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Maria Kerestres with her grandchildren, Mia and Patrick

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Václav Pavlas

Today, baking a large variety of Christmas cookies is a popular and deeply rooted Czech tradition, often taking place over several weekends in December. Families sometimes compete to make the most varieties, with some creating over twenty different kinds.

Our old babička, grandma, would make the best cukroví ever. Now, her daughter Maria Kerestres is following in her footsteps, and with great success. It’s not an easy job; however, she agreed to bake three kinds of Christmas cookies for you and share her secret, time-proven recipes.

Dobrou chuť a veselé Vánoce!
Enjoy your cookies and Merry Christmas!

Reception at Prague Castle

Text: H.E. Mr. Gansukh Khashkhan Damdin, Ambassador of Mongolia to the Czech Republic; Photo: Archive

Presidents Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and Petr Pavel have elevated relations to a Comprehensive Partnership

At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President of Mongolia, paid a State Visit to the Czech Republic in March 2025. During this visit, the two sides elevated their relations to the level of a Comprehensive Partnership, opening a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations and cooperation.

Thus, the Czech Republic has become the third member state of the European Union with which Mongolia has established a partnership relationship. Mongolia considers the Czech Republic a “third neighbour” and an important partner in Europe, and our long history of steady efforts to broaden and strengthen cooperation in all fields clearly demonstrates this commitment.

A brief glimpse on the bilateral relations and cooperation

Diplomatic relations between the then People’s Republic of Mongolia and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic were established on April 25th, 1950.

Since the second half of the 20th century, the Czech Republic has made a significant contribution to the development, prosperity, and modernisation of contemporary Mongolia through investment, assistance, and technical support. For instance, a joint Mongolian-Czech geological team discovered the Erdenet copper deposit in the mid-1960s. With the support and expertise of Czech and Slovak friends, major industrial and social projects such as the Darkhan Cement Plant, the Footwear Factory, the Leather Processing Plant, the Thermal Power Plant, and the First Central Hospital of Mongolia were successfully constructed. Thousands of Mongolians also studied, trained, and worked in the Czech and Slovak Republics, acquiring valuable professional skills and experience.

During his visit, the President of Mongolia met with Mr. Mojmír Krauter, a 98-year-old geologist who participated in the discovery of the Erdenet copper deposit. Mr. Krauter is a highly respected figure in Mongolia, and has been decorated twice with the country’s state honours. He often refers to Mongolia as his “second homeland”.

The foundation of Mongolia-Czechia cooperation lies in the complementarity of Mongolia’s natural resources and raw materials with Czech investment and technology. Maximizing these mutual advantages has been key to the success of the partnership. Until the 1990s, the Czech Republic was Mongolia’s second-largest trading partner, reflecting the extensive scope and strength of economic cooperation between the two countries.

President Petr Pavel welcomes President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa

Today, traditionally beneficial cooperation continues

Both sides are committed to continuing this long-standing tradition of cooperation in a mutually beneficial and effective manner. The private sectors of the two countries are actively collaborating in fields such as manufacturing based on Mongolia’s raw materials and Czech technology and know-how, as well as in agriculture, environmental protection, and mineral exploration. In 2024, the trade turnover between Mongolia and the Czech Republic reached 20 million USD.

Today, about 70 percent of all bread produced in Ulaanbaatar is made using advanced Czech technology. In Erdenet, Mongolia’s third largest city, home to a major copper-molybdenum plant first discovered by Czechoslovak geologists, eco-friendly residential complexes and Czech beer are being built and produced with Czech technology. A recent example of growing trade and economic cooperation is the opening of an official branch of the Czech health and cosmetics company Dr. Müller Pharma in Ulaanbaatar in October of this year.

The annual Mongolia-Czechia Business Forum, held in Ulaanbaatar, plays a crucial role in promoting and expanding trade and economic collaboration. During the State Visit of the President of Mongolia, a business forum took place in Prague, bringing together more than 170 companies and entrepreneurs from both countries. Several partnership, trade, and investment contracts were signed during the event, marking an important step forward in elevating the business relations between Mongolia and the Czech Republic to a new level.

In his opening remarks of the Forum, President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa underscored Mongolia’s commitment to expanding its economic cooperation with the Czech Republic, implementing mutually beneficial projects and programs, and deepening collaboration in areas such as environmental protection, healthcare, culture, education, sports, tourism, and agriculture. For his part, President Petr Pavel stated, “Although Mongolia is geographically distant from the Czech Republic, our two nations share many commonalities. Over the past 75 years, we have maintained friendly and open relations, which provide a strong foundation and great opportunities to deepen cooperation in mining, energy, defence, healthcare, and agriculture.” His remarks further reinforced the spirit of trust and mutual understanding between the two sides.

President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and Mr. Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Czech Senate

The Comprehensive Partnership is creating new opportunities

By elevating bilateral relations to the level of a Comprehensive Partnership, Mongolia and the Czech Republic have created new opportunities to enhance trade and economic cooperation, strengthen business partnerships, and promote collaboration in a broad range of areas. These include food security, agriculture, crop production through the introduction of advanced machinery and equipment, and the localisation of Czech know-how.

The two countries also aim to cooperate in geological research, mining, energy, and green technologies, as well as in major development and infrastructure projects such as the Kharkhorum and New Zuunmod city initiatives. Further collaboration will extend to water management, defence and defence industries, reforestation, and combating desertification – all of which will contribute to achieving the shared development goals of both nations.

The two Heads of State also exchanged views on addressing global challenges such as climate change, desertification, and food insecurity. President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa highlighted that, as part of the country’s efforts to combat desertification and land degradation and to mitigate the effects of climate change, Mongolia has launched and is implementing the national ‘Billion Trees’ movement. Within this framework, Mongolia is also cooperating with the European Union through the Forest Partnership initiative.

President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and Mr. Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

People-to-people ties form a strong bridge of cooperation

Over the decades, more than 20,000 Mongolians have studied, trained, and worked in the former Czechoslovakia, and this fine tradition has continued in the Czech Republic over the past 30 years. At present, nearly 15,000 Mongolian citizens live, work, and study in Czechia. More than 1,600 Mongolian children are enrolled in schools at various levels, and it is expected that the number of Mongolians pursuing higher education in the Czech Republic will continue to grow, becoming a valuable source of intellectual capital for Mongolia in the years to come.

Undoubtedly, people-to-people exchanges serve as a solid bridge of mutual understanding, trust, and cultural connection between nations. The Czech Republic hosts the largest Mongolian community among all European countries, a fact that clearly reflects the closeness and vitality of relations between our two countries.

Within the framework of the ‘President’s Fellowship–2100’ program, since the 2023 academic year, more than 50 Mongolian students have been studying at leading Czech universities in the fields of engineering, technology, computer science, cybersecurity, agriculture, biomedical sciences, mining, and renewable energy.

President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa with H.E. Mr. Gansukh Khashkhan Damdin, Ambassador of Mongolia to the Czech Republic

Milestones of the anniversary commemoration

To mark the historic 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Czechia, a series of cultural and commemorative events were organised throughout the year. Among the highlights was the international exhibition ‘Chinggis Khaan’, inaugurated on March 11th, 2025, at the National Museum of the Czech Republic under the patronage of the Presidents of both nations, Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa of Mongolia and Mr. Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic.

The exhibition, which remained open until June 22nd, attracted more than 75,000 visitors. In his opening remarks, President Khurelsukh emphasised that the exhibition offered a unique opportunity for people around the world to learn about the wisdom, legacy, and cultural heritage of our Mongolian ancestors – the creators of the ‘Pax Mongolica’, a symbol of peace and harmony that once united vast territories under stability and order.

Adding a musical flourish to the celebrations, the Mongolian Morin Khuur Ensemble performed in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle, the official residence of the Czech President, and later on in the Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum, home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The ensemble presented “Beautiful Mongolia”, a concert program that combined masterpieces of Mongolian traditional music with selections from the renowned Czech composer Antonín Dvořák, including ‘Árie Rusalky’ and ‘Humoresque’. The performance captivated audiences, symbolising the harmonious blending of two rich musical traditions.

The Przewalski’s horse project is a vivid symbol of the enduring partnership between the nations

When reflecting on the cooperation between Mongolia and the Czech Republic, one cannot overlook the Przewalski’s horse reintroduction project – a vivid symbol of the enduring partnership between the two nations.

In 1959, the Prague Zoo took a pioneering role in global wildlife conservation by initiating and hosting the first international symposium dedicated to saving the Przewalski’s horse, which had been on the brink of extinction since the 1950s. Following this, the zoo began maintaining a comprehensive genetic registry and database for the species, establishing the scientific foundation for its preservation and successful revival.

Between 2011 and 2019, the Prague Zoo reintroduced 34 Przewalski’s horses into Mongolia’s Khomiin Tal and the Great Gobi ‘B’ Strictly Protected Area, where their population has since flourished to more than 400. Building on this success, activities are now underway to extend the project to Mongolia’s eastern region, specifically the Nomrog Strictly Protected Area in the Dornod Province.

The Prague Zoo has been working with Mongolia not only to reintroduce the Przewalski’s horse, but also to protect other rare and endangered species such as the saiga antelope and the wild Bactrian camel. These shared conservation efforts have deepened the two nations’ partnership in the vital field of environmental and wildlife preservation.

H.E. Mr. Gansukh Khashkhan Damdin, Ambassador of Mongolia to the Czech Republic with students

With shared common values, both nations look confidently to the future

Bound by common values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, Mongolia and the Czech Republic have elevated their long-standing friendship to the level of a Comprehensive Partnership – a milestone that ensures even closer cooperation and continued growth in the years ahead.

The 75-year journey of Mongolia-Czechia relations stands not merely as a record of political and economic collaboration, but as a reflection of the enduring friendship and mutual respect between their peoples.

As both nations honour their proud accomplishments, and look with confidence toward the future, this partnership promises to remain a source of hope, trust, and inspiration for the new century.

David Andriashvili, Founder of Solvia, an AI voice-agent stratup in Prague

Text: David Andriashvili; Photo: Archive

I’m David Andriashvili, Founder of Solvia, an AI voice-agent startup in Prague. I moved to the Czech Republic three years ago, and graduated from Park Lane International School this year. Business has fascinated me for as long as I can remember, and what drew me to artificial intelligence wasn’t the immediate commercial opportunity but the realization that we are living through the final years before absolutely everything changes.

When I began studying what the world’s leading AI researchers were actually saying, voice agents stopped looking like mere customer support tools, but rather like the first visible manifestation of the emergence of autonomous intelligence, which will fundamentally change how value is created and distributed in the global economy. These systems can execute tasks autonomously and continuously, without human oversight. Working with voice agents exemplifies this, since they reason through complex customer scenarios, and take action independently while sounding surprisingly human on the phone.

This isn’t the primitive AI of five years ago. This is something qualitatively different, and arriving faster than most people realize.

Within the next five years, we will likely witness Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which are systems that match or surpass human intelligence in every metric. But here is the question that concerns every leader: what happens to the institutions we’ve built when the fundamental assumption that human labor creates value suddenly stops being true? AGI is likely the final major invention humanity needs to make, because it can subsequently invent everything else. This is not hyperbole, but a straightforward extrapolation of what general intelligence with superhuman speed and scale can accomplish. It is an intelligence capable of improving itself through rapid feedback loops that could concentrate more power than any technology in human history. The defining challenge of our era is to ensure the transition to AGI in a way that strengthens – rather than fractures – social stability, and this isn’t a distant concern. When AGI can perform any white-collar task, such as accounting, legal logic, strategic forecasting, research, at superhuman speed and scale, our existing institutions and notions of work will be tested. Early forecasts, such as those by the World Economic Forum once warned that tens of millions of roles could be displaced by automation. However, today, what we’re witnessing is not yet mass unemployment, but sweeping structural churn in which the very nature of work, income, and agency is being redefined. We’re already seeing tangible shifts in how AI is governed. For example, more than fifty countries have now signed the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, that binds themselves to align AI with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. On the infrastructure front, Europe’s EuroHPC Joint Undertaking is investing in sovereign compute capacity, which includes processor R&D and data center construction to reduce dependence on external cloud powers. For my part, I believe Solvia’s role is not about prescribing institutional behavior, but about providing a proving ground. We aim to build voice agents with inherently inspectable logic, fallback safety modes, and user control, so that adoption happens through trust, not by decree. The success of those systems will show that AI can empower, rather than obscure. Ultimately, the rise of AGI will measure not only our technical capabilities, but our capacity for foresight, as well as shared purpose. Progress will be judged not by what machines can do, but by what humanity chooses to preserve.

Text: Jiří Raška, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Partner of Quinta-Analytica; Photo: Archive

We are racing against time

Medicines are high-end products, and even the smallest mistake can have serious consequences. That’s why rigorous testing and quality control are essential throughout the entire development cycle. It means checking purity, stability, performance, clinical aspects, and ensuring that every dose works exactly as intended. For innovative drugs and their affordable alternatives – generics and biosimilars – these checks are even more critical.

In today’s fast-moving pharmaceutical world, where new therapies like biologics and advanced cancer treatments are emerging, the challenge is bigger than ever. Because when it comes to health, there’s no room for compromise.

Testing the quality of medicines might sound like a boring routine, but in reality it’s full of challenges that sometimes feel like ‘Mission Impossible’. From detecting impurities at incredibly low levels to ensuring complex cancer drugs work exactly as intended, every step requires precision, speed, and creativity. And yet, we make it happen. Why does this matter? Because behind every pill or injection is a race against time to deliver safe, effective treatments to patients. It’s a story of science, responsibility, and determination – far more exciting than it seems at first glance. Let me mention just a few examples that I can speak of from my own experience, and which influenced the lives of many.

COVID-19 experience

When the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine makers had to act fast. One of them, Novavax, approached the Quinta-Analytica company to make sure their vaccines were produced quickly and safely.

The collaboration started in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. Novavax needed help with complex testing and quality checks for vaccine ingredients. We stepped in, creating and implementing hundreds of testing methods – some from scratch. These tests checked everything from purity and identity to microbiological safety, ensuring every component met strict standards.

Speed was critical. Demand for vaccines was skyrocketing, and Novavax had to scale up production without delays. Turnaround times stayed short, and production kept moving. In fact, by 2022, our lab had tested nearly 6,000 samples of various ingredients – a huge achievement that helped vaccines reach people faster.

The pandemic reminded us how vital vaccines are – and how much teamwork it takes to deliver them. This was one of the biggest projects we are proud to have been part of, helping improve health worldwide.

Cutting-edge cancer treatment made in Czechia

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a new generation of cancer treatments that combine two powerful tools: a targeted antibody and a strong chemotherapy drug. The antibody acts like a GPS, guiding the drug directly to cancer cells, reducing harm to healthy tissue and improving patient outcomes.

Creating ADCs is complex because they mix large biological molecules with small chemical ones. Every detail matters – how they’re linked, how stable they are, and how they behave in the body. Ensuring ADCs are of desired quality must happen before they reach patients, of course. Our experts develop advanced testing methods to check these factors, ensuring ADCs are as safe and effective as the manufacturer expects them to be.

What makes this story exciting is that Sotio, an innovative biotech company based in the Czech Republic, is leading the way in developing cutting-edge ADC therapies. The cooperation between Sotio and Quinta-Analytica shows the strength of Czech science and industry: two homegrown companies working together to deliver smarter cancer treatments to the world.

ADCs represent the future of oncology – targeted, precise, and with fewer side effects. Behind the scenes, companies like the aforementioned are proving that Czech innovation can compete globally and make a real difference in healthcare.

The challenge of detecting carcinogenic compounds

In 2019, the pharmaceutical world faced a wake-up call when the U.S. FDA uncovered serious manufacturing process violations at a certain Chinese facility. These lapses led to the unexpected formation of nitrosamines – chemical compounds identified as potential carcinogens. What began as a single investigation quickly grew into a global issue, triggering recalls of widely used drugs like blood pressure medications and heartburn treatments. This incident revealed how even small oversights in manufacturing can have massive consequences, and it set the stage for stricter controls and advanced testing methods to protect patient safety worldwide.

The fun fact is that nitrosamines aren’t just in pharma – they can also be found in smoked meats, beer, and even cosmetics. In medicines, however, standards are far stricter. Quinta has developed and operates advanced methods to detect nitrosamines and their analogues, ensuring drugs meet the highest safety standards. The challenge here, though, is about the concentration levels that are being tested. We are talking about extremes like 2–3 ppb (part per billion). Imagine you have one billion drops of water. If just one drop contains a certain substance (nitrosamines here), that’s 1 part per billion (ppb). It’s an extremely tiny amount – like finding one grain of sugar in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. And this is the real beauty of the services we provide.

