatic Dr. Jovan Kurbalija, Director of The International Forum on Diplomatic Training and is today an informal DIPLO Foundation. Other themes Training (IFDT) was established in gathering of Deans and Directors included the challenge of training 1972, as a yearly meeting of Deans devoted to the discussion of issues foreign diplomats, pilot training

6 • MEDAC Newsletter • No. 11 / Fall 2010 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON DIPLOMATIC TRAINING (IFDT)

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of the European External Action moderated by Prof. Stephen Calleya, 1. Participants at the Ministry of Service, effectiveness through quality Director of MEDAC, took place in Foreign Affairs with Permanent assurance of diplomatic training, and the Chamber of Representatives Secretary Dr. John Paul Grech. the future of diplomatic training. with President Emeritus Ugo Mifsud 2. IFDT at the Chamber of Deputies. Bonnici among the distinguished The programme included visits to speakers addressing the theme of 3. Participants at the Chamber of Deputies. various Maltese historical sites, some Regional Diplomatic Training. The of which also served as venues for Conference’s participants were also 4. Inaugural session at the Tapestry the meeting. The inaugural session hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Chamber. was held under the patronage Affairs where they were greeted 5. Prof. Stephen Calleya and Dr. Paula of the Speaker of the House of and addressed by the Permanent Newberg. Representatives, the Hon. Michael Secretary Dr. John Paul Grech. 6. Amb. Hans Winkler. Frendo, at the Tapestry Chamber. 7. Top table at the inaugural session This session was also addressed by Dr. Participants were also able to with the Speaker of the House, William F. Shija, Secretary General experience the historical treasures Hon. Michael Frendo and Dr. William of the Commonwealth Parliamentary that Malta has to offer with visits to Shija, Sec. Gen. of the Common- wealth Parliamentary Association. Association. The second session, Mdina, Marsaxlokk and Gozo.

Fall 2010 / No. 11 • MEDAC Newsletter • 7 CALENDAR

12.02.2010 22.03.2010 – 26.03.2010 07.05.2010

Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Visiting Lecturer – Amb. Magdy Guest Speaker – Prof. Richard Seminar, Radisson Hotel: Full day Hefny and Mr. Timur El Hadidi on Rubenstein, professor at George seminar organised by the Human Water Diplomacy. Mason University on Conflict Dimension Programme and the Resolution. German Chair for Peace and Conflict 22.03.2010 Prevention with the participation of 10.05.2010 – 12.05.2010 visiting academics. Visit of MEDAC students to the Chinese Cultural Centre. Visiting Lecturer – Prof. Ludger Kühnhardt, Director of the Centre for 15.02.2010 – 17.02.2010 06.04.2010 – 09.04.2010 Visiting lecturer – Dr. Michael Frendo, Speaker of the House Geneva and Berne Study Trip – Visits to International Organisations in of Representatives, Malta on Geneva and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Multilateralism and Development in the Mediterranean.

23.02.2010

Guest Speaker – Ms. Vanya Walker- Leigh on Climate Change: after Copenhagen – what next?

26.02.2010

Visiting Lecturer – Mr. Olaph Terribile, former Head of Protocol at the Malta Foreign Office conducting a Simulation Exercise on Consular Crisis Management.

01.03.2010 – 05.03.2010

Visiting Lecturer – Dr. Eberhard Rhein on Climate and Energy Policy.

04.03.2010 20.04.2010 European Integration Studies (ZEI) of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms Guest Speaker – Lieutenant General Seminar organized together with University in Bonn on Regional David Leakey, Director General of the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Integration. EU Military Staff on The Importance Mediterranean Diplomacy Forum of CSDP Crisis Management at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 21.05.10 Operations when facing today’s Valletta. security challenges. Visit by Dr. Christian Bode, 23.04.2010 – 26.04.2010 Secretary-General of the German 16.03.2010 Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Euro-Med Training Seminar. Visit to MEDAC by Hon. Dr. Lawrence 03.05.2010 – 10.05.2010 Gonzi, Prime Minister of Malta. Visiting Lecturer – Dr. Andri Bisaz on 18.03.2010 Development Cooperation.

