Diplomacy & Defense Think Tank News

This study takes a critical look at Franco-German relations in the field of international cooperation along the entire humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) spectrum to better gauge the usefulness of bilateral collaborative action in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Both the corresponding potential – for example in the current Syrian transition – as well as existing coordination formats are of interest to the inquiry. The latter are examined in more detail against the background of German and French activities in Libya and Iraq. In this context, the analysis also considers the HDP nexus as an instrument of cooperation, which offers ideal conditions for application in fragile, conflict-prone (Libya) or war-torn countries (Iraq) due to their complex needs. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations for initiating or strengthening Franco-German cooperation in fragile states of the MENA region in the fields of humanitarian aid, development policy, and peacebuilding measures.
The study is divided into three thematic sections, the first of which examines bilateral relations between Paris and Berlin, with a focus on the phase following the signing of the Aachen Agreement in 2019. The analysis of national and international framework conditions for and against international cooperation is also part of this section, taking into account the effects of the Trump 2.0 administration. In the second part, the foreign and development policy approaches of both countries are analysed with a focus on their Middle East policies. Here, convergences and divergent approaches are of special interest, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the ability and willingness to cooperate. The third section is devoted to a synthesis of the operationalisation of activities within the HDP spectrum, with Libya and Iraq as country examples, as well as additional considerations relating to Syria.
On the one hand, this approach enables one to identify structural factors that either hinder or promote bilateral Franco-German cooperation in the international context. On the other hand, sufficient space is also given to current developments in order to be able to categorise trends and contextual factors which have a reinforcing or weakening effect on cooperation drivers. The Discussion Paper concludes with a recapitulation of the findings, and derives actionable recommendations for strengthening cooperation between Paris and Berlin in the crisis-ridden MENA region on the basis of HDP coordination.

This study takes a critical look at Franco-German relations in the field of international cooperation along the entire humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) spectrum to better gauge the usefulness of bilateral collaborative action in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Both the corresponding potential – for example in the current Syrian transition – as well as existing coordination formats are of interest to the inquiry. The latter are examined in more detail against the background of German and French activities in Libya and Iraq. In this context, the analysis also considers the HDP nexus as an instrument of cooperation, which offers ideal conditions for application in fragile, conflict-prone (Libya) or war-torn countries (Iraq) due to their complex needs. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations for initiating or strengthening Franco-German cooperation in fragile states of the MENA region in the fields of humanitarian aid, development policy, and peacebuilding measures.
The study is divided into three thematic sections, the first of which examines bilateral relations between Paris and Berlin, with a focus on the phase following the signing of the Aachen Agreement in 2019. The analysis of national and international framework conditions for and against international cooperation is also part of this section, taking into account the effects of the Trump 2.0 administration. In the second part, the foreign and development policy approaches of both countries are analysed with a focus on their Middle East policies. Here, convergences and divergent approaches are of special interest, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the ability and willingness to cooperate. The third section is devoted to a synthesis of the operationalisation of activities within the HDP spectrum, with Libya and Iraq as country examples, as well as additional considerations relating to Syria.
On the one hand, this approach enables one to identify structural factors that either hinder or promote bilateral Franco-German cooperation in the international context. On the other hand, sufficient space is also given to current developments in order to be able to categorise trends and contextual factors which have a reinforcing or weakening effect on cooperation drivers. The Discussion Paper concludes with a recapitulation of the findings, and derives actionable recommendations for strengthening cooperation between Paris and Berlin in the crisis-ridden MENA region on the basis of HDP coordination.

