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[GCSP.ch-REPOST] A Delegation of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences discusses geopolitical challenges

The GCSP welcomed, on 6 May 2019, a Delegation from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS), led by Prof. Liu Ming, to discuss recent geopolitical developments at global level. In a first part, the meeting focused on the triangular relationships between China, the US and Europe and the evolving posture of these actors in the light of increasing power competition.

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[REPOST] GCSP Hosts Dr Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General Emeritus of the IAEA and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

On 20 November 2018, the GSCP hosted a VIP lunch in honour of Dr Mohamed ElBaradei, former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 1997 to 2009, and winner of the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize. Dr ElBaradei shared with the guests his experience and lessons learned from his career, in particular in dealing with the cases of Iraq, Iran, and North Korea. He stressed the importance of international dialogue and mutual respect. He identified insecurity and inequality as the main reasons behind today’s crises, fuelled by power politics, the danger of nuclear war, persistence of poverty and hunger as well as human rights violations.

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[REPOST gcsp.ch] – The 12th Defence Attaché course in Amman successfully closes

On Thursday, November, 8th [2018], the Defence Attaché (DA) course in Amman came to a conclusion after a closing ceremony. 29 participants from 14 countries were awarded a course certificate from the hands of the Royal Jordanian National Defence College (RJNDC) commandant, Brigadier General Abdallah Al Shdaifat and General (Retd) André Blattmann, former Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces.

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[REPOST] – Visite du Chef d’Etat-Major général des Armées du Sénégal au GCSP

Depuis plus d’une décennie, le GCSP entretient des liens fructueux avec les Forces Armées du Sénégal, notamment avec le Centre des Hautes Études de Défense et de Sécurité (CHEDS) de Dakar créé en 2014. En particulier, depuis 2009, le GCSP organise chaque année à Dakar des cours destinés aux Attachés de défense et hauts fonctionnaires de l’Afrique de l’Ouest actifs dans le domaine de la politique de sécurité et la diplomatie.
Après avoir accueilli le Général de brigade Paul NDIAYE, Directeur du CHEDS, en août 2016, le GCSP avait l’honneur et le grand plaisir de recevoir en ce début de septembre 2018 le Général de Corps d’armée Cheikh GUEYE, Chef d’Etat-Major général des Armées (CEMGA) du Sénégal, accompagné de son aide de camp et d’un officier supérieur.

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« Welcome to Switzerland » – ICE Breaker for the CENTROC course

The participant were introduced to Swiss institutions, Swiss History, Swiss Facts, And Swiss Geography. They also pictured their perception of Switzerland. I stressed the complexity and the stability of the Swiss system.

 

About CENTROC:

Commanders and Legal Advisers play a pivotal role in implementing the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), Human Rights Law (HRL) and rules governing the Use of Force in military operations. To discharge their operational tasks fully, they are increasingly required to understand the key legal principles at commanding levels and to apply them in both planning and execution. As a result, co-operation between commanders and legal advisers is also essential.
This international workshop is organised by Switzerland, in partnership with the GCSP, within the framework of the PfP Partnership Work Programme, Chapter XIII. It focuses on the current operational challenges, on case studies and practical exercises, preceded by contextual in-briefs by international experts and practitioners with operational experience.

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[REPOST] -Lieutenant General Jan Broeks, NATO DGIMS, Visits the GCSP

During the following discussions, Gen Broeks expressed his interest for centres activities. He also underlined the advantage one gains through multinational trainings because, after a course, participants have created a long lasting network. He concluded by raising the importance of Humanitarian Law in modern conflicts and the need for an effective reform and governance of the security sector in conflict ridden regions.

According to NATO, the DGIMS “is responsible for the coordination between the decision-making bodies of the Alliance, the two Strategic Commanders, national military from NATO and Partner countries working in Brussels, and the civilian International Staff, that support the Secretary General and the North Atlantic Council, in order for the IMS to provide the best possible policy advice to the to the Military Committee”.

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Le GCSP présenté dans Notre Armée de Milice (NAM), juin 2018, p. 17

 

Au cœur de la «Genève internationale», des cadres de l’armée suisse côtoient des homologues étrangers. Se retrouvant dans une «Maison de la Paix», les uns et autres échangent leurs points de vue. Directeur du programme de perspectives régionales, le colonel EMG Christian Bühlmann soutient que de telles rencontres contribuent à «la sécurité par la coopération».

 (voir: l’ouvrage intitulé «Sicherheit – die Schweiz in einer unsicheren Welt», article de Christian Bühlmann, «La contribution du GCSP au rayonnement international de l’armée suisse», Berne, Stämpfli, 2017, pp. 181-185, accessible sous https://bcn.li/s/2017).

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Nam2018_05_P17.pdf

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Les chouettes et les ambassadeurs

Près de Bösingen, au confluent des confessions, des langues et des cantons, quatre postes ont été présentés: la diplomatie scientifique à l’exemple des chouettes, les chouettes comme acteur environemental, les chouettes comme modèle artistique et l’apport des chouettes au processus de paix. Nos amis du Proche-Orient ont convaincu les chefs de mission que l’environnement n’est pas seulement un facteur de conflit, mais qu’il peut aussi devenir facteur de paix.

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[REPOST – gcsp] Executive Breakfast Discussion: Current Dynamics of the Geneva International Discussions, with H.E. Mr David Dondua

The event, held under Chatham House rule led to constructive and thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of topics related to conflict resolution in Georgia, the challenges that this process is facing, and possible ways forward. Following the crisis in and around Ukraine and the war in Syria, the international attention has been drawn away from this region. Thus the discussion on two important lessons: (1) the importance of the GID, which provides the only discussion forum between the participating parties, and (2) the urgent need to elevate the conflict between Russia and Georgia on the international agenda.
Around twenty participants from several Geneva-based Missions, including five Permanent Representatives, were present, and engaged actively in the discussion.

Source: gcsp.ch

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[REPOST- GCSP] A Delegation from the Ministry of Unification of South Korea visited the GCSP on 31 May

The participants stressed the crucial role of the US-North Korea Summit (scheduled in principle on 12 June) and progress on the nuclear issue for the prospects of peace and normalization over the Korean Peninsula. They also looked at the current developments in the North-South interactions, such as the high level dialogue established by the April 27 Declaration, and the various areas of cooperation that could be considered once a peace process will possibly be set on track. Recognizing that the current diplomatic initiatives represent a turning point in the Korean Peninsula, the participants welcomed the commitments of the leaders of the US and North Korea towards meaningful negotiations.

Representatives of the Ministry of Unification and GCSP also explored the potential of cooperation between the two institutions.

This visit takes place in the framework of the GCSP policy of promoting dialogue on the Korean Peninsula.

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[REPOST – EVENT] Birds as Peacemakers in Conflict Areas Barn Owls in Jordan – Israeli Peace Process

Source, link and registration

  • “Barn Owls Know no Boundaries” project brings people from Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority to work together on solving an environmental challenge. Such nature conservation efforts are beneficial for all communities. More often than not, these benefits go beyond biodiversity protection. Indeed, they may facilitate constructive dialog across divides in conflict zones. This pleads for the integration of nature conservation into peacebuilding interventions.

    This event will present multiple approaches used in cross-border projects around the theme of nature conservation in the Middle East. These projects promote people-to-people activities using science, diplomacy and sport, and education, art and ecotourism as linking elements. The strength of this approach is that the projects are implemented in interaction with local actors (e.g. schools, farmers), universities, national leaders (politicians, economic leaders, non-governmental organisations) and the international community.

    This event is jointly organised by University of Lausanne (UNIL), Tel Aviv University, and the Amman Center for Peace & Development. It will bring together experts explaining the unique case study of how cooperation on biodiversity protection can impact a peace process.

    The panellists include:

  •     General Mansour Abu Rashid, chairman of the Amman Centre for Peace and Development, mandated by his Majesty King Hussein to prepare the peace treaty between Jordan and Israel in 1994.
  •     General Baruch Spiegel, mandated by the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin to prepare the peace treaty between Jordan and Israel in 1994.
  •     Professor Yossi Leshem from Tel Aviv University.
  •     Professor Alexandre Roulin from the University of Lausanne
      The discussion will be chaired by:
    Ms Anna Brach, Human Security Cluster Responsible.
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[REPOST] Visit of the Director-General of the Research Institute of KNDU (South Korea) in GCSP on 25 May

The discussions addressed the issues of denuclearization and build-up of a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, against the background of renew uncertainties regarding the holding of a Summit meeting between the two leaders, Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un, planned in June in Singapore, which could pave the way to a negotiated solution of the nuclear issue and a lasting peace over the Korean Peninsula.

Among various issues, the participants examined the respective roles and interests of the regional powers, the significance and meaning of the North Korean peace initiative, and the merits and limits of the various strategies aimed at solving the nuclear issue and advancing peace on the Korean Peninsula. The participants recognized the importance of the current diplomatic developments and the value of the efforts by the South Korean leadership and President Moon to facilitate dialogue and understanding between the DPRK and the US.

This visit takes place in the framework of the GCSP policy of promoting dialogue on the Korean Peninsula.

Source: GCSP

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[REPOST] Confidence Building Measures Seminar between GCSP and the Institute for Disarmament and Peace from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DPRK

It was held in the context of the current opening dynamic between the DPRK, the US and the Republic of Korea. This seminar allowed the participants to better understand the different perspectives and to clarify possible outcomes. In an informal and open setting, this track 1.5 meeting, supported by MFAs from both sides, was very successful. The meeting offered Switzerland the opportunity to reassert its support for a peaceful diplomatic process in the region. All participants favour the continuation and consolidation of the CBM process in close future.

 

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[REPOST – gcsp.ch] GCSP’s 22nd European Security Course (ESC) successfully closes

The participants originated from ministries of foreign affairs, defence, interior and civil society from countries in wider Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South and East Asia with Sri Lanka and Botswana represented for the first time.

The ceremony included remarks by GCSP Director Ambassador Christian Dussey, the Course Director Ms Anna Brach and statements by the course spokespersons.

The ESC is designed to deepen the participants’ understanding of the security policy challenges relative to Europe. The course examines European security within a regional and global context thus better assessing the interconnectedness of transnational threats and responses. The ESC places equal importance on the study of substantive issues, skills enhancement and the development of a community of security policy professionals among the participants.

We wish the graduates of the 22nd ESC 2018 continued success in their future endeavours, and look forward to our continued relationship with them through the GCSP Alumni Network and events.

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La section romande de la société romande des officiers de la logistique a tenu son assemblée générale au GCSP

La SSOLOG, section romande, rassemble dans un cadre convivial des officiers de milice, des officiers de carrière ainsi que d’anciens officiers. Association technique forte de plus de 350 membres, elle vise à perfectionner la formation militaire de ses membres, à les informer sur la politique de sécurité et à défendre leurs intérêts ainsi que ceux de l’armée de milice. Substrat de la société, la camaraderie permet de dépasser les différences de générations, de grades ou d’origines cantonales.

Crédits des images : photo 1 : GCSP ; Autres : T. Delapierre, SSOLOG

Le président sortant, le lieutenant-colonel EMG Jean-Baptiste Thalmann, a ouvert l’assemblée en saluant les nombreux membres. Le colonel Christian Bühlmann a souhaité la bienvenue et présenté le GCSP aux participants, intéressés et impressionnés par le cadre.

Le major EMG Bastien Wanner, bien connu au GCSP puisqu’il fut lauréat du premier Cyber 9/12 Student Challenge en 2015, fut le second orateur. Il est exprimé avec compétence sur les mesures actives de cyberdéfense dans le cadre de la protection des infrastructures critiques. Après avoir présidé la partie officielle de l’assemblée générale, le lieutenant-colonel Thalmann a transmis les rênes de la société au nouveau président élu, le lieutenant-colonel EMG Guy Strickler.

Le commandant de corps Rebord a finalement présenté son appréciation de la situation actuelle de l’armée, en mettant l’accent sur les chances et les défis qui se posent à cette institution.

A l’issue de la partie officielle, les participants ont partagé un cocktail dînatoire dans la bibliothèque du GCSP. Plusieurs d’entre eux ont manifesté un intérêt pour les activités du centre et se sont fait forts d’y retourner pour suivre un cours ou une conférence.