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#384: Looking Back: An Interview with Bob Rhubart

Community Manager Javed Mohammed takes the baton from Bob Rhubart for the Oracle Groundbreakers Podcast.

Community Manager Bob Rhubart, host of the Oracle Groundbreakers Podcast, is calling it a day, as he retires from Oracle. Bob is one of a kind and anyone who knows him can verify that. Smart, helpful, generous, friendly, are just a few of the many words that describe him.

 

In this interview Bob shares how he moved into tech, what inspires him, and share highlights from his career at Oracle. Just for the record, Bob started and grew the Oracle Groundbreakers Podcast into the number one rated Podcast from Oracle. We hope to continue his legacy.

 

 

Read the complete show notes here.




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Jason Lowe on the Benefits of Participating in Hackathons at the Hackmakers World Innovation Day

Hackmakers: Part 2: Jim Grisanzio talks with Jason Lowe about his experiences participating at the Hackmakers World Innovation Day​ Hackathon in April 2021. Jason spoke about the people, skills, and software technologies that Oracle contributed to the event and some of history and upcoming hackathons as well. Developers and non-developers alike came together to work on projects to help support the people in need around the world -- and in the process they learned valuable new skills they can use in their careers. The experience was a continuum of learning for everyone.

Oracle and other organizations sponsored the event in collaboration with UNESCO and UNEP. The areas of focus for the projects included health, education, and work -- all based on the larger list of United Nations world development goals. 

Jason Lowe, Master Cloud Specialist Engineer, Oracle, @jlowe000

Podcast Host: Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Developer Relations
https://twitter.com/jimgris
https://developer.oracle.com/team/ 




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Building Intelligent Models for Smarter and Safer Cities

Jim Grisanzio from Oracle Developer Relations talks with Gabriele Provinciali, an engineer and solutions architect at Oracle in Rome, about smart and safe city models built with Lego Bricks, Arduinos, Raspberry Pis, and a variety of IoT edge sensors all connected to the Oracle Cloud. Twitter ThreadVideo on YouTube.

Oracle News Connect Article

Gabriele Provinciali, Solution Architect, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure

ProximaSafe: Joining the Dots in OCI to build a Stream Analysis Lab

Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Developer Relations




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The Lost Art of Debugging with Mark Heckler

JavaOne 2022 Speaker Preview

In this conversation Oracle's Jim Grisanzio talks with Java developer and JavaOne 2022 speaker Mark Heckler from St. Louis. Missouri in the United States.

Mark is a software developer and developer advocate at Microsoft, a Java Champion, a conference speaker, and an author. Check out his book Spring Boot: Up and Running. In this conversation Mark previews his session at JavaOne — Das Boot: Diving into Debugging Spring Boot Applications. Mark also talks about the value of technical conferences and the community. 

JavaOne 2022 from October 17-20 in Las Vegas

Mark Heckler, Principal Cloud Developer Advocate for Java/JVM Languages at Microsoft

Java Development and Community

Duke's Corner Podcast Host

  • Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Java Developer Relations, @jimgris




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Simon Martinelli: Trains, Code, Community, and Teaching!

Jim Grisanzio from Java Developer Relations talks with Simon Martinelli, a Java Champion and an Oracle ACE Pro from Switzerland who loves contributing to FOSS projects and teaching students all about Java. The conversation ranges from Simon’s early experience learning Java, working for the Swiss Railway, engaging multiple Java User Groups, and teaching students. Simon also gets into the benefits of modern Java and some of the best features the technology offers for developers.


Simon: https://x.com/simas_ch

Jim: https://x.com/jimgris

 




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Denver Water Utility Prioritizes Smart Water Use, Conservation




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Stainless Steel Proves to Be a Smart Choice for Coastal Areas




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How Do Southern California Hospitals Rate for Earthquake Safety?




