Travel Blog & Gallery – Cyprus
Published March 12, 2024 When we arrived at the airport in Larnaca we were all pleasantly surprised by the warm sea air in Cyprus, having left a frosty cold Uppsala behind. When taking the shuttlebus to the capital Nicosia, it is nearly impossible to miss the massive Turkish flag side by side the flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the mountainside, illuminated in the night by bright lights, looking over the world’s last divided capital city. On our first day we took a walk through town to visit the Swedish ambassador’s residence, where we were offered the typical fika. The ambassador explained the situation on the island and Sweden’s role as a facilitator for talks between religious leaders of the parties to the conflict. After an interesting visit, we went to pick up our rental cars. It was time to drive into the UN buffer-zone for our next meeting. After driving through a crowded Nicosia in left-hand traffic, we arrived at the UN checkpoint. We drove in convoy following our UN escort car about a kilometer into the buffer zone, where their office was situated. We got the opportunity to talk to the UN officers there and had a look at Nicosia’s old airport which had been closed shortly after the Turkish invasion in 1974. After the meeting, we finished the day off by going through the world’s last border patrol dividing a capital. After crossing to the northern side, we shortly noticed major differences. In 50 meters we had walked from a Greek-influenced, touristy and somewhat sterile city into a society where we instantly were greeted with Turkish delights, tea and statues of Atatürk. We had walked from a society with a majority of churches to one with mainly mosques. We spent the evening there visiting the significantly cheaper and progressive bars there, before taking the Uber back to our hostel. The next day we had booked a meeting with a university from northern Cyprus. They offered us a traditional citrus cake and gave us all northern Cypriot cookbooks. The TRNC is only recognized internationally by Turkey, so one could imagine that this was a way for them to show that they have a culture of their own, but perhaps to express goodwill internationally as well. We talked to the university staff and had an interview for our Uttryck magazine. They offered us a tour around the town and invited us to visit one of the mosques, of course with a Turkish flag hanging inside. The hospitality was remarkable and after a guided tour through Lefkosa, which the northern part of the capital is called, the university booked a tour bus to Kyrenia on the northern coast of Cyprus, where we visited an old monastery, originating long before the island’s rift dividing Muslims and Christians between north and south. After a long day, we took the bus to a completely empty Ayia Napa, where we would spend our final night in Cyprus before flying to Athens early the following day. GALLERY
Two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: Future consequences of arms proliferation
Published March 11, 2024 REGISTER March 21 17:30 – 18:45 Brusewitz Hall – Gamla Torget Doors close at 17.30 – first come, first served! Join us in welcoming Ambassador Andrii Plakhotniuk, Director of The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration Eva Hagwall and Dr Ian Anthony to discuss future consequences of arms proliferation within the region and how to build civil society resistance to strengthen European security (more information below). Ukraine has requested and received a wide array of arms and ammunition from Sweden, and further EU-countries, to strengthen and support their resistance and defense. What is further needed? How could arms proliferation affect the region and civil society resistance, as third party sales could increase in the aftermath of the war? What aspects are to be considered when reasoning about the future of the conflict and how should the Ukrainian government, civil society and Swedish defence ministry act upon them? These are some of the topics the discussion will delve into, which will be followed by questions from the audience. Membership in UF Uppsala or AROS is required. Become a member for FREE here. AROS (Akademiska Reservofficerssällskapet i Uppsala) is a student association that gathers all Uppsala University students who have served in the Swedish Armed Forces in one way or another. The core of AROS’ activities is to organize social gatherings that blend military and student traditions. Join us in welcoming Ambassador Andrii Plakhotniuk Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Sweden Andrii Plakhotniuk has previously served as Director General of the Directorate for Countering Russian Threats in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and holds extensive diplomatic experience. Dr. Ian Anthony was the previous Director of SIPRI’s European Security Programme, and has expertise on arms control, disarmament, nuclear security, export control and threat. He has numerous publishings that explore and investigate the topics above within the region, and further issues such as environmental accountability, justice and reconstruction. Director of FMV Eva Hagwall The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration’s work includes export support and they are the coordination office for the European Defense Fund. Director Eva Hagwall has previously worked within the Ministry of Finance and with issues related to civil society crisis preparedness.
Volunteer for Career Day 2024
UF Uppsala is now looking for volunteers for Career day 2024. Career day is an annual event where we partner with institutions, organizations and companies to come and talk about growth opportunities and help you get insights into your future career. If you’re interested, send your CV and a brief motivation to careers@ufuppsala.se
Karriärsseminarium – Folk och Försvar
Delta i ett upplysande seminarium med talare från Folk och Försvar. Talare ska dela insikter om sina roller och reflektera över sin resa till där de står idag, omfattande både akademiska strävanden och professionella erfarenheter. Få värdefulla tips och reflektioner som kan forma din karriärväg. Datum: 13 mars Tid: 17:30 – 18:30 Introduktion Våra talare kommer att presentera var och en i cirka 10 minuter, ge en översikt över Folk och Försvar och skissera sina roller inom organisationen. Utforska Karriärvägar Efter presentationerna kommer våra talare att ägna 20-30 minuter åt att berätta om sina individuella vägar till framgång, med särskilt fokus på de möjligheter som finns för studenter och karriärinsikter. Frågestund Njut av en kort paus med fika och en möjlighet att interagera med våra talare genom en frågestund. Talare Niki Scharp Brilly Roll: Utbildningsansvarig för säkerhetspolitiska grundkursen på FoF. Bakgrund: Niki har examina i psykologi och fred och utvecklingsstudier från Uppsala Universitet. Hon har berikat sin akademiska resa med internationella erfarenheter genom utbyten och praktikplatser i Frankrike och Kenya. Nikis passion för att arbeta med ungdomar kristalliserades under hennes tid i skolor, vilket till sist ledde henne att omfamna FoFs etos. Anna Lagerlöf Roll: Kommunikatör på FoF. Bakgrund: Annas akademiska strävanden har fokuserat på stats- och internationella relationer, med vistelser i USA och Norge. Hon har slipat sina färdigheter genom engagemang vid FN och en treårig anställning vid den svenska ambassaden i Norge. Simon Jernberg Roll: Programchef, Globala Säkerhetstrender på FoF. Bakgrund: Simons akademiska resa inom Internationella Relationer vid Stockholms Universitet har kompletterats med olika professionella erfarenheter. Han har tjänstgjort som Generalsekreterare vid EUP, bidragit till organisationer som Diakonia och SIPRI, och tillhandahållit policyrådgivning vid Nordiska Finansiella Unioner. Miss inte denna möjlighet att få ovärderliga insikter i karriärutveckling inom Folk och Försvar, särskilt anpassade för studenter som strävar efter att forma sina professionella vägar. Bekräfta ditt deltagande för att säkra din plats!
Call for writers
The digital edition of Uttryck Magazine is now receiving pitches for articles in relevant themes of foreign affairs – you decide the topic. This is your chance if you’re interested in writing your own feature article for a foreign affairs magazine. Send your pitch to webbredaktionen@ufuppsala.se You can also ask your questions in that email adress.
Lecture: The Long Shadow of German Colonialism – Namibian Perspective
Published February 24, 2024 March 618:15 – 19:30Ekonomikum, Sal 2 In the early 20th century, imperial Germany stood as one of the foremost colonial powers, boasting territories across West, East, and Southern Africa, China, and the South Seas. Following World War I, these territories were transferred as mandates to other colonial states. This lecture provides an overview of the profound consequences of German colonialism, examining the persistent trends of colonial apologetics, reminiscences, and colonialamnesia that have endured since that era. It also evaluates the increasing recognition of these historical injustices, prompting efforts to confront and address the long-suppressed colonial past. Finally, the lecture critically analyzes the ongoing German-Namibian negotiations aimed at acknowledging the genocide perpetrated in South West Africa. Henning Melber German-Namibian professor, writer and political activist Director Emeritus at the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation and Extraordinary Professor at multiple institutions.Extensive research on the decolonization of Africa, with focus on understanding Namibia’s past with colonialism.
75th Anniversary Jubilee Gasque
Esteemed members and alumni, The Uppsala Association of Foreign Affairs is pleased to invite you to its 75th Jubilee Masquerade, as we honor three-quarters of a century dedicated to fostering international debate and understanding of the world we live in. UF Uppsala has proudly hosted distinguished guests, organized enlightening lectures, seen animated debates, embarked on study trips abroad, helped you assess your career opportunities, published Uttryck Magazine for over six decades, – on paper and even online (we were there before blogging) – and shared insights through a weekly radio broadcast. In the spirit of diplomatic camaraderie and cultural exchange, we invite you to accompany us in commemorating the rich history and promising future of UF Uppsala. Where? Norrlands nation When? 23rd of March Time? 17dq Släpp? Of Course! from 23-02 Cost? 130kr (without alcohol), 150kr (with alcohol) Dress code? Formal (Mörk Kostym) Tickets will be available on Cardskipper from the 26/2 at 12.00 until 3/3 at 12.00 Only UF members can buy tickets, but if you want to bring a +1 they do not have to be a UF member. Become a member We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Debate on Geopolitics and Trade
The sun has started to appear before we wake up, hence time to celebrate by debating geopolitics! How can countries affect each other economically and why would they? This will be our focus on Thursday. We will discuss everything from soft to hard power, i.e. free trade, sanctions, etc. Fika will be served as usual plus Nation chill session after! Location: Room B115 (downstairs) Ekonomikum Thursday 22 18:30 – 19:30
Lecture with Ambassador Klement Gu – Taiwan’s Foreign Relations after Presidential Election
When: Feb 21st, 17:30-19:00 Where: Ostromsalen, Gamla Torget Membership is required The election held in Taiwan in the beginning of this year has been spoken of as a crucial moment regarding how the future of the world might turn out. Taiwan’s wish to become a democratic independent state is a solid fact after the election turnout favored the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) with a third consecutive win. Taiwan’s newly elected president Lai Ching-te has been called “a dangerous separatist” by China, causing a lot of questions about how the increased tensions will affect peace within the region and with the rest of the world. Ambassador Klement Gu has extensive experience when it comes to working in a global context and managing diplomatic relations between Taiwan and other countries, while also considering that China still claims it as part of Chinese territory which causes limitations to the diplomatic relations. Among other things, Ambassador Gu has been the general director of the department that prepares and plans Taiwan’s foreign politics since 2018. Join us on the 21st of February to learn more about this complex political situation! Membership is required
Seminar – Careers Within Foreign Affairs
Join us for a Career Seminar! Uffice (Ekonomikum’s basement) February 29 18:00-19:30 Explore careers in foreign affairs, learn about opportunities, work life in the UD, and the transition from student to professional. Gain valuable insights, tips, and firsthand experiences to empower your journey. At our upcoming session, UF members can expect to gain fresh perspectives on navigating careers in foreign affairs. The speaker will provide valuable tips on skill development, offer guidance on emerging opportunities, and share firsthand experiences to empower UF members on their journey towards impactful roles in the world of foreign affairs and work within the department. Don’t miss this opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain the insights needed for a successful and fulfilling career in the global arena!