Latest news with #AlainBerset
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Astana International Forum 2025 Opens with Resounding Call for Global Cooperation
Astana, Kazakhstan--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2025) - The Astana International Forum (AIF) 2025 opened today with a high-level ceremony that set the stage for two days of strategic dialogue and cross-border collaboration. Held under the auspices of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, this year's Forum gathers global leaders to address some of the world's most urgent challenges under the theme "Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: In his opening remarks, President Tokayev emphasized the urgency of restoring multilateralism in an increasingly fragmented world: "The post-war global order is fragmenting. Protectionism is rising. Multilateralism is faltering. In this emerging disorder, the task before us is clear: to preserve cooperation where it still exists, and to restore it where it has broken down... That's what we in Kazakhstan strongly pursue: 'The unity in diversity'." The Forum welcomed several high-profile speakers, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu, and Ban Ki-moon, Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute and former UN Secretary-General. The session was moderated by Julia Chatterley. Reflecting on the progress that Kazakhstan has made, President Kagame noted that "Kazakhstan's prosperity is the reflection of its leadership, resilience and its people." President Siljanovska-Davkova addressed how to resolve current global crises, stressing that, "We need to use the collective wisdom and experience to think fast, or faster, in order to cope with the pressing challenges of our time." Alain Berset emphasized democratic values as central to global security, stating: "We gather here... to discuss security, energy, climate, and the economy. But let us be honest, these cannot be secured if democracy fails." Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon praised Kazakhstan's role as a convener: "This year's theme reflects the kind of leadership we need today. One that is collaborative, forward-looking, and rooted in shared responsibility." Qu Dongyu highlighted the role of Central Asia and Kazakhstan in ensuring global food security. "Central Asia stands at the crossroad geopolitically, economically, and climatically," he said, adding: "Kazakhstan's territory is 2,800 square kilometres. With proper management, investments and new technologies - Kazakhstan can easily feed 1 billion people worldwide." The agenda featured action-oriented sessions on climate change, energy security, and conflict resolution. In a one-on-one with journalist Tony Barber, former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz welcomed growing attention to Central Asia: "Europe is now seeing the need for deeper cooperation with this part of the world." UN-backed discussions were a highlight of the Forum, with the organization serving as a strategic partner. Sessions marked the UN's 80th anniversary and addressed priorities like the Pact for the Future, migration, and water security. A standout was a conversation between CNN's Max Foster and Amy E. Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on migration's role in sustainable development. As day one concluded, AIF reaffirmed its mission to elevate the role of middle powers, reinforce the value of multilateralism, and accelerate practical global solutions. Day two will continue to foster partnerships and dialogue that aim to shape a more stable, inclusive, and interconnected world. Media DetailsCompany: Astana International Forum Email: info@ Website: To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Astana International Forum 2025 Opens with Resounding Call for Global Cooperation
Astana, Kazakhstan--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2025) - The Astana International Forum (AIF) 2025 opened today with a high-level ceremony that set the stage for two days of strategic dialogue and cross-border collaboration. Held under the auspices of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, this year's Forum gathers global leaders to address some of the world's most urgent challenges under the theme "Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: In his opening remarks, President Tokayev emphasized the urgency of restoring multilateralism in an increasingly fragmented world: "The post-war global order is fragmenting. Protectionism is rising. Multilateralism is faltering. In this emerging disorder, the task before us is clear: to preserve cooperation where it still exists, and to restore it where it has broken down... That's what we in Kazakhstan strongly pursue: 'The unity in diversity'." The Forum welcomed several high-profile speakers, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu, and Ban Ki-moon, Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute and former UN Secretary-General. The session was moderated by Julia Chatterley. Reflecting on the progress that Kazakhstan has made, President Kagame noted that "Kazakhstan's prosperity is the reflection of its leadership, resilience and its people." President Siljanovska-Davkova addressed how to resolve current global crises, stressing that, "We need to use the collective wisdom and experience to think fast, or faster, in order to cope with the pressing challenges of our time." Alain Berset emphasized democratic values as central to global security, stating: "We gather here... to discuss security, energy, climate, and the economy. But let us be honest, these cannot be secured if democracy fails." Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon praised Kazakhstan's role as a convener: "This year's theme reflects the kind of leadership we need today. One that is collaborative, forward-looking, and rooted in shared responsibility." Qu Dongyu highlighted the role of Central Asia and Kazakhstan in ensuring global food security. "Central Asia stands at the crossroad geopolitically, economically, and climatically," he said, adding: "Kazakhstan's territory is 2,800 square kilometres. With proper management, investments and new technologies - Kazakhstan can easily feed 1 billion people worldwide." The agenda featured action-oriented sessions on climate change, energy security, and conflict resolution. In a one-on-one with journalist Tony Barber, former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz welcomed growing attention to Central Asia: "Europe is now seeing the need for deeper cooperation with this part of the world." UN-backed discussions were a highlight of the Forum, with the organization serving as a strategic partner. Sessions marked the UN's 80th anniversary and addressed priorities like the Pact for the Future, migration, and water security. A standout was a conversation between CNN's Max Foster and Amy E. Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on migration's role in sustainable development. As day one concluded, AIF reaffirmed its mission to elevate the role of middle powers, reinforce the value of multilateralism, and accelerate practical global solutions. Day two will continue to foster partnerships and dialogue that aim to shape a more stable, inclusive, and interconnected world. Media DetailsCompany: Astana International Forum Email: info@ Website: To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Council Of Europe Leader Rebukes EU States' Open Letter On Migration