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Better Buildings Initiative is a Decarbonization Partner for Facilities Managers




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Political science students discuss youth participation in security policy development at OSCE-supported meeting in Bosnia and Herzegovina

NEUM, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 12 June 2016 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) organized a two-day alumni meeting for over 20 students who attended the OSCE-organized Youth and Security Summer School when it was held for the first time last year. The peace and security studies students of the Universities of Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka discussed current security challenges and ways to promote youth participation in the development of a comprehensive security policy for BiH.

“The meeting is an excellent opportunity for enhancing the knowledge and capacity of future security professionals. It provides a platform for them to actively participate in developing and implementing security policy,” said Jonathan Moore, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. “The recommendations they produced will be forwarded to the BiH Council of Ministers’ Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Monitoring and Implementation of Security Policy.”

Damjan Jugovic, student at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo and member of the OSCE’s Youth Advisory Group said: “This is a chance for us to get more acquainted with the work of different security and intelligence agencies in BiH and support the co-operation between students from different universities.”

The students also expressed hope that affiliation with the summer school would help them in their future careers. “Having met peers from Mostar and Banja Luka, I realized that we all think alike. We want change and a better future. I am sure the practical knowledge we gained from the school will increase our chances for employment,” said Jovana Bilinac, student at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo.

The main goal of the Summer School on Youth and Security of the OSCE Mission to BiH is to promote the development of democratic institutions through education of young security experts. The school provides a forum for them to discuss a wide range of security- and policy-related issues and increases their participation in political life as well as decision-making processes.

The organization of the alumni meeting was supported by the Hungarian Embassy in BiH. 

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Recognition of challenges that Roma face in Ukraine key for the promotion of their fundamental rights, say participants at OSCE/ODIHR event

Improving the situation of Roma in Ukraine by enhancing co-operation between Roma civil society organizations and national and regional authorities was the focus of a roundtable meeting organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine in Kyiv on 24 November 2015.

Some 40 participants from Ukrainian national and regional authorities, Roma civil society and the international community, discussed the challenges faced by Roma in the areas of education, employment, housing and policing.

“Further efforts are needed to implement a strong anti-discrimination approach in all policies targeting the integration and protection of Roma and, in particular, of Roma women,” said Mirjam Karoly, ODIHR Senior Adviser on Roma and Sinti Issues. “Measurable progress at the local level can only be achieved if policies are needs-based and have concrete objectives that are matched with measurable indicators and realistic budgets.”

Andriy Vitrenko, Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine for European Integration, stated that the Ministry was tasked in 2013to facilitate the implementation of the Strategy on the Protection and Integration of the Roma National Minority into Ukrainian Society up to 2020. “In order to achieve the goals set out in the Strategy, close collaboration among a number of ministries at the national level and good co-ordination with regional and local level authorities are needed.”

During the meeting, the participants emphasized that many Roma lack personal documents, hindering them from exercising their fundamental, social and political rights.

Volodomyr Kondur, Chairperson of the Roma Coalition, said: “We welcome the adoption of national and regional policy documents addressing the problems Roma face, but we want to see effective and sustainable results and ask for ensuring involvement of the Roma civil society in all stages of policy implementation and evaluation.”

The roundtable meeting was organized as a follow-up to ODIHR’s Situation Assessment Report on Roma in Ukraine and the Impact of the Current Crises and in line with the 2003 OSCE Action Plan on Roma and Sinti.

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OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier stresses importance of ODIHR’s work during visit to headquarters in Warsaw

WARSAW, 19 April 2016 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier, today visited the headquarters of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in the context of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Office.

Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier, who was joined for the visit by Witold Waszczykowski, Foreign Minister of Poland, met with ODIHR Director Michael Georg Link, before addressing guests and ODIHR Staff. In his address, he highlighted the background to the decision for the establishment of ODIHR in Warsaw, while stressing the continued importance of the Office’s work.

“The first democratic elections in 1989 in Poland marked the start of great change in Europe. It was not by coincidence that Warsaw was chosen as the seat of ODIHR – with this the OSCE paid tribute to the important role of the first Polish non-communist government since 1947 in the democratic re-shaping of Europe,” the German Foreign Minister said. “Today, 25 years later, I am in Warsaw to commend ODIHR, with its team of 150 people from 34 OSCE states, for its outstanding work: You are the chief promoters and defenders of the OSCE’s principles and commitments in the Human Dimension.”

“This task is never easy – it builds on your dedication to human rights and fundamental freedoms, it requires a reliable budget and it deserves the full support of all OSCE participating States,” he added. “ODIHR can count on Germany’s commitment, as OSCE Chairmanship, but also beyond.”

Director Link took the opportunity to express his thanks to both guests for their countries’ support for the Office.

“Over the past 25 years, ODIHR has grown into the OSCE’s principal human rights body, and this work is more important today than ever,” he said. “We are grateful for our host country’s continued support and appreciate the Chairperson-in-Office’s commitment to ODIHR and its mandate to promote human rights and democracy throughout the OSCE region.”

“ODIHR plays a major role not only in the process of monitoring human rights, but also in providing assistance with the implementation of commitments undertaken in the OSCE area,” said Polish Foreign Minister Waszczykowski. “ODIHR is an institution that truly makes a difference and, therefore, we fully support the work of every member of its highly devoted team.”

ODIHR was established in 1991 – originally as the OSCE Office for Free Elections – by a decision of OSCE heads of state and government at the Paris Summit in November of the previous year. The name was changed to its current form and its mandate significantly expanded in 1992, to providing assistance to governments and civil society in OSCE participating States in improving democratic governance, guaranteeing human rights and fundamental freedoms, and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination. 

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Participants of OSCE-supported ‘Follow Us’ Initiative agree on 2016 action plan

The first meeting of the ‘Follow Us’ Initiative for 2016, facilitated by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the OSCE Mission to Serbia, took place in Skopje from 12 to 14 February 2016. The meeting brought together 18 prominent women working in politics, media, academia and civil society from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade, to take stock of achievements and plan future activities.

The participants reviewed the initiative’s successes such as the Dialogue Academy for young women from Belgrade and Prishtinë/Priština, and the promotion of the dialogue through the ‘Follow Us’ documentary. They recognized the importance of furthering the inclusion of more women in this process in order to expand the dialogue across different sectors and agreed on an action plan of concrete activities for 2016. Additionally they developed longer-term frameworks for action in key areas affecting women’s lives and equality.

In a joint statement, the members of ‘Follow Us’ Initiative said: “We agreed to implement joint activities in the following areas: economic empowerment of women, gender in education, prevention of gender-based violence, political participation and representation of women at all levels, engendering media and the portrayal of women in media and public life, and promotion of dialogue among youth.

We also reconfirm the importance of dialogue and co-operation and highlight the contribution of women to it by taking concrete steps to bring the two societies closer together.”

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OSCE organizes field study in sustainable energy for the OSCE Mediterranean Partner Countries.

Vienna, 11 July 2016 – Today, energy experts from the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation, representing both government institutions and private sector companies, will begin a week-long field study  of sustainable energy in Austria and Germany. During their trip, participants will visit leading renewable energy companies, renewable energy sites and discuss the challenges of the energy transition with government representatives and business associations. .

While renewable energy is becoming increasingly important in the energy mix of OSCE Mediterranean Partner Countries, the energy transition poses a number of challenges that can only be addressed through partnerships and the sharing of best practices.

 “Reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supplies are a prerequisite for stability, security and economic growth. Our current challenge is to seek ways to ensure energy security, while at the same time meeting international CO2 emission targets,” said Dr. Yurdakul Yigitguden, Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities during the kick-off event of this study visit. “Building new partnerships  between public and private sector energy decision makers will strengthen economic connectivity and create further stability and growth in the region”, said Dr. Yigitguden.

The study visit was organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Affairs in co-operation with Advantage Austria, the World Energy Council Austria, the Munich Chamber of Commerce, GIZ and the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Media, and made possible by contributions from the governments of Austria and Germany, the in-coming and current OSCE Chairmanship.

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OSCE supports roundtable discussion on public participation in environmental decision-making in Kazakhstan

PAVLODAR, Kazakhstan, 12 July 2016 – An OSCE-supported roundtable discussion on public participation mechanisms in environmental decision-making took place today in Pavlodar for some 25 representatives of the national and local government offices, the private sector, civil society and academia.

The event concludes the project on the environmental decision-making process and raising awareness of the Aarhus Convention’s provisions supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and implemented in partnership with the Pavlodar Aarhus Centre.

The participants discussed challenges in accessing environmental information and finding ways to promote more effective implementation of the Aarhus Convention. They also reviewed project results and research findings and developed follow-up recommendations to be considered by the relevant authorities.

“Considering the importance of the role of state agencies in the development of public participation in decision-making and seeking to improve this process, I consider the work of the roundtable discussion to be highly important,” stated Aigerim Kabyltayeva, Deputy Head of the Division on Subsoil Use Management, Environment and Water Resources of the Pavlodar region.

Colin McCullough, Political Officer of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, noted that public participation contributes to a transparent and open process and improves the quality of decisions. “We hope that today's event will strengthen co-operation between all parties in addressing environmental issues in the region and will help to better understand the need to develop joint approaches to solve them,” he said.

The event is part of the OSCE Programme Office’s efforts at promoting good governance and environmental protection. It complements the host government’s plans to improve compliance with the provisions of the Aarhus Convention and to implement the related Maastricht Recommendations on Public Participation in Decision-making in Environmental Matters.

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ODIHR Director Link expresses concern over sentencing of officials of political party banned in Tajikistan

WARSAW, 3 June 2016 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), expressed concern today over yesterday’s sentencing by a court in Dushanbe of two leaders of the banned Islamic Renaissance Party (IRPT) to life imprisonment, and 11 other high-ranking party officials to jail terms ranging from two to 28 years.

“The harsh sentences handed down yesterday, following the earlier ban of the IRPT and the arrest and harassment of its members and their families and lawyers, raise concerns in relation to the commitments Tajikistan has made as an OSCE participating State to uphold key values of democracy, including political pluralism and political participation,” the ODIHR Director said. “ODIHR has raised this issue with the authorities in the past, and asked for more information on the rationale behind these actions.”

The IRPT party officials were convicted and sentenced by the court on charges that they had conspired in and taken part in the organization of an army coup in the country in September 2015. At that time, the Supreme Court banned the party as an “extremist and terrorist organization”.

The trials leading up to yesterday’s sentences were held behind closed doors, with the proceedings off-limits to the media as well.

“Fair-trial rights are a central element of the rule of law, and measures limiting public scrutiny of and access to criminal proceedings can only undermine confidence that these rights are being upheld,” Director Link said. “ODIHR continues to stand ready to support the Tajik authorities in fulfilling the country’s OSCE commitments in the areas of political pluralism and the rule of law.”

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Awards for promoting universal rights in Armenia presented by OSCE and international partners

Armenia’s civil rights activists, government officials, representatives of media and civil society were presented with awards in recognition of their outstanding efforts to promote human rights, rule of law, government reforms and free speech in the country on 23 June 2016 in Yerevan.

Established in 2012, the Universal Rights Awards Ceremony was the first initiative to highlight contributions of state and civil society representatives in promoting human rights organized by joint efforts of international community.

Argo Avakov, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, presented the Woman of Courage Award to Jemma Hasratyan, the founder and president of the Armenian Association of Women with University Education. “The OSCE is pleased to present this award to Jemma Hasratyan, a highly active and well-respected public figure who has tirelessly sought to enhance women’s role in society and promote equal rights and equal opportunities for men and women in Armenia," said Avakov.

Citizen Observers Initiative received the Freedom Defender Award for their outstanding contribution to the electoral transparency and the establishment of rule of law and the Photolure news agency was given the Media Excellence award for journalistic professionalism and commitment in the coverage of public protests against electricity price increase in summer of 2015.

First Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Development Vache Terteryan was presented with Government Reformer Award for his commitment and leadership which have been crucial in the implementation of the local governance reform in Armenia. Zaruhi Batoyan, who received the Promoting Inclusion Award, was acknowledged for her commitment to creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities and significant contribution in ensuring that disabled individuals and their families are not segregated.

The newly introduced Promoting Justice of All Award was presented to a judge from the Lori District Court, Narine Hovakimyan, in recognition of her courageous efforts to ensure independent judiciary in Armenia.

The Universal Rights Award Ceremony was co-organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan, the United States Embassy, the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, the British Embassy, Council of Europe’s Office in Yerevan and the United Nations Armenia Office.

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OSCE starts consultations on sustainable, independent financing for Kosovo’s public broadcaster

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 14 March 2016 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo held today the first of a series of four roundtables to be held this month on the ways to secure financing for the public service broadcaster, Radio Television Kosovo (RTK).

Through these roundtables, the Mission will consult a wide range of experts - journalists, Members of Parliament, academia, representatives of NGOs and media institutions - on the impact of the lack of financing on the public service broadcaster and its editorial policy, as well as on its further development.

The RTK has been without sustainable financing since 2009 when a court suspended the funding of RTK  through household electricity bills, citing human rights and discrimination concerns.

“We are in 2016 and alternative and viable funding options for the financing of RTK are still being considered, pending a final decision. On-going issues pertaining to the financing mechanisms and to the Law on RTK have to urgently be solved,” said Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

“Without sustainable financing, the public broadcaster cannot develop into a full-fledged service provider for its audience. In addition, the already-existing delays with the digitalization process are exacerbated by this lack of funding,” he added.  

The roundtables will be followed-up with a regional conference in April, with experts from the Western Balkans and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), to come up with recommendations, for relevant institutions to consider while amending and implementing the Law on RTK.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with the protection and promotion of human rights, democratization, and public safety sector development. It helps safeguard freedom of the media and freedom of expression and supports media development.

 

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  • OSCE Mission in Kosovo
  • Media freedom and development
  • Rule of law
  • South-Eastern Europe
  • Press release

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Empowerment of youth crucial in preventing violent extremism, conclude participants at OSCE meeting in Vienna

VIENNA, 14 June 2016 – Preventing and responding to the terrorist radicalization of youth north and south of the Mediterranean was in focus of the OSCE Mediterranean Contact Group meeting held today in Vienna.

“We need to step up efforts to prevent radicalization amongst youth”, said the Chairperson of the Contact Group, Permanent Representative of Austria to the OSCE Christian Strohal. “Ensuring the participation of youth, socially, economically and politically, is very important in this regard.”

Fadwa Al Ahmadi, a youth activist from Tunisia, stressed the need to create spaces for youth to express themselves: “Youth empowerment is crucial in preventing violent extremism in North Africa. We must help them to be heard.”

Véronique Roger-Lacan, the Permanent Representative of France to the OSCE, said: “We support wholeheartedly the efficient work carried out by the UnitedCVE team, in their relationship with the youth of the OSCE’s 57 participating States. We call on civil society to maintain its engagement against the radicalization of youth. We continue to co-operate in the fight against recruiters and terrorists.”

French filmmaker Fabienne Servan Schreiber, who works on creating counter-narratives to radicalization in film, stressed the importance of working with parents affected by violent extremism and sharing their stories: “Parents are on the frontlines and must be at the centre of the fight against violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism.”

“We must help parents to help their children,” said Valérie de Boisrolin, President of the French Association Syrie-Prevention-Famille, whose daughter left to Syria in 2013. “There is such ignorance about religion among young people who leave to fight in Syria. We also need to make youth aware of the reality of terrorism on the ground, violence and abuse. We must unite and do all we can to work with young people who come back from the hands of ‘Daesh’.” 

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier launched in 2015 the organization-wide campaign ‘OSCE United in Countering Violent Extremism’ (#UnitedCVE) to underscore that the OSCE stands together as one in countering violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism.

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#LetsDoodle: challenging violent extremism with cartoons

Article
The OSCE, in partnership with eYeka, launched the #LetsDoodle contest asking artists to create a cartoon character challenging violent extremism with creativity, imagination and humour, as part of the OSCE United in Countering Violent Extremism (#UnitedCVE) communications campaign.
Thu, 2016-07-28 10:39
Secretariat
Combating terrorism
Conflict prevention and resolution
Twitter box: 

It may be easy to resort to binary thinking, or ‘thinking in black and white’, but it is too simplistic to understand our complex world. It forces us to focus on differences, “us” vs. “them”, rather than on our common ground, shared interests and aspirations: universal human rights, peace, security and prosperity.

The OSCE launched the #LetsDoodle contest in partnership with eYeka, a global community of talented creators, asking artists to create a cartoon character challenging violent extremism with creativity, imagination and humour. A total of 29 creative concepts from 16 OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation were received in support of the OSCE United in Countering Violent Extremism (#UnitedCVE) communications campaign.

[node id=256676 type="panel" preset="medium" magnify="no"]

Together even stronger

My cartoon character, MIX the sheep, is born of diversity,” says Jalal Bouanani from France, who won the first prize with his ‘Together even Stronger’ concept. “This is a nice, peaceful lamb, like a human being from birth. MIX will be a bridge-builder and the champion of actions against ignorance, racism, and polarization that can lead to violence.”

[node id=256686 type="panel" preset="medium" magnify="no"]

Come to the peace side

The second prize winner, Peno Mishoyan from Armenia, created his ‘Pigeon Legion’ comprised of the Teacher Preacher, Peace Guard and Media Master who peacefully challenge violent extremism together. “I chose pigeons, or doves, as characters since this bird is a well-known symbol of peace and non-violence. The three of them stand united, strong, confident and cheerful.”

[node id=256691 type="panel" preset="medium" magnify="no"]

See a bigger picture

“Birdy takes a bird’s-eye-view of violent extremism,” says the third prize winner, Tim Cordell from the United Kingdom. “Seeing the bigger picture helps him see the world in a more sensible and nuanced way. He can focus on similarities between people, not the differences, and likes to spread his insightful observations as wide as his wings will let him.”

[node id=256696 type="panel" preset="medium" magnify="no"]

Thinking positively with Clozz and Opun

‘Clozz and Opun’, created by Jerome Picard from France, the fourth winner, are also birds: they sit on a wire and ‘chat’ about everyday life situations. “Intelligence, both knowledge and emotional intelligence, is stronger than ignorance. Critical thinking will help overcome violent extremism,” said Jerome.

[node id="246381" preset="medium" align="left" description="Lamberto Zannier, OSCE Secretary General, joining the brainstorming in support of the #LetsDoodle contest launched for the young artists and designers as part of the OSCE #UnitedCVE campaign, Berlin, 31 May 2016."]

The #LetsDoodle contest was launched at the OSCE-wide Counter-Terrorism conference in Berlin, where youth participants together with the OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier joined the brainstorming to help promote the contest.  “I was impressed and inspired by all the ideas that were submitted for this contest, how diverse and well thought-out they were,” said Zannier. “This only proves how much we, as the international community, stand to gain by tapping into the skills and creativity of an expanded range of people to prevent violent extremism.”

To see the complete entries of the winners, follow @UnitedCVE on Twitter and other OSCE social media channels.

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Winners of OSCE design contest challenge violent extremism with creative cartoons

VIENNA, 28 July 2016 – Artists from France, Armenia and the United Kingdom won the #LetsDoodle drawing competition organized under the OSCE’s United in Countering Violent Extremism campaign.

The competition was launched on 31 May 2016 in partnership with eYeka, a global community of talented creators, calling for the development of a cartoon character that challenges the binary, us versus them, thinking that often underpins violent extremist narratives. A total of 29 creative concepts were submitted by artists and designers from 16 OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation.

“My cartoon character, MIX the sheep, is born of diversity,” says Jalal Bouanani from France, who won the first prize. “MIX will be a bridge-builder and the champion of actions against the ignorance, racism, and polarization that can lead to violence.”

The second prize winner, Peno Mishoyan from Armenia, created his ‘Pigeon Legion’ comprised of the Teacher Preacher, Peace Guard and Media Master who together peacefully challenge violent extremism.

The winners of the third and fourth prize, Tim Cordell of the United Kingdom and Jerome Picard from France, respectively, also used birds as the key characters in their entries.  

“I was impressed and inspired by all the ideas that were submitted for this contest, how diverse and well thought-out they were,” said OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier. “This only proves how much we, as the international community, stand to gain by tapping into the skills and creativity of an expanded range of people to prevent violent extremism.”

The winning concepts will become part of the OSCE United in Countering Violent Extremism (#UnitedCVE) communications campaign. Launched in June 2015, the campaign highlights the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to countering violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism and reinforcing a global consensus against this threat. Follow the campaign on Twitter for more updates.

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Episode 01 - Interview with Patricia Sellers (Part One)

Dean Linda Livingstone interviews Fortune Editor-at-Large Patricia Sellers, who offers her thoughts on the Fortune Most Powerful Women, the magazine's 9th annual review of female executives leading the largest businesses in the United States. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 02 - Interview with Patricia Sellers (Part Two)

Dean Linda Livingstone continues her interview with Fortune Magazine Editor-at-Large Patricia Sellers, who discusses her thoughts on former HP CEO Carly Fiorna, who had recently released her book "Tough Choices: A Memoir." (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 12 - Deborah Platt Majoras Presentation - Part 1

Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, shares her stories and examples of authentic leadership during her recent visit to Pepperdine University in Irvine, California. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 13 - Deborah Platt Majoras Presentation - Part 2

In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, discusses leadership and the general background of the Federal Trade Commission. Mrs. Majoras also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 15 - Andy Bird Presentation - Part 1

Andy Bird, President of Walt Disney International, discusses the development of international operations and branding of Walt Disney Corporation. He discusses the importance of changing the way the company thinks internally and how it operates throughout the world. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 16 - Andy Bird Presentation - Part 2

In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Andy Bird, President of Walt Disney International, discusses how leadership can bring change to a company with a strong culture, such as Disney, to accomplish goals. Mr. Bird also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 18 - Bruce Rosenblum Presentation - Part 1

Bruce Rosenblum, President of Warner Bros. Television Group, discusses his leadership in developing new business models for the evolving television landscape including video-on-demand, broadband, and wireless offerings. Mr. Rosenblum also sat down for a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 19 - Bruce Rosenblum Presentation - Part 2

Bruce Rosenblum, President of Warner Bros Television Group, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Mr. Rosenblum also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 22 - Robert Simpson Presentation - Part 1

Robert Simpson, President and COO of Jelly Belly Candy Company, presents "A Culture of Innovation". Mr. Simpson talks about building the Jelly Belly brand awareness, developing new markets, and the history of the Jelly Belly Company.(Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 23 - Robert Simpson Presentation - Part 2

Robert Simpson, President and COO of Jelly Belly Candy Company, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Mr. Simpson also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 25 - Steve Lopez Presentation - Part 1

Steve Lopez, columnist for the Los Angeles Times, shares his insights and experiences from a 30-year award winning career to an audience at the Graziadio School of Business and Managerment on Drescher Campus. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 26 - Steve Lopez Presentation - Part 2

Steve Lopez, columnist for the Los Angeles Times, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Mr. Lopez also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 28 - Kathryn Karlic Presentation - Part 1

Kathryn Karlic, President of institutional sales and marketing for GE Asset Management, shares her insights and experiences from a 35-year career in financial services to an audience at the Graziadio School of Business and Management on Drescher Campus. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 29 - Kathryn Karlic Presentation - Part 2

Kathryn Karlic, President, Institutional Sales and Marketing for GE Asset Management, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Ms. Karlic also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 31 - Ann Winblad Presentation - Part 1

Ann Winblad, Co-founder and Director of Hummer Winblad Partners, shares her insights and experiences from 30-years experience as a successful software entrpreneur and venture capitalist to an audience in Silicon Valley at Techmart. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 32 - Ann Winblad Presentation - Part 2

Ann Winblad, Co-founder and Director of Hummer Winblad Partners, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Ms. Winblad also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 34 - Ann Weiser Presentation - Part 1

Ann Weiser, Chief Human Resources Officer for Activision Blizzard, Inc., shares her insights and experiences from a successful career in human resources to an audience at the Graziadio School of Business and Management on Drescher Campus. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 35 - Ann Weiser Presentation - Part 2

Ann Weiser, Chief Human Resources Officer for Activision Blizzard, Inc., sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Ms. Weiser also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 36 - Interview with Julia Stewart

In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Julia Stewart, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for DineEquity, Inc. shares her insight and experiences from 35 years in the food service industry.




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Episode 37 - Julia Stewart Presentation - Part 1

Julia Stewart, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for DineEquity, Inc., shares her insight and experiences from 35 years in the food service industry to an audience at the Graziadio School of Business and Management on Drescher Campus. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 38 - Julia Stewart Presentation - Part 2

Julia Stewart, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for DineEquity, Inc., sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Ms. Stewart also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 40 - Sheri Miksa Presentation - Part 1

Sheri Miksa, Former CEO, President and Director of Robeks Juice Franchise Corporation, shares her thoughts and experiences on her 25 years of experience working in the food service and hospitality industry. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 41 - Sheri Miksa Presentation - Part 2

Sheri Miksa, Former CEO, President and Director of Robeks Juice Franchise Corporation, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Sheri also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 42 - Interview with Priscilla Stewart-Jones

In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Priscilla Stewart-Jones, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, McKesson Corporation, U.S. Pharmaceutical Group shares her insight and experiences of human resources, the state of the working economy, and advice for working professionals.




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Episode 43 - Priscilla Stewart-Jones Presentation - Part 1

Priscilla Stewart-Jones, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, McKesson Corporation, U.S. Pharmaceutical Group shares her thoughts and experiences on her 20 years of experience working in the field of human resources. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 44 - Priscilla Stewart-Jones Presentation - Part 2

Priscilla Stewart-Jones, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, McKesson Corporation, U.S. Pharmaceutical Group, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Priscilla also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 46 - Elizabeth Lowery Presentation - Part 1

Elizabeth Lowery, Vice President of Environment, Energy, and Safety Policy for General Motors, shares her thoughts and insights in the field of environmental responsibility and its impact on General Motors. (Part 1 of 2)




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Episode 47 - Elizabeth Lowery Presentation - Part 2

Elizabeth Lowery, Vice President of Environment, Energy, and Safety Policy for General Motors, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Elizabeth also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)




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Episode 49 - Caroline Nahas Presentation - Part 1

Caroline Nahas, Managing Director for the Southern California Offices of Korn/Ferry International, shares her thoughts and insights in the field of executive recruitment, employment, and its impact on the current state of the economy. (Part 1 of 2)