The final design is a masterclass in optical physics

Text: Dahlia Yaari; Photo: Tamara Hegedűs

A rare find in Brazil sparks a historic endeavour

The gem’s story begins in 2013, deep within the prolific mines of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It was there that a topaz crystal of extraordinary size and clarity was unearthed. For a year, the massive rough stone circulated in the raw gemstone market, a remarkable but challenging specimen. The standard path for such a large, clean crystal would have been pragmatic: sawing it into numerous smaller, easily marketable gems for rings and pendants.

The risk and expense of handling it as a single piece were deemed too great by most.

In 2014, the stone was sold in a fair of minerals and gems in Munich, and went into a private collection of gemstones to Switzerland. In 2016 it finally crossed the way of Niveau élevé, a Swiss Watch & Juwellery brand, which saw a different destiny for the crystal. They made the audacious decision to preserve its integrity and attempt what had never been done before: to shape it into the largest polished gem in history.

The dragon guards the rainbow

This decision marked the beginning of a half-decade-long project that would push the boundaries of gemmology.

Idar-Oberstein artisans overcome nature’s challenges

The task of cutting the colossal topaz fell to the artisans of Idar-Oberstein, a small German town with a legendary, centuries-old reputation as the world’s premier gem-cutting centre. The project was led by master cutter Jürgen Christmann, a figurehead of the local craft. Yet, even with this depth of experience, the team faced unprecedented challenges.

The primary obstacle was a fundamental property of the topaz mineral: its basal cleavage plane. Imagine the crystal’s atomic structure as a stack of paper. The bonds between the sheets are far weaker than the bonds within each sheet. This means topaz can be split perfectly and easily along this single plane with a sharp impact, or even with stress from polishing. One mistake could instantly cleave the multi-million-dollar stone in two. The team spent an entire year meticulously studying the rough crystal, mapping its internal stresses and cleavage plane to devise a safe cutting strategy.

The second major problem was mechanical. No machine in existence was built to handle a rough gem weighing more than 20 kilograms. A new, custom-built polishing apparatus had to be designed and constructed, featuring a precision three-axis control system to manoeuvre the stone with absolute stability and accuracy.

To mitigate the immense risk, the team undertook a two-year prototyping phase. Using a specialised Japanese glass with a refractive index identical to topaz’s (1.63), they created five exact replicas of the rough stone. Polishing these glass models allowed them to test the new machinery, refine the complex cutting pattern, and perfect their technique before ever touching the actual gem. It was a painstaking process of trial and error, a dress rehearsal for one of the most demanding lapidary projects ever attempted.

From optical physics to spiritual symbolism

The final design of The Secret Rainbow is a masterclass in optical physics. The crown (top) features a clean step-cut to showcase the gem’s internal purity. The pavilion (back) is where the true innovation lies. It is carved with a series of precise grooves, each angled to achieve a double total reflection from the backside of the stone, directing the incoming light back into the direction from where it came.

This phenomenon occurs when light travelling through a denser optical medium (the topaz) strikes the boundary with a less dense optical medium (air) at a high angle, known as the critical angle. Instead of escaping, the light is reflected back into the gem as if from a flawless mirror. By engineering the pavilion this way, the designers ensured that a maximum amount of light entering the stone is reflected back to the viewer’s eye, creating exceptional brilliance.

This technical brilliance serves a rich symbolic narrative. The grooves are arranged to a symbol of a rising sun, representing new beginnings. Carved into the gem’s side is a dragon, a universal archetype of a treasure’s guardian. The rainbow it guards symbolises higher knowledge or a bridge to the divine. This symbolism connects deeply with one of the proposed origins of the word ‘topaz’. While often linked to the Greek island Topázios, another theory traces it to the Sanskrit word तपस् (tapas), meaning “heat” or “fire”. This root word is central to the concept of Tapasya, the spiritual discipline of generating internal energy to achieve self-realisation. The gem’s visual story – a guardian dragon at the gate of divine light – mirrors this ancient concept of spiritual struggle and enlightenment.

An official 2024 new world record

After two years of polishing the actual topaz, the work was completed in August 2023. In May 2024, the Gubelin Gem Lab provided the final, official validation. Their report confirmed the gem as a 50,200-carat topaz of exceptional quality, officially cementing its status as the largest faceted gemstone ever recorded. It surpasses the former titleholder, the El Dorado Topaz (31,000 carats), by a staggering margin of over 19,000 carats.

The Secret Rainbow represents a convergence of geological chance, human perseverance, scientific understanding, and artistic crafting. It is a testament to the idea that even in the 21st century, there are still new frontiers to explore in one of humanity’s oldest arts.

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

AMIT GRINVALD

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, 2016

I chose UNYP because it offered exactly what I was looking for: an international environment, small classrooms, and the dual degree program that gave me a recognized qualification both in Europe and the US. What I didn’t realise at the time was just how much the school would shape not only my education, but also the course of my career.

As a Business Administration student, I found myself surrounded by international faculty and classmates from all over the world. Every class felt like a global conversation, and the practical approach made it easy to see how theory connected to real-world business challenges. The small class sizes meant that professors really knew us, and, in my case, one of them even offered me my very first job after graduation. That opportunity set me on a path where I eventually headed global business operations for the company.

Outside of the classroom, UNYP gave me the space to build something meaningful. While serving on the Student Council, I founded TEDxUNYP, a student-led initiative that, 10 years later, has grown into one of the largest TEDx events in Central Europe. That experience not only gave me a platform to bring new ideas to Prague but also sparked a career in public speaking and communication that I still carry forward today.

What stands out most to me now are the lifelong connections. Some of my closest friends and professional collaborators come from my time at the university, and they continue to inspire me years after graduation. UNYP wasn’t just a university experience – it became the foundation for so much of what I’ve built since.

My advice to students: If you want to get the most out of your degree, be a good student. Take the extra steps to do more than is expected of you. It may sound obvious, but it’s the only way to truly stand out.

DANAI BAOURAKI

BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION AND MASS MEDIA, 2016, MASTER OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION, 2019, MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA), 2025

I chose UNYP because it offered everything I wanted: an English-language education, small classrooms, and a double degree recognised in both the EU and the US, all while staying in Prague.

What I didn’t expect, though, was how much UNYP would stay with me through every stage of my life.

As a Communication & Mass Media student, I found a global community where every conversation broadened my world. The flexible schedule let me work part-time, and put what I learned into practice right away. Leading the Model United Nations Club and joining the Student Council made UNYP feel like home, a place where ideas, friendships, and ambitions came to life.

After graduating, I joined Unilever, but I soon returned for my master’s in Strategic Communication. The weekend program fit perfectly around my career, and reconnecting with classmates reminded me that UNYP isn’t just a university, it’s a community that evolves with you.

Now, as an MBA student, I realise the university has been the constant in my personal and professional journey, the place that always pushes me to grow, learn, and discover more about myself.

My advice to students: Take full advantage of what the school offers. It’s not just about what you study, it’s about who you become along the way.

ROBIN NGUYEN

BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION AND MASS MEDIA, 2017

When I was choosing where to study, I knew I wanted an education with a truly global scope. Czech universities offer excellent programs with a strong European focus, but as a child of immigrants, I was looking for something broader, an environment that would reflect the diversity and openness of the world I wanted to live in. That’s why I chose the University of New York in Prague.

My time at UNYP was transformative. I was surrounded by an international community of students whose different backgrounds and upbringings constantly challenged my perspective and expanded my understanding. Beyond the classroom, being part of the Student Council gave me the opportunity to contribute to the student community and develop leadership skills that I still use today.

I majored in Communication and Mass Media, which became the foundation of my professional journey. After graduation, I started my career in online marketing as a junior specialist. Over the years, I grew into more strategic roles in media planning and brand management. Today, I run my own business, a multifunctional creative space and event venue that serves both the creative community and corporate clients, helping them express their ideas and visions in unique ways.

My advice to students: Take your time at university to explore your abilities. Don’t just focus on hard skills, use this period as a safe space to discover who you are and what truly excites you. And never underestimate the power of building a strong network – the relationships you form at school can become some of the most valuable connections in your professional life.

President Petr Pavel in front of the A-bomb Dome

Text: H.E. Mr. Kansuke Nagaoka, Ambassador of Japan to the Czech Republic; Photo: Shutterstock

Eighty years ago, in August 1945, when Hiroshima was attacked by the world’s first nuclear bomb, the city was one of the industrial and commercial centers of western Japan. The citizens were proud of their newly built Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, designed by architect Jan Letzel from Náchod in the eastern Czech Republic. Despite being very close to the hypocenter, miraculously, its skeleton survived and later became the A-bomb Dome, planned to be preserved indefinitely as a silent witness to the disaster. 2025 also marks the 100th anniversary of Mr. Letzel’s rather early demise.

In this doubly memorable year, President Pavel visited Hiroshima while staying in Japan to participate in the Czech National Day at the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

The citizens of Hiroshima warmly welcomed the President from Letzel’s homeland, and Mayor Matsui himself guided the guests around. The inside of the A-bomb Dome is usually not open to visitors, but we received a special invitation and thus had the opportunity to intently listen to the mayor’s explanation while wearing helmets in the scorching heat.

Commemorating the victims at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

After that, we continued visiting the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Museum. Many terrifying items are on display here to inform the world of the reality of the nuclear bomb, including the magnitude of its destructive power and the enormous impact of radiation damage. Here, too, the President listened to all the explanations in a serious manner.

After the tour, President Pavel left the following short message and carefully answered questions from the local media.

“In general, human beings are very weak in learning lessons from history. There is no better place than Hiroshima to realize the value of peace and the cost of war, especially nuclear war. We must continually strive to understand that there is only one Earth that we all share.”

I sincerely hope that many more Czech people will visit Hiroshima too, and learn more about the danger and calamity of the nuclear bomb.

Text: Václav Pavlas, Meshulam Zisso; Photo: Václav Pavlas

Important issues to prepare for before starting your trip

A trip to Africa is not a drive to another EU member country. We started to prepare for our trip about a year before the departure. First, we did the usual check-up about visa and passport validity requirements – which was at least six months in this case. Next, we learnt about each country’s vaccination requests, since they may differ from place to place. The best solution was to consult a special clinic a few months before the trip so that they could give us the best advice and a vaccination pass. We also obtained pills for health emergencies, especially against malaria. Good health and travel insurance are standard.

We wanted to go on a safari in Africa, so we spent some time checking which operator offers the best tours. We were especially interested in the size of the group, the level of the hotels, and a full-board option. The most recommended safari colours are yellow, beige, and khaki. We bought new, special clothing for our adventure. Mosquito-borne diseases are a big problem in Africa, so we took some liquid and equipment against them.

To be on the safe side, we also made copies of ALL our documents and registered at DROZD – the Voluntary Registration of Czech Citizens Travelling Abroad, which can help in case of emergency. We were planning to take many high-quality photos, so we didn’t forget to pack our cameras. However, modern-generation mobile phones can also take great pictures.

When you order flight tickets, do it at least four months in advance – last-minute tickets are more expensive. There are a few options when flying to Africa. We chose to fly with Ethiopian Airlines from Prague – Frankfurt – Addis Ababa – Victoria Falls. And on our way back home from Kilimanjaro – Addis Ababa – Vienna – Prague. Plus, we booked a few flights in Africa separately.

Taking a breath in Zanzibar

An active holiday makes you tired. So, before starting the second part of our safari tour, we had a short break. From Cape Town, which we talked about in Part One of our travel report, we took a flight via Johannesburg and Nairobi to Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa, located in the Indian Ocean. It consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island) and Pemba. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historical centre, Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site.

In 1964, Zanzibar united with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

Zanzibar is also known as the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, British singer-songwriter and leader of the legendary band Queen.

We chose to stay in the beautiful Villa Kiva Boutique Hotel, a 28-room hotel, offering both sea view and garden view bungalows. This boutique hotel is located along the pristine white beach of Matemwe, and they have a great restaurant.

The day after, we took a tour to the City of Freddie Mercury, Changuu Island, also known as Kibandiko, Prison, or Quarantine Island. Recently, the island has become a government-owned tourist resort. It also houses a collection of endangered Aldabra giant tortoises, which were originally a gift from the British governor of the Seychelles. We also went snorkelling in the Indian Ocean.

It was only a very short break. Next time, we will stay longer.

Arriving in Arusha city

From Zanzibar to Arusha it was a very short flight on a very small airplane. Happily, we arrived safely.

Arusha is located at the base of the volcanic Mt. Meru. It is a gateway to safari destinations, as well as to Mt. Kilimanjaro, which, at 5,895m, is Africa’s highest peak.

In the afternoon, we visited Arusha Market, and in the evening, the Tanzanite Experience and the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre.

Enjoying our six-day private safari tour Tanzania, in our opinion, is the best place for a safari. We planned a private tour of six days, just the two of us and the guide-driver, to see the Big Five animals in the wild.

Our tour was organised by the Shadows of Africa travel agency (www.shadowsofafrica.com)

Day 1: Arusha National Park

Covering over 300 square km, Arusha National Park has great wildlife densities. It is home to the world’s largest population of giraffes, cape buffalo, elephants, hippos, zebra, and the occasional lion and leopard.

We started at Ngurdoto Gate and drove through Ngurdoto Crater up to Buffalo Point. We could see Lokie Swamps, Jembamba Lake, and Longil Lake.

We then drove to Momela Lakes to see flamingos and walk around, with good views of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Day 2: Arusha – Manyara Park – game drive

Manyara National Park is one of the best parks in Tanzania. It’s known to have amazing tree-climbing lions.

Two-thirds of the park is covered by water, which makes Manyara Lake a great attraction.

It has an amazing view of the rift valley during all seasons.

During the “game drive,” we saw the climbing lions, herds of elephants, klipspringers, warthogs, impalas, buffalo, hippos, gazelles, lions, leopards, and more.

We also saw a lot of birds, flamingos, ostriches, storks, pelicans, and more.

Day 3: Manyara – Serengeti – game drive

Serengeti National Park is a world heritage site covering about 30,000 square km, and is probably the best place for a “game drive” to observe prides in their natural environment.

We entered the Serengeti Plain via Naabi Hill Gate and enjoyed the great views of the plain.

We visited Seronera, the site for the visitor information centre, which includes a small museum, a coffee shop, a picnic area, and a staff village. It is also the location for a cluster of campsites and lodges near the visitors’ centre. Seronera is a well-known area for balloon safaris. This truly is Central Serengeti.

We continued exploring to see tree lions and leopards, followed by visiting Kati Kati camp, a mobile camp strategically situated in Central Serengeti, ideal for exploring the extensive Serengeti Plains.

We then went to Retima Hippo Pool and Lobo Hill to see elephants, buffalo, and lions.

In Moru Kopjes, Simba Kopjes, and Gol Kopjes we were able to admire the sight of cats, lions, and cheetahs, respectively.

Day 4: Serengeti Ngorongoro area – game drive

Ngorongoro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a part of the Serengeti National Park. We entered via the Lodoare Gate (30km from Karatu town). The main feature of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater, which formed when a large volcano erupted and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is 610m (2,000 feet) deep, and its floor covers 260 square km. It is one of the seven natural wonders of Africa.

We took our first view from Heroes Point to see Seneto Springs, Lerai Forest, Empakaai Crater, and Olmoti Crater.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – game drive – Tarangire

Tarangire National Park is known for its majestic Baobab trees. These can grow to an enormous size and have a unique shape. The park is also famous as it has the largest concentration of elephants in the world. Besides the elephants, you can see zebras, wildebeest, lions, leopards, waterbucks, giraffes, gazelles, impala, gerenuk, lesser kudu, and the beautiful fringe-eared oryx.

Day 6: The final chapter

In the afternoon, we returned via Arusha to Kilimanjaro airport for our flight back home.

Full of great memories and thousands of pictures, we returned home. It was the trip of a lifetime, which we will never forget.

We have thousands of beautiful photos from our travels, and choosing just a few to publish in the magazine was truly difficult.

Therefore, we decided to create a digital photo gallery for you, below:

Text: Pallava Bagla; Photo: Archive

India’s space journey has reached new heights with the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 nearer the Moon’s South Pole on August 23rd, 2023, making India the first country to achieve this feat. This mission demonstrated the ISRO’s (Indian Space Research Organisation) capability in precision lunar landing and roving. The Vikram lander even performed a hop experiment, and the propulsion module was later manoeuvred into Earth orbit for extended operations.

Building on this momentum, the ISRO achieved its 100th rocket launch in January 2025, launching a navigation satellite showcasing India’s indigenous cryogenic engine technology.

Presence: the NISAR satellite and ISS mission

The pinnacle came with the July 30th, 2025, launch of the nearly $1.3 billion NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar – or NISAR satellite – a joint Indo-US Earth observation mission. Launched aboard India’s GSLV F-16, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in southern India, NISAR features dual-frequency SAR payloads from NASA and ISRO and will monitor climate change, disasters, and agriculture. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan hailed it as a symbol of India’s technological leadership and global collaboration, emphasising the precision and reliability of India’s cryogenic launch systems.

NISAR is poised to revolutionise how we observe and understand our planet. At its core, it is designed to monitor changes in Earth’s surface with unprecedented precision, capturing movements as small as a centimetre. This capability is vital for tracking natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, and glacial shifts, as well as human-induced changes like urban expansion, agricultural development, and infrastructure stress.

The ISRO says the NISAR satellite weighs 2,392kg and it will scan the entire globe, provide all-weather, day-and-night data at a 12-day interval, and enable a wide range of applications. The NISAR satellite, which has cost upwards of $1.3 billion to make, can detect changes in the Earth’s surface such as ground deformation, ice sheet movement, and vegetation dynamics. Further applications include sea and ice classification, ship detection, shoreline monitoring, storm characterisation, changes in soil moisture, mapping and monitoring of surface water resources, and disaster response. It has been dubbed a lifesaving satellite.

In a landmark achievement for India’s space program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla completed a 20-day mission, including 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), as part of the multinational Axiom-4 mission – dubbed Mission Akash Ganga. This marks India’s first human spaceflight since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Prime Minister Modi hailed Shukla’s courage and dedication as inspiring a billion dreams.

Launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9, Shukla served as mission pilot and conducted seven India-specific experiments. Despite delays, the mission concluded successfully with a splashdown near San Diego. It lays the foundation for India’s Gaganyaan mission, targeting a 2027 launch from Indian soil.

The future: independent human spaceflight

India’s roadmap doesn’t stop at Gaganyaan. Prime Minister Modi has outlined a bold vision: establishing an Indian space station by 2035, and landing an Indian on the moon by 2040. If successful, India will join the elite club of nations – Russia, the United States, and China –with independent indigenous human spaceflight capabilities. India’s lunar legacy is already formidable. India’s first foray to the moon with the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008 discovered the presence of water molecules on the moon, fundamentally altering lunar geological history forever.

Chandrayaan-2 provided the first independent images of Apollo mission artefacts left on the lunar surface, and Chandrayaan-3 made global headlines by landing nearer the moon’s South Pole – now considered the gold rush zone for lunar exploration.

With cost-effective yet reliable space missions, India is poised to become a major player in the global space race. The government has already allocated billions of dollars for the human spaceflight program, underscoring its commitment to cosmic exploration.

India’s science minister, Dr Jitendra Singh, who also looks after the affairs of the Department of Space, says “India’s quantum leap in space research, with India’s space economy standing at $8 billion, has been only possible due to the courageous decision to open up or unlock the space sector from the shackles of the past.” He further highlighted that “India’s space economy is projected to grow beyond $40 billion by 2040, which is going to be a gigantic jump.”

Pallava Bagla

The future space missions include a lunar sample return mission named Chandrayaan-4, a mission to Venus, and the development of the new mighty rocket. As part of this ambitious roadmap, India plans to establish its own space station, the Bhartiya Antariksha Station, by 2035. A precursor to this will be the launch of a space module in 2028. The culmination of this vision is the planned landing of an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040.

“When we celebrate the 100th year of India’s independence, in 2047, an Indian flag will already be flying on the Moon”, asserts Dr Singh.

Today, over 250 space start-ups are driving innovation and fuelling India’s space sector. Among these, Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace have made headlines by launching sub-orbital rockets, and Pixxel Aerospace makes unique high-resolution satellites.

A recent study estimates that for every dollar spent on space, India has reportedly received a return of $2.52. India has end-to-end capabilities in space, as the country makes its own rockets and satellites and has an enviable space technology applications portfolio. Today, India has over fifty operational satellites in space, which help power India’s burgeoning economy. India’s vast space ecosystem touches the lives of every Indian.

EIB President Nadia Calvino and Gabriela Mates, Head of EIB Group Office in the Czech Republic at GLOBSEC Forum in June

Text: Gabriela Mates; Photo: Archive

To secure its place in a changing world, Europe must become a stronger, more autonomous and competitive player. This requires deep institutional cooperation and a shared sense of strategic purpose.

The Czech Republic contributes actively to this vision. Prague hosts several key European institutions: the European Commission Representation, the European Parliament Liaison Office, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group Office, and the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). Together, we have initiated Team Europe Prague, which is a local platform designed to foster cooperation, share information about current initiatives, and identify opportunities for joint action. It reflects our core belief that when we work closely together we amplify the EU’s impact and build trust among citizens.

The official opening of Europa Experience in Prague in April

Each actor brings their own unique mission

The European Commission Representation ensures that EU policies are effectively implemented on the ground, while also feeding local perspectives into the Brussels policy-making process. The European Parliament Liaison Office promotes democratic engagement by connecting Czech citizens with their elected representatives. At the EIB Group, we provide financing and advisory for projects that support the EU’s strategic priorities, be it climate action, innovation, cohesion, or competitiveness. EUSPA plays a critical role in buttressing Europe’s space capabilities, ensuring the operational excellence and commercialization of flagship programmes such as Galileo and Copernicus.

The cooperation between the European Commission (EC) and the EIB Group at the EU, as well as at the local level, has always been very strong. The EC is represented on the EIB’s Board of Directors, and can provide feedback on every project submitted to the Board for approval. It is also one of the shareholders of the European Investment Fund. The European Parliament and the EIB Group are also very close partners.

How do we experience this cooperation in the Czech Republic?

Since last summer, the Prague offices of the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Investment Bank Group have finally come together under one roof at Palác Dunaj, which we now proudly call the European House. This consolidation brings significant benefits to all three institutions.

The institutional ecosystem in Prague is more than the sum of its parts, and our cooperation delivers tangible results. We organise or sponsor various events that help the EU and the Czech Republic achieve its ambitious goals in areas such as green transition, digitalisation and technological innovation, and security and defence. The regional roundtables “How can Europe better support the modernisation of the region?”, organised by the local European Parliament Office, are a very good example of our cooperation. The last regional roundtable that took place in Brno in April brought together representatives of our institutions and regional stakeholders to discuss how EU policies and funding can better address local needs. Topics ranged from cohesion policy and innovation to defence capabilities, climate resilience, and agricultural adaptation.

Another example of our effective collaboration is the partnership between the EIB and EUSPA. In 2022, the two institutions jointly published the first Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Investment Report, highlighting a €100 billion market potential for satellite-based services. The report identified key investment gaps and emphasised the need to mobilise both public and private capital. It also underscored the EIB’s readiness to finance companies working on GNSS technologies, infrastructure, and services that support Europe’s digital transformation and strategic autonomy. Demonstrably, local representations of EU institutions play an active role in shaping discussions at the local – as well as the EU – level, ensuring that EU policies respond effectively to the challenges of individual Member States.

Trust and confidence gain value

As security and defence move to the forefront of everyone’s political agenda, all EU institutions have been increasingly stepping up their efforts in this area, realising that institutional collaboration is now more important than ever. At critical junctures like these, it is trust that forms the foundation of any successful cooperation. As the EIB President Nadia Calviño aptly put it during her last visit to Prague: “When everything, everywhere, all at once, is changing, trust and confidence gain value.”

The Team Europe Prague: Monika Ladmanová, Head of the local EC Representation, Jindřich Pietras, Head of the local EPLO, Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director and Gabriela Mates, Head of EIB Group Office in the Czech Republic.

Recent global events remind us just how fragile even long-standing partnerships can be. The July pivotal meeting between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump in Scotland, which resulted in a trade agreement that narrowly averted a catastrophic tariff conflict, illustrates this harsh reality. It was a positive outcome, but also a clear reminder that even the most established and trusted alliances can no longer be taken for granted.

Gabriela Mates, Head of EIB Group Office in the Czech Republic and Monika Ladmanová, Head of the local EC Representation

In this context, cooperation among EU institutions is not just a matter of internal organisation. It is a strategic necessity. By working together, we can enhance Europe’s credibility, resilience, and influence in the world.

Strength comes from within. Team Europe Prague is ready to contribute to this effort.

Patrons’ Club

Text: Marek Veselý; Photo: Archive

It all started two years ago, with a meeting with five existing supporters who were sending small amounts to the Stanislav Libenský Award. I then started reaching out to business personalities and artists, and the Patrons’ Club was born. It has over thirty members, and thanks to that we were able to finance last year’s competition solely from club contributions. We inspire and help each other; in short, any problem can be solved in the Patrons’ Club.

In addition to their love of art, the club members are united by other motivations. Some have a deep connection to glassmaking, while others want to meet interesting people or enjoy contributing to a good cause.

Everyone brings their knowledge, skills, opportunities, and contacts to the table, and they all grow together. They know that they are also helping young artists develop.

Patrons’ Club

The highlight of the club’s meetings is the annual Stanislav Libenský Awards ceremony. This competition has been running for 15 years, and is only open to recent graduates of glass schools from around the world. An international jury selects 40 to 50 of the best works from the entries, which are then exhibited in Prague. Over the past 15 years, it has presented nearly 600 artists from the US and Canada to Europe, China, Australia, Japan, and Korea.

The winner receives tuition to the most famous summer school of glass art in Pilchuck, where the world’s best professors and artists teach. For many glassmakers, this is their first step onto the international scene, which is the primary purpose of the competition. After graduating from university, artists often lose their support system and struggle to continue creating.

Stanislav Libenský Award

Stanislav Libenský Award

The Stanislav Libenský Award has become a prestigious competition. The award has opened the door to exhibitions and other projects for its winners. Without the Patrons’ Club, the competition could not function. If you are interested in finding more about us, you are welcome to visit our website, klubpatronu.cz.

Monika Ruprechtová

Text: Monika Ruprechtová, M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Monika is from Prague, and graduated from the University of Economics in 1988 with a degree in Economic Information and Control. There is no such field today. It was basically accounting and enterprise financial management, but in the context of a socialist economy with centralised planning. Interesting jobs were hard to find in such an environment.

Under the influence of Soviet perestroika (a set of political and economic reforms in the USSR penned by Mikhail Gorbachev), some national enterprises began to consider the possibility of setting up their own export department – instead of securing exports abroad through state-owned foreign trade enterprises. One such progressive enterprise was Koh-i-noor, a manufacturer of patches, pins, and other small haberdashery, which enticed the young graduate. However, she had no idea that, starting in September, the enterprise would mobilise its administrative staff to meet socialist production targets, with younger employees working night shifts to fulfil plans. The establishment of the export department was postponed.

Monika, therefore, left Koh-i-noor soon after and joined Chemapol’s foreign trade business, where the Velvet Revolution caught up with her a few months later. “My colleagues and I founded the Civic Forum, dismantled the local Communist Party organisation, and tried to change the management of the company,” she recalls. But the structures proved quite resilient, and the changes were initially difficult.

Young people of her generation, including Monika, had the desire to start a business. Yet, establishing a limited liability company required a capital of CZK 200,000, which was not possible on a salary of CZK 1,650 gross per month. There was therefore no choice but to fly with the “Wind of Change” (as the Scorpions sing about) under the auspices of employment. “Branches of foreign companies began to appear on the market, offering salaries many times higher than our standard at that time”. Monika seized the opportunity and accepted a job as an assistant at Air Products, an American company supplying technical gases. It was the first time she could work with foreign colleagues, the first time she was able to go on a business trip to Western countries, and the first time she found out about the consulting firm Ernst & Young, when she handled her colleagues’ mail. She recalls the envelopes from this sender were always marked “private & confidential”, adding an air of mystery to the company.

When Air Products relocated its office to Děčín, Monika approached Ernst & Young’s Prague office, where she joined as an assistant to the Managing Partner. However, the head of the tax department, who was suffering from a lack of English-speaking colleagues, recognised Monika’s language skills and approached her to work with him. It was a struggle at first, as it was impossible to build on her knowledge from school, but eventually Monika advanced to become Manager of Expatriate Services at EY for several years.

“The job in the mid-nineties was literally a builder’s job, everyone wanted to show what they could offer, to be able to stand comparison with their colleagues in the West,” says Monika. “It was a lot of fun, a lot of effort, countless hours of overtime, but on the other hand there was the experience gained in tax and immigration issues, experience in managing people, and the satisfaction of a job well done”.

This was followed by more work experience, this time in the field of taxation. Monika passed the tax advisor exam, took a year-long backpacking trip to Southeast Asia and Australia, had children, and then, when the children grew up, it was finally time for the longed-for business – becoming her own boss!

In 2012, Monika and her former colleagues founded EDM Utilitas, a company offering audit and tax services. Under market pressures, the ladies expanded the scope of their services to include accounting, and by 2025 they had already achieved annual sales exceeding 50 million CZK under the brand Clarkson Hyde Czech Republic. But one does not get younger, and as the saying goes, “it is an art to know when to leave”. The shareholders of Clarkson Hyde Czech Republic reached an agreement with the consulting group RSM, represented by Monika Marečková, and in June 2025 successfully completed the sales transaction of Clarkson Hyde Czech Republic.

Monika will continue to work under the new brand to ensure a smooth transition for employees and clients. Only then, will she be able to focus on previously neglected activities – such as playing the piano, and serving on the executive board of Clarkson Hyde Global, a London-based association of independent auditors, tax advisers, and accountants.

Text: Lukáš Kubín; Photo: Archive

Drawing on expertise honed at Oxford University and enriched by years of travel and research, Kubín offered the audience a vivid journey through time, from the founding of Byzantium, through the splendor and turbulence of Constantinople, to the vibrant metropolis of modern Istanbul.

He emphasized that Istanbul is not merely a city, but a living symbol of continuity and rein vention, standing at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, of the past and the future. Kubín began by reflecting on the city’s mythical and historical origins. According to legend, the founding of Byz antium was guided by an oracle of Delphi. As a modest colony of Megara, Byzantium thrived on trade, thanks to its strategic posi tion along the Bosphorus. It was, even then, a place of crossroads— where mariners, merchants, and warriors from diverse lands met and mingled.

The lecture then turned to the Roman and Byzantine eras, with particular attention to the refounding of the city as Constantinople by Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 CE. Kubín illuminated how Constantine’s vision transformed Byzantium from a provincial city into a capital worthy of empire—a new Rome that sought to unite the Christian faith with imperial power. The city became a magnificent stage upon which religious, political, and cultural dramas unfolded. The construction of Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the formidable city walls reflected both ambition and resilience. Kubín highlighted how Constantinople, while becoming a center of Christian faith, also retained layers of its earlier traditions. The city’s religious landscape was, for a time, eclectic: the memory of pagan gods lingered in its streets and monu ments, even as churches rose in place of temples. It was, as Kubín noted, a place where “the past was never entirely erased, only rewritten.”

The audience was drawn into tales of siege and survival, from the onslaught of Persians, Arabs, and Crusaders to the final dramatic fall of the city to the Ottomans in 1453. With the rise of Istanbul, Kubín showed how the city once again reinvented itself. Under the Ottomans, it became not only a political capital, but a spiritual heart of the Islamic world, and a beacon of artistic and architectural achievement. Yet the layers of history remained visible, with mosques rising beside ancient forums, and markets thriving where imperial processions once passed.

What distinguished Kubín’s lecture was not simply his command of historical detail, but the way he invited his audience to reflect on deeper questions: What does a city like Istanbul teach us about power, identity, and resilience? How does a city at the crossroads of worlds navigate the tensions of change? In his conclusion, Kubín proposed that Istanbul is, above all, a city of lessons. It teaches that power is fleeting, but culture endures. That the strongest cities and civilizations are those that absorb, adapt, and transform rather than resist the tides of change. That history is not linear, but layered—and that those layers, far from being a burden, are what gives a city its richness and meaning.

The evening left a lasting impression on the diplomatic audience, many of whom serve in cities with similarly layered identities and shared histories of dialogue and conflict. Kubín’s lecture served as a reminder of the importance of cultural understanding and historical perspective in today’s interconnected world.

As the lecture drew to a close in the elegant surroundings of the ambassador’s residence, there was a shared sense that Istanbul’s story is not only the story of a city—but a metaphor for the shared human experience: of survival, transformation, and the endless search for belonging at the meeting place of worlds.

Museum scrolls

Text: Andrew Keene, Vice Chair, Memorial Scrolls Trust; Photo: Archive

A Torah Scroll is the most sacred ritual object in Jewish life. It is handwritten on parchment and contains the words of the Hebrew bible. Stored during the war in Prague’s Michle Synagogue, these 1,564 Czech Torah scrolls had been sent to Prague by the Jewish communities of Bohemia and Moravia. They stood as silent witnesses to centuries of Jewish life – synagogues, schools, and families – that were extinguished by the Holocaust.

Their survival carried with it both a burden and a responsibility: how to ensure that these sacred objects would not remain mute remnants of the past, but instead continue to inspire the living.

Mr. Brand exhibit

The Legacy of 1964

In 1963, through the compassion and foresight of Ralph Yablon, a benefactor of Westminster Synagogue, the scrolls were purchased from the Communist government of Czechoslovakia and transported to London. There, in the heart of Westminster Synagogue, they found sanctuary and a new chapter began.

The mission was both solemn and hopeful: to honour the memory of destroyed communities by returning sacred objects to the rhythm of Jewish life. This was not merely an act of preservation, but an act of renewal – transforming loss into legacy, absence into presence.

Soon after their arrival, a chance visit by David Brand, a master sofer (scribe), would unlock the future of these scrolls. Discovering 1,564 scrolls awaiting care, he committed himself to their restoration, dedicating over three decades to repairing and cataloguing them. Through his devotion, countless scrolls were brought back to life – not as artifacts in a museum but as Torahs once again read, studied, and cherished by Jewish communities around the world.

From Prague to the World

Over the past six decades, the Memorial Scrolls Trust has placed approximately 1,400 scrolls on permanent loan to Mr. Brand exhibit more than 1,300 communities worldwide – synagogues, schools, museums, and centres of learning.

From North America to Australia, from South Africa to South America, the Czech scrolls have become enduring links between Jewish life in Central Europe and Jewish life flourishing across the globe.

These scrolls remain more than historical relics. They are living ritual objects, carried in processions, read during Shabbat services, and used as educational tools to teach new generations about faith, resilience, and the responsibilities of remembrance.

Some have found extraordinary homes: at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, within the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle, and even in the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum in Abu Dhabi, where they symbolize interfaith understanding and dialogue.

Whenever a community holding one of the scrolls closes or merges, the scroll makes its way back to London – ensuring continuous stewardship and an ever-renewing cycle of memory and care.

The return to Czechia

In recent years, the journey of these scrolls has come full circle. In the last decade, four Torah scrolls have returned to Jewish communities and institutions in Czechia. The first was entrusted to Olomouc, followed by Ec Chajim, the Progressive Jewish Community of Prague, then to the community of Liberec, and most recently a non-kosher scroll was placed on display in the Czech Parliament as a symbol of remembrance and opportunity for education.

Alongside these placements, a travelling exhibition in both English and Czech tells the story of the scrolls, allowing citizens and visitors to encounter this history within the very landscapes from which these sacred texts once came. Each return is both a reminder of the rupture of Jewish life in Czech lands and a testament to the possibility of connection, dialogue, and renewal in the present.

Hachnasat Torah (Dedication Ceremony) of the Czech Torah for Ec Chajim at Charles University. Left: Anna Nosková, Andrew Keene, Chair of MST Jeffrey Ohrenstein, and Rabbi David Maxa

A Living Covenant

Sixty years on, the Memorial Scrolls Trust continues its mission with humility and resolve. Each scroll carries the memory of a lost community, yet also embodies the resilience of the Jewish people and the universal human capacity to rebuild from tragedy.

To hold, read, or even simply stand in the presence of one of these Torah scrolls is to feel a thread of continuity that defies destruction. It is to sense that memory need not be static – that it can be a source of life, of learning, and of renewed purpose.

In marking this milestone, we are reminded that the story of the Czech scrolls is not finished. It continues wherever they are read, wherever they are taught, and wherever they inspire communities to affirm that even in the face of loss, Jewish life – and human dignity – endures.

Friends come to say goodbye

Text: Kristian Ødegaard, Charge d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Norway in Prague; Photo: Archive

I feel lucky to have met so many interesting personalities and characters during my months in Czechia. Thank you all for a great cooperation, many pleasant and giving conversations, and inspiring meetings with you. I also had the fortune of getting out of Praha, visiting many of the regions of Czechia. You have to get out of the capital to really understand a country. That is true also of Czechia. The view of Prague might be different from inside the city and from the more remote areas of this beautiful country.

I wish to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude for the warm welcome, unwavering support, and fruitful collaborations that I have experienced during my time here. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in this vibrant country, and I am sincerely grateful for the meaningful relationships I have built with individuals, institutions, and organizations across Czech society.

My term in the Czech Republic has been an enriching journey marked by numerous opportunities to foster bilateral relations. From the very beginning, I was impressed by the Czech Republic’s rich history, cultural diversity, and commitment to democratic values. These qualities have made my diplomatic mission both inspiring and rewarding. The location of Czechia in the middle of Europe makes Praha an excellent observation tower for both European and global policies. The terrible war in Ukraine and a new president in the United States have of course influenced my tenure here.

The good cooperation between Norway and Czechia is based on shared values such as democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. This cooperation has only deepened over the past years. We are both parts of the European internal market, and the cooperation in the European Economic Area is extensive and wide. Through the EEA and Norway Grants programs we cooperate closely in research, education, environment, health, social affairs, civil society, and minorities rights (just to mention a few).

Throughout my appointment, I had the pleasure of engaging with Czech government officials, business leaders, academia, and civil society. These interactions have reinforced my belief in the importance of dialogue and cooperation in achieving common objectives. Likewise, I am grateful to the Norwegian companies and organizations operating in the Czech Republic for their dedication and contribution to economic ties and cultural exchange.

Cultural diplomacy has also played a vital role in my mission. I had the fortune of attending numerous events here such as those with Norwegian musicians, writers, and filmmakers, which contribute to building bridges that last beyond political and economic interests. I am proud of all these cultural events, exhibitions, and academic exchanges.

The many Norwegian students in Czechia and the many young Czechs studying the Norwegian language in Praha and Brno also contribute to building relations, as well as enhancing the understanding between our countries. These initiatives are investments in the future. The partnership between Czech and Norwegian universities encourages research, innovation, and shared learning.

Looking back, I feel lucky to have served in Prague during exciting times. The geopolitical shifts require continued collaboration and resilience. We live through a period in Europe and in the world with less predictability. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. To meet the challenges, we have to work together. It is not up to one leader to dictate to all the others. Diplomacy is probably more needed than ever, both in Europe and in the world.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the kindness, trust, and camaraderie extended to me throughout my service here. To my colleagues in the diplomatic corps, government institutions, academia, and civil society, thank you for your partnership and support. To the citizens of the Czech Republic, thank you for embracing the Norwegian presence and making my time here truly special, both in the cities and towns, but also in the fabulous nature here.

I am confident that the strong bonds we have established will continue to flourish, contributing to peace, prosperity, and mutual understanding. I carry with me the fondest memories of my time here, and look forward to witnessing the continued friendship between our countries.

Text: M. Zisso & Martina Hošková; Photo: Václav Pavlas

It is not a big secret that I love Thailand. I have visited this beautiful country several times, and have explored its beauty from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north to Phuket and the islands in the south. My last visit happened two years ago, and you could read about it in the “Thailand is not only Bangkok” article in our magazine. 

This year, with the great cooperation of H.E. Mr. Suwat Kaewsook, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand Embassy in Prague, we decided to further explore the North of Thailand –Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. We visited dozens of temples. Some people will say, “You saw one temple, you saw them all.” That is not true. Each temple has its own uniqueness, beauty, style, area, and importance. I am very glad to share my new authentic Thailand experience with you through the five chapters of this ‘road trip’ article.

CHAPTER ONE – CHIANG RAI AND THE NORTH OF THAILAND

Chiang Rai had a small airport with a fast service. Our driver, Mr. Anurak (or ‘Note’, as he calls himself), was waiting for us with a big smile. We had our driver for the entire period we were in the North, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, with a modern SUV and a very friendly demeanour. We can fully recommend him.

First, we headed to our hotel – The Legend, Chiang Rai, a boutique river resort and spa. It is a beautiful traditional Thai hotel located on the river with beautiful and big rooms, a few restaurants (including an Italian restaurant called “La Casa”), a big swimming pool, and – most importantly – a very friendly atmosphere.

I can’t believe that just under a year ago, this hotel was underwater, when devastating floods hit Chiang Rai.

We were welcomed by Mr. Eric Hallin and his staff, who made us feel at home.

We had a full program in front of us, starting to explore the area after only a short rest. Our first stop was out of the city, at the Wat Sangkaew Phothiyan Temple, วัดแสงแก้วโพธ‘ญ“ณ.

We then returned back to the city to visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, The Blue Temple ว ัวดร่องเืสอเต้น. We would visit the Red Temple and the most beautiful White Temple the next day.

Memories – we went to the Chiang Rai bazaar to have dinner at the same place we had 22 years ago.

To be able to explore Chiang Rai and its surroundings you have to start your morning early. The White Temple opens at 8am, and the best way to enjoy it is to get there before it becomes crowded.

Wat Rong Khun, วั ดร่ องขุ่ น, The White Temple

This is the most beautiful temple I have visited in Thailand. It was created by Master Chalermchai Kositpipat, the national artist, who designed, constructed, and opened it to visitors in 1997.

When completed, the White Temple compound will have nine buildings, including the existing ubosot, a hall of relics, a meditation hall, an art gallery, and living quarters for monks. The main building at the White Temple, the ubosot, is reached by crossing a bridge over a small lake – “the bridge of the cycle of rebirth”. In front of the bridge, there are hundreds of outstretched hands that symbolize unrestrained desire. The bridge proclaims that the way to happiness is by foregoing temptation, greed, and desire. After crossing the bridge, you come to the “gate of heaven”. Next to the lake, there are two very elegant kinnaree – half-human, half-bird creatures from Buddhist mythology.

Another very special building is the restroom building. “The golden building” represents the body, whereas the white ubosot represents the mind. The gold symbolizes how people focus on worldly desires and money.

Wat Phrathat Doi Khao Kwai, วั ดพระธาตุ ดอยเขา ควายแก้ ว This is an ancient temple, built about 1,000 years ago. On top of the hill, there is a viewpoint for a panoramic view of the city of Chiang Rai. It is known for its legend about the four-eared, five-eyed spider, a legendary creature.

Huai Kaeo Waterfall, น้ำตกห้วยแก้ว เช’ยงร“ย in Lam Nam Kok National Park, อุทย“นแห่งช“ต‘ล”น้ำกก A charming waterfall in the middle of the National Park, it offers a suitable hike for the whole family. On the way, a few local women were selling their handmade traditional items. We made ourselves a commitment to support local communities, buying a few presents at each point.

Wat Huai Pla Kang, วั ดห้ วยปลากั้ ง and Guan Yin, The Goddess of Mercy

This place was originally established as a monastery in 2001. Later, in 2009, it received recognition as a temple from the National Buddhism Office and was named Wat Huai Pla Kang.

Within the temple grounds, we visited the Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi – a nine-tiered pagoda blending contemporary and traditional architectural elements and the White Stucco Ubosot. When ascending the grand Naga staircases to reach the intricately crafted stucco ordination hall, you encounter the principal Buddha image gleaming in white. On a hilltop, is the Giant Guan Yin Sculpture – at approximately 79 meters high, it is Thailand’s largest Guan Yin statue. It exudes a majestic aura, and offers a panoramic view of Wat Huai Pla Kang. You can use the elevator to ascend to the top.

We enjoyed a short break
at the beautiful and unique Lalitta Café.

Wat Chiang Yuen, วั ดเชี ยงยื น, The Red Temple

First built in 1500s, the Lanna dynasty kings historically paid homage to the Phra Suppunyu Chao Buddha image at this temple before their coronation. The place was abandoned during Burmese rule and was reconstructed in 1794 by King Kawila. The Red Temple is known for its large chedi, which has a whitewashed square base guarded by Burmese chinthe on each corner, an octagonal middle section dotted with porcelain flowers, and a five-tiered hti crowning the stupa. The Lanna-style sala is buttressed by two elaborately decorated poles, each topped by a Hamsa.

Wat Mung Muang, วั ดมุ งเมื อง – Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai, วั ดพระแก้ วเชี ยงราย – Wat Phra Sing Chiang Rai, วั ดพระสิ งห์ เชี ยงราย

We visited the Wat Mung Muang, which means ‘the temple that covers Chiang Rai city’, and then walked to see Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai (or the Royal Temple), famous for being the original home of the translucent green Buddha which graces the Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok’s Grand Palace. We finished our exploration at the Wat Phra Sing Chiang Rai, whose ubosot was built in 1890. It was thought to be built on the base of a former Lanna-era vihara.

After a very long but beautiful day, we returned to our hotel to relax and have a very tasty dinner with the hotel manager.

CHAPTER TWO – UP TO THE NORTH

After a very nice breakfast, we left Chiang Rai, turning our faces to the north of Thailand for a new full day of adventures.

Wat Phra That Chom Chan, วั ดพระธาตุ จอมจั นทร์

This temple was built in the period of Yonok Chaiyaburi Si Chiang Saen, during the reign of Phrachao Phangkharat, the 24th king of the Yonok dynasty. In 1947, Phra Khruba Khamla Sangwaro presided over the renovation of Phrathat Doi Ban Yang. A new pagoda was built to cover the old one, together with a Wihan, a teakwood Buddha image hall on stilts. The temple’s name was later changed to Phrathat Chom Sak.

Mekong Skywalk, สกายวอล์ คผาเงาสามแผ่ นดิ น

This glass skywalk is a scenic viewpoint that was constructed in 2020, located in the front courtyard at the bottom of the Phu Khok Ngio Big Buddha image. It is 80 meters high above the Mekong River, or as high as a 30-storey building. This glass-floored walkway is two meters wide and 80 meters long, thus allowing panoramic views, including the point where the Hueang River merges with the Mekong River. At the entrance, you will get special funny slippers to walk on the glass floor with. On the way down, we visited the Phra Borommathat Buddhanimit Chedi (the dog is guarding the entrance).

Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao, วั ดพระธาตุ ผาเงา

We paid a quick visit to the Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao, with several ancient Buddha images dating back 700 to 1,300 years. Among these treasures was the revered Luang Pho Pha Ngao Buddha image, named after the grand shadow cast by a rock formation resembling a stupa when illuminated by sunlight. At this temple, I decided to hang some money for good luck.

Golden Triangle, ส“มเหล’่ยมทองค”

We wanted to see the Golden Buddha – i.e. Phra Phutthanawalantue or พระพุทธนวล้านตื้อ. This statue is made of bronze and weighs 69 tonnes. It has a height of 15.99 meters, and the widest width of 9.99 meters.

The Buddha is seated on top of a boat structure known as Ruea Kaeo Kuson Tham, located in the Golden Triangle, which is the intersection of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

The Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa

We then arrived to our luxury hotel, hidden in the Thai jungle. The view reminded us of the views we experienced in Africa, and the rooms resembled an African lodge. A perfect place to rest after a long day, either by the pool or in the warm Jacuzzi.

We met the hotel manager, Marisa Chakrabandhu Na Ayuhya (Lisa), who told us about the hotel’s history and its owner. Through a short conversation, we found out that the owner is her father and that the hotel name consists of the initials of his four daughters’ names.

We had a very tasty dinner at the “La Carte” restaurant, with a panoramic view.

Unfortunately, we only had a limited amount of time to spend in this place. We should really come back again to enjoy more of the hotel and this beautiful area.

CHAPTER THREE – LOOPING TO CHIANG MAI

Wat Tham Tap Tao, วัดถ้ำตับเต“

The Temple of the Light Cave and the Dark Cave is an ancient place of worship, built hundreds of years ago. The cave is made of natural limestone, with a width and height of about six metres. It is divided into two parts:

Tham Mued and Tham Chaeng. The name Tap Tao is originally derived from the local word ‘Dap Tao’, meaning “to put out fire in the ashes from a wildfire”. The name later became Tap Tao, which is usually mistaken for signifying a turtle’s liver by people from other regions of the country.

Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, เขตรั กษาพั นธุ์ สั ตว์ ป่ าเชี ยงดาว

This sanctuary area is covered with various forest types. It is home to several endangered animal species, such as Long-tailed Gorals, Sumatran Serows, Asian Golden Cats, and the Big-headed Turtles.

Wat Tham Pha Plong, ส”นักสงฆ์ถ้ำผ“ปล่อง (หลวงปู่ส‘ม)

This Buddhist temple is located on top of Doi Pha Plong mountain. It is hidden inside a cave, surrounded by dense and lush vegetation. To reach the monastery, you must climb over 500 steps. Along the stairs, you can find signs with very clever Buddhist proverbs. And on the way out, don’t miss the Wat Tham Chiang Dao (วัดถ้ำเช’ยงด“ว), a limestone cave temple located at the foothills of the Doi Luang Chiang Dao.

Wat Den Sali Si Mueang Kaen, วั ดเด่ นสะหลี ศรี เมื องแกน

This temple, also known as Wat Ban Den (วั ดบ้ านเด่ น), was our last stop for the day. It’s a stunning complex of temples, some of them newly built. It is a blend of traditional Lanna style and intricate modern craftsmanship.

The temple, formerly known as Wat Hri Bun Ruang, วั ดหรี บุ ญเรื อง was originally a small temple dating back over 500 years in a rural village. It underwent a remarkable transformation into a grand spiritual complex in 1894. In 1988, it was eventually rebuilt with donations from the local community and Buddhists from across Thailand. Among the most notable features is its collection of 12 stupas, each symbolising a different zodiac sign. This distinctive characteristic has made the temple a renowned pilgrimage destination for those seeking spiritual blessings and good fortune.

