Georgian Heritage Foundation’s Post

I read two books over the holidays that were entirely different in theme and yet interwoven with a singular thread of meaning. One was a fictional take on racism through the Belgian Congo independence movement in the 1950s, juxtaposed against the surge of nationalistic racism in Belgium and Europe in the early 2000s. The other was a reported series of stories about communities around the world fighting to conserve nature, juxtaposed against the unending push for economic development. Both challenge us to think about the meaning of progress, and also give hope in the power of individuals and communities to effect change, even in the face of violent colonialism. First up: In the Belly of the Congo. This acclaimed 2023 novel, by Blaise Ndola, a Congolese-born Ottawa author (and lawyer), travels back and forth in time, to tell the fantastical and horrifying story of a Congolese girl/princess who flees her rural home of patriarchal privilege and is caught up in the freedom movement, only to be traded as an exhibit in the 1956 Brussels Worlds Fair. Decades later, her story carries on through her niece, and the offspring of her antagonists, who are brought together by fate to confront the post-modern racism emerging in Europe.The story ends in hope, with the latter-day protagonists reconnecting with the “place” of their collective story: that being the culture and values of a people disrupted and displaced. Next up, Irreplaceable: The Fight to Save Our Wild Places, by British writer and naturalist Julian Hoffman. This book is all about place, and takes us on a journey through some of the world’s most beautiful and vulnerable regions. In each place, Hoffman finds communities working diligently to develop a different route of progress. Whether it’s the challenge of a motorway in Wales or an airport in southeastern England or industrial mining in Indonesia, we encounter the micro that is often lost in macro discussions about economic development and nature. Ultimately, place is about people — and their ability to create movements and momentum. As Hoffman writes, “People who, simply by making themselves heard, spark others into action, galvanizing a groundswell of often already existing feelings amongst those otherwise too anxious, demoralized, withdrawn or fearful to stand up without knowing there’s someone beside them.” The same spirit can be seen, and heard, around the world as peoples struggle to secure their place, and their places, and to define progress. Both books inspire hope in that idea of “place,” a concept that we seem to have profoundly lost in our march of digital progress. Whether it’s Christmas Island or Two Mile Wood, our world is still rich with places that are much more than Instagram backdrops. By any lasting measure, the endurance of place must always help define progress. #booknerd #nature #history #africa #colonialism #conservation #sustainability

Thank you to the Center for Latin America Convergence for featuring me on our latest edition of our newsletter. As the first female US Attorney General, Janet Reno beautifully put it: "Being a lawyer is not merely a professional choice. It is a vocation and a public trust with the obligations to give back to respective communities". CCLatam esteemed board member Leticia Ossa Daza walks this talk as mentor and inspiration to young Latinas. She put on paper her life experience in an inspiring book, Confessions of a Real Woman, recently launched in Colombia. We grilled Leticia with a few questions. Enjoy reading her replies. I came across an amazingly inspiring quote by a brilliant lawyer recently: "Important to remind ourselves...If something is not easy, it doesn't mean it is impossible". Anyone that comes to your mind? What's the real meaning of it? Is it all about resilience? Thank you for mentioning my quote. I truly believe that building your character to embody resilience is a key to accomplishing great things. Growing up in Colombia and experiencing life as an immigrant here in the U.S. and France has taught me the importance of hard work, taking risks, and believing in myself. When you don't see an open door, there is always a window for those that are creative and are willing to take the path less travelled. Embodying resilience looks like continuing to move forward despite setbacks and not letting obstacles deter us from our ambitions. In writing the book, there were moments where I felt like giving up, but I knew I had something to say that could inspire and empower others, especially within the Latinx community. This gave me the courage to keep going. #confesionesdeunamujerreal

A report of the Conference held last week at Palazzo di Venezia, organized by the Associazione Italia-Turchia. What a great way to celebrate a history of strong relationships and cooperation! Thanks Mert Pekdogdu for this interesting article!

‘The Dutch feel like they have a marriage of convenience with Europe - there is no sense of a shared identity’ That was the sobering message published yesterday on new opinion research, according to which most of the Dutch feel great distance to European politics - https://nos.nl/l/2516318 Elsewhere in the news, it was reported for instance by Dutch News Today , that the ‘Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder’ in Amsterdam just had been awarded the European Heritage Label. With roots in the 17th century, this so-called shelter church was a place where Catholic Amsterdammers came together in secret, since they were not allowed to express their faith in public. Today, it is a museum, where especially young people are prompted to reflect both on the past and to think about (religious) freedoms and personal identity, as we enjoy them today. And of course how we need not to get complacent, but keep defending and giving meaning to individual rights and freedoms. The shelter church was selected for the European Heritage Label for its symbolic value, as one of the milestones in the creation of today’s Europe. Other places in The Netherlands include the Peace Palace in The Hague, Kamp Westerbork, the Colonies of Benefacity and the Treaty of Maastricht. Since the European Heritage label was created in 2013, 63 sites all over the European Union have each been recognised for the way they embody the values we share. Quite a map of what actually does bind us together. But as these conflicting pieces of news clearly show, this connection between the past and the present, and the benefit and commonality of the choices we have made along the way, does not seem to be the way most people actually experience it. Well - I believe it is true we have common ground. And lot of it. So I end the working week pondering yet again what the answer is to the challenge to ‘communicate Europe’. Encouraging as many possible to visit to Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder’ and the other sites, is in any case a good start. More on European Heritage sites: https://lnkd.in/eXecp6n4 Article on award to Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder’: https://lnkd.in/eD9WHr4r