This study takes a critical look at Franco-German relations in the field of international cooperation along the entire humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) spectrum to better gauge the usefulness of bilateral collaborative action in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Both the corresponding potential – for example in the current Syrian transition – as well as existing coordination formats are of interest to the inquiry. The latter are examined in more detail against the background of German and French activities in Libya and Iraq. In this context, the analysis also considers the HDP nexus as an instrument of cooperation, which offers ideal conditions for application in fragile, conflict-prone (Libya) or war-torn countries (Iraq) due to their complex needs. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations for initiating or strengthening Franco-German cooperation in fragile states of the MENA region in the fields of humanitarian aid, development policy, and peacebuilding measures.
The study is divided into three thematic sections, the first of which examines bilateral relations between Paris and Berlin, with a focus on the phase following the signing of the Aachen Agreement in 2019. The analysis of national and international framework conditions for and against international cooperation is also part of this section, taking into account the effects of the Trump 2.0 administration. In the second part, the foreign and development policy approaches of both countries are analysed with a focus on their Middle East policies. Here, convergences and divergent approaches are of special interest, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the ability and willingness to cooperate. The third section is devoted to a synthesis of the operationalisation of activities within the HDP spectrum, with Libya and Iraq as country examples, as well as additional considerations relating to Syria.
On the one hand, this approach enables one to identify structural factors that either hinder or promote bilateral Franco-German cooperation in the international context. On the other hand, sufficient space is also given to current developments in order to be able to categorise trends and contextual factors which have a reinforcing or weakening effect on cooperation drivers. The Discussion Paper concludes with a recapitulation of the findings, and derives actionable recommendations for strengthening cooperation between Paris and Berlin in the crisis-ridden MENA region on the basis of HDP coordination.

Promoting female employment remains a pressing challenge in many low- and middle-income countries. Despite ongoing efforts, too few women participate in the labour force – particularly in regions such as the Middle East and South Asia – and too many remain locked out of more decent wage employment – especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Promoting women’s employment is not just about fairness; it is essential for inclusive and sustainable development. Women’s economic participation matters for four reasons: it fosters growth and reduces poverty by increasing household income, it enhances women’s autonomy in the household, it promotes equity and cohesion in societies, and it strengthens the resilience of households to shocks by diversifying income sources. Recent research has deepened under­standing of both the barriers and enablers of gender equality in labour markets, offering useful guidance for development cooperation.

Building on empirical research by IDOS, this policy brief highlights that development cooperation can take three key approaches to promote female employment:

• Address foundational barriers: Development cooperation can work with local partners to remove the root barriers holding women back. This includes addressing restrictive gender norms in ways that respect cultural contexts, e.g. by investing in community-based care solutions (as successfully practised in several African cases) or better access to services and mobility. Projects should not only target women individually but also address constraints within households and communities and engage broader society. They must also challenge gendered labour market structures that limit women’s paths into wage work.
• Strengthen gender equality on the opera­tional level: The green and digital transitions offer new employ­ment opportunities – but women risk being left behind. Development cooperation can help to ensure that women benefit from these shifts. In cooperation with national governments, it can embed gender targets into economic reforms, incentivise companies to adopt inclusive hiring practices and to implement flexible work time arrangements (such as in Jordan), and fund training for women to reskill and motivate them for these fields.
• Create an enabling policy mix: Employment-focused reforms succeed when they connect with broader policy frameworks. Aligning employment initiatives with social policies – such as childcare support or public works – can boost women’s ability to work. At the same time, gender-sensitive approaches in areas like transport, finance and infrastructure can help overcome structural disadvantages that affect women at different stages of life.

In recent years, development cooperation has shifted from measures to support gender mainstreaming towards gender-transformative approaches that aim to reduce structural barriers. Recent funding cuts and public opinion that is becoming more critical of diversity and equity measures, mean that development cooperation must build on its experience to enable women to grasp economic opportunities and live a dignified life.

 

Promoting female employment remains a pressing challenge in many low- and middle-income countries. Despite ongoing efforts, too few women participate in the labour force – particularly in regions such as the Middle East and South Asia – and too many remain locked out of more decent wage employment – especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Promoting women’s employment is not just about fairness; it is essential for inclusive and sustainable development. Women’s economic participation matters for four reasons: it fosters growth and reduces poverty by increasing household income, it enhances women’s autonomy in the household, it promotes equity and cohesion in societies, and it strengthens the resilience of households to shocks by diversifying income sources. Recent research has deepened under­standing of both the barriers and enablers of gender equality in labour markets, offering useful guidance for development cooperation.

Building on empirical research by IDOS, this policy brief highlights that development cooperation can take three key approaches to promote female employment:

• Address foundational barriers: Development cooperation can work with local partners to remove the root barriers holding women back. This includes addressing restrictive gender norms in ways that respect cultural contexts, e.g. by investing in community-based care solutions (as successfully practised in several African cases) or better access to services and mobility. Projects should not only target women individually but also address constraints within households and communities and engage broader society. They must also challenge gendered labour market structures that limit women’s paths into wage work.
• Strengthen gender equality on the opera­tional level: The green and digital transitions offer new employ­ment opportunities – but women risk being left behind. Development cooperation can help to ensure that women benefit from these shifts. In cooperation with national governments, it can embed gender targets into economic reforms, incentivise companies to adopt inclusive hiring practices and to implement flexible work time arrangements (such as in Jordan), and fund training for women to reskill and motivate them for these fields.
• Create an enabling policy mix: Employment-focused reforms succeed when they connect with broader policy frameworks. Aligning employment initiatives with social policies – such as childcare support or public works – can boost women’s ability to work. At the same time, gender-sensitive approaches in areas like transport, finance and infrastructure can help overcome structural disadvantages that affect women at different stages of life.

In recent years, development cooperation has shifted from measures to support gender mainstreaming towards gender-transformative approaches that aim to reduce structural barriers. Recent funding cuts and public opinion that is becoming more critical of diversity and equity measures, mean that development cooperation must build on its experience to enable women to grasp economic opportunities and live a dignified life.

 

Promoting female employment remains a pressing challenge in many low- and middle-income countries. Despite ongoing efforts, too few women participate in the labour force – particularly in regions such as the Middle East and South Asia – and too many remain locked out of more decent wage employment – especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Promoting women’s employment is not just about fairness; it is essential for inclusive and sustainable development. Women’s economic participation matters for four reasons: it fosters growth and reduces poverty by increasing household income, it enhances women’s autonomy in the household, it promotes equity and cohesion in societies, and it strengthens the resilience of households to shocks by diversifying income sources. Recent research has deepened under­standing of both the barriers and enablers of gender equality in labour markets, offering useful guidance for development cooperation.

Building on empirical research by IDOS, this policy brief highlights that development cooperation can take three key approaches to promote female employment:

• Address foundational barriers: Development cooperation can work with local partners to remove the root barriers holding women back. This includes addressing restrictive gender norms in ways that respect cultural contexts, e.g. by investing in community-based care solutions (as successfully practised in several African cases) or better access to services and mobility. Projects should not only target women individually but also address constraints within households and communities and engage broader society. They must also challenge gendered labour market structures that limit women’s paths into wage work.
• Strengthen gender equality on the opera­tional level: The green and digital transitions offer new employ­ment opportunities – but women risk being left behind. Development cooperation can help to ensure that women benefit from these shifts. In cooperation with national governments, it can embed gender targets into economic reforms, incentivise companies to adopt inclusive hiring practices and to implement flexible work time arrangements (such as in Jordan), and fund training for women to reskill and motivate them for these fields.
• Create an enabling policy mix: Employment-focused reforms succeed when they connect with broader policy frameworks. Aligning employment initiatives with social policies – such as childcare support or public works – can boost women’s ability to work. At the same time, gender-sensitive approaches in areas like transport, finance and infrastructure can help overcome structural disadvantages that affect women at different stages of life.

In recent years, development cooperation has shifted from measures to support gender mainstreaming towards gender-transformative approaches that aim to reduce structural barriers. Recent funding cuts and public opinion that is becoming more critical of diversity and equity measures, mean that development cooperation must build on its experience to enable women to grasp economic opportunities and live a dignified life.

 

For the second time in three years, vast swathes of the country drowned, yet there's little government action.

Yes – but it takes much more than just a prison sentence.

Deadly protests by youths in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal show how lack of attention to inclusive development can fuel public anger.

With China-Taiwan rivalry, China-Western competition, and big carbon emitters at odds with the islands on climate policy, there is plenty of tension to go around.

On September 26, after more than 60 years in operational service, the few MiG-21s still flying in IAF squadrons will be put out to pasture.

Die Gastronomie ist ständig in Bewegung. Gäste wollen heute nicht mehr nur satt werden, sondern auch Atmosphäre, Lifestyle und unvergessliche Erlebnisse genießen. Für Betreiber von Restaurants, Bars und Hotels bedeutet das: Innovation ist Pflicht. Von digitalen Tools über nachhaltige Konzepte bis hin zu luxuriösen Genuss-Extras – 2025 bringt bereits viele spannende Trends mit sich.

1. OOKA: Shisha-Erlebnis ohne Kohle

Einer der spannendsten Trends kommt aus der Welt des Shisha-Genusses: OOKA für Business. Das elektronische Shisha-System funktioniert komplett ohne Kohle – und damit ohne Sicherheitsrisiken für Gastronomen. Stattdessen sorgt ein smartes Heizsystem für ein aromatisches Inhalationserlebnis –  stilvoll, luxuriös und mit deutlich weniger Aufwand.

Besonders interessant: Eine im Fachjournal Scientific Reports veröffentlichte Studie [ zeigt, dass die Nutzung von OOKA im Vergleich zur herkömmlichen Shisha mit einer signifikanten Reduktion der Exposition gegenüber Kohlenmonoxid, Aldehyden und Nikotin verbunden ist. Für Gäste bedeutet das eine moderne, komfortable Art des Genusses. Für Betreiber ist es ein Umsatz-Booster, der sich ohne großen Platzbedarf in Lounges, Bars und Hotelbereiche integrieren lässt.

OOKA schafft damit eine perfekte Symbiose aus Lifestyle, Sicherheit und Mehrwert – und ermöglicht es, sich von der Masse abzuheben.

2. Erlebnisgastronomie wird zum Standard

Einfach nur essen gehen? Das reicht den meisten Gästen längst nicht mehr. Immer mehr Restaurants setzen auf Entertainment-Konzepte: offene Küchen, Live-Cooking, Themenabende oder kulinarische Reisen durch verschiedene Länder.

Gerichte werden zum Teil der Show, und Gäste fühlen sich mitten im Geschehen. Dieser Trend lohnt sich doppelt, denn er sorgt für Begeisterung, Social-Media-Reichweite und Stammkundschaft.

3. Nachhaltigkeit auf der Speisekarte

Regional, saisonal und möglichst unverpackt – Gäste achten immer stärker darauf, wie bewusst ein Betrieb wirtschaftet. Zero-Waste-Küchen, Kompostierungskonzepte oder Kooperationen mit lokalen Bauernhöfen sind längst nicht mehr nur PR, sondern echte Entscheidungskriterien.

Nachhaltigkeit ist dabei nicht nur ökologisch, sondern auch ökonomisch spannend: Wer clever kalkuliert, spart Kosten und gewinnt loyale Gäste.

4. Digitale Tools und smarte Abläufe

Von der Online-Reservierung über QR-Code-Speisekarten bis hin zu KI-basierten Bestellsystemen: Digitalisierung ist in der Gastronomie kaum noch wegzudenken.

• Gäste schätzen die schnelle Übersicht und die Möglichkeit, kontaktlos zu bestellen.
• Betreiber profitieren von effizienteren Abläufen und klareren Daten für ihre Planung.

Besonders spannend sind digitale Bestell- und Zahlungssysteme, die Wartezeiten reduzieren und den Service entlasten.

5. Premium-Drinks und alkoholfreie Alternativen

Auch an der Bar tut sich einiges: alkoholfreie Cocktails, Fermentgetränke oder hochwertige Tees und Kaffees in Bar-Qualität werden immer beliebter. Gäste sind bereit, für Qualität zu zahlen – selbst wenn gar kein Alkohol im Glas ist.

Für Gastronomen bedeutet das: mehr Spielraum in der Karte und neue Zielgruppen, die sonst vielleicht nur Wasser bestellt hätten.

6. Multifunktionale Räume

Viele Betriebe setzen inzwischen auf flexible Konzepte: Frühstückscafé am Morgen, Lunch-Spot am Mittag, Cocktailbar am Abend. Durch clevere Raumgestaltung lässt sich die Auslastung erhöhen, ohne zusätzliche Flächen mieten zu müssen.

OOKA passt übrigens perfekt in dieses Konzept – als exklusiver Abendservice oder Highlight für private Events.

7. Gesundheit und Wellbeing

Neben dem Genuss rückt auch das Wohlbefinden stärker in den Fokus. Das bedeutet: leichtere Gerichte, mehr vegetarische und vegane Optionen sowie Angebote, die das „gute Gefühl“ nach dem Essen fördern. Smoothie-Bars, Bowls und fermentierte Produkte sind inzwischen fast Standard geworden.

Das Fazit? Gäste suchen Vielfalt – Betreiber neue Chancen

Die Gastronomie-Welt 2025 ist bisher ziemlich bunt, innovativ und anspruchsvoll. Wer bestehen will, muss Erlebnisse schaffen, die über das klassische Menü hinausgehen. OOKA ist dabei ein Paradebeispiel: luxuriös, unkompliziert und ein echter Umsatztreiber. Doch auch Themen wie Nachhaltigkeit, Digitalisierung oder Premium-Drinks zeigen, dass sich Kreativität auszahlt.

Für Gastronomen und Hoteliers gilt: Trends sind keine Pflicht – aber eine Chance. Wer die passenden Ideen auswählt und ins eigene Konzept integriert, gewinnt mehr als nur Gäste. Er gewinnt echte Stammkunden.

Der Beitrag Gastro-Trends 2025: Genuss, Erlebnis und neue Umsatzideen erschien zuerst auf Neurope.eu - News aus Europa.

Under the agreement, the two countries pledged that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”

The Arctic could be a testing ground as the alliance expands beyond the Korean Peninsula. 

Event Video 
Photos

jQuery(document).ready(function($){$("#isloaderfor-fzrgar").fadeOut(300, function () { $(".pagwrap-fzrgar").fadeIn(300);});});

On September 23rd, IPI and the Government of Estonia, in partnership with the 1 for 8 Billion, the United Nations Association of the UK (UNA-UK), and CIVICUS, cohosted a public policy forum at the United Nations on the process of selecting the next UN secretary-general: the global diplomat and civil servant for the world’s peoples.

The event focused on recommendations to create a more transparent, inclusive, and equitable selection process for the position of UN secretary-general and ideas for how different sectors can work collaboratively to encourage and ensure the realization of this goal. The discussion also explored the increasing role of the General Assembly in the secretary-general’s election process. The event highlighted how this critical appointment can be a transformative and reinvigorating opportunity for the UN and for multilateralism as the world faces intersecting and accelerating global challenges.

Speakers:
H.E. Arnoldo André Tinoco, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica
H.E. Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen, Permanent Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Denmark
H.E. Oana-Silvia Țoiu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania
H.E. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Member of The Elders; former Prime Minister of Norway and Director-General of the WHO
Maria Noel Leoni, Representative of the 1 for 8 Billion Campaign; Co-founder and Campaign Director of GQUAL; and Deputy Executive Director for the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL)
Thant Myint-U, Visiting Fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge; the Chairman of U Thant House; Founder and Chairman of the Yangon Heritage Trust; and author of the book, Peacemaker: U Thant and the Forgotten Quest for a Just World

Closing Remarks:
H.E. Alar Karis, President of Estonia

Moderator:
Jeffrey Feltman, Non-Resident Adviser, International Peace Institute

The post A New Vision for Global Leadership: Selecting the Next UN Secretary-General appeared first on International Peace Institute.

Red tape could discourage 13 million expats from casting their ballots just when their country needs them most.

A recent defense exercise between Bangladesh and the U.S. sparked some exaggerated responses.

Kazakhstan has agreed to purchase 300 freight locomotives to the tune of $4.2 billion; Uzbekistan will buy at least 14 Boeing jets, in a deal said to be valued at $8 billion.

China is using AI to turbocharge its disinformation efforts. The U.S. is not ready.

Comparing the 2024 and 2025 Beijing Xiangshan Forums, the transformation in China's messaging was unmistakable.