Wat Tham Pha Plong

The Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm

Would you enjoy a chance to witness the beauty of different types of orchids, as well as colourful butterflies? Then this place awaits you.

The Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel

In the late afternoon, we arrived at our Chiang Mai hotel, where we would stay for a few days. It’s a new hotel with a typical Thai charm, located in the old city. We enjoyed a nice room with pool access, friendly staff, and a very tasty breakfast. It’s a walking distance to the night Bazaar, which is worth visiting – especially on weekends.

The Always Thaifood Restaurant

After resting a bit, we started to explore the old city. That day, they were having a big celebration, with hundreds of dancers surrounding the old city. There were many restaurants around, of all kinds, from pizza to Thai. We love Thai food, and are always trying to find traditional Thai restaurants. A small place at the corner attracted our attention – Always Thaifood. With so many options on the menu, it was difficult to choose. Delicious food, with a local beer or a Thai cocktail – this restaurant became our dinner place for all four evenings we spent in Chiang Mai.

The first full day in Chiang Mai was “CHIANG MAI LANNA TEMPLES FRENZY”

Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn, วั ดพระสิ งห์ วรมหาวิ หาร

The first-class Royal temple is located in the western part of the old city centre of Chiang Mai, inside the city walls and moat. Construction began in 1345 under King Phayu, the fifth king of the Mangrai dynasty.

Wat Chedi Luang, วั ดเจดี ย์ หลวงวรวิ หาร

Also known as the temple of the big stupa or the temple of the royal stupa. The current temple grounds were originally made up of three temples.

Wat Chiang Man, There are Phra Setangkamani
(White Buddha) and Phra Sila, which is a Buddha image in the posture of subduing the elephant Nalagiri, enshrined in the temple.

Wat Saen Fang, วั ดแสนฝาง

The temple was founded in the 1500s, but all extant structures date back to the 1800s or later. The viharn of Wat Saen Fang previously served as the royal residence in the 1860s and was converted into a viharn by 1878. The temple is noted for its Burmese-style chedi, which is gilded with a glass mosaic.

Wat Buppharam, วั ดบุ พพาราม เชี ยงใหม่

Founded in 1497 by King Mueang Kaeo, this temple was where Kawila began a ritual circumambulation of Chiang Mai to reoccupy it after two centuries of Burmese rule. Most of the temple buildings date to the late 1800s. The temple is known for its Burmese-style chedi.

Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, วัดพระธ“ตุดอยค”

An important temple, built in 1230 during the reign of Queen Chamadevi of Hariphunchai, by her two sons. It consists of a stupa containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, a sermon hall, monks’ residences, and a stucco Buddha image. It was originally called Wat Suwannabanpot, but the locals call it Wat Doi Kham.

Royal Pavilion, หอค”หลวง

This temple and its gardens were built as part of the Royal Flora Ratchapruek in 2006. It uses a local Lanna architectural style under the concept that “His Majesty the King is the heart and soul of all Thai people.” The Ho Kham Luang building is a two-story, half-concrete, half-wood building. The upper part is a pavilion, while the lower part is a multi-purpose building. It is one of the filming locations for the television drama “Fire of the Queen”, which was broadcast and became popular in early 2017.

Wat Pha Lat, วั ดผาลาด

A hidden temple nestled in the jungle. It was a resting place for monks during their pilgrimage.

Naga Staircase – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, วั ดพระธาตุ ดอยสุ เทพราชวรวิ หาร

The original founding of the temple remains a legend. There are a few varied versions. The temple is said to have been founded in 1383 when the first Stupa was built. Over time, the temple was expanded and been made to look more extravagant, with many more holy shrines added. A road to the temple was first built in 1935. Beautiful panoramic views of Chiang Mai can be seen from the temple. You can climb 309 steps to reach the pagodas, or take a funicular. The original gold-plated chedi is the most holy area of the temple. There is a model of the Emerald Buddha, and a statue of the Hindu God Ganesh. Here, you can find aspects of the wat drawn from both Buddhism and Hinduism.

The Sunday Night Market

After a short rest, we went to the Sunday Night Market, just a short walk from our hotel. We were greeted by a vast selection of food and locally produced souvenirs. The market spills out onto the street with hundreds of stalls lining the main road. Of course, we bought a few souvenirs, but for dinner we returned to our local restaurant, Always Thaifood, which again didn’t disappoint us with its very tasty Thai dishes.

New day, new adventures. Driving out of Chiang Mai.

Doi Inthanon National Park, อุ ทยานแห่ งชาติ ดอยอิ นทนนท์

Also known as the Roof of Thailand, this is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand. It is famous for its waterfalls, few trails, remote villages, viewpoints, sunrise and sunset watching, birdwatching, and the all-year-round cold weather on higher elevations. The highest peak in the park is Doi Inthanon Mountain, which is the highest mountain in Thailand.

Wachirathan Waterfall, น้ำตกวช‘รธ“ร

This waterfall, which flows down from a granite cliff, is located in Doi Inthanon National Park. It is 70 meters high, and is one of many waterfalls in the area.

Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon, พระมหาธาตุ นภเมทนี ดล. and Grand Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri, พระมหาธาตุ เจดี ย์ นภพลภู มิ สิ ริ

To commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Rama 9 on December 5, 1987, the Royal Thai Air Force beautifully constructed the stupa which was honorably named by His Majesty the King “Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon” meaning “a magnificent stupa containing Buddha relics”.

Later, Phra Mahathat Naphapholphumisiri was constructed to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit´s 60th birthday anniversary on August 12, 1992. The name was, as well, granted by His Majesty the King which means “the power of the sky and the virtue of the land”.

Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail,‘ก‘่วแม่ป“น

Welcome to undoubtedly the most popular trail in Doi Inthanon National Park, an absolute must-do hiking adventure. The total distance is 3.86 km, and you hike counterclockwise. It is only permitted to hike when accompanied by a local guide.

Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail, อ่ างกาหลวง

This trail was planned and designed by Michael MacMilan Walls, a Canadian zoologist and regular volunteer at Doi Inthanon National Park. The path is around 1,800 metres in length, and runs through marshland in the depths of the valley.

At the end of the day, we rested in our hotel for a bit before having dinner at our “home” restaurant, Always Thaifood.

Last day in Chiang Mai – Elephant Freedom Full Day Tour

I remember our first visit to Thailand, over 20 years ago. One of the attractions back then was elephant riding.

The situation has changed. Elephants are not working for tourists anymore. Organisations are taking care of the elephants, saved from hard work and serving tourists. In the Chiang Mai area, there are a few organisations supporting elephant life. We chose Elephant Freedom, supported by Asian Elephant Projects.

It’s a full-day activity. They picked us up from our hotel with an air-conditioned, comfortable van. After over an hour, we arrived at the mountains around Chiang Mai, at the Elephant Camp. We were a group of six people.

After a short explanation from our host, we prepared food for the elephants, cutting sugar cane and bananas.

We then had our first interaction with these beautiful animals, feeding them the food we had just prepared.

Such a joy! They were happy to welcome us, especially the two baby elephants. We then hiked in the jungle, with the elephants walking freely around us.

After a nice lunch, we were invited to a cooking class, where we were shown how to prepare vitamin balls and supplements for our elephants.

It was hot, about 37 °C. The best way to deal with the heat was to take a river hike with the elephants to the Mahout River. We had a lot of fun, both us and the elephants. If only I could show you the joy of the elephants in the water! How the baby elephants enjoyed it, and how we washed them. None of us wanted to leave the river.

When the elephants made their way back to the camp, we could enjoy more water, visiting the Mae Wang waterfall. We then returned back to the camp, spoiling these majestic creatures with the vitamin balls and supplements we made for them.

Time flies when you are enjoying yourselves, so soon it was our time to go back to the hotel. It was difficult to say goodbye to our big friends. We will come again!

If you want to help save these majestic creatures, visit their camp. The fee you pay helps both them and the people who dedicate their lives to such an important purpose.

We recommend this place.

And you can adopt an elephant here.

After this beautiful day, we headed back to our hotel in Chiang Mai and enjoyed the food at our home restaurant, Always Thaifood, on our last evening there.

CHAPTER FOUR – DOWN TO THE SOUTH

In the morning, we said goodbye to the beautiful North of Thailand and to our very good driver, Mr. Note.

We took a domestic flight from Chiang Mai Airport to Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport.

The Ao Prao Pier and Ao Prao Resort Hotel

There was already another driver awaiting us in Bangkok, from Mr. Beer (our previous visit’s driver), to take us to Ao Prao Pier (Ban Phe), about a three-hour drive away.

There was an option of taking the flight from Chiang Mai to Pattaya City, followed by a short drive to Ao Prao Pier, but the flight was late, and we could have missed our taxi shuttle to the island since the last one leaves as early as 4pm.

At Ao Prao Pier (or Ban Phe), very friendly staff and a very modern terminal welcomed us. After a short time, we were aboard a speedboat and on the way to our hotel Ao Prao Resort at 60 Moo 4 Tumbol Phe, Muang, Rayong, 21160 Ko Samed.

We liked this beautiful hotel, with its sandy beach and coconut trees. Our room was first line to the beach, with a beautiful view.

I met Mr. Wongwat Kraipun, the resort manager, for a fast hotel tour. There are three hotels there, one by the other: the one we stayed in (Ao Prao Resort), a three-star hotel in the middle, and then Le Vimarn Cottages and Spa, which is owned by the same company as our resort – Samed Resorts.

Guests can use the facilities of both resorts. Our hotel had a Thai restaurant, the Le Vivarn, an Italian restaurant, a beautiful beach bar, a spa, and fitness facilities. The hotels have different room sizes, also suitable for families and honeymooners. The Thai restaurant (a la carte) had very tasty food, good service, and a great sea view.

Six Islands Trip

On the next day, we took the famous six islands trip by Sinsamut Group.

Within five hours, you can visit all six of them: Koh Kham, เกาะขาม – Koh Kruay, เกาะกรวย – Koh Pla-theen, เกาะปลายตี น – Koh Khang Kaow, เกาะค้ างคาว – Koh Kudee, เกาะกุ ฏี and Koh Thalu, เกาะทะลุ.

The trip started at noon. At 11.30am, two scooters arrived at our hotel to take us to the meeting point, a short 10-minute drive away. It was such a funny experience – it has been many years since I last rode a scooter. A big speedboat with a group of about 20 people from all around the world waited for us. After a short security briefing, and getting a life vest, we set off.

First, we cruised to the Koh Kham and Koh Kruay to experience the Separated Sea (depending on the tide) and to hop on the islands – a perfect place for sunbathing. Then, we cruised around Koh Platheen. We visited Koh Khang Khao for snorkelling, with a heap of little fish hosting us. After that, we hopped on Koh Kudee for lunch, a fruit break, and some snacks with great views.

Next, we headed to Koh Thalu. This small island is located about 12km east of Ko Samet. It has a steep high cliff on the west of the island, and white sandy beaches on the east and south sides. Its main feature is a large hole at the base of the cliff through which seawater can pass. Due to the stunning coral reefs and marine life, Ko Thalu is a favourite site for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can enjoy sightseeing the miraculous arch rock, snorkelling with crown fish and coral reefs, relaxing on a peaceful beach with crystal-clear water, and bushwalking to the dazzling viewpoint, with a breathtaking view.

It was a very enjoyable trip, with great and friendly service from the Sinsamut Group staff. At about 5pm we were back on the island, and took a short scooter ride back to our hotel.

Our last day in paradise was spent relaxing on the beach and in the beautiful pool with an active bar, swimming, and snorkelling. On our last evening here, a beach party took place with a fire show and special tasty food.

CHAPTER FIVE – THE END IS COMING

After an early breakfast, we took the speedboat to the mainland on our way back to Bangkok. A driver from Mr. Beer’s company waited for us again to drive us to Bangkok. On the way, we made an important stop at The Man that Rescues Dogs. We strongly recommend reading the article about this place on page 66 of this magazine.

In Bangkok, we only had a short day, with a few important meetings. We chose a Thai-style hotel, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. It offered a very good location, by the metro line and close to some big shopping malls.

We took a short walk at the nearby park with the big Monitor Lizards, and then headed to our important meetings.

Our reliable driver – the best way to see Thailand. Call Mr. Note on his mobile or WhatsApp at +66 (0) 63 343 7787.

And, of course, we visited our tailor, Carlos Bespoke, who can be found at 284/6 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 +66851070188.

In our previous magazine, we published an article titled ‘Infant Jesus of Prague dresses in robes from Thailand’.

Now, we went to meet the people who are behind these important robes. Mr. Schle Woodthanan – managing director of PASAYA company, Ms. Sivy Srichawla – group director of Gemma Knits, and Ms. Srisurath Sukavarodom (or Bo, as her friends call her), Counsellor at the Thai Embassy in Prague, who arrived especially for this meeting. The products of these companies are amazing and beautiful.

I hope we can publish an article about their work in our next magazine, and that we will be able to enjoy these products soon in both the Czech Republic and the rest of the EU.

We then went to an early dinner at Mamma Restaurant, which we have loved since our previous visit.

In the morning, we had to wake up very early to catch our 7am flight back home.

Goodbye, Thailand, you were beautiful and good to us as usual! We will return again.

PRAGUE-THAILAND-PRAGUE FLIGHTS

Unfortunately, we don’t have any direct flights from Prague to Bangkok. It is a long journey, so choosing the right option for your connecting flights is essential. This time, we chose to fly with Finnair via Helsinki – they had the best connections, the shortest time, and a good price.

We left Prague at 8am to arrive in Helsinki about two hours later. Then, we had three hours there before our flight to Bangkok.

It was my first time at Helsinki Airport, and I was surprised by how big and modern it was. Moving from the Schengen terminal to the other was fast with biometric passports. The Finnair lounge was an even bigger surprise – a very modern design, and still, everyone can have their own quiet place. The food and wine offered were nice. Everyone could find something to their taste. The “star” of the lounge was the bar, offering great cocktails. The service was good and friendly.

The flight to Bangkok was in business class. The seating arrangement of 1-2-1, with those chairs, provides a lot of privacy. It’s a clever design, letting you enjoy long flights. The way the dining table is set up allows the chair to be changed into a bed. The cabin temperature was nice, even a bit cold. The food was nice and tasty, with a matching presentation – more like a high-level restaurant. The flight attendants were the best part of the flight – they all worked hard and quietly. I hope this never changes.

The flight back home from Bangkok was in economy class.

The seats were comfortable, there was a nice selection of media options, and a good service by the crew. The food, however, was lacking – both breakfast and lunch need a BIG improvement.

We left Bangkok at 7am, arriving in Prague on the same day, a few minutes before 7pm. All flights were on time.

I will definitely fly with Finnair again.

The procedures at Bangkok airport were fast and friendly.

Our luggage arrived fast, too. After buying a local data SIM card for my mobile, we walked to the domestic terminal to take our flight to Chiang Rai.

Text: H.E. Mr. Hoai Nam Duong; Photo: Archive, Translation: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vietnam

Comrades, Leaders, and former Leaders of the Party, State, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front! Venerable revolutionaries, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, Heroes of Labor, generals, officers, veterans, and families with contributions to the cause of the Nation! Distinguished international guests, Dear compatriots, comrades, and soldiers across Vietnam, and overseas compatriots,

Today, in the stirring atmosphere of the historic 30th of April, in the heroic city bearing the name of our beloved and revered President Ho Chi Minh, we, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the National Assembly and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, are honored to hold this solemn ceremony in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and reunification of Viet Nam! Here stands the most illustrious milestone in Viet Nam’s history of national construction and defense, marking the resounding end of the resilient struggle spanning thirty years for national independence, freedom and reunification, that put to an end the yoke of old and neo-colonialism alike, and took Viet Nam into a new era of national independence and socialism. On behalf of the leaders of the Party, State and the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, I offer my warmest welcome, most respectful salutations and finest wishes to the comrades leaders and former leaders of the Party, State and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, to the revered revolutionaries and Heroic Mothers of Viet Nam, to the Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces and Heroes of Labor, to the generals, officers, soldiers, veterans, self-defense militia, guerrilla fighters, youth volunteers, frontline workers, and families with contributions to the cause of the Nation, to all international guests, comrades and compatriots throughout Viet Nam and overseas fellow Vietnamese, and to the Party Committee, authorities and people of Ho Chi Minh City.

In this sacred moment, we solemnly commemorate and express our boundless gratitude for the immeasurable contributions of our beloved and revered President Ho Chi Minh, the ingenious leader of our Party and nation, the great teacher of the Vietnamese revolution, the Hero of National Liberation and Great Man of Culture of the Vietnamese nation, and an eminent fighter of the international communist and workers’ movement. Ardent was his desire for the liberation of the South and national reunification, and unwavering was his trust in the country’s ultimate victory:

“No matter how arduous the struggle may be, our people will certainly triumph, our Fatherland will certainly be reunified, and our compatriots from North to South will once again be of one family.”