The leader of Europe's oldest intergovernmental institution has issued a statement, in response to an open letter signed by nine EU member states which called into question the role of Europe's top human rights court regarding migration matters. In doing so, he is the latest to wade into an ongoing debate over the alleged tension between human rights and security in Europe when it comes to migration. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, an intergovernmental European organization distinct from the European Union and the home of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), published his response to the letter signed by Italy, Denmark, Poland and Lithuania, among others. That letter decried the role of the ECtHR in adjudicating matters related to deportation and surveillance of migrants, among other matters. The signatories essentially argue that the role of court itself, as well as that of the European Convention on Human Rights, needs to be re-considered in light of states' desire to intensify such migration control measures. 'In our opinion, safety and security for the victims and the vast majority of law-abiding citizens is a crucial and decisive right,' reads the letter signed by nine member states overall. "As a general rule, it should take precedence over other considerations." The letter, which draws a direct line between migration and security in Europe, was decried by humanitarian NGOs and other civil society groups. Amnesty International's Eve Geddie described the letter as 'another attempt to strip people of their dignity, further expand the EU deportation regime, and use deportations as a way to bypass human rights and rule of law requirements, as well as procedural safeguards in the criminal justice system.' Now, Alain Berset of the Council of Europe has weighed in on the letter, admonishing the signatories that 'upholding the independence and impartiality of the Court is our bedrock.' 'Debate is healthy, but politicizing the Court is not,' wrote Berset in the statement published on the Council's website. 'In a society governed by the rule of law, no judiciary should face political pressure. Institutions that protect fundamental rights cannot bend to political cycles. If they do, we risk eroding the very stability they were built to ensure.' The original letter, as well as the responses from NGOs and Berset, come amid a charged political atmosphere over migration in Europe. Various lawmakers, many of whom were elected on platforms of reducing migration to Europe, are pushing to be allowed to more easily deport, surveil or otherwise control people who are considered dangerous or undesirable in Europe. The European Union's executive arm, known as the Commission, has largely acquiesced to these lawmakers' demands, recently opening up the possibility of deportation centers outside of Europe, and announcing it will strip protections for people under deportation orders. The ECtHR and other regional and national courts in Europe are seen as a major barrier to states looking to further intensify their migration controls. In recent years, the courts have been seen to step in and prevent governments deporting people, or stopping them entering the EU in the first place, typically on human rights or legal grounds. As a consequence, the courts have come under significant criticism from anti-immigration groups in Europe, and in some cases individual judges have been publically called out and subsequently faced harassment and threats.
Epoch Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Council of Europe Chief Rejects Calls to Make ECHR More Flexible on Immigration
The Council of Europe's secretary general, Alain Berset, has rejected calls from EU leaders to make the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) more flexible on immigration. Nine EU countries signed an On May 24, Berset said in a The Council of Europe (CoE) was established in 1949 to promote democracy, protect human rights, and uphold the rule of law in Europe. It also monitors member states' progress in adhering to its human rights standards. Its best-known convention is the ECHR. The European Court of Human Rights oversees how it is implemented. The letter, organized by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen, and co-signed by leaders such as Poland's Donald Tusk, said that the court 'posed too many limitations on the states' ability to decide whom to expel from their territories' in terms of the deportation of criminal foreign nationals. Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania also signed the letter requesting 'a new and open minded conversation about the interpretation' of the ECHR. The letter said the scope has extended 'too far as compared with the original intentions behind the Convention, thus shifting the balance between the interests which should be protected.' Related Stories 5/2/2025 11/8/2024 Berset dismissed the letter and said that 'debate is healthy, but politicizing the Court is not.' He said: 'Institutions that protect fundamental rights cannot bend to political cycles. If they do, we risk eroding the very stability they were built to ensure. The Court must not be weaponized—neither against governments, nor by them.' Europe is hardening its Illegal immigrants are entering the EU primarily via Mediterranean sea crossings from North Africa and by overland routes through Poland and the Balkans, according to data from Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. Illegal crossings are usually arranged by organized criminal networks and smugglers. Under pressure from parties with strong anti-illegal immigration platforms, establishment political parties have steadily abandoned their previous immigration stances and supported the reintroduction of Under the EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum, member states are looking to strike agreements with non-EU states to handle asylum claims extraterritorially, potentially setting up processing centers in North Africa or beyond. On While no third countries have been chosen yet, in 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen In April, Italy became the first EU state to successfully send illegal immigrants beyond the bloc's borders, after its first three attempts were blocked by national and European courts. Meloni's By adding Albania to its own safe third-country list and rebranding detention centers as 'repatriation hubs,' Italy bypassed a European Court of Justice ban. On April 14, Italy sent 40 illegal immigrants to the Italian-run centers in Albania.
Arab News
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Council of Europe defends court against criticism over expulsions
ROME: The Council of Europe has defended the independence of the European Court of Human Rights, after nine member states said its interpretation of rights obligations prevented them from expelling migrants who commit crimes. In a joint letter made public, leaders of Denmark, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland called for a 'new and open-minded conversation' about how the court interprets the European Convention on Human Rights. 'Their concern centers on rulings in the field of migration,' Council of Europe Secretary-General Alain Berset said in a statement. 'These are complex challenges, and democracies must always remain open to reflection through the appropriate institutional avenues.' However, Berset stressed that the European Court of Human Rights 'is not an external body' but the legal arm of the Council of Europe, and is 'bound by a Convention that all 46 members have freely signed and ratified.' 'It exists to protect the rights and values they committed to defend,' he said. 'Upholding the independence and impartiality of the Court is our bedrock.' He warned against politicizing the court. The nine European leaders said the court's interpretation of the convention in cases concerning the expulsion of 'criminal foreign nationals' has protected the 'wrong people' and placed too many limits on deciding who can be expelled. The Council of Europe is not an EU institution and was set up in the wake of the Second World War to promote peace and democracy.
