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Diplomatic World nummer 54

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INTERLINKING POLITICS, DIPLOMACY, BUSINESS<br />

FINANCE, ART & CULTURAL DIPLOMACY<br />

DIPLOMATIC WORLD IS A QUARTERLY EDITION<br />

OF PUNCH MEDIA GROUP<br />

Address: Beiaardlaan 25<br />

1850 Grimbergen I Belgium<br />

T +32 2 770 03 06<br />

www.diplomatic-world.com<br />

PUBLISHER<br />

Barbara Dietrich<br />

barbara.dietrich@diplomatic-world.com<br />

PRESIDENT<br />

ir. Marc Kintaert<br />

CEO<br />

Barbara Dietrich<br />

CONTRIBUTORS<br />

Bruno Devos I Phillippe Billet I Marc Kintaert<br />

Pierre-Emmanuel Thomann I Els Merckx<br />

Barbara Dietrich I Brita Achberger I Stefanie De Jonge<br />

Sylvie Van Cutsem I Lorenz Kintaert I Lejton Vokshi<br />

Liberta Vokshi I Maarten Vermeir I Nicolas Styfhals<br />

ADVERTISING<br />

redaction@diplomatic-world.com<br />

DESIGN & LAYOUT<br />

Stockmans I Bruno Devos I Wouter Van der Wangen<br />

PRODUCTION<br />

Stockmans I www.stockmans.be<br />

PRINTING<br />

Stockmans at Antilope De Bie Printing<br />

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE<br />

redaction@diplomatic-world.com<br />

T +32 2 770 03 06<br />

ISBN 2995-3655<br />

The texts were written in English or Dutch and translated in the other<br />

language. Some expressions can change by the translation. To safeguard the<br />

language and tone of all authors, the author’s initial choice of spelling has<br />

been maintained as much as possible. The editorial staff has done its utmost<br />

to identify and mention sources and beneficiaries of the text and images used.<br />

The publisher has made every effort to secure permission to reproduce the<br />

listed material, illustrations and photographs. We apologize for any inadvert<br />

errors or omissions. Parties who nevertheless believe they can claim specific<br />

legal rights are invited to contact the publisher.<br />

Opinions in this magazine belong to the writers and are not necessarily<br />

endorsed by <strong>Diplomatic</strong> <strong>World</strong>.<br />

All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced, stored<br />

in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,<br />

mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written<br />

permission of the artist and publisher.<br />

©2017 <strong>Diplomatic</strong> <strong>World</strong> Magazine<br />

EDITORIAL<br />

We need to ‘step outside’ to see the true motions and connections<br />

of events, evolutions, and cultural standards shaping our world<br />

and referential framework.<br />

Do we realize that Apfelstrudel — the Austrian national dish<br />

— came originally from Arabia? Do we truly recognize that<br />

Edelweiss — the Swiss national symbol — originates from<br />

Mongolia? In the end the world has always been a global village:<br />

only the time needed to travel our human space has now truly<br />

changed. Connectedly, everything used to evolve slowly; this<br />

pace has now accelerated and humans are currently moving<br />

at such high speed that they risk losing themselves. Therefore<br />

retrospection is today of key importance. It is today, more than<br />

ever, time to take a deep breath again and to feel the thrill of our<br />

fragile but creative lives flowing through us and giving real sense<br />

to our existence.<br />

Let us take again more time for ourselves, let us take the time<br />

and learn to truly see again. Mankind needs such mental space<br />

and peace because creativity is impossible if restricted by<br />

boundaries. Let us see again that there will always be a way,<br />

when there is a will. We need to learn again to be interested in<br />

one another and in the needs of the others.<br />

We need this now because we cannot let problems agglomerate:<br />

we need to face them and be adequately creative to see the<br />

solutions within each unique setting. We need to implement<br />

such solutions: this is equally valid in business, in politics and in<br />

diplomacy; this is valid for our interpersonal relationships and<br />

for the entire world.<br />

Our world must find its balance again. We have to be there for<br />

each other.<br />

Barbara Dietrich<br />

barbara.dietrich@diplomatic-world.com<br />

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