We shall forever remember and remain deeply grateful for the grand contributions of revolutionary leaders before us, of heroes and martyrs, of Heroic Mothers of Viet Nam, of Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, of generations of officials, generals, officers, soldiers, militia, guerrilla fighters, youth volunteers and frontline workers, of ill and wounded veterans, of families of martyrs and those with contributions to the Revolution, of various field veterans, the entire Armed Forces and the people of Viet Nam from every locality, as well as Vietnamese nationals overseas, who had made tremendous sacrifices in the cause of complete liberation of the South and reunification of the nation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the immense and invaluable support and assistance given in altruism and faithful solidarity by international brothers, comrades, friends, and the progressive forces and peace-loving peoples around the world to the Vietnamese people’s struggle for national liberation and reunification.

Dear comrades, compatriots, and guests,

Immediately following the victory of the August Revolution of 1945 and the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, our people were thrust into two protracted wars of resistance to defend national independence and deliver reunification. As the resistance against French colonialism concluded victoriously, like many other nations in the world, the Vietnamese people desired peace, independence, and freedom. Yet U.S. imperialism swiftly intervened and supplanted France in Vietnam. They were designed to divide Vietnam and turn the South into a neo-colony, a so-called bastion against communism in Southeast Asia and other international progressive movements globally. In their invasion of Vietnam, U.S. imperialism marshaled a vast number of troops, armed with the most advanced, cutting-edge weapons of the time, conducted a multitude of dangerous methods of warfare, and two brutal wars of destruction against the North. The losses and sufferings they caused were innumerable to our people in both regions, and the consequences remain to this very day.

Faced with a multitude of adversities, sufferings and brutality, yet, by upholding the proud tradition of resistance against foreign invasion of our forefathers, building upon the lessons gleaned throughout the protracted resistance war against French colonialism, harnessing the power of the people and the all-nation solidarity through bravery, wisdom and foresight, and making the most of the support from international friends, progressive forces and peace.

Loving people worldwide, under the leadership of our Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the entire Army and people of Vietnam pursued two strategic tasks all at once: the Socialist revolution in the North, and the national democratic revolution in the South, with the strong resolve to drive out foreign invaders.

Driven by the ardent desire to defend Viet Nam’s independence and deliver national reunification, and the spirit of “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom”, across Viet Nam, “from Nam Quan gate to Ca Mau cape”, the whole nation stood together to resolutely drive out the invaders. Everywhere in Viet Nam is emblazoned with the mark of bravery, sacrifice, and heroic battlefield exploits of our Army and people. With an indomitable will to “march onward to liberate the South”, our Army and People recorded one victory after another, dismantling enemy forces piece by piece, culminating in the complete triumph, with its apex being the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign that finally reunified the country.

The years will come and go, yet the victory of our people in the resistance against U.S. aggression for national salvation shall be etched forever in the annals of the nation as a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, and as the triumph of justice, of Viet Nam’s willpower, valor and wisdom, of patriotism and the fervent desire for national independence, freedom and reunification, under the axiom “Viet Nam is one, and the people of Viet Nam is one.” This milestone affirms that our Party, people, and Army were able to fulfill Uncle Ho’s most heartfelt wish and profound teaching: that is, to complete the liberation of the South, reunite Vietnam, and bring the North and South back under one roof. The triumphant resistance against the U.S. for national salvation stemmed from the correct and innovative leadership of the Party. This entails the People’s War conducted with the collective strength of the great national unity and international solidarity, the combination of military, political, and diplomatic struggles, and the art of seizing opportunities to organize a coordinated general uprising and offensive. The victory is owed, too, to the power of the grand homefront of the North in support of the grand frontline of the South, espousing the spirit of “Not one kilogram of rice short, not one single soldier short, we shall split open the Truong Son range to deliver national salvation”. It was also thanks to the immense, altruistic, and effective assistance from the Soviet Union, China, and fraternal socialist countries, to the special solidarity between Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia, and the support from the people and peace-loving, progressive forces around the world, including the progressive American people. Most strikingly, the Great Victory of Spring 1975 also, in turn, was a fervent source of inspiration for national liberation movements worldwide for peace, national independence, democracy, and social progress. It marked the beginning of the demise of neocolonialism across the globe and ushered in a watershed moment in human history in the 20th century.

Along with its epochal significance, the Great Victory of Spring 1975 offered invaluable lessons, in theory and in praxis, for the revolutionary cause of our Party and nation. These included:

1. Harnessing the strength of the people and the great national unity, and the seamless combination of the strength of the nation and that of the time.
2. Making every effort to uphold patriotism, national pride and dignity, the spirit of independence, self-reliance, courage and resilience, and the determination to fight and seize victory of our entire Party, people and Army.
3. Holding high the banner of national independence and socialism, and identifying a correct path in accordance with the conditions and characteristics of the revolution in Viet Nam.
4. Creatively applying and developing methods of conducting a comprehensive revolutionary struggle and People’s War, and establishing the theory behind the People’s War and a creative, unique art of warfare “to contend with the many by the few”, and “to use benevolence to supplant tyranny”.
5. Identifying and seizing opportunities, and advancing in a bold, rapid, proactive, sharp, flexible, and creative manner, which the General Offensive and Uprising of Spring 1975 arrived at its full victory.
6. Embracing compassion for others, national reconciliation, and setting aside the past to strive towards the future after the victory.
7. And the most important lesson of all, one of decisive significance behind The Great Victory of Spring 1975 was that of maintaining the Party’s complete leadership, giving due attention to building a strong party in all respects, and bolster the Party’s leadership and combativeness throughout the entire struggle for national liberation and reunification, and in defense of the gains that socialism has won.

Dear compatriots, comrades, and guests,

Building upon the invaluable lessons from the victory of the resistance war against U.S. aggression for national salvation, under the leadership of the Party, our entire people and Army have joined hands and hearts to embark on the journey of national reconstruction, rejuvenation, building and development, as per Uncle Ho’s last wishes:

“My last desire is that our whole Party and people should stand in solidarity, striving to build a Viet Nam of peace, unity, independence, democracy and affluence, that would play a commensurate part in the international revolutionary cause”.

After fifty years of national reunification and nearly forty years of Doi Moi, Viet Nam has overcome a multitude of difficulties and challenges to achieve immense triumphs of historic significance, building for ourselves the fortune, the power, the international standing and prestige that we enjoy today. From a poor, backward country ravaged by war, under embargo and isolation, today Viet Nam has become a developing country approaching upper-middle income, that is deeply integrated into international politics, the global economy, and the civilization of humankind. We have assumed a multitude of international responsibilities and are playing an active role at various prominent international organizations and multilateral forums. National independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity are secure, and national interests guaranteed. Vietnam’s economy last year ranked 32nd globally in size, counting itself as one of the top 20 economies in terms of trade volume and investment attraction in the world. The people’s living standards have been markedly improved, and the poverty rate is on a sharp decline to 1.93% according to the multidimensional poverty standard, compared to 60% in 1986. Economic, political, cultural, social, scientific, technological, defense, and security capabilities have all been steadily enhanced. Vietnam has also further expanded its external ties and elevated its international standing and prestige. Vietnam today enjoys diplomatic relations with 194 members of the United Nations, and has established strategic and comprehensive strategic partnerships with all major powers in the world, including the United States, with whom this year we celebrate 30 years of diplomatic ties.

Dear compatriots, comrades, and guests,

Half a century has passed. With the remarkable achievements recorded, we are at the threshold of a new historic era of national advancement, “to stand side-by- side with the powers of the five continents”. To deliver on the aspiration of building a Vietnam “ten times greater than what it is now”, we must unleash all productive forces, mobilize all resources, build on the entirety of our nation’s potential, and strength of our country to drive robust socio-economic development. This year, we are setting our sight on an economic growth of 8% or higher, and a two-digit growth between 2026 and 2030. We are determined to successfully implement our strategic targets – to become a developing country with a modern industrial base and upper-middle income by 2030, and a socialist oriented developed, high-income country by 2045. We will focus on fully addressing bottlenecks and barriers in our developmental institutions, adjust economic and expand development spaces, step up decentralization and delegation of authority, allocate and combine economic resources, establish a new growth model driven mainly by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation to bring about a strong quantitative improvement in productivity, quality, effectiveness and competitiveness of the economy, and identify the private sector as a most important driver of the national economy. We will continue to break new ground in thinking and methods, generating new productive drivers, productive forces, and quality.

With our pride in the glorious history of our nation and our boundless appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices beyond words by our soldiers and compatriots across the whole country, we become all the more conscious of our responsibility to deliver on Uncle Ho’s teaching before his departure:

“Our Party must put in place a truly sound plan for economic and cultural development to continually improve the lives of our people”.

Taking good care of the people and ensuring ever better material and spiritual lives of the people, especially those living in remote areas, border and island localities, and former revolutionary and resistance bases, has always been a target to which the Party strives. We must focus on adopting just policy instruments for social progress, security, and welfare, and for those who have contributed to the revolution. Free primary and secondary education will be delivered, and determined efforts will be made on the program to put an end to temporary housing and slums across the country and build more social housing for low-income people. Healthcare and medical services for the people shall also be given due attention as we move towards free universal healthcare, so that all Vietnamese will truly enjoy a life of safety, security, freedom, wellbeing, and happiness.

Being fully aware of the immense and unparalleled power of the people and the great national unity, we must instill in ourselves a deep understanding of the view that “the people is the root”, the heart, the actor and the purpose of national construction, development and defense, and consistently act upon that notion. We will continue to implement the policy of national unity and reconciliation, mindful that we are all born of the blood of Lac Hong and are brothers and sisters: “trees of the same root, children of the same family,” so to speak. All Vietnamese are sons and daughters of this country. All are entitled to live, to work, to pursue their happiness and love on their home soil, as well as enjoy the right and have the responsibility to contribute to building the Fatherland. In the spirit of putting the past behind, respecting differences, and striving towards the future, the whole Party, people, and Army shall make every effort to build a Vietnam of peace, unity, happiness, prosperity, and development.

As a nation that has endured profound suffering and loss from the ravages of war, and as one that has reaped the great rewards of peace, cooperation, and friendship over recent decades, Viet Nam earnestly aspires to join the international community in building a future of peace, prosperity, solidarity, and sustainable development. Let us commit ourselves today to doing all that we can, with the hope of bequeathing to future generations not only a better world, but also a lasting legacy of trust, admiration, and pride in the sense of responsibility and wisdom demonstrated by our time.

We will continue to deepen our bonds of friendship and cooperation with nations of the world, and further advance the motto of “Viet Nam is a friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community”.

We are committed to further innovating our policies and mechanisms to best facilitate the undertakings of international friends and the overseas Vietnamese community, of those who embrace the Vietnamese cultural identity, and of those who have matured and established themselves in developed countries, who are well-versed in professional and administrative know-hows and have an extensive international network to count on, so that they can be part of the socio-economic development drive in Viet Nam.

The celebration of fifty years since the liberation of the South and national reunification is also a historic moment for the entire Vietnamese nation, people from all walks of life, compatriots across various ethnicities and religions, Party members and all Vietnamese nationals both at home and abroad, to stand together millions as one in the common effort to build their Fatherland, as we strive for a strong, prosperous, progressive and happy Viet Nam.

In a world of increasingly complex and unpredictable developments, and as a nation having suffered so much losses and pain from past wars, we are deeply aware of the value of peace, independence, and freedom. As such, we must continue to strengthen and modernize Viet Nam’s national defense and security, and build an all-people national defense service for peace and self-defense in order to steadfastly defend the Fatherland “at an early stage” and “from afar” while “the country is yet in danger”. It is necessary to build and robustly marshal the defensive posture of the people’s heart, and consolidate the whole-of-people national defense and security posture. We shall focus on building a People’s Army and People’s Public Security Force that are revolutionary, regular, elite and modern, as the core force to firmly defend the Fatherland’s independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as the “treasured sword and shield” to defend the Party, the State, the people, and the socialist policy, and as the perennial support for our people.

As we take pride in the glorious Party and the remarkable exploits that our Army and People had achieved under the Party’s leadership, we must redouble our efforts to build an untarnished, strong and well-rounded Party, so that it would truly be “moral and civilization” embodied, representing the intellect, honor and conscience of the nation and the time, and living up to the trust, the choice and the expectation of the people. We will, therefore, continue to innovate the method of leadership and governance of the Party, and enhance its combativeness, and successfully carry out the revolutionary streamlining of the political apparatus and administrative divisions, ensuring that said system would be compact, effective, and efficient in its operation. It is also necessary to refine mechanisms for power control, and resolutely combat corruption, extravagance, negativity, and bureaucratic inefficiency.

In addition, we will cultivate a pool of capable cadres at all levels, especially strategic-level officials and leaders with necessary qualities, and wisdom, who are driven and dedicated, and who dare to think, act, and take responsibility in the interest of our country and people.

Dear compatriots, comrades, and guests,

As we celebrate 50 years of the liberation of the South and national reunification, the International Workers’ Day, the 135th anniversary of the birth of President Ho Chi Minh and other important milestones this year, on behalf of the leaders of the Party, State, and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, let me once again give my heartfelt gratitude to our compatriots and comrades as a whole, those who had selflessly sacrificed themselves for the Fatherland. And I thank you, the peace-loving people and friends, and progressive forces around the world, who have given your support and assistance to the people of Viet Nam in the struggle for national liberation in the past, and in our national construction and defense of today.

Let us build upon the spirit of the Great Victory of Spring 1975 and the values and triumphs over the past 40 years of Doi Moi. The entire Party, people, and Army shall make every effort to successfully fulfil the 2021-2025 Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan, and emulate one another to achieve greater successes to welcome the Party Congresses at all levels in the lead-up to the 14th National Party Congress. Endowed, as we are, by the will, intellect, and strength of Vietnam, we have brought about the Great Victory of Spring 1975. There is, then, no reason why we cannot reap greater triumphs and forge new miracles in the new era of prosperity, civilization and abundance, the era of national advancement, and transform Viet Nam into a “better and more magnificent country”, to stand side-by-side with the powers of the five continents, as per President Ho Chi Minh’s wish and the aspiration of our entire nation.

May the spirit of the Great Victory of Spring 1975 remain imperishable!

Long live the glorious Communist Party of Vietnam! Long live the Socialist Republic of Vietnam!

Glory eternal belongs to the people!

May President Ho Chi Minh forever live on in our cause!

Thank you

Chef Laila Mirza and her father Dr. Ehsun Mirza, MD – ICU doctor

Text: Laila Mirza; Photo: Archive

When Her Excellency Ambassador Ayesha Ali approached me and asked if I would be interested in collaborating with a restaurant in Prague to showcase Pakistani food in a more fine-dining environment, I brainstormed for weeks on how to create the perfect blend of East and West. I think I found the aesthetics the hardest, as the food is presented naturally in large sizes. I decided against a minimalist approach and instead tried to refine it while keeping the colours and vibrancy that our food is known for.

Pakistani food is about sharing

There comes a moment in your adolescence where you become conscious of the memories you’ve held since childhood—vague and hazy scenes depicting family, friends, experiences, and thoughts. I think more than the details it’s the feelings that you remember most. It’s like you’re trying to grasp at straws, and the most you can come up with is a taste, or a smell, or the way something made you feel. For me, it was always food.

My parents immigrated to the United States from Pakistan in the ‘90s and had me and my two brothers in the States. For them, it was about giving us a better life and a more secure future. But, luckily for us, it didn’t mean giving up our culture or heritage. Ever since I can recall, our entire  life revolved around food and cooking. The kitchen was our mecca, and the aromas emanating from it all day long laid the foundation of our childhood.

We would often sit at the kitchen island, completing our homework as my mother or grandmother cooked food. In between assign- ments, we’d be helping chop tomatoes, learn how to peel garlic, or slice kilos of onions for one of the many dishes that would be made. It wasn’t an option whether or not my brothers would eat the food. Dinners were mandatory, and the entire family came together every night to eat. If there was something we didn’t like? Too bad. There were many a time my younger brother was forced to choke down okra (a dish that I loved), or I was made to eat keralas (bitter gourd), a dish that I still dislike to this day.

In hindsight, I think my parents wanted us to stay connected to our roots, a worthy cause as it is Laila Mirza, Chef and her team at Silq restaurant – Prague incredibly easy to assimilate completely and lose all aspects of your heritage. For Pakistanis, food is our lifeblood, and most of our socializing and community building occurs around the act of breaking bread with loved ones.

Laila Mirza, Chef and her team at Silq restaurant – Prague

Is Pakistani food able of Western fine dining?

Pakistani food inherently promotes sharing and family-style dinners. From large curries, huge pots of rice, whole chickens, stacks of flatbreads, and desserts for days- there is never the fear of getting underfed at a Pakistani dinner. The ethos very much exudes “more is more,” and nobody can leave hungry or empty-handed. So, one can imagine that it’s easy to fall in love with cooking and the act of feeding others. It’s what introduced me to my love for cooking and what ultimately led me to pursue it as a career path.

However, as good as Pakistani food is, there’s an attitude that it’s not able to compete with Western fine dining. As someone who has professionally trained in Western cuisines and worked in upscale and modern restaurants, I knew that Pakistani food had the capacity to be transformed into a more sophisticated product; it just had to be treated accord- ingly. Don’t get me wrong; it was not an easy thing to conceive, and it really pushed the limits of my imagination.

However, when Her Excellency Ambassador Ayesha Ali approached me and asked if I would be inter- ested in collaborating with a restaurant in Prague to showcase Pakistani food in a more fine-dining environment, I knew that I had to do it. I brainstormed for weeks on how to create the perfect blend of East and West, which was honestly harder than I thought! I wanted to make sure I kept the beauty of Pakistani food, which is the complex flavours and spices, while refining it so that people of a European palette enjoy it. I think I found the aesthetics of it the hardest, as the food is presented naturally in large sizes, and it can feel hard to make it look refined and minimalist. I decided against a minimalist approach and instead tried to refine it while keeping the colours and vibrancy that our food is known for.

A menu is just a menu, until the people come

Finally, I decided for the following menu to be served in SILQ restaurant in Prague during the Pakistan Cuisine Week hosted by Ambassador.

Mixed Veggie Pakoras

Thinly sliced vegetables coated in a spiced chickpea batter and deep-fried. Drizzled with tamarind and green chutney.

Lamb Samosas

Spiced lamb is stuffed into flaky pastry dough, shaped into triangles, and deep-fried.

Aloo Chaat on Papri

A mixture of potatoes, vegetables, and chutneys. Served on top of flaky cumin crackers.

Nihari Ravioli

A beef stew that is slow cooked over hours and thickened with Atta, a finely milled wholegrain flour. I shredded the meat, stuffed it in ravioli, and served it in a glossy Nihari sauce.

Chicken Biryani

A fragrant rice and chicken dish that is initially cooked separately, but then it is layered and steamed so that the flavours meld with each other.

Tandoori Lamb Chops with a Spiced Cauliflower Puree/ Tandoori Paneer with the same

Smoky and spicy lamb chops/ paneer are marinated in yogurt and spices. Then, it’s grilled and served with a cauliflower puree, pomegranates, and yogurt.

Daal Tharka

A Pakistani classic consisting of lentils and spices simmered together until thick and flavourful. Served with a spiced butter on top.

Parathas

Flaky flatbreads layered with ghee and flour.

Chai Masala Ice Cream

A creamy and spicy ice cream made by infusing chai into the cream.

Orange and Saffron Cake

A gluten-free soft and light tea cake made with orange juice, saffron, and rose water.

While an extensive menu, I felt so proud of the fusion that the team and I were able to create. It’s not easy representing your country to people who have never tasted the food, and I am so happy with the way everything turned out. It was really rewarding to know that it was possible to elevate Pakistani food to the place that I know it can be. A menu is only a menu until it’s executed, and I was so privileged and honoured to expose so many people to the beauty and pride that is Pakistani food.

Laila Mirza, Chef

Chef Laila Mirza

Dagmar Kadlecová, Master Sake Sommelier and SSA Sake Educator

Text: Dagmar Kadlecová; Photo: Archive

It’s not wine. It’s not beer. It is culture, philosophy, and craft all rolled into one. Sake has been brewed in Japan for centuries. In Japan, the original kanji character 酒 (or sake) is actually the generic term for any alcoholic beverage. The drink the following story is devoted to is called Nihonshu or Seishu by the Japanese, and is gaining more and more fans around the world. 

Although sake is often referred to as “Japanese rice wine”, the reality is much more interesting. Made from just a few ingredients – rice, water, koji, and yeast – this traditional drink has a rich history, a refined production process, and flavour nuances that will surprise even seasoned wine and beer lovers.

The first sake was very different from what we know now

The oldest evidence of wine production in Japan dates back to the Jōmon period, while the first mention of sake consumption comes several thousand years later. Originally, alcohol from rice was made in China, and sake brewing was probably brought to Japan during the Jajoi period, along with rice cultivation.

One of the earliest forms of sake was Kuchikami-sake – ‘sake chewed with the mouth’, where the starch from the rice was broken down by enzymes in the saliva. Villagers too old or young to participate in hunting, gathering, or farming work chewed steamed rice during the day and spat it into a common vessel, creating a weakly alcoholic mixture. If they were patient enough to endure for a week, the alcohol content could reach 5%.

In the Nara period, the first mention of the use of the koji mould (Aspergillus oryzae) appears.

In the Edo (also known as the Tokugawa) period, a period of nearly three centuries of land enclosure during which the Shogunate was established, the samurai, along with their people, became an educated middle class, actively consuming sake. Sake was very different then from what we know today. The alcoholic mixture of rice and water was drunk unfiltered, and had a cloudy appearance.

Legend has it that the first sake (as we know it today) was brewed at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries by Shinroku Yukimoto, supposedly the son of General Yamanaka Yukimori. The crystal brown sumizake soon proved more popular than the cloudy nigorizake.

Today, there are about 1,100 sakaguras in Japan

Cities such as Itami and Nada have become centres of production thanks to access to clean water. From there, sake was transported to the capital Edo on fast “taru kaizen” boats that could hold up to 3,000 barrels. Regional Toji guilds also emerged, passing on traditional production techniques.

The foundations of sake production in the Nada region were laid by Tamba Toji, who introduced winter fermentation (kanzukuri) and three-stage brewing. During World War II, the quality of sake was severely reduced, with sugar, distilled alcohol, and rice powder being used due to a shortage of rice. Since 2006, the addition of more alcohol than the equivalent of half the total amount of rice used has been prohibited.

The types of sake are determined by the degree of milling of the rice (seimai-buai) and by the presence of added alcohol. Sake can be served at temperatures ranging from -5°C to 68°C, and offers a wide range of flavours. There are over 1,100 sakaguras (or sake breweries) in Japan, with production peaking in 1973.

Sake seminar

Sake has deep cultural significance

In 2015, “sake” received a protected designation of origin, and in 2024 its production was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.

Sake has deep cultural significance – it is a symbol of purification, new beginnings, and human connection. It plays a role in weddings, New Year’s celebrations (o-toso), and ceremonies such as kagami-biraki, where the opening of the cask symbolically spreads good luck and health.

The sake season in Japan begins in October after the rice harvest, which is why the 1st of October has been designated Sake Day. Drinking sake in society has its own rules – it is customary to refill others’ cups when they run out of drink as a sign of consideration.

The low acidity, lack of tannins, and the presence of umami make this sake ideal for mixology. Different styles such as Honjozo, Daiginjo, Nigori, and Koshu offer a wide taste spectrum.

Whether you drink it hot or cold, traditional or modern, each cup carries a piece of Japanese craft and philosophy. If you haven’t tasted sake before, maybe now is the time. Give this unique drink a chance – you may discover a new favourite ritual or flavour that will surprise you with its subtlety and depth.

Kanpai!

THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE COMPETITION’S 3RD YEAR TOOK PLACE ON 9TH APRIL, AT THE ZENWORK PREMISES IN PRAGUE.

Text: Martin Charvát; Photo: Ondřej Drnec, M&M

The Agency of the Year is a competition for the best communication agency of the year, as well as for the best personalities in the field across several categories. Similar competitions have been organised in Czechia in various formats since 1998, mostly in cooperation with the Association of Communication Agencies. This tradition, however, was interrupted during the COVID-19 period. Three years ago, the industry magazine Marketing & Media revived it, and the competition has once again become a prestigious event in the advertising and marketing field.

The Agency of the Year is not a beauty contest – it’s based on hard data, professional research, and evaluations from both advertising clients and auditing companies. The final assessment of the submitted materials is always made by an expert jury, composed of the country’s top professionals in the field. Similar competitions take place in all countries with a developed free market, and serve several purposes.

Firstly, they highlight the good work of communication agencies and publicly showcase and recognize the best ones. This greatly benefits advertising clients, who can more easily navigate the market. But that’s not all – the competition also aims to help cultivate the entire advertising market and contribute to its transparency, ethics, and responsibility. At the same time, it wants to inspire all professionals in the field, as well as set the bar for ethical and professional creative communication. That’s why it includes categories like Responsible Agency, Best Place to Work, and Talent of the Year.

This year, for the first time, a “double” award occurred: Both main categories – Independent Agency of the Year and Agency of the Year – were won by the Czech agency Boomerang Communication! It surpassed all global giants and their Czech branches. Even in the speech of its co-owner Marek Slezák from the stage, the agency acknowledged its social responsibility and called on everyone in the industry to use their communication skills to support the right causes.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Agency of the Year 2025 award winners

AGENCY OF THE YEAR 2025 AWARD WINNERS

• Agency of the Year: Boomerang Communication
• Independent Agency of the Year: Boomerang Communication
• Best New Agency: Imminent
• Best Talent Development Activities: DDB Prague
• Best Place to Work: Proficio
• Clients’ Choice: McCann Prague
• Best Marketer: Marek Dvořák (Dr. Max)
• Talent of the Year: Vojtěch Vaník (DDB Prague)
• Creative Team of the Year: Vítězslav Štrobl and Aleš Brichta
• Account Team of the Year: Bára Divíšková and Michal Míka
• Strategist of the Year: Martin Svetlík (McCann Prague)

Michael J. Baines, President and Founder of The Man That Rescues Dogs foundation

Text: Chris Chidichimo, TMTRD Program Director; Photo: Archive

Michael J. Baines never imagined he would one day run a sanctuary for hundreds of street dogs. A Swedish chef and entrepreneur, he moved to Bangsaen, Thailand in 2002 to open a restaurant and start a new life chapter. Everything changed when a sick, starving stray appeared behind his restaurant one afternoon. He fed her, cleaned her wounds, and watched her return day after day. That single moment of compassion became his turning point.

Michael didn’t stop after helping one starving stray, but instead began feeding other dogs on the streets after work, treating their injuries, and transporting them to local clinics using his own money. Over time, it became more than a side effort – it became a calling. He decided to close his restaurant business and devote himself entirely to the dogs who had no one else. He chose to feed dogs instead of people, and what started as a personal mission has grown into a nationally recognized foundation.

Today, The Man That Rescues Dogs (TMTRD) is home to over 820 rescued dogs. While many are healthy and thriving, around 100 dogs are elderly, disabled, or recovering from serious trauma and live in a special care unit where they receive extra support. Another 45 dogs, all paralyzed from past injuries or illnesses, are affectionately known as the “Wheelchair Mafia” and can be seen racing joyfully around the sanctuary in their custom carts. Another 450 street dogs are fed daily along the roads of Chonburi, receiving food, care, and kindness.

Michael now leads a team of 46 full-time staff, and the foundation is supported by the local government, as well as by donors around the world who believe in this work. TMTRD is more than a shelter. It is a fully functioning sanctuary with an in-house veterinary clinic and regular sterilization campaigns, both on site and in the community. Spay and neuter are essential to reducing suffering, and every effort is made to prevent unwanted litters.

The Man That Rescues Dogs foundation team

The numbers speak for themselves:

• 1,600 spayed and neutered dogs and cats
• 180 animals rescued just last year
• 3,600 patients who have been provided medical treatment at the sanctuary clinic in 2024

These are not just statistics – they represent thousands of lives changed through compassion, care, and teamwork.

It costs around 60,000 baht per day (roughly $1,650 USD) to operate the foundation. Every meal, every surgery, and every rescue depend on donations.

To give readers a clearer idea of how far their support goes:

• $50 vaccinates 5 dogs
• $30 covers one spay or neuter surgery
• $150 feeds all 820+ dogs in our care for a full day
• $300 fuels our rescue and feeding vehicles for an entire month

While many people ask about adopting dogs abroad, TMTRD only adopts within Thailand. Michael and his team believe that with so many dogs in need around the world and with shelters already being overburdened, it is better to focus on finding loving homes within the country.

At its core, TMTRD is a story of what can happen when someone sees suffering and decides to act. Michael’s journey from chef to animal rescuer continues to inspire others, proving that one act of kindness really can change the world.

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Text: H.E. Mr. Shahzad Gul Aryobee, Ambassador of Afghanistan; Photo: Archive

In today’s rapidly evolving world, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tool for tech companies — it has become an essential component of modern diplomacy. From streamlining communication and crisis management to enhancing international negotiations, AI-driven technologies are reshaping the practice of diplomacy at an unprecedented pace. At the forefront of this transformation is OpenAI’s advanced language model, a powerful example of how AI can support and strengthen diplomatic efforts — especially for developing countries, which are working to re-engage with the global community during times of transition and rebuilding.

AI’s expanding role in diplomacy

Diplomacy is built on communication, negotiation, and cultural understanding — all of which AI can now enhance dramatically. With capabilities like real-time translation, sentiment analysis, data synthesis, and policy modelling,

AI tools allow diplomats to:

• Interpret cross-cultural nuances more efficiently
• Detect shifts in public opinion or international sentiment
• Monitor global media across languages and platforms
• Draft, review, and refine policy and diplomatic documents faster

Language models such as ChatGPT can simulate dialogues, provide historical or cultural context, and offer rapid research support, thereby elevating the quality and speed of diplomatic engagement.

The next generation of diplomats

Recognizing these advancements, institutions around the world have begun offering training programs such as ‘How AI-Driven Technologies are Transforming Diplomacy’. These programs are not a luxury – they are becoming a necessity for both experienced diplomats and new recruits.

Key areas of learning include:

• Understanding AI’s strengths and limitations
• Ethical considerations in AI use within diplomacy
• Real-world applications: negotiation, conflict prevention, media tracking, and data-driven policy decisions
• Case studies of AI integration in embassies and multilateral organizations

As global diplomacy adapts, mastery of AI tools will be a core skill for staying relevant and effective.

Why this matters — especially for developing countries

In an increasingly fragmented world, where geopolitical tensions are rising and diplomacy faces new challenges, countries must modernize their foreign policy infrastructure. For developing countries — a nation striving to restore its international presence — this modernization is urgent and vital.

AI technologies offer strategic advantages:

• Cost-effective tools for embassies with limited resources
• Remote collaboration platforms to bridge political and geographic gaps
• Data-driven forecasting that supports informed, forward-looking foreign policy in fragile contexts By training diplomats in AI-based technologies, the country can develop a new generation of envoys — globally fluent, technically equipped, and culturally grounded — capable of navigating the complexities of international relations in the 21st century.

H.E. Mr. Shahzad Gul Aryobee, Ambassador of Afghanistan

Ethical use of AI in diplomacy

Despite AI’s enormous potential, its use must be accompanied by ethical oversight. Issues such as algorithmic bias, data security, privacy, and misinformation require thoughtful regulation and responsible leadership.

AI is not a replacement for human insight — it is a powerful complement. A well-trained diplomat, guided by experience and cultural sensitivity, can use AI to make better decisions, foster dialogue, and represent their nation with integrity.

A call to action: Embracing the AI era

As diplomacy enters a digital era, countries that invest in AI capacity will lead in global influence and innovation. For developing countries, this is more than a trend — it’s a unique opportunity to reclaim its place in global affairs, not by following others, but by shaping its own future with smart, ethical, and strategic adoption of AI tools.

In a world where technology shapes geopolitics, AI-literate diplomats will be the architects of peace, partnership, and progress.

Developing countries that neglect innovation, skills investment, and digital adaptation may fall behind, while those who embrace these changes will shape the future.

References:

• OpenAI. (2024). Exploring the Impact of Language Models on Global Communication and Policy. https://www.openai.com
• United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). (2023). AI for Diplomacy: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Global Governance and Negotiation.
• Global Diplomatic Forum. (2024). Course Brief: How AI-Driven Technologies Are Transforming Diplomacy. https://www.gdforum.org
• Brookings Institution. (2023). AI and Foreign Policy: Preparing Diplomats for the Digital Age.
• World Economic Forum. (2023). AI Governance and Ethics: Implications for International Relations.

Pavel Čurda, CEO of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Czech

Text: Pavel Čurda; Photo: Archive

Almost twenty years ago, Konica Minolta left the world of compact cameras and small printers for households and instead began focusing on corporate clients and new technologies. It is currently one of the leading providers of not only printing solutions, but also IT services related to document management and intelligent camera systems.

The journey of transformation

We ended the sale of cameras in 2006, followed by ending the sale of small printers for the household segment, and began to look for new opportunities for business. At that time, we felt there was great potential in the area of technologies related to both digitization and comprehensive services for the corporate sector.

A key moment for the Czech market was the acquisition of WEBCOM in 2015, which started the entry among IT service providers. This helped us gradually establish ourselves among providers of digitization services related to CRM/ERP systems. Since 2019, WEBCOM has operated under the name Konica Minolta IT Solutions Czech, and is an integral part of the group.

Although Konica Minolta remains a leader in the field of printing technologies, IT services already account for approximately 30% of the company’s sales in the Czech Republic, which amount to around 2.5 billion crowns. We are far from feeling we have exhausted the potential of the domestic market in this area. The foresight of the entire transformation and diversification of the business into various areas was particularly evident during the COVID-19 period. At that time, most office operations were closed, but, on the contrary, demand for services related to the digital office increased.

FORXAI Mirror product

Video analytics and artificial intelligence

The second significant chapter in the development of IT services was the entry into the Czech market with camera technologies in 2018, which followed an investment in the German camera manufacturer MOBOTIX. The main areas Konica Minolta is penetrating with these technologies are industrial production (including logistics) and the protection of people and property.

The key element of these solutions is video analytics, i.e. software that automatically evaluates the monitored situation. Don’t imagine cameras pointed at a certain location, and a tired employee who spends hours looking at screens and checking to see if there is a problem! Instead, imagine this: Our solution for weapon detection, for example, can detect firearms and stab weapons in the hands of an attacker with up to 99.9% accuracy using artificial intelligence. It can also distinguish whether it is a real gun or just a similar object, such as a drill. It can of course automatically trigger an alarm, initiate evacuation, call emergency services, and so on.

Artificial intelligence in Konica Minolta’s concept works on the principle of collecting data samples, which the system then learns from on its own. It can also work with behavioural patterns that are typical, for example, of vandalism, theft, or assault. This will allow these situations to be predicted and warned about before the act itself occurs.

So-called terahertz cameras are even able to detect hidden weapons. They can penetrate most non-conductive materials, including textiles, and thus recognize dangerous objects hidden under clothing, including plastic or ceramic weapons and explosives. This technology represents an alternative to the classic security frames, with the control being faster and not causing false alarms caused by common metal objects, such as belts or watches.

Termo

From thermal cameras for industry to innovations for hospitals

Konica Minolta has also recently received a unique certification for the use of thermal cameras for fire protection purposes instead of the classic fire detectors. We have managed to develop the fastest fire warning system on the Thermo market. Thermal cameras can detect the risk of fire tens of seconds earlier than traditional smoke detectors. The sensor specifically reacts to an increase in temperature by two tenths of a degree, and thus warns of a risky situation before ignition occurs.

In the industrial sector, intelligent camera systems are also used in production monitoring. Smart cameras can monitor the number and types of products, monitor production quality, detect anomalies, and prevent defects or accidents.

The company also focuses on the pharmaceutical sector. We bought the Finnish company Specim, whose camera system can, for example, recognize whether a tablet of a medicine contains the appropriate amount of active substance.

Konica Minolta technology is also used in healthcare. Smart solutions monitor the movement and condition of people, whether seniors or patients, in real time. These systems can detect falls or unusual behaviour, and immediately inform medical personnel. Brno Development Centre Konica Minolta has a total of five development centres around the world, one of which is located in Brno, where about two hundred people work. They focus primarily on products related to the so-called data mining of documents, as well as on the development of video analytics systems for smart camera solutions.

Together with colleagues from the development centre in Rome, we designed a device in Brno in the form of a human-sized mirror that uses artificial intelligence to recognize deficiencies in workers’ personal protective equipment. The device will warn employees that they are wearing a mask or protective glasses incorrectly. Or, for example, it will not allow them into production if they are not wearing a helmet. The Tokyo headquarters like this product so much that they want to expand it to the global market.

Pavel Čurda, CEO of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Czech

Shin-ichiro and Eiko Kodama, Kodama Brewing

Text: Shin-ichiro Kodama, President of Kodama Jozo; Photo: Archive

Kodama Jozo is a Japanese sake brewery internationally known for its brands Taiheizan and Tenko, located in the Akita Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo. Akita, being a predominantly rice producing area, has its own unique history of sake production by local brewers. Today, there are 34 sake breweries in this prefecture. Current Kodama Jozo president is Shin-ichiro, who is a fifth-generation owner, and Kodama sake is now available in more than 15 countries around the world.

Akita sake production has changed throughout history

Sake, a fermented alcohol beverage made from rice, has a long history in Japan, favoured by local consumers throughout the country. Old capitals like Nara and Kyoto and surrounding breweries have histories of their own, but Akita, being a predominantly rice producing area, also has had its own unique history of sake production, with local brewers producing small amounts for local consumption.

When Japan was officially closed to the world for almost three decades under Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1868) and the feudal lords ruled their own estates, there were about 750 local sake breweries in Akita alone satisfying the thirst of thousands of workers at Akita’s many prosperous silver and copper mines. Akita’s sake industry flourished then. But these mines have long been closed now. After the end of feudal society and the unification of the country (which began with the Meiji Restoration in 1868) the modernization of Japan began, including a new tax system by the new central government. Sake making was encouraged by the government to help increase tax revenues, and, at its peak, there were about 30,000 sake breweries throughout Japan.

Eventually, however, the numbers declined as the Japanese people’s diet changed to enjoy the diversity of international foods in restaurants and at home, and people’s thirst for alcoholic beverages such as beer, spirits, and wines developed as they became more easily accessible. Currently, in all of Japan, there are about 1,100 sake breweries, with 34 sake breweries in operation in the Akita Prefecture.

Brewery Team

The Kodama family has grown together with the local community

The Kodama family began its family business as a producer of Shoyu (soy sauce) and Miso (soybeans paste) in 1879 – both are traditional fermented seasonings essential to everyday Japanese cuisine.

In 1913, the company’s charismatic second generation leader, Tomokichi Kodama, launched sake production and enlarged the family business. He realized his family business could only grow by developing and modernizing the local community that surrounded his business. He helped install the village’s first telephone network, and gave land to help build a railway station, a post office, and a bank. During the early years of the modernization of Japan, similar efforts were made in many areas by landowners and local business leaders. Blessed with an abundance of rice and clean spring water from nearby mountains, as well as the land the family owned, the Kodama family was able to grow their family business together with the local community.

Surviving the World War II hardships

Taiheizan sake received national recognition in 1933 when Kodama Jozo introduced Japan’s first chilled premium sake. This “unpasteurized” sake became a big hit in Tokyo as it experienced a record-breaking hot summer that year and home refrigerators had just been introduced in Japan. In the following year, in 1934, Taiheizan sake won first place in the 14th Annual National Sake Competition out of 5,169 entries and Taiheizan became a nationally recognized brand in the sake industry, as well as to consumers in big cities.

During World War II, the sake industry faced difficulties due to government regulations, the loss of workers, and the lack of rice. If rice was available, it was necessary to feed people rather than make sake. The Kodama family business was able to survive through the wartime thanks to the continued demands for miso and soy sauce. After the war, the company recovered to brew sake again, and to grow under its fourth-generation leadership.

Today, Kodama Jozo is internationally known for its already mentioned sake brand Taiheizan 太平山, named after a long- worshipped mountain in Akita, and Tenko 天巧, a completely hand-made pure-rice super premium (Junmai Daiginjo) artisan sake series.

Barrel making

The fifth-generation president introduces super premium sake

The current president of Kodama Jozo is Shin-ichiro, who is the fifth-generation owner. He succeeded the company from his father in 1997. He had launched a new brand – Tenko – in 1989 as a pioneer of completely hand- made artisan super premium sake, brewed with 100% first quality Yamadanishiki rice and local spring water.

The majority of sake being sold in Japan at that time was “regular sake” (vs premium sake), made mostly with table rice. Less than 1% of sake available in Japan in the 1980s was “pure rice super premium”, where brown rice is polished (carved) down to 50% or less to remove excess proteins and minerals etc. to maximize the refined qualities of starch in rice feasible to produce high-grade sake. Unlike grapes, there is no sugar in rice, so the starch in rice needs to first be converted into sugar, which would then be fermented to produce alcohol.

Quality premium sake is made possible with quality rice; clean, soft water; and the skills of experienced workers with the scientific knowledge of how to work with micro-organisms. Tenko is a fine example of super premium sake represented by its elegant fruity and floral aromas, smooth textures, and layered ‘umami’ tastes, well balanced with acidity, freshness, and the natural sweetness of rice. Consumers quickly acquired the taste for this high-grade sake and the premium sake market grew rapidly in the early 2000s, extending its horizons to the overseas markets.

Shin-ichiro has lived during the sake market’s era of internationalization and globalization. Wine sommeliers have started to speak sake in wine languages. Some have launched a sake category in respected wine competitions, and have started to teach “sake making and tasting notes” in wine school classes. Tenko has received international recognition by winning numerous awards in international competitions such as London’s International Wine Challenge (IWC), Paris’ Kura Master, and the US National Sake Appraisals. Tenko has also been served in first and business classes in international flights by the Japanese ANA. Kodama sake is now available in more than 15 countries around the world.

Koji process

Brown rice vs polished rice

Tradition and Innovation: that is the Kodama family philosophy

There are 50 dedicated people working in Kodama Jozo today. Shin-ichiro, like his father, serves as one of the leaders in the industry, holding various positions in national and regional Sake and Shochu brewers’ associations. “Tradition and Innovation” is the philosophy shared by the family over generations, and our commitment to live and grow with the locals, and to serve our customers, is still very much alive today.

At Kodama Jozo, the new brewing season starts with growing seedlings of rice on small mats to be transplanted into rice fields in May by local farmers. The rice is harvested in September for a new sake brewing year to start in October. This is the annual cycle of sake making in colder regions of Japan like in Akita, which we have nurtured over generations, and the Kodama family’s challenges continue.

Kodama Jozo (Kodama Brewing Co., Ltd.)

Katagami, Akita Prefecture, Japan

www.kodamajozo.co.jp/en

Tenko

Wooden barrels

THE KODAMA FAMILY AND THE LIDICE MEMORIAL

Lidice is a small Czech village whose name became the symbol of fascist cruelty in World War II for the Czech people. It is located 20km from Prague – or we should rather say it was located there, had been completely wiped out by the Nazis, and then rebuilt anew next to the original location after the war.

The tragedy of this little village and its 503 inhabitants began on June 10th, 1942, a few hours after midnight. The events of that summer day are recorded in a documentary, filmed by those who actually carried out that brutal crime against innocent people. Although it is a silent film, it can be understood by all people, irrespective of their colour or language. This film served as document No. 379 at the Nuremberg trials of the Nazi German leaders in 1945.

All 173 Lidice men were shot, the women and children were taken from their mothers, and, except for those selected for re-education in German families and babies under one year of age, were poisoned by exhaust gas in specially adapted vehicles in the Nazi extermination camp in Poland. The women were sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp, which usually meant quick or lingering death for the inmates.

Having rid the village of its inhabitants, the Nazis began to destroy the village itself, first setting the houses on fire and then razing them to the ground with plastic explosives. They did not stop at that but proceeded to destroy the church and even the last remaining resting place – the cemetery. In 1943, all that remained was an empty space.

After the war, the site was preserved as a memorial, part of which is the monument of the eighty-two bronze statues of Lidice’s children, all victims of war. Toshiko Kodama, the fourth generation’s wife and Shin-ichiro’s mother, was deeply touched by the tragedy, and helped to raise funds in Japan to complete the statues of the children. She was strongly supported by her husband, Jun-ichiro, in this endeavour, as well as by many friends and relatives.

Thank you!

Pope Francis and H.E. Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio

Text: H.E. Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus Okolo Apostolic Nuncio; Photo: Servizio Photografico de “L ‘O.R” Citta Del Vaticano

Under the impressive brightness and the enveloping joy of Easter Sunday, Pope Francis, still recuperating from his lingering illness, frail yet resolute, surrounded by his loving and compassionate assistants, lively in his humorous interruptions, after getting someone to read out his Easter message, made his final journey through St. Peter’s Square. Without knowing it, yet moved by his inner instinct, he was engulfed into the wave of a last goodbye. It was a profound gesture which eloquently and providentially summarised his life and work, and which reflected his deep connection with the people, until the end.

His voice, though weakened, hardly audible, his waving hand hardly noticeable, his heavy bright eyes carrying the weight of a lifetime devoted to compassionate looks and attentive invitations, all defied the expectations of paparazzi photographers. He never ever pretended to be photogenic, and he did not even care.

Pope Francis and H.E. Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio

As he raised his feeble arm in blessing, the crowd of nearly 60,000 stood amazed in reverent speechlessness and unbelief, not sure whether to cheer or just to admire, a silence that sought to absorb the gravity of the moment. His last words—”Thank you for bringing me back to the Square”—were not just gratitude but a farewell, a testament to his unwavering love for the people. A true Roman soldier maintains his ground until the end, whether there is the threat of the Vesuvian eruption or the menace of the Etruscans.

In that brief instant, time seemed to pause, the world holding its breath as a leader who had walked among the suffering and the forgotten bid his final goodbye. His legacy, etched in mercy and justice, will echo far beyond the Vatican walls.

Many of those who clung to the electronic media following the event from every part of the world, would have loved to be there live, on St Peter’s Square with him. However, the inner spirit and the longing bridged the great divide. We were all there with him in spirit, relishing those few moments, as the papa-mobile slipped by, in sheer emotion, thinking that his strength was back again. It was later that some, reading their feelings backwards, acknowledged this eerie feeling they had, unsure whether it was a dream or a reality. The following morning, the media carried the message so quickly, so electrifying, that it sent shivers through every spine, and in a few minutes, every part of the world already got the news. Of course, the Vatican official information had to follow, to confirm that it was not another AI fake news.

Pope Francis and H.E. Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio

The following Saturday, on the Eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, as he was laid to rest, in solemn silence, every one stood or sat breathless, stunned by the solemnity, the uplifting music and the emotion, the eruption of applauses on the streets during the final journey towards Santa Maria Maggiore, the voices rising in awe and gratitude. It was an experience, or rather, it was a moment etched into the soul, never to be forgotten.

The amazing number of Dignitaries from all over the world at his funeral, the young adolescents who filled the Square, all these were signs of how the world appreciates an impacting moral voice within the international sphere. The world needs such a humble, independent and neutral voice, which calls attention to the truth, ‘no matter whose ox is gored.’

Since the demise of Pope Francis on Monday, 21 April, so much has been said about him, about his legacy, about his efforts for a more just and fairer society. The condolence messages have been endless.

This man of God left a legacy imbued with profound impact, manifest courage, and respect, made evident by his unwavering commitment to social justice, humility, and inclusiveness. He called attention to the genius of the woman, and deplored the fact that they are sometimes edged out of decision-making roles in the Church and in the society. He believed that their genial approach to issues should be appreciated and that they should also play their role.

His vision for a fairer and more just society was evident in his advocacy for the marginalized. He always laid strong emphasis on mercy. His call for global solidarity was loud and eloquent. His words and actions never left anyone indifferent. He will be well remembered as a Pope who truly walked alongside the people. He was a shepherd who knew his flock. He never left anyone indifferent.

Pope Francis clearly showed remarkable courage in daring to address some of the most challenging and controversial issues within the Church and on the international sphere. He never shied away from difficult questions. He squarely faced issues of abuse in its various forms; he confronted economic inequality and tried to find ways of debt relief. His ability to engage with divisive topics, often with humility and compassion, finding ways of getting others fully involved, cemented his reputation as a leader willing to challenge the status quo.

He was not a politician but was not timid on political matters. He had access to wealth, but preferred to die not owning anything. He was elected into an institution that was complex, but he was able to bring along with him a sense of humility and simplicity which amazed his admirers.

Pope Francis and H.E. Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio

His legacy will be defined by his fearless approach to justice and reform, attention and compassion, presence and action, courage and determination, inclusiveness, and attention to the marginalised. His leadership has certainly sparked reflections that will continue to shape the Church and society for years to come. While not claiming to be a professor like his immediate predecessor, he has been able to give the theological principle of synodality a new dimension that is both existential and productive, challenging and equally effective. His daring approach has left his papacy marked by transformative initiatives that reshaped the Catholic Church and its role in the modern world. For him, social justice and poverty alleviation were priorities which gave the poor and marginalized some visibility in a world drowned by the mad pursuit of riches to the detriment of the vulnerable, in a world where indifference is becoming the norm. His call for urgent and effective action on climate change helped to frame environmental stewardship as a moral responsibility. His push for Church reform and financial transparency helped create a good balance between theology, spirituality, finance management, best practice, and good governance. Undoubtedly, his manner of sincere dialogue helped foster dynamic and lasting relationships and partnership with leaders of other faiths, leading to the signing of historic documents like that of universal fraternity with Muslim leaders, the historic meeting with the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, and other similar initiatives. By launching the Economy of Francesco initiative, he encouraged young economists and entrepreneurs to build fairer financial models. Migrants saw in him the strong advocacy they needed in order to struggle through ordeals. He boldly faced the delicate and thorny question of abuse in all forms, especially within the Church, implementing stricter policies and promoting justice.

His preparedness for death showed that he was satisfied with his efforts, and he persevered actively until the end. That last impact on Easter Sunday was forceful, real, and personal, and was involving.

You have accomplished your mission for humanity! Fare thee well, Pope Francis!