Student visit to the UN office, OOSA and UNIDO in Vienna 2008

Under the auspices of the Chair for International Law and Global Political Studies, the 5th semester of the Export-Oriented Management program paid for the fifth consecutive time an annual visit to the United Nations Headquarters at Vienna International Centre. At this very occasion, the Export students would like to thank the chairman, Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic, for giving us the unique possibility to get a deeper insight into the functionalities of such a significant, international organization.

The event took place on the afternoon of 21 October 2008 and was marked by very high security measures in order to enter the ambience of the UN, Vienna being the third most significant headquarters after New York and Geneva.

The agenda started with a guided tour through the environments of the United Nations and some information on the core mission of the UN: promoting international peace. Divided into three groups we got to see an exhibition, being exposed, inter alia, one of the famous lunar stones. Afterwards we were lead into one of the official UN conference rooms, where the ambassadors of the 193 member countries usually meet up for consulting and evaluating any relevant issues and topics. Unfortunately, there was no conference held at that time.

Later on, we all moved to a small meeting room where three representatives of the Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA) kindly received us and gave us an overview about their tasks and objectives concerning the peaceful uses of outer space. The Chief of the Committee Services and Research Section Mr. Niklas Hedman from Sweden and the Austrian Prof. Hans Haubold introduced us into the new but very interesting field of space-related concerns and issues. They pointed out the importance and the influence of space-related technologies within our daily lives, e.g. GPS systems and TV satellites. Moreover, the German Mr. Werner Balogh, dedicated to Regional Centers for Space Science and Technology Education, gave us a short insight into his education programs particularly designed for PhD and Master Programs focused on space science and technology in developing countries.

As the presentations were absolutely informative, obviously arousing vested interest among the students, the discussion was characterized by a high number of questions and active participation from our side.

Eventually, we had a short talk with an IMC alumna of Export 2002 now working in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as well as two IMC Export 2005 students completing their second PTS at US Mission to UN and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Our traditional family picture in the entrance hall with all flags of the member states represented the end of a very enriching day.

We would like to thank all speakers and representatives of the UN for this profitable, unique experience.

Photos and Text: Maria S. & Carolin S.

The presentation about the OOSA can be found here.

Student visit to the Headquarters of OSCE in Vienna 2008

Under the auspices of the Chair for International Law and Global Political Studies, the 5th semester of the Export-Oriented Management programme paid for the fifth consecutive time an annual visit to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. At this very occasion, the Export students would like to thank the chairman, Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic, for giving us the possibility to get a deeper insight into the functionalities of such an international organisation.

The visit took place on 16 October 2008 and was characterised by a very tight schedule. The event commenced early in the morning with a welcome speech by the Press Officer, Ms. Susanna Lööf who gave a comprehensive and general overview on the core operations of the OSCE. It is the world's largest security organisation with 56 members whose decisions are politically, but not legally binding. “The OSCE can only bark, not bite”, stated Mr. Roland Bless in his speech.

The highlight of the day was the possibility to join the 735th Meeting of the Permanent Council. After an initial speech of former Austrian Vice Chancellor, Mr. Erhard Busek, the delegates of the various member countries were invited to discuss the issues Mr. Busek elaborated on. Topics such as sustainable strategies for infrastructure and crisis management were on the agenda.

In order to get a sound understanding of the organisation, the schedule continued with a short presentation of the three dimensions of the OSCE. Being a major player in terms of conflict prevention and resolution, the politico-military dimension of security is about promoting for military confidence-building measures (Ms. Elli Kytomaki).. The second presentation on the economic-environmental dimension was reflected by a vivid introduction into the OSCE's efforts to combat anti-trafficking and corruption – underlined by down-to-earth examples (Mr. Kilian Strauss). Promoting freedom for media is the main issue of human dimension which was introduced in the last speech.

As the speeches were absolutely informative and discussion-inviting, the students didn't hesitate at all to address the speakers and participate actively in the discussion which signalised the end of an interesting day. Due to this interactive way of learning, the next excursion that will lead us to the UN headquarters in Vienna is highly appreciated. Finally, we would like to thank all speakers from the OSCE, especially Ms. Lööf who assisted us during the whole day.

Text and Photos: Magdalena B., Alexandra W., Daniel A.

Guest speech: Ambassador of Ukraine, H.E. Yelchenko

As a continuation of the Guest Lecture series of the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies, Prof. Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic invited H.E. Yelchenko, residential Ambassador of Ukraine to the UN and other IOs in Vienna.

Mr. Yelchenko was giving the IMC students and lecturers the possibility to gain insights into the geopolitical role of Ukraine in Europe, and the current political system in the country.

The introducing movie, “12 minutes with Ukraine“ gave us first impressions about the Culture, Traditions, History and the country Ukraine itself. The movie showed the transition of Ukraine starting 5000 BC including the Scythia and Cossacks area with its fascinating culture and artwork which still engraves the modern state.

Afterwards our guest gave a highly informative speech about the Ukraine including not just the historical background of the country in detail but also the connection with bordering countries especially with Russia. He pointed out that the Ukraine was and still is a key transit country as the bridge between western and eastern civilizations.

Especially the close partnership with the Russian Federation has been strong and is getting more and more transparent. Still there are topics to be worked on for instance the creation of a free trade area, the Black Sea fleet issue and the transparency in energy issues.