Hey TWIG family! Mexico's Independence Day is right around the corner! Want to celebrate it like a true local? Dive into these 20 must-know insights about Mexico, with a special spotlight on our beloved Independence Day. Get ready to shout '¡Viva México!' with all your heart! 🌮🎉 #IndependenceDaySpecial #FeelLikeAMexican #TWIGInsights #newblogpost #IndependenceDaySpecial #FeelLikeAMexican #TWIGInsights

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a conference graced by Yanis Varoufakis and @Ece Temelkuran. While many are acquainted with Yanis, Ece’s journey is a tale of remarkable perseverance (https://lnkd.in/eWf4JYyq). Following her departure from Turkey due to political pressures, she penned her evocative book, "How to Lose a Country: The 7 Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship." It dissects the ascent of right-wing populism, illuminating its modus operandi. Our brief conversation after the event left an indelible mark. I expressed my deepest respect and empathy for her relentless battle against the oppressive powers she faced, championing the cause of freedom of expression both in journalism (during her tenure at Haberturk) and in personal spheres. Having witnessed the seismic shifts in Turkey's socio-political landscape first hand between 2012-2018, I can't help but contemplate the potential ripple effects across Germany and the broader ‘West.’ Ece’s foresight, encapsulated in her book, resonates profoundly. The narrative she crafted isn't just hers, but a reflection of a collective experience—my friends and I saw the storm brewing, she saw and lived it too. Sharing thoughts with such an inspirational and emotionally astute individual was invigorating. Ece's valor in confronting a venomous faction, all while nurturing a spirit of love and attentiveness in her resistance, epitomized the essence of a righteous struggle. Her discourse on the soul underscored that with authenticity and a heart fueled by love, regardless of the hate faced, one can navigate the tumultuous path to change and triumph. When Ece posed the question, "What is the alternative?" it echoed the stark reality—there is none. Our individual battles amalgamate into a collective endeavor towards reform and maybe a better future. Ece and others like her serve as beacons, illuminating the path of resistance in these turbulent times. #democracy #reform #freedom #humanrights #justice

I am very much looking forward to this Citizens’ Dialogue at the Residenz am Dom in Cologne. The generation of our parents and grandparents laid the foundations for the European Union. Politicians like Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer, Jean Monnet or Alcide De Gaspari built their vision of a common Europe also on the continent’s heritage rooted partly in Christian values. What has changed since then and what does inspire and guide Europe today? #futuretalks #europeanunion

My journey in #IAAO began in 2017 when conference came to my hometown of Tampa, Florida. I volunteered to help out, so put goody bags together, assisted at the registration table and volunteer room, and anywhere else needed. I also became the host chaperone for the board member spouses. Pete Rodda was president at the time and his lovely wife the spouse host. It was my 1st conference and I was so excited, but it was also almost my last. Though a great overall event (besides the looming hurricane at the end that sent visitors scrambling to change departure plans) I didn't feel like I belonged. Representation in leadership that resembled me was nowhere to be found, attendee resemblance was few and far between, and those from other countries seemed siloed into their own groups. My experience at that conference created my ultimate path within the association. I gave it a shot by staying involved, and have been working ever since to lessen the chance of mine being anyone else's experience in IAAO. Through what later became Women's Initiative Network (WIN), my time on the Membership Committee, and then the new Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Task Force (DEI) formed in 2020, my service has been geared towards inviting the next generation in, welcoming diverse groups in, uplifting the roles of women in our profession, and preparing our industry for the future of assessment. There is still much work to be done. We know the work, the numbers, the theory, but what we lack is excelling in the things that make people want to come to work, get involved, stay within our offices, and give our association a shot. I would love to continue my journey of service in this space as your board representative for Region 3, and humbly ask for your vote this November 1st. #Yourvotematters #IAAO #opal4youriaao #BoardOfDirectors #international #association #assessment #professionals #RealEstate #leadershipmatters #LeadWithHeart #emotionalintelligence

Keskustelunaiheena on ollut mm. kulttuurin ja kulttuuriperinnön merkitys ja suojeleminen erilaisissa kriiseissä. "Culture plays a vital role in democratic and resilient societies. Right now, with ongoing geopolitical tensions, crises, and war in nearby countries, there are many examples of culture and cultural heritage being targeted in various ways. In light of this, it was of high importance for the Nordic and Baltic ministers for Culture to join forces on this subject." The Nordic Council of Ministers and The Nordic Council Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö/Undervisnings- och kulturministeriet/Ministry of Education & Culture KAVI National Audiovisual Institute