Seminar organized together with 06.05.2010 the Spanish Embassy on the theme Spanish Presidency of the EU: A Alumni Lecture Series – Lecture Mediterranean Agenda at the Westin by visiting Prof. R. Rubenstein Dragonara Hotel, St. Julians. introduced by Amb. Douglas Kmiec.

8 • MEDAC Newsletter • No. 11 / Fall 2010 CALENDAR

30.06.2010 – 09.07.2010 01.10.2010

Summer School on the theme Human Rights and Crimes Against Humanity. Visit and Address by Amb. Martin Dahinden, Director General, Swiss Agency for Develoment and Co- operation.

07.10.2010

Guest Speaker – Amb. George Doublesin on The Arab World.

11.10.2010

Visiting Lecturer - Amb.Alfred Cachia – Protocol Seminar.

18.10.2010 – 20.10.2010

Visiting Lecturer – Prof. Ibrahim Souss on Diplomacy in the Middle East.

27.09.2010 – 30.09.2010 30.09.2010

IFDT Conference hosted by MEDAC Opening of Academic Year 2010 – and DIPLO. 2011 at MEDAC.

Recent PUBLICATIONS

he discussion on what Dr Omar Grech and the holder of constitutes security, which the newly established German Tdeveloped as a consequence Chair for Peace Studies and of the end of the Cold War, has Conflict Prevention, Dr Monika shifted the focus from a state- Wohlfeld, entitled Human Rights centric approach to security to one and the Conflict Cycle. The concerned more explicitly with volume aims at bridging the divide the human person. Consequently, between the human rights and the attention has increasingly been given conflict resolution communities, to people suffering insecurity within between scholars and practitioners states. The link between conflict and between non-governmental and human rights, either in the form organizations and international of human rights abuses causing or organizations. Case studies on the fueling conflict or in the form of human rights aspects of conflicts standards applied in order to end a in and the Former conflict and follow-up in terms of Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia post-conflict rehabilitation, became provide a valuable backdrop to increasingly clear. the theoretical chapters on the conflict cycle, human rights and As an important contribution the conflict cycle, as well as the HUMAN RIGHTS AND to the debate on human rights roles of NGOs and International THE CONFLICT CYCLE and conflict, MEDAC published a Organizations in mainstreaming ISBN: 978–99909-55-21-7 volume, edited by the head of its human rights when responding to Human Dimension Programme, the conflict cycle. ALUMNI NEWS

de Marco and Professor Stephen provided in the classes. Yet these Akram Calleya, the director of MEDAC, who theories have been accompanied El-Aatar gave so much of their experience in by real practice, through the such a modest way. various first-hand encounters I MEDAC Alumnus have experienced in the form of from Tunisia The second factor that surprised presentations and direct contact 2009 – 2010 me was the diversity of the group with various guest lecturers. of diplomats who attended the Moreover, practical skills were programme. Coming from different also acquired attending various countries, everyone brought conferences as well as during y experience at MEDAC different experiences. Bonding the study trips in Bonn and has provided me with very and exchanging experiences and Geneva, where we visited many Mimportant tools that I will information with colleagues from international organizations cherish throughout my career Albania, Georgia, Egypt, China, including the UN headquarters as a diplomat. It has broadened Azerbaijan, Montenegro, Palestine, in Geneva, and different my horizons and allowed me to Tanzania and Turkey has given educational institutes in both expand my views and knowledge a very special dimension to this cities. within the field I have longed to opportunity, and provided a realistic be in. This has been the result of platform of a globalized system of While appreciating the unique a combination of factors. relations that will last in the years M.Dip programme MEDAC ahead. provided, I will always seek to First, the high quality of the put into practice the broad array course at the Academy is The third important factor comes of experiences I was able to reflected in the extremely from the combination of theory and benefit from during my year at relevant expertise provided by practice that has been the main MEDAC. the professors in the programme. highlight of this programme. I have I learnt so much from professors taken the essence of theoretical such as President Emeritus Guido studies through the curriculum

