President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Co-founder of AIWS City, writing on the Russian invasion of Ukraine (pt. 2)

by Editor | Mar 20, 2022 | AIWS City and Rebuilding Ukraine, News

Do not believe for a moment that the 24 February full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia is “Putin’s war” and Putin’s war only. Do not imagine that the Russian people are mere innocent by-standers to the systematic attacks against civilian populations and to the bombings and shellings that are laying the country waste and reducing cities to smoking piles of rubble. The large majority of Russians who admire and support their leader’s actions are complicit to the crimes of war and crimes against humanity committed by his army in Ukraine. By being accomplices, they share the moral responsibility for these heinous crimes.

The full stadium of ecstatic youths with shining eyes who chanted slogans of Russian victory on 18 March in Moscow are carbon copies of the Hitlerjugend who once roared out their heartfelt support for their Fuhrer’s atrocities. Nor were the elders with them, there and all across Russia, any less guilty. In a sad spectacle for the whole world to see, they loudly announced their glee at the shedding of Ukrainian blood and their readiness to dance on Ukrainian graves. They could not forgive the Ukrainian people their desire to be free, independent and in charge of their own destiny.

As for President Putin sanctimoniously (and with mocking irony) quoting from the Bible at that 18 March rally, that was an obscenity pure and simple.

President von der Leyen: “Ukraine and the European Union have never been closer”

by Editor | Mar 20, 2022 | AIWS City and Rebuilding Ukraine, News

On March 18, 2022, European Commission President von der Leyen, BGF World Leader for Peace and Security Award 2020 recipient, spoke at the 8th Cohesion Forum:

“Millions of Ukrainians are seeking shelter in the European Union – torn from their families and country by Putin’s bombs. The scenes of war are devastating.

But the images of European citizens welcoming refugees show another picture – they show hope.

Ukraine and the European Union have never been closer.

Until Ukrainians can safely return home, and rebuild their independent and democratic country in peace, we will welcome and support them. Because they are part of our European family.

That is why, last week, the European Commission put forward CARE. This package of Cohesion Action for Refugees makes cohesion funds available for Member States. This will help them to build reception centres, mobile hospitals and schooling for children. It can provide employment support, for example training and language courses, or childcare facilities. CARE will help Member States to welcome Ukrainian refugees quickly and humanely.

For me, this is a truly inspiring example. Because it shows what a difference cohesion policy can make. Both as a short term response to crisis and a long term investment in democratic resilience. And the good thing is, there are so many examples like these, everywhere in our Union. From our pandemic response, where cohesion funds supplied ventilators, hospital beds and medical equipment. To the green transition. They all demonstrate the impact of cohesion policy in the everyday lives of Europeans.

We all know the great strengths of cohesion.”

Laurel for Peace and Security in Ukraine – Prime Minister Boris Johnson: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a “turning point for the world”

by Editor | Mar 20, 2022 | AIWS City and Rebuilding Ukraine, News

Laurel for Peace and Security in Ukraine Initiative called world leaders, especially BGF World Leader for Peace and Security Award recipients, to consolidate and unite to support Ukraine.

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, BGF World Leader for Peace and Security Award 2018, discussed invasion of Ukraine with European leaders and President Zelenskyy in London.

Mr. Niinistö met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London on March 16, 2022 to discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The pair also spoke with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.

Niinistö was in London for a two-day summit of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). The JEF is a British-led multilateral framework for defense cooperation that includes the five Nordic countries, the three Baltic states and the Netherlands.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, the president said that Finland can be assured of receiving “full support” from the UK, whatever decisions Finland may take regarding its security and defense.

Johnson said that cooperation between the UK and Finland will be strengthened in the near future.

Niinistö said he had a lengthy discussion with Johnson about the conflict in Ukraine. He stressed that the primary focus of NATO and EU countries was de-escalating the situation and halting the unnecessary killing and suffering of civilians.

When asked about Finland’s relations with Russia, Niinistö stated that there is no going back, as the financial consequences and deep mistrust of Russia triggered by the war will continue long into the future.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke at the Conservative Party Spring Forum in Blackpool, England, on March 19, 2022

He said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a “turning point for the world,” arguing that a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces would herald “a new age of intimidation.”

BGF to conduct research on global responsibility attitudes and activities of the business community on the invasion of Ukraine

by Editor | Mar 20, 2022 | AIWS City and Rebuilding Ukraine, News

The Boston Global Forum (BGF), Michael Dukakis Institute (MDI), and Global Alliance for Digital Governance (GADG) stand by the autonomy, peace, and security of Ukraine, and condemn Russia’s senseless and destructive assault on Ukraine’s territory. In early 2022, we created the “Laurel for Peace and Security in Ukraine” Initiative, with the mission of developing binding new international rules and instruments to safeguard the rights, interests, and integrity of countries that are too weak on their own to withstand aggressive hostile actions by more powerful countries.

As part of the initiative, we are conducting research on how businesses have acted in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The primary purpose of this research is to allow the global community and policymakers to learn about business behaviors in response to global events. Secondly, for the benefit of the businesses themselves, this research would provide prospective investors and business partners insights into the companies’ global responsibility attitudes and activities. Finally, we may develop a rating system to add another dimension to evaluations of corporate social responsibility and ESG practices.

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