![]() |
|
| issue 9 | November 2008 | View as a webpage |
|
![]() |
![]() |
Don't miss this year's Commonwealth Carol Service. In the beautiful surroundings of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, the service promises to be a spectacular celebration with celebrity readers and a rich blend of all your favourite carols and music.The perfect way to start your Christmas in style... .Public Affairs Team |
||
October Round-Up |
||
The Commonwealth - The Way ForwardA keynote address by the Commonwealth Secretary-General"The Commonwealth must identify where it can add value to integration and where it can apply balm to collision." On 2 October, it was six months to the day since Kamalesh Sharma took up office as Commonwealth Secretary-General. In this fascinating and wide-ranging keynote address, he outlined his vision for the future of the organisation. He spoke of the Commonwealth's key strengths, the contributions it can make in the future, its responsibilities and ideals. Referring to its 60th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2009, Kamalesh Sharma remarked that, far from retiring, the Commonwealth is "starting again". Click here to download the full speech and here to read an edited version.
|
||
Helping Women, Helps the PlanetPanel DebateThis unique debate, held in partnership with UNIFEM UK, explored different routes for engaging and empowering women through environmental protection projects and climate change mitigation schemes. Speakers, including Tim Yeo MP, Chairman of the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee and London Assembly member, Jenny Jones, discussed the role of women in relation to climate change schemes in London and across the UK. Whilst Sarina Jesudason of Water Aid explored the importance of engaging women in enviornmental regeneration schemes in the developing world. A full recording of this event will soon be available to download from our new website. |
||
Designing Eco-citiesA keynote address by Dato Dr Ken YeangChairing this event, Sunand Prasad, President of RIBA, told us that, in the western world, buildings account for 50% of all our carbon emissions. "Ken Yeang", he said, "has been a pioneer in the field of eco-design and architecture ever since 1971". Today, Yeang is the world's leading green architect and listed as one of The Guardian's '50 people who can save the planet'. He specialises in creating tall buildings which are just as energy efficient as small houses. These bioclimatic skyscrapers mimic the environment they are built in, balancing the organic with the inorganic and achieving bio-integration with their surrounding habitat. A full recording of this fascinating event will soon be available to download from our new website.
|
||
Coming soon |
||||
Tuesday 25th November, 6.15pmPanel DebateIreland & the Commonwealth: an end to 60 years of separation?The Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley, MP, former First Minister of Northern Ireland Des O'Malley, former Irish government Minister Chair: Dame Veronica Sutherland, DBE CMG Former British Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland & former Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General
In 1949, the Irish Free State declared itself a republic and left the Commonwealth. After 60 years, and with the prospect of lasting peace in Northern Ireland, the question of its return to the Commonwealth has been raised by leading political figures, both within and beyond Ireland. Come and hear the views of Ian Paisley and Des O'Malley as they debate whether rejoining the Commonwealth would represent a positive step for the future of Ireland. To book, email Public Affairs or call on 020 7766 9202. This event will be followed by a reception, sponsored by Andras House (The Lord Rana of Malone). |
Wednesday 26 November, 12-2pmKeynote addressLegal Rights & Social Wrongs: justice for those with HIV/AIDS
| |||
Art Exhibition |
||
Friday 28 November, 6.30pmPrivate ViewAn exhibition of paintings by Mary TempestAn enchanted world of sun-filled landscapes, exuberant foliage, brilliant flora and beautiful natives... The figures, birds and animals in Mary Tempest's paintings live in harmony. In harbours of sparkling reflections, boats stir gently at their moorings. Trees sprout and their leaves spread across the sky; flowers and fruit offer scent and flavour. The places she paints wait for us to enter them, inviting, peaceful and close to perfection. Come along to the private view, enjoy the exhibition and meet the artist... RSVP Christine Cunnold or call on 020 7766 9209 |
Come and join us for a wonderful Christmas celebration... |
||
Wednesday 17 December, 6.30pmCommonwealth Carol ServiceOne City, One WorldStart your Christmas celebrations in style...Join us for this spectacular free carol service in the beautiful surroundings of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square. Celebrity readers will include Tim Campbell, winner of The Apprentice & founder of The Bright Ideas Trust; Lord Bill Morris, former President of the TUC; Sky News presenter, Gillian Joseph;The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Minister of State for Higher Education; critically acclaimed young MC & rap artist, Bashy; Eastenders actress, Diane Parish; poet and performer, Patience Agbabi; and Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma. Archbishop Desmond Tutu will give the final blessing via video-link. Trumpeters from the Grenadier Guards, the Haringey Youth Steel Orchestra, the choir of St Mary Abbots, Kensington and Hornsey Girls Gospel Choir...this is an event not to be missed! Our generous sponsor for the Carol Service is Jamaica National. Our media partners include Ben TV and Colourful radio. RSVP Public Affairs or call on 020 7766 9205. Caribbean Christmas PartyThe carol service will be followed by a Caribbean Christmas Party in the Commonwealth Club. Live music, featuring calypso, reggae and other Caribbean beats - will be provided by The Keith Waithe Calypso Quintet To book your ticket for the Caribbean Christmas party, email Public Affairs or call on 020 7766 9235. Tickets cost £2 Christmas Cocktails will be sponsored by Appleton Estates Jamaican Rum & soft drinks by Rubicon. |
All feedback welcomePlease let us know if you have found the information in this Public Affairs Round-Up helpful/ interesting. Is there anything else you would like to see included? What did you like/dislike? Did you have any problems opening the email? All feedback is welcome via email at joanna.bennett@rcsint.org or by calling 020 7766 9230. If you would prefer not to receive this communication again, please reply to this email with the word unsubscribe in the title.
|