all the tools I need to walk through I cannot exclude the personal Suad it in confidence and a high-will of appreciation I have for this little Soboh achievement. Within a framework of but magnificent island, and my a mixture of theoretical and practical admiration grew for it during my MEDAC Alumnus studies, the high expertise of our stay. It has proven to me that from Palestine professors and guest lecturers have even though you might be small in 2009–2010 reflected upon us throughout the geography or space, you can still courses, I found myself drowned in be big in influence. this fountain of knowledge. From here, I end my words rom the moment I stepped From a social-intellectual point with my sincere condolences out on the beautiful island of view, the combination of our to all of MEDAC’s family, Malta Fof Malta, I sensed that it class, from different nationalities, and the world for the loss of a will be a worthwhile journey, backgrounds as well as experience great leader, man and father but little did I know about the in the field have given it a unique – President Emeritus Guido de amount of experience waiting to structure. In a way, the diversity of Marco. I am personally very be collected by me at MEDAC. the group has provided a realistic proud to have been one of his This tremendous experience – platform of a globalized system students. His lessons and words both intellectual and social – has of relations that will last in the will always remain deep in my highlighted all of my stay in the years ahead. Through the group of thoughts. I wish growth and island and I am forever thankful diplomats who are already in the prosperity to MEDAC, and I hope for such an opportunity. field, the classes witnessed a solid that future students will benefit learning environment of different to the fullest from this lifetime Standing at a point where I am political systems in the world of experience. determined to walk through the diplomacy. And this, indeed, is path of diplomacy, this studying very enriching for any diplomat or Thank you MEDAC. Thank you program has equipped me with diplomat-to-be. Malta.

10 • MEDAC Newsletter • No. 11 / Fall 2010 ALUMNI NEWS WELCOME

MASTER OF DIPLOMACY At the Kigali Memorial, the ACADEMIC YEAR 2010 - 2011 gardens outside were a beautiful Francine Azerbaijan Mr. Ayaz Mustafayev Caruana tribute to those who perished during the genocide, whilst the China Mr. Chen Xinggong exhibition inside the museum was Egypt Mr. Mohamed Maamoun MEDAC Alumnus Egypt Mr. Khaled El Menshawy from Malta a sobering display of the planning, Georgia Mr. Giorgi Goletiani 2009–2010 execution and the resolution of the genocide. At the heart of the Malta Mr. Stephen Staines exhibits is an ossuary, where the Palestine Ms. Mayssa Aburezeq innumerable human remains give Palestine Mr. Haqi Alhussaini t all started when I watched witness to the silent voices of the Tanzania Mr. Iman Salum Njalikai the video “Shake hands with victims’ terrible ordeal. Tunisia Mr. Hosni Mekni the devil”! I soon found myself I Tunisia Mr. Houssem Ghodhbane researching and writing up a The most awful of sights however Ukraine Mr. Nazar Sasyn dissertation about Transitional greeted me at the Nyamata Justice in Post-Genocide Rwanda Catholic Church. Here, during the for my M.A. in Diplomatic Studies. genocide, the house of God had MASTER OF ARTS IN become one of Rwanda’s most DIPLOMATIC STUDIES Well into my dissertation, I came terrible killing grounds, where at ACADEMIC YEAR 2010 – 2011 across a call of applications least 10,000 people, mostly Tutsi, to participate in the 2010 who had mistakenly believed that Belgium Ms. Dorien Leirens Commonwealth Youth leadership they would find sanctuary in the Mr. Philipp Boudny Programme which was going to be house of God, were hacked, shot, Germany Ms. Zinaida Epp held in Rwanda between the 5th strangled, clubbed and burned to Libya Ms. Alaa Ben Mahmoud and 15th of September 2010. death. Malta Ms. Claudette Abela Baldacchino Malta Ms. Annabell Khalil I ended up going! The highlight of this 10-day Malta Mr. Philip Leone-Ganado programme was the consultation Malta Ms. Glorianne Mizzi It was the most eye-opening we had with his Excellency Malta Ms. Maria Psaila experience that I have ever come President Paul Kagame on the across in my young life! Who 15th of September 2010, during Malta Ms. Nighat Urpani would have ever believed that which I had the honour of Poland Ms. Ewa Paderewska human beings, endowed with the presenting him with a copy of my sense of reason would resort to Masters Degree dissertation. He DIPLOMA IN such atrocities? A witness to such urged us youths to learn from the DIPLOMATIC STUDIES horrors is the Kigali Memorial Site Rwandan experience and to act as ACADEMIC YEAR 2010 – 2011 and the Nyamata Catholic Church. agents of peace. Year 1 France Ms. Cecile Hinze France Ms. Marie Wagner Malta Mr. Dominic Bondin Malta Ms. Analise Bonello Despott Malta Mr. Jurgen Cachia Malta Ms. Maria Camilleri Malta Mr. Sergio Carbonaro Malta Mr. Anthony Dimech Malta Mr. Desmond Falzon Malta Mr. Noel Gafa Malta Ms. Violet Galea Malta Ms. Tiziana Grima Malta Ms. Francen Muscat Malta Mr. David Schembri Malta Ms. Jane Spiteri Malta Mr. George Zammit Malta Mr. Mario Zammit Above: Master Class 2010 - 2011 with academic staff at MEDAC. Malta Ms. Joanna Zingariello

Fall 2010 / No. 11 • MEDAC Newsletter • 11 Visit by Ambassador MARTIN DAHINDEN, Director General, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

n 1 October 2010, Ambassador Martin Dahinden, Director OGeneral of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), visited MEDAC and gave the opening lecture of the academic year 2010/2011. Shortly before the visit, on September 10th 2010, an agreement was signed between the governments of Malta and Switzerland on support to MEDAC within the framework of Switzerland’s contribution to the new EU member states.

Ambassador Dahinden’s lecture was entitled “Development Cooperation in the 21st Century: Looking beyond the surface”. He started out by referring to Fernand Braudel’s work on the Mediterranean. Following Braudel, he argued that often “history creates the illusion that for official development assistance Above and below: Amb. Martin Dahinden at MEDAC. persons and events are making have increased to 120 billion dollars history while in reality they are per year, this is still far behind the see the principal foundations and the makings of history”. It is thus pledges made by the donor countries. currents of the cultural environment necessary to focus on underlying In following Braudel, however, behind the ‘ripples of history’. structures rather than on mere Ambassador Dahinden posed the Perhaps it would also do us good surface appearances. Applying this question of whether, in development if someone would free us from the idea to the issue of development cooperation, we “shouldn’t documents, charts, policy papers, cooperation, Ambassador Dahinden be looking more closely at the statements, etc. so that we could see highlighted the need to focus beyond more fundamental processes, at more clearly the fundamental links the surface on the deeper processes the systemic context and its between poverty and development.” in eliminating poverty. If not, he interactions”, rather than on argued “the underlying structures mere figures and statistics. He play nasty tricks on us – relentlessly, then referred to a number of issue with great stubbornness and effect”. areas which in the future will become increasingly important for Ambassador Dahinden then turned to development cooperation, such as the Millenium Development Goals, the relationship between poverty, arguing that mixed results had development and the environment; been achieved so far. On the one the lack of power and legal rights, hand, the proportion of the world’s including exclusion from political population living in absolute poverty processes, or the role of new actors has been reduced significantly over in development cooperation. the last 20 years. Moreover, major progress has been made in fighting In conclusion, Ambassador Dahinden diseases associated with poverty, pointed out that Braudel had written in particular malaria, tuberculosis his work when he was a prisoner of and AIDS. On the other hand, little war, without access to his files and progress has been made in the documents, relying almost entirely areas of maternal and child health on his memory. Ambassador Dahinden and access to sanitary facilities. In argued that “perhaps the lack of addition, although the resources source material enabled him first to

12 • MEDAC Newsletter • No. 11 / Fall 2010