Being a member of the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe Ukraine tries to be less depended on Russia and looks to the West for future economic growth with the ultimate goal to become a member of the European Union. Ukraine is committed to the UN peacekeeping since its creation and was the leader of the declaration of commitment on HIV/ Aids by the UN.

After his highly informative speech, the second part of the visit was reserved for students’ questions, in which topics such as, how the political situation will affect the reliability of Ukraine for future upcoming events such as the EURO 2012 in cooperation with Poland or its position as chairman of the OSCE (2013) as well as the economical environment were discussed.

The guest lecture was followed by an informal, pleasant meet and great event, which gave the opportunity to personally get in contact with our guest.

H.E. Mr Volodymyr Yelchenko graduated from Kyiv State University in 1981 (M.A. in Internal relations and International law.) Onwards he served in several offices and countries as the First Secretary, Chief of Section and Director in the Department of International Organizations. He is also Chairman of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO and a member of UNESCO Executive Board. H.E. was appointed Deputy Foreign Minister, and back in March 2001 he also served the post of President of the UN Security Council.

Summing up after the event (H.E. Yelchenko was accompanied by the Mission member Mr. Yuriy Tokarski), content-intensive talks with fellow students and professors, with Ms. Eva Werner , the IMC Vice-Rector, and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, Export Chair and principal host of the event, our distinguished guest stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s interest. H.E. also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him, and encouraged the widening of the IMC EXP cooperation with the Ukrainian counterparts in Kiev.

Ambassador finally expressed his willingness to repeat the event soon by inviting a world-known performer and musician Ruslana (currently the UN Goodwill Ambassador) to address our students.

The guest lecture of Mr. Yelchenko was the 55th event organized under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies.

Photos: Julia G. & Hermann M.
Text: Stephan W. & Prof. Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic

Guest speech: Director of the Washington-based New America Foundation Think-tank, Mr. Steve Clemons

As a continuation of the Guest Lecture series of the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies, Prof. Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic in cooperation with the Amerika Haus of the US Embassy in Vienna invited Mr. Steven C. Clemons, Director of the Washington-based New America Foundation Think-tank to hold a guest lecture on the US currents.

Mr. Clemons was giving the IMC students and lecturers the possibility to gain insights into the upcoming US elections, from a neutral but very critical perspective.

After his highly exciting presentation, the audience was welcomed to address questions regarding current US politics. The guest lecture was followed by a informal, pleasant meet and great event, which gave the opportunity to personally get in contact with our guest.

The introducing question posed was, „Do we Europeans have a right for optimism, in regards to future American politics?“

Our guest not only pointed out the complicated status quo in which the United States are currently but also explained his personal view on both party’s candidates. He did not hold back with criticism and was elated to elaborate the current position of the United States, internally as well as on a global scale. The remarks concerning the internal aspect of the current situation gave a detailed overview on the strengths and weaknesses of both parties’ leaders and an estimation of the possible outcome of the elections.

Answer on the question "the US FED used to say: ‘dollar is our currency and your problem’, will it be so with the ongoing financial crisis?" gave also thoughtful insights into the revisiting of the liberalism in the US.

The next part of his speech dealt with the global aspect and the situation in which the United States find themselves at the moment, explaining the economic crisis as well as the current declining credibility of the US, and further on elucidated the result of this constellation - the long time superpower status of the US is at stake.

The later part of the visit was reserved for students’ questions, in which topics such as the Ballistic Missile Defense system that is to be set up in Europe and its effects on multilateral relations, the counter measures to the loss of credibility and the peculiar behavior of Party leader supporters were discussed.
The following informal part of the visit was highly appreciated and gave some more time for discussion and questions as well as general advice from our much-valued guest.

During his stay in Austria, Mr. Clemons was in a center of media attention, giving interviews to ORF, Der Standard, Salzburger Nachirichten, Die Presse and Kurrier.

Mr. Clemons co-founded with Chalmers Johnson the Japan Policy Research Institute, of which he is still Director. He is a Member of the Board of the Clarke Center at Dickinson College, a liberal arts college in Carlisle, Pa., as well as an Advisory Board Member of the C.V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience at Washington College in Chestertown, Md. He is also a Board Member of the Global Policy Innovations Program at the Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs and a member of the board of the Citizens for Global Solutions Education Fund. Mr. Clemons writes frequently on matters of foreign policy, defense, and international economic policy. His work has appeared in many of the major leading op-ed pages, journal, and magazines around the world. His eloquence and the ability to explain complicated relations made this guest lecture an outstanding event and a particular pleasure, which we are looking forward to having again soon.

Summing up after the half-day visit to Krems (Director Clemons was accompanied by the Amerika Haus official Ms. Alice Burton), content-intensive and vivid talks with fellow students and professors, with Mr. Ernst Fietz , the EXPORT Program Director, and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, Export Chair and principal host of the event, our distinguished guest stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s interest in the US affairs. Director Clemons also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him.
Steve Clemons finally expressed his willingness to co-organize with us the trans-Atlantic video-conference right after the US presidential elections, and surely to return to our university soon again.

The guest lecture of Mr. Clemons was the 54th event organized under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies. (and the 7th organized in cooperation with the US Embassy Vienna).

Photos: Niko S.
Text: Markus T. & Prof. Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic