Guest speech of the Ambassador of Japan; H.E. Mr. Itaru Umezu

On the occasion of the recent EU–Japan year, the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies, was honored on November 22 by a visit and major guest lecture by His Excellency Ambassador Itaru Umezu, Japan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Austria. The Ambassador, who is also accredited to the OSCE and to Bosnia-Herzogovina, and Macedonia, spoke on the topic “Japan in Asia: The Current and Future Position of Japan.” His remarks were followed by nearly two hours of discussions with students and professors, and by a reception.

Ambassador Umezu’s remarks offered the IMC Export Fellows a rare opportunity to gain insights into Japan’s economic, environmental, energy and security policies, the emerging policy positions of the new Japanese government, Japan’s position in the 6-party talks on Korea, East Asian dynamics, and the role of R and D in Japan’s economic and technological development. Following his formal remarks the Ambassador provided thoughtful and inspiring responses to questions on EU-Japan relationships, trans-Pacific trade relations, Japan’s “soft power”and cultural appeal, Japan’s economic revival, and other topics.

An extraordinarily eloquent senior career diplomat, Ambassador Umezu joined the Foreign Ministry nearly 40 years ago. His major diplomatic assignments have included New York (twice), Hong Kong (twice) and London. Ambassador Umezu has also held other major diplomatic positions including Director of the Western European Division at the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo and Deputy Secretary General of the New York-based KEDO (need to spell KEDO out). Before coming to Austria in 2004, Ambassador Umezu held the prestigious post of Deputy Grand Master of Ceremonies (Imperial Household Agency). Ambassador Umezu also holds the high degree in Human Sciences from the prestigious University of Tokyo.

Summing up after this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the EXP Program Director, and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Ambassador Umezu stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s continued interest in Japanese affairs since the visit of our students to Japan’s Embassy and Cultural Center in 2003. The Ambassador also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him as well as with the overall achievements of our young institution. He invited our students to repeat the 2003 visit, and also promised to return to our university for a future event.

Our next East Asia event is scheduled for early 2007 when the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Kim Sung-Hwan, will address the Export students.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

The script of the speech of H.E. Mr. Itaru Umezu can be found here.

Student visit to the UN office in Vienna

On November 08th, 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.

The second, more substantive part of visit was a lecture on the mandate/role and work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), given by the Senior IAEA official Mr. David Kinley. During the 80-minutes tour-de-table session, the IMC fellow students had the opportunity to gain a closer insight into the scope of work and current activities of the Agency, as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions (e.g. nuclear disputes/controversies in respect to North Korea and Iran, etc.).

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event, Mr. Kinley 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 IAEA-related issues. As the follow up, the possibilities of internships with the Agency were also discussed.

The next year study-visit to the UN Vienna will focus on UNIDO. The Export 2004 students are scheduled for the next visit to the UN organization for spring 2007.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

The presentation of the IAEA can be found here.

Guest speech of the Ambassador of the Austria; H.E Dr. Wolfgang Petritsch

At the occasion of the Austria’s EU presidency (first semester 2006), the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited the Austrian Ambassador accredited to the WTO and other Geneva-based IGOs for a guest lecture. H.E. Amb. Dr. Wolfgang Petritsch paid a visit to the IMC and delivered a lecture on 12th October, followed by nearly two hour talks with students and small reception.

The IMC fellow professors and students had the great opportunity to gain an insights on the WTO negotiations state of affairs in the WTO, status of Doha Development Round, Austria’s role during the presidency, art of multilateral diplomacy as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions (including the complexities of multilateral negotiations of major trading blocks (US and EU), linking trade and development, etc.).

Extraordinarily eloquent, senior career diplomat, Dr. Petritsch joined the Foreign Ministry over twenty years ago. Serving at different posts that Paris and New York, SEE. H.E. Petritsch obtaining several top capacities including the EU-Special Envoy and Chief Negotiator (Kosovo), Intl. Community’s High Representative (BiH). From 1977 to 1983, Dr. Petritsch has served as a Press Secretary and Chief of Cabinet to the Austrian Federal Chancellor Bruno Kreisky. Prolific author of several books, Excellency PETRITSCH holds the PhD in Human sciences from prestigious Austrian and the US universities.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Heinz Boyer, the IMC Founderer and General-Manager and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Petritsch stated that he was very much impressed by huge interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with them as well as with the overall achievements of our young institution, and promised to return to our University in a due time again.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Student visit to the Headquarters of OSCE in Vienna

On October 12, 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 (by Mr. Alexandar Nitzsche) 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 Ms. Susanna Lööf, Ms. Elli Kytomaki, Ms. Heidi Smith, Ms. Alice Ackermann and Mr. Kilian Strauss.

During the 90-minutes tour-de-table session, the IMC fellow students learned 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 appreciation that such visits of our students are regularized (since 2005).

This study visit serves as an excellent pre-text to the forthcoming guest speech of the Spanish Ambassador at the occasion of Spain’s OSCE Chairmanship in 2007.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Guest Speech of the U.S. Secretary of Labor; Elaine L. Chao

The 6 June, 2006 – a special and remarkable day for the IMC University of Applied Science in Krems. The IMC Export Department under the auspices of Chair for International Law and Global Political Studies have organized a visit of the U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. Making a one-day stop on invitation of Minister Martin Bartenstein, on her way to the ILO Conference in Geneva, Excellency Chao gave the IMC as the only Austrian University the honor of a guest-lecture and therewith strengthened the international positioning of the University. After her visit to the castle of Dürnstein (hosted by Mayor Mag. Barbara Schwarz), and a tour through the historical IMC Piaristen premises Excellency Chao held a very inspiring and vivid speech in front of the crowded Baroque Piarist Hall.

Secretary of Labour addressed our fellow students and professors with main US-labor related topics such as future job creation, generating a climate for growth and the wage gap between men and women. When talking about her tasks in the Department of Labor she gave a realistic picture of all strengths of the U.S. workforce not forgetting to mention some current weaknesses and challenges. As challenges H.E. Chao named the current and future shortage of labor and their skills gap and the problem of the aging population with respect to private pension funds. When the issue of immigration came up Excellency did not hesitate to refer to her own background and experiences. Underlining the importance of labor flexibility and social mobility, Secretary Chao encouraged the IMC efforts in promoting an applied science approach, openness to business community, a strong focus on languages and the internationality of our university as well as the high mobility of our student and teaching body. A garden cocktail in honor of Secretary Chao in the courtyard of IMC was an opportunity for nearly hour long informal conversation with students. Responding to students’ questions on her personal background Excellency Chao agreed that if you believe in yourself and work hard everything can be possible.

Elaine L. Chao is the first Asian-American woman appointed to a President’s cabinet in U.S. history and since her conformation by the Senate to the 24th Secretary of Labour in 2001 she devoted herself to the concerns of the U.S. workforce and enterprises. Excellency makes huge efforts to ensure that all American citizens have the opportunity to pursue lives of dignity and financial independence. After having studied at the M.I.T., Dartmouth and Columbia University and having received her MBA from the Harvard Business School she finally brought a wealth of business experience to her government posts.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with the EXP Program Director, Mr. Ernst Fietz, IMC Vice-Dean Ms. Eva Werner and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Chao stated that she was impressed by the vision and enthusiasm of the IMC academic staff as well as by huge interest, commitment and internationality of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and long discussion with her. Besides expressing her wish to return to our University, Secretary of Labor promised to personally debrief the US Ambassador to Austria Ms. Susan McCaw as well as to share her impressions with the members of Cabinet upon her return to Washington.

Accompanied with Mrs. Laura Genero, Senior Advisor to the Secretary, Mr. Scott Kilner, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Mrs. Dayna Robison, Political Officer, U.S. Embassy in Vienna and Dr. Roswitha Haller, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Secretary Chao ended her three hour visit around 15h and furthered to press conference in Vienna.

Reflecting upon the event the IMC Export Program Director Prof. Ernst FIETZ said that this visit has shown that IMC, as already regionally well-established place of visits and guest-lectures of prominent experts and top-diplomats, can host the highest ranking officials, which should be seen as our sustained effort to promote Lower Austria and particularly the Krems as business and educational region.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Lunch with the US ambassador Susan R. McCaw

After having invited several highly distinguished guest speakers in cooperation with the US Embassy to the unique setting of the Baroque hall in Krems, an IMC delegation was given the great honor to take part in a private lunch at the Embassy of the United States in Vienna. Hosted by her Excellency Ambassador Mrs. Susan McCaw and in presence of Mr. Kilner, Deputy Chief of Mission, as well as Ms. Katherine M. Perez, Embassy PD Officer and Ms. Roswitha Haller, Senior Embassy staff member, the IMC delegation got the valuable opportunity to converse with Excellency McCaw about a variety of issues.

Before assuming her post as Ambassador on January 9, 2006, Mrs. McCaw was President of various private investment firms in the US. Prior to that, she was active in financing emerging growth companies in the technology industry and served as an international Business Analyst. Ambassador McCaw graduated from Stanford University and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. Together with her husband, Mr. Craig McCaw, she founded the charitable Craig and Susan McCaw Foundation and actively promotes issues like the fight against poverty, education and environmental protection as well as economic development and increasing the beneficial spread of technology.

As for her tenure as Ambassador, she set the objective to improve the public image and perception of the United States in Austria through, among others, increasing academic and professional exchanges between the US and Austria, particularly among young people.

Together with the founder of the IMC and current executive manager Mr. Heinz Boyer and Prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair of International Law and Global Political Studies, three eight-semester students from the Export Oriented Management Program (Sita DeZoysa, Johanna Duenser and Roberto Thym), as well as the EXP alumni representative Mag. (FH) Manuela Bösendorfer, got the opportunity to participate in the lunch.

Her Excellency Mrs. McCaw expressed particular interest in the history of the IMC, as well as the high degree of internationalization of students. In addition, each student was asked to provide a short overview of their respective theses and Mrs. McCaw proved to be impressed by the huge variety of topics covered by IMC students. Mrs. McCaw indicated her strong desire to accept an invitation to deliver a guest lecture at the IMC in the future (most probably in fall) and to experience not only the vibrant international atmosphere at the campus Krems, but also the impressive natural beauty of the Wachau region.

Special thanks and tribute goes to Ms. Katherine M. Perez, the US Embassy PD Officer and Ms. Roswitha Haller, Senior Embassy staff member, who made this event possible.

Guest Lecture of H.E. Prof. Jack N. Rakove

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 researchers and authors of best-selling scientific books. After having a pleasure to host the US Senior Vice President of Biotech North Caroline Center, Prof. Burke as well as Prof. Randall Balmer of Columbia University, the IMC invited under the auspices of the Export Studies Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies, Prof. Jack N. Rakove, the Pulitzer prize winner for a guest lecture on the Original meaning: Politics and Ideas in the making of the Constitution.

The IMC Baroque hall turned to be too small to lodge all of our fellows students and professors (including the IMC Vice-Rector and two study directors). It was an excellent opportunity to learn on politics and ideas in the constitution making, different interpretations of legal texts over legislative and executive branches of power including the extensive historical background. Extraordinary eloquent and inspiring lecture of Prof. Rakove was followed by tour-de-table with interesting questions asked by audience. Formal part of lecture was not the end of talks; the IMC Cocktail reception in honor of distinguished guest was the opportunity for our students to have an hour long additional, rather informal and frank conversation with Professor Rakove.

Prolific author of several books, radio & TV documentaries, and articles in nearly every of the influential US journals and newspapers, Prof. Rakove has an extraordinarily reach academic record and career; his book “Original Meanings” brought him the 1997 Pulitzer Prize in History.

Historian by background, prof. Rakove holds high degrees from the Haverfort and Harvard (PhD) University. He is currently finalizing book on a history: Revolutionaries: Inventing an American Nation, 1773 – 1791 (to be published by Houghton Mifflin), and many experts assume that this writings will be a huge best-seller in the US and beyond early next year.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with the IMC EXP Program Director Prof. Ernst FIETZ and Prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the guest-lecture event, prof. Rakove stated that he was impressed by ambitions, vision and enthusiasm of the IMC faculty members 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.

Special thanks and tribute goes to Ms. Katherine M. Perez, the US Embassy PD Officer and Ms. Roswitha Haller, Senior Embassy staff member, who make this event happening and were accompanying professor Rakove. It was the third event prepared in cooperation with the US Embassy (Amerika Haus) to which we all are very grateful.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Student visit to the National Parliament of Austria and to the Rep. of EC and EP in Vienna

Yesterday, on 30th of March 2006, the Export students of 6th semester (accompanied with several Exchange and VIII semester students) paid a visit to the National Parliament of Austria followed by 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).To observe the work of Parliament (National Council) was a unique opportunity, especially since our students witnessed some of the highlights of yesterday session with the expose of Dr. Caspar Einem (former Minister of Interior) and Dr. Martin Bartenstein, serving Economy Minister (both of them were speakers previously invited to the IMC).

Second part of yesterday’s study visit started with the presentation on the EP, its mandate, scope and future perspective – part taken over by the Deputy Head of Information Office of the EP, Mr. Wolfang Hiller, and followed by presentation on the work of Representation of EC in Austria given by Ms. Olivia Divjak, EC Rep. official (2004 IMC EXP graduate).

This well-prepared 90-minutes event was concluded with the 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. Karl Doutlik (Head of Representation) and Mr. Michael Reinprecht (Head of IB of the EP) stated that they were impressed by interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with the EC/EP representatives, and expressed the wish to continue such visits (that started last year) as by addressing forthcoming generations with the EU-related issues.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Guest Lecture of H.E. US Prof. Randall Palmer

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 researchers and authors of best-selling scientific books. After having a pleasure to host the US Senior Vice President of Biotech North Caroline Center (nearly two years ago), the IMC invited under the auspices of the Export Studies Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies, Prof. Randall Balmer of Barnard College of the Columbia University for a guest lecture on the Role of Religion in American Politics.

The IMC Baroque hall turned to be too small to lodge all of our fellows students and professors. It was an excellent opportunity to get the first-hand insights over the relations between religion and politics and their visible or invisible interplays; formal constitutional aspects and state-of-art daily outcomes; other, religious-related side of political parties activities as well as the roots and specifics of religious affiliations in American society. Extraordinary eloquent and inspiring lecture of Prof. Balmer was followed by tour-de-table with many interesting questions asked by audience. Formal part of lecture was not the end of talks; the IMC Cocktail reception in honor of distinguished guest was the opportunity for our students to have nearly an hour long additional, rather informal and frank conversation with Professor Balmer.

Prolific author of many books, TV documentaries and articles in nearly every of the influential US journals and newspapers, Prof. Balmer has an extraordinarily reach academic record and career; besides teaching at his main university he was/is teaching at many including such a prestigious universities as the Yale and Princeton are. Historian by background, prof. Balmer holds high degrees from the Columbia and Princeton (PhD) University. He is currently finalizing book on a history of religion in North America (for Oxford University Press), and many experts assume that this writings will be a huge best-seller in the US this summer.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with the IMC EXP Program Director Prof. Ernst FIETZ and Prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the guest-lecture event, prof. Balmer stated that he was impressed by ambitions, vision and enthusiasm of the IMC faculty members 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.

Special thanks and tribute goes to Ms. Katherine M. Perez, the US Embassy PD Officer, Ms. Roswitha Haller, Senior Embassy staff member and Ms. Alice M. Burton, Cultural Affairs Specialist, who make this event happening and were accompanying professor Balmer.

It was the second (out of three) events prepared in cooperation with the US Embassy (Amerika Haus) to which we all are very grateful. The Pulitzer award winner, prof. Rakove is our next guest-speaker sheduled for 10 May 06.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

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

At the occasion of the second-2006 semester EU presidency that was held by the UK, the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited the British Ambassador accredited to Austria for the second time (Ambassador’s first visit was prior to the Presidency, last June) for a de-briefing 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 debriefing lecture on 14th March, followed by nearly two hour talks with students and small reception. The IMC fellow professors and students had the great opportunity to hear the first-sight reflections on the United Kingdom’s presidency, collaboration with Austria as being part of troika as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions (Budget, Constitution, Labor-mobility, issue of Turkish accession, Ukraine, foreign policy and security issues, EU – China and Hong Kong DDR summits, 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. Ernst FIETZ, the IMC EXP Study Director and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Macgregor stated that he again (for the second time) very much impressed by huge interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with him, and promised to remain in touch with Faculty including widening cooperation with the relevant UK entities.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

Guest speech of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium; H.E Mr. Philippe André Nieuwenhuys

At the occasion of current OSCE presidency (CiO) that is held by the Kingdom of Belgium this year, the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited the Belgium Ambassador accredited to Austria for a guest lecture. H.E. Amb. Mr. Philippe André NIEUWENHUYS, Resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Republic of Austria and Permanent representative to the UN office in Vienna, IAEA (Governor) and the Pre-Com CTBTO paid a visit to IMC and delivered a lecture on 23rd January, followed by nearly two hour talks with students and small reception.

The IMC Export fellows had the great opportunity to learn on priorities of the Belgium’s presidency as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions (European security architecture, interplay between politics and economy in pan-European context, relations with Russia and Central Asian republics including the energy dialog, ongoing coordinating activities between Austria and Belgium as the countries holding two important presidencies; OSCE and EU). Additionally, a due reference has been made on the ongoing negotiations with Iran within the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency since the Amb. Nieuwenhuys is in the Agency’s Board of Governors.

Extraordinarily eloquent and vivid diplomat of impressive career, Mr. Nieuwenhuys joined the Foreign Office over thirty years ago (1973). Serving at different posts that include Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Caracas, Washington, Warsaw, Geneva, Brussels (NATO) and Hague, H.E. Nieuwenhuys obtained several top capacities within the Foreign Office too (Deputy Chief of Cabinet to the Foreign Minister of Belgium and the Head of CEE section). Prior to his appointment to Austria (February 2004), H.E. Nieuwenhuys had his first ambassadorial appointment to the OSCE (1995). Excellency Ambassador holds the PhD in Law.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the IMC EXP Study Director and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Nieuwenhuys 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 after the Presidency (January-February 2007).

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic