Student visit to the UN office in Vienna

On November 23rd , the Export students of 5th semester paid a visit to UN office in Vienna (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies). The first part of visit was composed of introductory lecture on the UN in general and followed by the documentary movie and two standing UN exhibitions (ODC and OOSA).

The second, more substantive part of visit was a lecture on the mandate/role and work of the UN Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), given by high-ranking UN ODC official Mr. Stuart Gilman, Ms. Alexandra Souza Martins and two associates (one of them being our Export studies graduate). During the 80-minutes tour-de-table session, the IMC fellow students had the opportunity to learn about the practical implication of the UN ODC in general and Corruption-related activities in particular (including the International Corruption instrument that enters into force in two weeks time) as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event, Mr. Gilman stated that he was impressed by interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with him, and expressed the wish to regularize such visits as by addressing forthcoming generations with the UN ODC/Corruption-related issues. As the follow up, the possibilities of assisting the ODC projects by our students will be discussed (including the co-publishing).

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

The UN ODC's presentation can be found here.

Guest speech of the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan; H.E Mr. Doulat Kuanyshev

The IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited the recently appointed Kazakh Ambassador accredited to Austria for a guest lecture. H.E. Amb. Mr. Doulat Kuanyshev, Resident Ambassador of Republic of Kazakhstan to Austria, OSCE and UNOV and paid a visit to IMC and delivered a lecture on 11th November, followed by nearly two hour talks with students and small reception. The IMC fellow professors and students had the great opportunity to learn on political, economic, social, environmental and foreign/neighborhood policies of Kazakhstan as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions (FDI, Aral sea problem, labor market fluctuation, bit for the 2009 OSCE chairmanship, etc.).

Extraordinarily eloquent diplomat of impressive career, Mr. Kuanyshev entered diplomacy nearly 25 years ago. Serving at different posts that include Luanda (Angola), Moscow and Ankara, H.E. Kuanyshev obtaining several top capacities too (Press-Secretary of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan as well as the Director of the State Investment Agency). Prior to his appointment to Austria (November 2005), H.E. Mr. Doulat Kuanyshev served as the Assistant Foreign Minister. His first ambassadorial appointment was to Paris/France (May 2003 – October 2005). Excellency Macgregor holds the History and Philology, and the International Relations degrees from Moscow and Paris/CEDS universities respectively.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Heinz Boyer, the IMC General Manager, Mr. Ernst Fietz, Export Study Director and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Kuanyshev stated that he was very much impressed by huge interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with him, and promised to return to our University in a due time again.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

The presentation of H.E. Mr. Doulat Kuanyshev can be found here.

Student visit to the Headquarters of OSCE in Vienna

On November 03rd, the Export and exchange/Sokrates students of 5th semester paid a visit to the HQ of OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) in Vienna (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies). The excellently prepared day-long visit was composed of introductory lecture on the OSCE 3-pillar structure, FOs activities and programs (particularly within the Economic and Environmental dimension) given by eloquent Senior officials Mr. Alexander Nitzsche, Mr. Calin Stoica and Mr. Kilian Strauss.

More over, our students had a unique opportunity to follow the work of PC (OSCE Permanent Council) which additionally has been addressed by the NATO Secretary General Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer who was in official visit to Austria. During the 90-minutes tour-de-table session, the IMC fellow students had the opportunity to learn about the practical implication of the OSCE work, programs, possible research partnerships and internships with the FOR A as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event, the OSCE officials stated that they were impressed by interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with official, and expressed the wish to regularize such visits as by addressing forthcoming generations with the OSCE-related issues.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

The speech of the Secretary General’s at the OSCE Council can be found here.
The OSCE's presentation can be found here.

Link to the web page of the organization: www.osce.org

Guest Speech of the Ambassador of Great Britain; H.E. Mr. John Malcolm MacGregor

At the occasion of forthcoming EU presidency that is held by the UK second semester this year (which also marks the Austria’s entry in to the EU Troika), the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited the British Ambassador accredited to Austria for a guest lecture. H.E. Amb. Mr. John Malcolm MACGREGOR, Resident Ambassador of Great Britain to the Republic of Austria paid a visit to IMC and delivered a lecture on 15th June, followed by nearly two hour talks with students and small reception.

The IMC fellow professors and students had the great opportunity to learn on priorities of the United Kingdom’s presidency as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions (EU Constitution, Parliament, ENP, Lisbon, budget, foreign policy and security issues, recent US – UK summit, G–8, etc. ).

Extraordinarily eloquent diplomat of impressive career, Mr. Macgregor joined the Foreign Office over thirty years ago. Serving at different posts that include New Delhi, Prague, Paris and Germany, H.E. Macgregor obtaining several top capacities within the Foreign office too (Secretary to Minister of State, Principal Speechwriter to Foreign Minister and Director). Prior to his appointment to Austria (May 2003), H.E. Macgregor had his first ambassadorial appointment to Poland (1998). Excellency Macgregor holds the fine art and human science degrees from prestigious UK universities (Oxford and Birmingham).

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Hans Lichtenwagner, the IMC Rector and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Macgregor stated that he was very much impressed by huge interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with him, and promised to return to our University right after the UK Presidency (January-February 2006).

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Guest lecture of the EU Commisioner H.E. Mr. Ján Figel`

As already regionally well-established place of visits and guest-lectures of prominent experts and top-diplomats from all over the world, the IMC University additionally keeps up on inviting the EU Commission members for visits and guest-speeches too. After having a pleasure to host the President Romano Prodi’s senior cabinet member Dr. Fischler (January 2003), the IMC waited with the great interest the set up of new, the President Barroso cabinet (late 2004). This time, the EU Commission’s portfolio for Education, Training, Culture and Multilingualism combined with the vivid energetic, young and very eloquent personality of Mr. Ján Figel` was logical choice for our University.

Invited under the auspices of the Export Studies Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies, H.E. Mr. Ján Figel´, the EU Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Multilingualism paid a visit to the IMC, toured the university compound and delivered a lecture “Education and Globalization” on 03rd June, followed by two hour talks with fellow professors and students.

The IMC Baroque hall was nearly too small to lodge all of our fellows students and professors. Besides them, the distinguished guests (such as the regional state officials, the DUK Rector and Vice-Rector, as well as the IMC Dean, Study directors and General Manager, along with representatives of press) had the extraordinary opportunity to get the first-hand insights over the EU Commission’s policy on education and training for future Europe's leaders (Bologna process, Bergen Ministerial deliberations, E&T 2010); on positions and future role of European universities (including the issues of attractiveness, governance and funding of universities); on languages as communicational and inter-cultural management means; on Europe's cultural diversity as the source of mobility and vitality; on outcome of recent summit of Europe’s youth; on the Lisbon agenda and need for advanced R&D (EU as knowledge-based economy) as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions.

Formal part of lecture was not the end of talks. The IMC Garden cocktail reception in honor of distinguished EU guest was the opportunity for our students to have nearly an hour long additional, rather informal and frank conversation with Commissioner. By eagerly listening the students’ reflections and comments, and sharing it with understanding and open sympathies, Excellency Figel’ demonstrated practically what he meant when he opened his speech by words: “not tomorrow, future begins now”.

One of the youngest, dynamic and most eloquent members of the President Barroso’s Commission, H.E. Ján Figel’ (1960) has extraordinarily reach academic and political career; himself has lectured on International Relations and authored several books and many publications, and has served his respective country, Slovak Republic in numerous key capacities: ranging from post of State Secretary; chief negotiator in the EU accession process; national representative on the EU Constitution making (Convent for future Europe); member or/and chair of Foreign Affairs, Economic and development affairs and Constitutional affairs parliamentary committees on both national and EU level; up to prestigious capacity of being the Honorary President of the Center for European Policy. Prior to his appointment to the President Barroso EU Commission in November 2004, Mr. Figel’ represented his political party, Christian-Democratic Movement (KDH), as the Vice-Chairman of the EPP fraction in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Excellency Figel’ holds both natural and human science high degrees from prestigious European (TU Kosice and USFIA Antwerp) and overseas (Georgetown, Washington) universities.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with the IMC Dean Mr. Hans Lichtenwagner and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the guest-lecture event, Excellency Figel’ stated that he was impressed by vision and enthusiasm of the IMC teaching stuff as well as by huge interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and long discussion with him, and promised to return to our University in a due time again.

Accompanied with Mr. David Hughes, his cabinet member, Mr. Karl Doutlik, Head of the EC Representation to Austria, the IMC Dean Mr. Hans Lichtenwagner and General Manager Mr. Heinz Boyer, Commissioner Ján Figel` ended his three hour visit to our university around 13h and furthered to meet the Lower Austria’s state and university delegation led by Governor Dr. Erwin Pröll.

Impressions of H.E. Figel over the stay at the IMC and talks with our fellow students and professors were repeated in his interview for the Austrian national TV as well as during the working lunch the Commissioner had with the Governor and Rectors of Lower Austria’s universities later that day in Krems/Und, and probably best expressed in statement of the Lower Austria’s Governor Excellency Pröll given afterwards to Austrian electronic and printed media: “it is very important that the Commissioner Figel has aimed his visit at Krems as the city of youth – city of universities, and has witnessed himself the great educational infrastructure which is offered here.”

Summarizing the day-long visits and talks, both Mr. Boyer as well as Dean Mr. Lichtenwagner have confirmed that the IMC can proudly stand over its early initiative for and contribution to overall success of the important talks between the new EU Commission and the Lower Austria’s authorities.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

The speech of H.E. Mr. Ján Figel´ can be found here.
The presentation of H.E. Mr. Ján Figel´ can be found here.

Guest speech of the Ambassador of Australia; H.E. Mrs. Deborah Stokes

As being a frequent destination for (exchange semester) studying and practical training semester, Australia is finally a place where some of our graduates are currently working and living. Having that in mind, deputy Dean and the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited the Australia’s Ambassador accredited to Austria for a guest lecture. H.E. Mrs. Deborah Stokes, Resident Ambassador of Australia to Republic of Austria and IOs in Vienna paid the visit to IMC and delivered a lecture on 20th May, followed by almost two hour talks with students and small reception.

The IMC fellow professors, Export alumni members and students had the rare opportunity to learn about the Australian society, institutions, political system, current economic and trade affairs, foreign and security policy, environmental issues as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions (like; state of bilateral relations with EU/Austria; FDI and export volumes; regional Pacific cooperation; travel, work and settlement in Australia through “Working Holidays Agreement” and certain pending issues related to such accords with the EU counterparts, etc.) Additional information has been given in lieu of numerous brochures and factsheets kindly provided to our students by the Embassy stuff.

Extraordinary diplomat of admirable career, Ms. Stokes was serving her respective country by obtaining several top capacities with the Australia’s Foreign Office, such as Deputy Director General and the First Assistant State Secretary. Prior to her appointment to Austria in 2003, she was posted in Rangoon, New York and Tokyo respectively. Excellency Stokes holds the human science degrees from prestigious Australian (Adelaide) and UK (Cambridge) universities.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Ms. Eva Werner, IMC Intl. Dept. head and deputy Dean and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Stokes stated that she was very much impressed by huge interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with her, and promised to return to our University for lecturing in a due time again.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Guest speech of the Ambassador of the Republic of India; H.E Dr. Sheel Kant Sharma

At the occasion of recent state visit to India by the Austrian governmental and trade delegation headed by President Fischer, the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited the India’s Ambassador accredited to Austria for a guest lecture. H.E. Dr. Sheel Kant SHARMA, Resident Ambassador of the Republic of India to Austria and IOs in Vienna paid the visit to IMC and delivered a lecture on 04th April, followed by two hour of talks with students and small reception.

The IMC fellow professors, Export alumni members and students had the opportunity to learn about the cultural and historic heritage of India’s society, institutions, political system, current economic and trade affairs, foreign and security policy as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions (like; FDI, India as the knowledge-based economy, Bangalore and other HiTech centers of excellence, regional cooperation, Sino-India’s relations, Austria’s position in the India’s market, etc.).

Extraordinarily eloquent diplomat of impressive career, Dr. Sharma was serving his respective country Republic of India at many key destinations like; Kuwait/Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Algiers, UN Geneva and Vienna (IAEA). Prior to his appointment to Austria, he was mainly involved with the ASEAN, Indo-China and South Pacific (south and disarmament) issues. Being of natural science background with the PhD degree in High Energy Physics, Ambassador Sharma is very prolifically writing himself; research articles, publications and policy papers.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Ms. Silvia Kucera, IMC EXP Study Director and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Dr. Sharma stated that he was impressed by interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with him, and promised to return to our University for lecturing in a due time again.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

The presentation "India at glance" can be found here.
The presentation "Bilateral trade" by H.E. Dr. Sheel Kant Sharma can be found here.

Student visit: Representation of European Comission and European Parliament in Vienna

Yesterday, on 08th of March 2005, the Export students of 6th semester (accompanied with several Exchange and VIII semester students, as well as a few our graduates of which one is working at the premises) paid a visit to the Representation of European Commission to Austria and Information Office of the European Parliament in Vienna (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies).

Given by the Head of EC Representation to Austria, Mr. Karl Doutlik, the first part of lecture was composed of introductory lecture on the EU Lisbon Agenda (incl. mid-term review) and the European Neighborhood Policy.

Second session followed by the presentation on the European Parliament; its mandate, scope new position and future perspective, part taken over by Head of Information Office of the European Parliament Mr. Michael Reinprecht. Both sessions offered the opportunity for our fellow students to ask questions and to exchange views on current EU issues.

This well-prepared 150-minutes event was concluded with the small cocktail reception and tour-de-house, which our students used to check the library of EC/EP representation and collect useful literature (besides many brochures and leaflets dispatched by organizers during the lecture).

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event, both Mr. Doutlik and Mr. Reinprecht stated that they were impressed by interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with them, and expressed the wish to regularize such visits as by addressing forthcoming generations with the EU-related issues.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic