Press Release: Mary David Recognized by Diplomatic Courier

MEDIA ADVISORY

September 10, 2013

Washington, DC

 

Diplomatic Courier and YPFP Recognize Mary David on “99 Under 33”

 

WASHINGTON, DC:  The Diplomatic Courier and Young Professionals in Foreign Policy are pleased to announce that Mary David, Director of Public Relations, Foundation for Post Conflict Development, has been recognized on the 2013 “99 Under 33,” an international list noting the most influential foreign policy leaders under the age of 33. The complete list is available at: www.diplomaticourier.com/99Under33.

 

The 99 Under 33 recognizes the distinctive impact each of the honorees has on his or her community today and their promise of potential as a leader in the future. This list uniquely offers insight into the creativity, determination, and passion of the diverse young people who are already tackling the world's critical global challenges. By design, this list is broad and diverse, which reflects the belief that foreign policy in the 21st century is made by leaders from all sectors.

 
“Mary David is a remarkable champion on all aspects of human trafficking. She is an asset to our Foundation and to our global society” said Claudia Abate-Debat, Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for Post Conflict Development.

 “Mary David has made it her mission to aid the poor and disadvantaged in areas recovering from conflict. As a Shaper, Mary has altered the public conversation on collateral damage and encouraged the world to remember the people swept into war,” highlights Ana C. Rold, Editor-in-Chief, Diplomatic Courier.

 The “99 Under 33” recognizes seven leadership archetypes that define the list:

·        A Catalyst is from a field not typically associated with foreign policy who has had an impact on international affairs.

·        A Convener brings people together in creative ways to address a pressing international issue or enhance the foreign policy community.

·        An Influencer mobilizes people in the foreign policy community with bold new ideas.

·        An Innovator designs a new solution to a critical global challenge.

·        A Practitioner changes foreign policy from the inside through extraordinary professionalism and skill.

·        A Risk-taker takes a chance and sees it pay off.

·        A Shaper changes the public discourse on an aspect of foreign policy or raises awareness on a critical issue.

Follow the 99 on twitter: #99Under33. With questions or to interview Mary David or Mrs. Rold, please contact Press Officer Kathryn Floyd at press@diplomaticourier.org.

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About Us: The Foundation for Post Conflict Development is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization that strives to fulfil the Millennium Development Goals in Post Conflict areas.Our landmark project is the Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic in Timor-Leste. The FPCD website is www.postconflictdev.org

About Us: The Diplomatic Courier is the global affairs magazine that connects the diplomatic and policy establishment to the next generation of leaders in diplomacy and foreign policy. The Diplomatic Courier publishes six print issues per year, as well as weekly online at www.diplomaticourier.com and a daily blog, On Point. The Diplomatic Courier is an independent publication both in its voice and its organization. Publishing opinions from all political spectrums, the Courier adheres to the ideals of freedom of expression, individualism, and fair and balanced journalism.

 

 

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UN Secretary-General OP-ED

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

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OP-ED ARTICLE: “The World is Over-Armed

and Peace is Under-Funded”

August 2012

            Last month, competing interests prevented agreement on a much-needed treaty that would have reduced the appalling human cost of the poorly regulated international arms trade.  Meanwhile, nuclear disarmament efforts remain stalled, despite strong and growing global popular sentiment in support of this cause.

The failure of these negotiations and this month’s anniversaries of the atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki provide a good opportunity to explore what has gone wrong, why disarmament and arms control have proven so difficult to achieve, and how the world community can get back on track towards these vitally important goals.

Many defence establishments now recognize that security means far more than protecting borders.  Grave security concerns can arise as a result of demographic trends, chronic poverty, economic inequality, environmental degradation, pandemic diseases, organized crime, repressive governance and other developments no state can control alone.  Arms can’t address such concerns.   

Yet there has been a troubling lag between recognizing these new security challenges, and launching new policies to address them.  National budget priorities still tend to reflect the old paradigms.  Massive military spending and new investments in modernizing nuclear weapons have left the world over-armed -- and peace under-funded.

Last year, global military spending reportedly exceeded $1.7 trillion – more than $4.6 billion a day, which alone is almost twice the UN’s budget for an entire year.  This largesse includes billions more for modernizing nuclear arsenals decades into the future.

This level of military spending is hard to explain in a post-Cold War world and amidst a global financial crisis.  Economists would call this an “opportunity cost”.  I call it human opportunities lost.  Nuclear weapons budgets are especially ripe for deep cuts.

Such weapons are useless against today’s threats to international peace and security.  Their very existence is de-stabilizing: the more they are touted as indispensable, the greater is the incentive for their proliferation.  Additional risks arise from accidents and the health and environmental effects of maintaining and developing such weapons.

The time has come to re-affirm commitments to nuclear disarmament, and to ensure that this common end is reflected in national budgets, plans and institutions. 

Four years ago, I outlined a five-point disarmament proposal highlighting the need for a nuclear weapon convention or a framework of instruments to achieve this goal. 

Yet the disarmament stalemate continues.  The solution clearly lies in greater efforts by States to harmonize their actions to achieve common ends. Here are some specific actions that all States and civil society should pursue to break this impasse.

Support efforts by the Russian Federation and the United States to negotiate deep, verified cuts in their nuclear arsenals, both deployed and un-deployed.

Obtain commitments by others possessing such weapons to join the disarmament process.

Establish a moratorium on developing or producing nuclear weapons or new delivery systems.

Negotiate a multilateral treaty outlawing fissile materials that can be used in nuclear weapons.

 

End nuclear explosions and bring into force the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

Stop deploying nuclear weapons on foreign soil, and retire such weapons.

 

Ensure that nuclear-weapon states report to a public UN repository on nuclear disarmament, including details on arsenal size, fissile material, delivery systems, and progress in achieving disarmament goals.

Establish a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

 

Secure universal membership in treaties outlawing chemical and biological weapons.

Pursue parallel efforts on conventional arms control, including an arms trade treaty, strengthened controls over the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, universal membership in the Mine Ban, Cluster Munitions, and Inhumane Weapons Conventions, and expanded participation in the UN Report on Military Expenditures and the UN Register of Conventional Arms.

Undertake diplomatic and military initiatives to maintain international peace and security in a world without nuclear weapons, including new efforts to resolve regional disputes.

And perhaps above all, we must address basic human needs and achieve the Millennium Development Goals.  Chronic poverty erodes security.  Let us dramatically cut spending on nuclear weapons, and invest instead in social and economic development, which serves the interests of all by expanding markets, reducing motivations for armed conflicts, and in giving citizens a stake in their common futures. Like nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, such goals are essential for ensuring human security and a peaceful world for future generations.

No development, no peace.  No disarmament, no security.  Yet when both advance, the world advances, with increased security and prosperity for all.  These are common ends that deserve the support of all nations.   

Live the Dream Video

Remarks by FPCD Executive Director; UN NGO Committee on the Family

Issues in Post-Conflict Development: Rebuilding the Family Structure

The FPCD Challenge

Slide-show and Remarks by Ms. Claudia Abate, Project Coordinator, Monaco Red Cross, Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for Post Conflict Development

28 October 2010

United Nations Church Center, 777 UN Plaza

Distinguished Co-Chairs And Members of the UN NGO Committee on the Family,

Representatives of the UN Committee on Migration,

Co-Panelist Dr. Alastair Ager,

Ms. Eileen Labiner Gallagher, Thank you for your constant support and making today possible,

Guests and Friends,

It is my honour to be with you today to share an overview of the Foundation for Post Conflict Development’s experience with post conflict development as it relates to the family structure, primarily in Timor-Leste.

This work has been in conjunction with the Principality of Monaco toward solidifying the family unit through Maternal Health, Reforestation and and through the establishment of Youth Centers.

I will present some images of these actions that illustrate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and a commitment to sustainable peace through family-related projects that reflect the past, present and future of FPCD’s challenging work.

Strengthening the family unit through Maternal Health

I believe its obvious that in the family unit, mothers deserve special attention, especially in developing countries where birth rates are often high. I am certain that this audience concurs that if a mother about to give birth has adequate medical attention, not only is the mother more likely to survive, but so is the newborn child and this avoids multiple family tragedies. The family structure is preserved, because we avoid creating orphans.

Because of Prince Albert II’s personal commitment, and the FPCD’s mission, together we have strengthened the family unit through attention to maternal health and we have become the catalyst for changing the birthing culture of Timor-Leste through the creation of their first maternity clinic – The Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic.

In April 2008, Prince Albert II made an historic visit to Timor-Leste to inaugurate the Clinic that bears His Father’s name. So far, over 1000 healthy babies have been born and not a single mother has perished. The Maternity Clinic started as a pilot project and has evolved - it is now the model and in is included in Timor-Leste’s National Development Plan. We are in the midst of the creation of a second clinic named the Princess Grace Maternity Clinic in Oecussi Timor-Leste, whereby the facility will become operational in early 2011.

Therefore it is clear that the FPCD experience with maternal health has strengthened many family units in Timor-Leste and we hope to spread this knowledge and model to other countries.

Another way we have made a contribution to bettering lives of families is through reforestation.

Reforestation

Some might ask, what does planting a tree have to do with strengthening a family ?.... a lot!

Thanks to the Government of Monaco, we are in the middle of a 5 year project appropriately entitled: The Reforestation and Family Income Project . This is an integrated programme that assists families from a nutritional angle by creating kitchen gardens, diversification of food crops, fish ponds, and coffee shade trees so that families living in poverty can increase their nutrients on one hand and earn a living on the other, all while making a positive impact on the environment.

Our reforestation project is not just planting a tree for the sake of the tree. The programme concretely addresses The Millennium Development Goals and most importantly, it strengthens the family unit in a country that usually relies on seasonal agricultural employment.

During the State Visit of Prince Albert II, he also inaugurated the FPCD Becora Youth Center, which was made possible by a grant from the United Nations Staff 1 % for Development Fund. Since we didn’t have time to bring the Prince to the location of His Reforestation and Family Income project, we brought the project to Him and He planted a symbolic tree with the Becora Center’s Youth Leader.

In my inaugural remarks, I shared the story of a young woman named Sophie Denis, who at that very moment in 2008 was climbing Mt. Everest with the FPCD flag. We weren't sure if she would make it, but I was wearing her bracelet on which was her motto: EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE. We handed over the Youth Center to its leader, Amale, who survived the Santa Cruz Massacre in Timor-Leste. Now he had Youth Center to run as he wished, a dream come true.

So far, I have discussed how the FPCD focuses on Mothers who nurture the family unit and youth.

I have told you about how Reforestation and Nutrition – nurtures the family and youth.

And finally, I want to share with your FPCD’s vision of Youth nurturing Youth which in effect strengthens the family.

Youth

In 2008, Sophie Denis indeed made it to the top of Mt. Everest becoming one of the youngest women in the world to do so. What an inspiration for young people!

In the post conflict or poverty setting, we have seen that if youth focus on unemployment, lack of education or lack of opportunity, boredom could be a destabilizing factor to the family unit and communities of families through vandalism or violence.

This is why the FPCD created 2 Youth Centers with grants from the UN Staff 1 % for Development Fund.

And through the evolution of Monaco- FPCD- Timor-Leste relations, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in August 2010 to create the Monaco Boys Choir Youth Center. The young choir, inspired by their philanthropic Prince, chose to follow the footsteps of their Sovereign and work on a youth helping youth initiative. The Future center will be in Maubara Timor-Leste and those young people can choose to play music or engage in sport. It will be their own place to gather and do as they choose and the families of Maubara are pleased that their youth have something positive to look forward to.

In the FPCD Strategic Plan, we set a goal to create 25 Youth Centers by 2014. To jump start this target, I am pleased to publicly announce for the first time FPCD’s Alpine Challenge for Youth in conjunction with Elite Athlete Sophie Denis. FPCD’s Youth Programme will aim to create 6 youth centers in 6 different communities along with Sophie's alpine challenge of climbing 6 peaks above 26,000ft in 6 months. This powerful project will be a life challenging experience for our collective Youth, delivering a strong message of inspiration and hope.

And who wouldn’t be inspired: Sophie just broke 5 world records in Peru, carrying the FPCD Banner, becoming the first woman to summit new routes in Peru, naming them as well! A testimony to this feat, she has been named Goodwill Ambassador for Nepal Tourism 2011.

Sophie is FPCD’s newest international advisory board member and as part of the Alpine Youth Challenge, we will launch an awareness campaign with media outlets, establishing keynote speaker roles at local and international events, and develop educational programs in US schools to spread the word.

I would like to acknowledge Ms. Sophie Denis who is present with us today.

In conclusion, FPCD is very proud that its past, present and future include Healthy Mothers, nourished communities, and motivated young people.

We must rely on youth to be the cornerstone of families everywhere. They must be inspired and have role models, like the Monaco Boys Choir, A Massacre survivor or an Elite Athlete like Sophie Denis.

This is the FPCD Challenge and my greatest wish for families everywhere.

Thank you for your kind attention.




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FPCD welcomes Elite Athlete to International Advisory Board

FPCD welcomes Elite Athlete Sophie Denis to the Foundation's International Advisory Board

(Sophie Denis at the top of the Paccha Summit in Peru with the FPCD Flag)

Sophie Denis is a key player, role model and source of inspiration to promote sport as powerful tool for peace, education and development, values in line with FPCD mandate. Having recently been named Goodwill Ambassador for Nepal Tourism 2011, the FPCD is honoured to welcome Ms. Denis to the Foundation's International Advisory Board.

FPCD and Sophie Denis are together developing a Youth Program to coincide with her role as Goodwill Ambassador in 2011 which will harmonize Ms. Denis' people's skills and sports' background with FPCD impressive development projects and both parties desire to advance diplomatic relationships with humanitarian actors for youth and deliver a strong message of hope.
 
FPCD's Youth Program 2011 will support youth initiatives in "post conflict" countries and aim to create 6 youth centers in 6 different communities along with Sophie's alpine challenge of climbing 6 peaks above 26,000ft in 6 months. This powerful project, will be a life challenging experience for our Youth, delivering a strong message of hope and beyond in line with Ms. Denis' motto : everything is possible.


This ambitious program is designed to reach a broad audience by launching an awareness campaign with media outlets, establishing keynote speaker roles in local and international events, and developing educational programs in the US schools to spread the word.

Learn more about Sophie Denis and her recent breaking of 5 world records by reading her bio here

And also through her blog: FOLLOW THE CLIMB

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The Monaco Boys Choir also supports humanitarian initiatives for youth in Timor-Leste. Learn about the Monaco Boys Choir and the Maubara Youth Center here: Maubara  or Petits Chanteurs.





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FPCD and the Monaco Boys Choir

The Monaco Boys Choir will launch a USA Cultural Tour;

Selection of Concerts to Benefit Youth Center in Timor-Leste

(Photo Credit: Palace of Monaco)

Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco

Under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco

From 5- 27 July 2010, the Monaco Boys Choir will Tour the United States' East Coast from New York to Miami. All concerts are free and open to the public, however a selection will be dedicated to education about the creation of a new youth center in Timor-Leste. For complete list of concerts visit Petit Chanteurs

The Maubara Youth Center in Timor-Leste

"Youth helping Youth"

With the initiative of Maestro Pierre Debat and under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, it was decided that a selection of the 2010 July Concert series in the United States will educate about a project in Timor-Leste. Youth compose nearly 60% of the population of the post conflict country whereby this sector of society is largely under-educated, under-employed and under-motivated. Bridging cultural divides through the creation of the Maubara Youth Center is a natural progression of Monaco’s efforts in Timor.

(photo above depicts Timorese Youth with Monaco and Timor-Leste flags waiting to see Prince Albert II of Monaco in Timor on 18 April 2008. Photo Credit: Palace of Monaco)

The Foundation for Post Conflict Development (FPCD)

The FPCD is the coordinator of Monaco’s humanitarian initiatives in Timor-Leste. In this regard and with an aim to fulfill the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, successful projects include the creation of the Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic in Timor-Leste, a reforestation and family Income project, 2 Youth Centers and the future Princess Grace Maternity Clinic. Each project is environmentally appropriate and community driven.

For more information please contact the FPCD office at contact@postconflictdev.org or visit the site of the Monaco Boys Choir: http://www.lespetitschanteurs.mc/

Victor Valley College Concludes Second Study Visit

Victor Vally College Concludes Second Study Visit to Timor-Leste;
Bringing Total Discovery of Possibly 15 New Species

(The Victor Valley College team on the summit of Mount Manucoco (photo by Hinrich Kaiser)

(Hinrich Kaiser presents the first report of the Victor Valley College Tropical Research Initiative to President Jose Ramos-Horta (photo by Dan Suzio)


(An undescribed species of bent-toed gecko (genus Cyrtodactylus) from Ataúro (photo by Dan Suzio)

FPCD International Advisory Board Member Dr. Hinrich Kaiser concluded his second study visit to Timor-Leste to survey the country's amphibians and reptiles. Under the auspices of the Tropical Research Initiative of Victor Valley College, up to 15 new species have been discovered in Timor-Leste.

This important scientific heritage is part of the unique cultural identity of Timor-Lste. Therefore, Dr. Kaiser was able to submit to His Excellency, President Jose Ramos-Horta, the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, a copy of Victor Valley College's Initial Report of the Herpetofauna of Timor-Leste (pictured above). The report shall be updated to include recent discoveries.

As 2010 is the United Nations designated International Year of Biodiversity, the research conducted by Dr. Kaiser and his able team, contribute to the protection and preservation of this important aspect of the environment.

To receive a copy of the Initial Report or for further information, please contact the FPCD office at biodiversity@postconflictdev.org


To join the tropical research team, interested persons are invited to apply for a summer research trip to survey amphibians and reptiles in three remote areas Timor-Leste.

Students will get an introduction to reptile and amphibian biology, conduct fieldwork and help train Timorese students.

Logistics will include accommodations in forest huts, travel by a Troop Carrier 4x4 and strenuous hiking.

For more information contact Dr. Hinrich Kaiser directly at kaiserh@vvc.edu



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Community Spirit in Maubarra, Timor-Leste as Registration of the Eldery and Disabled Take Place in Timor-Leste

Community Spirit in Maubarra, Timor-Leste as Registration of the Elderly and Disabled Take Place in Timor-Leste

In the presence of His Excellency Mr. Agio Pereira, the Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers of Timor-Leste, registration of the elderly and disabled successfully took place. The registration process that is occurring throughout Timor-Leste's 13 districts will enhance the quality of life of often forgotten sectors of society.

Inter-ministerial cooperation between the Ministry of Social Solidarity, Ministry of Health and Electoral Commission is successfully occurring to create a society for all ages, without discrimination.

For the first time, the elderly and the disabled of Timor-Leste will become eligible of pensions. The process is being managed peacefully and with dignity in a manner that is congruent with Timor-Leste's motto: Goodbye Conflict; Welcome Development!

(Registration process)

(Secretary of State Pereira greets elederly woman)

(An elderly woman patiently wait her turn)

(Those that could not walk, were carted to the community meeting center)

(Secretary of State Pereira consults colleagues)


(View of community meeting center)

(An elderly gentleman proudly displays his registration card)


The process is being handled with patience and professionalism so that each elderly citizen and disabled person of Timor-Leste is provided with the social services they need. For more information please contact the FPCD Office: contact@postconflictdev.org

Executive Director's Speech at Columbia University about Health Related-Projects, Monaco and the FPCD

Monaco and The Foundation for Post Conflict Development:
An overview of Health –related projects in Timor-Leste


Slide-show and Remarks by Ms. Claudia Abate, Project Coordinator, Monaco Red Cross, Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for Post Conflict Development

Forum for Global Health and Human Rights
5 November 2009
Columbia University
Hammer Health Sciences Building, Room 401

Forum for Global Health and Human Rights Organizers- Peter Liou and Floria Chi,

FPCD Advisor on Global Health Issues Ivan Kotchetkov,

Students, Faculty and Friends of Columbia University,

It is my honour to be with you today to share the Foundation for Post Conflict Development’s experience with Global Health through Quality Leadership in Timor-Leste. This leadership has been in conjunction with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco toward improving our common humanity in 3 ways: Sustainable Peace through Maternal Health, Reforestation and Nutrition and an Evolving Legacy.


Quality Leadership

There are no adequate words nor time to describe all of the humanitarian actions of Monaco, for at present these actions touch all corners of the globe with the help of 50 local Non-Governmental Organizations.
Timor-Leste is but one example of where heartfelt projects are ongoing due to the quality of Prince Albert II’s leadership to engage -not necessarily in response to a natural disaster - but in response to the needs that define the essence of humanity. This unlikely combination of North-South Cooperation is also attestable to the leadership of the Foundation for Post Conflict Development in turning the attention of the Philanthropic Prince to an often forgotten corner of South East Asia.

I will present a glimpse of the FPCD and Monaco’s health related actions in Timor-Leste via slide-show images that translates into confidence building, achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and a commitment to sustainable peace through health-related projects.

Sustainable Peace through Maternal Health

Because of Prince Albert II’s personal commitment to sustainable peace, and the FPCD’s mission of fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals, the root causes of poverty are being tackled in Timor-Leste through community based approaches. For example, Monaco is the catalyst for changing the birthing culture of Timor-Leste through a partnership with the Government of the Principality , the Government of Timor-Leste, the Monaco Red Cross and The Foundation for Post Conflict Development . Through the creation of the very first maternity clinic – The Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic - the lives of mothers and babies are being saved. Together we are directly addressing Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 8 (Namely: Reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and creating a global partnership for development).

To date, 1000 healthy babies have been born – whereby the first boy is named after his kind benefactor: “Albert”. The Maternity Clinic started as a pilot project and has evolved. It will be used as the model and be replicated throughout the country’s 64 sub-districts and is included in Timor-Leste’s National Development Plan.
On April 18-19 2008, Prince Albert II made an historic visit to Timor-Leste to inaugurate the country’s first Maternity Clinic. This special day coincided with the wedding anniversary of His Beloved Parents Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco- a treasured fact by the local community. During this visit, the Prince also inaugurated the Becora Youth Center whereby He planted a symbolic tree.

Reforestation and Nutrition


What does planting a tree have to do with Nutrition?.... a lot!
Prince Albert II’s concern for the environment is encapsuled in the Foundation that bares His Name. However, above and beyond the Prince’s Foundation work, the Sovereign Prince has directed the Government of Monaco to support 5 years of The Reforestation and Family Income Project under the auspices of President Jose Ramos-Horta’s Anti-Poverty Initiatives. This is an integrated programme that addressed global health from a nutritional angle by creating kitchen gardens, diversification of food crops, fish ponds, and shade trees so that families can increase their nutrients on one hand and earn a living on the other, all while making a positive impact on the environment.

Our reforestation project is not just planting a tree for the sake of the tree. The programme concretely addresses Millennium Development Goal number 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

Evolving Legacy

The future of Monaco-Timor-Leste relations is embraced by the past . In 1979, the beloved Princess Grace of Monaco visited the Timorese Refugee camps in Portugal at a time when Statehood was but a dream. In this regard and in Her image, a special Princess Grace Medal programme was announced by Prince Albert’s Envoy, Madame Jacky Deromedi in Timor-Leste on 30 August 2009. This day was special because it commemorated the 30 Year Anniversary of Princess Grace’s visit to the Refugee Camp as well as the 10 Year Anniversary of the United Nations- led referendum that allowed the Timorese people to choose their self-determined right of independence.
Her Excellency Madame Jacky Deromedi also announced that the evolving legacy and leadership of Prince Albert II , the FPCD and Timor-Leste will reach a new plateau – the creation of The Princess Grace Maternity Clinic in Oecussi, Timor-Leste in 2010.
In conclusion, I can share with you how proud I am that the FPCD has facilitated this monumental work.

Monaco’s combined efforts in Timor-Leste symbolize the evolution of the humanitarian legacy of the Principality brought to a new level by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II. Assisting the marginalized of this world are part of the fabric of the Principality's identity and the FPCD will be at the side of Monaco, Timor-Leste and marginalized of the world no matter where they are.

The challenge for you as medical students and future health practitioners is how to overcome the global health challenges that interlink our common humanity. If we address global health in a qualitative way, we can address the root causes of poverty and when we combine the two – we arrive at true leadership.

As you define your personal, innovative, goals you may focus on confidence building at the community level and achieving the Millennium Development Goals so that we can arrive at sustainable peace through health-related projects.

This is my greatest wish for each of you as you advance your studies here at Columbia Medical School.

Thank you for your kind attention.



For more information please contact the FPCD Office at contact@postconflictdev.org


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Prince Rainier III of Monaco Maternity Clinic Reaches Milestone 1000 Births

Prince Rainier III of Monaco Maternity Clinic Reaches Milestone 1000 Births


The FPCD has played a role reducing maternal and infant mortality through the Prince Rainier III of Monaco Maternity Clinic which has reached a milestone of 1000 successful births.

According to UNICEF, a woman dies giving birth every minute, as well as seven newborns. Per year, this equals more than one half million women and 3.7 million babies. This is why the health related Millennium Development Goals are an absolute priority to be achieved by 2015. There is much work to be done.

The Maternity Clinic was inaugurated on April 19, 2008 by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste and H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco in an effort to improve access to basic health care for mothers and infants.

The FPCD commends the Leading by Example -Protecting the most vulnerable during the economic crisis Report on Global Campaign for the Health Millennium Development Goals on behalf of the Network of Global Leaders for focusing on the health of mothers and children.

The Foundation for Post Conflict Development has concretely achieved the Millennium Development Goals through health in Timor-Leste. Access to health facilities, addressing infant and maternal mortality and creating a global partnership for development have met with success through 1000 births.
(Timor-Leste's Minister of Health Dr. Nelson Martins visits with some of the 1000 babies born at the Prince Rainier III of Monaco Maternity Clinic)

More successes will be achieved through the Princess Grace of Monaco Maternity Clinic to be built in 2010 in Oecussi, Timor-Leste, as well as through the Ministry of Health's comprehensive plan to replicate the Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic model throughout the country.

Therefore the FPCD commends the work of the Network of Global Leaders and the Task Force for Innovative Financing Mechanisms for focusing on Maternal and Infant Health.

The below chart is taken from report entitled: The Leading by Example- Protecting the most vulnerable during the economc crisis; The Global Campaign for the Health Millennium Development Goals 2009.


The FPCD is doing its share to prevent maternal and newborn deaths by 2015 thanks to the support of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Monaco Red Cross.

The below factsheet provided by the International Health Partnership Task Force provides compelling information on why we should all lead by example to protect the most vulnerable not only during the present economic crisis, but every day.
(Click on images to enlarge)

The Network of Global Leaders was formed at the invitation of Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg to provide political backing and advocacy at the highest possible level for the Global Campaign for the Health MDGs. This network consists of:

•Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg of Norway
•President Michelle Bachelet of Chile
•Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende of the Netherlands
•Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the United Kingdom
•President Armando Guebuza of Mozambique
•President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania
•Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia
•President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil
•President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia
•President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal
•President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia
•Graça Machel, President and founder, Foundation for Community Development Mozambique.
More information can be found on the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation site: NORAD.

The complimentary High Level Task Force for Innovative Financing Mechanisms is Co-Chaired by Gordon Brown (UK) and World Bank President Robert Zoellick.

Taskforce Members
1.Prime Minister Gordon Brown (United Kingdom) (co-chair)
2.Robert Zoellick (President of the World Bank) (co-chair)
3.President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (Liberia)
4.Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg (Norway)
5.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Health Minister, Ethiopia)
6.Bernard Kouchner (Foreign Minister, France)
7.Giulio Tremonti (Finance Minister, Italy)
8.Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul (Development Minister, Germany)
9.Stephen Smith (Foreign Affairs Minister, Australia)
10.Margaret Chan (Director-General of the World Health Organization)
11.Graça Machel (President and Founder, Foundation for Community Development, Mozambique)
12.Shigeru Omi (Special Assistant to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Japan)
13.Bert Koenders (Development Cooperation Minister, Netherlands)
14.Phillippe Douste-Blazy (United Nations Secretary General's Special Adviser for Innovative Financing for Development) and Special Adviser to the Taskforce

Learn more at the International Health Taskforce website.
(One of The Prince Rainier III of Monaco Maternity Clinic's successful births)

The FPCD strongly endorses the work of both groups in promoting the health related Millennium Development Goals.


For further information please contact the FPCD office.


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Victor Valley Expedition to Timor-Leste a Success

TIMOR-LESTE TRAVELOGUE By Barbara Lester
(Photo above: Team banquet in Dili)
Traveling throughout Timor-Leste for three weeks on a scientific expedition was a unique way to experience this emerging nation for the first time. Nine biology students, (5 from the U.S. and 4 from Timor-Leste), a professor of biology and two professional herpetologists (one was my husband) were my traveling companions. The trip was the brainchild of biology professor Dr. Hinrich Kaiser of Victor Valley College in California. His goal was to begin a five year study of the herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) of Timor Leste in the hopes of producing a field guide to these animals and add to the general body of scientific knowledge about reptiles and amphibians of the world.
(Photo above: Dr Kaiser teaching a Timorese University student)
Dr. Kaiser, the trip leader, has been leading students in the field for years. His ability to connect with the students and make each lesson attractive to the mind was impressive and reflected his enthusiasm for his research. My husband, Paul Freed, is a herpetologist and I am a primatologist: he studies amphibians and reptiles whereas I study primates. We both recently retired from 25 year careers at the Houston Zoo, in Houston, Texas. This venture was the perfect place to engage Paul’s expertise and since this was not my field of study it was a great time to position myself where I could focus on more cultural than scientific elements of the trip. The other professional herpetologist, Mark O’Shea, is from the U.K. and has, on his resume, the extra feature of having hosted an Animal Planet TV series. On the trip he was recognized in airports and on various stops along the way which lent a certain panache to the whole experience. The students were varied in their scholastic levels: the five U.S. students were from California colleges and the four Timor Leste students were currently living in Dili and attending the National University of Timor-Leste. So with this multinational, multigenerational group coming together as a team we started our journey in the capital, Dili. In the end, these 13 people with age gaps of up to 36 years, language glitches, living and working in close quarters together for 3 weeks, 24/7, as they say, and ending the trip as friends and colleagues… is quite an accomplishment indeed. (Photo above:Skink Lizard from Lore, Timor-Leste)
First, and foremost, the trip was heralded as a success by the team of biologists who recorded approximately 30 reptile and 7 amphibian species found on the 3 week expedition. This is in comparison to the low number of species of these animals documented in Timor-Leste in recent years. Some of the species they found may be new to science, which, in the world of a biologist on a quest, is a huge deal. (Photo above:Lore Village home where author was guest)
Second and relevant only to me, traveling with college students many years my junior brought high energy and a sense of innocence and excitement not always felt in the company of seasoned travelers. It was as refreshing as it was challenging. The hills, rivers and forests of Timor-Leste are lovely and they called to us to climb and conquer them and the students were usually first to answer this call and fastest on the treks. The professor tried to rein in the team long enough to discuss the natural history of each area we were in and watching both the U.S. and the Timor-Leste students take these lessons in at their own levels and from their own frames of reference held a great deal of interest to me. But the greatest reward was past the science lessons and came when they melded to form that irrefutable, universally accepted group known to the world as the typical college students. No longer bound by the barriers of language, culture or protocol the banter became young and chatty, they shared music and much laughter and in the end they “culturally mentored” one another in the ways of each of their lives. That, for me, was worth the trip. (Photo above: Common Toad)
There are several things that stand out as I reflect on the trip. The first is how hospitable the Timor-Leste folks were to us as we traveled through the country. They were generous even when we unknowingly asked for more than our share of resources. The people in the markets were kind, albeit a bit shy. (Photo above: Market in Maubisse)
People in small villages were helpful with things such as lodging and directions and appropriately curious about our somewhat extraordinary endeavors and queries: “Where is a local hotel and have you seen any snakes in your village?” That is a strange request in any language, in any country. But the people were nice about all of our inquiries and quite helpful if they had information on frogs and lizards and the like. They watched us as we searched for creatures in ditches, rivers and fields and that is where I got some great opportunities to meet candidly with local people. Here, the Timor-Leste contingency of our team, i.e., the Timor-Leste students, were so extremely helpful with introductions and general translations. While we relied on their help in the majority of circumstances I found that, universally, a smile and a hand outstretched in friendship usually got the job done as far a basic “Hello” and “How are you?” goes. On more than one occasion it even prompted invitations into peoples’ homes and I found that to be amazing and kind. (Photo above:Collared kingfisher in Tutuala)
Another one of the ‘stand-out’ features were the roads. They varied from terrific to terrible. It was noteworthy to me because whether we smoothly sped along the northern coastal highway or barely moved around cavernous potholes on the roads in the central hills, there were always people walking those same roads. I am assuming this facet of the countries’ infrastructure that is being attended, such as road repairs throughout, probably slows commerce down but it is blatantly evident that it does not slow the population of Timor-Leste down. (Photo above: Tutuala Beach with Jaco Island view)
From some of the remarkable stories I heard during my time in Timor-Leste I realized that resilience is a notable characteristic of the citizens of this country. So, while traffic was stopped for road repairs, I watched from our truck as people skirted around barrels full of hot tar and went on their daily tasks undaunted by the inconvenience as we sat motionless in the middle of the road. I indulged myself in this metaphor about the fortitude of the Timor-Leste people in this ‘road repair’ story because of its relevance to my three-week stay. We traveled many roads and along the way learned a lot about the people and events in their not-so-distant past that led to the need for road repairs and fortitude…both of which I witnessed during our stay. (Photo above: River view in Same)
Our journey began in Dili and led us south to Maubisse and from there to Same. We then headed slightly west to Ermera and finally the northern and southeastern coasts where we stayed near Lore and Tutuala. Traveling through coffee plantations, mangrove swamps, forests, gorgeous beaches (and I reiterate gorgeous), and central highlands that were high dessert terrain that looked like a moonscape I came to understand that Timor-Leste is quite diverse in its’ landscape, natural resources and what it has to offer an interested traveler. As far as favorites I’m torn between two places. One was the central highlands of Maubisse where we stayed at a posada which overlooked a lovely valley, verdant and green. Ironically, this cool mountain air with the lovely surroundings was not as conducive to the needs of the creatures we desired so we soon moved to the lower elevations with lush forests and then on to the hot humid coast. My other favorite spot was the coastal village of Lore where we camped on a pristine beach and met wonderful people who helped make our stay so memorable.(Photo above:President Ramos-Horta receives team)
An extraordinary event happened to us on the last full day in Timor-Leste. Through advisors and governmental officials that Dr. Kaiser had previously met, our team was given the honor of having an audience with President Jose Ramos-Jorta. We sat with the President while he and Dr. Kaiser discussed our scientific venture. Dr. Kaiser then turned to one of the Timor-Leste students and let him have the floor to discuss, in Tetum (the language of Timor-Leste), their role in the expedition and the results of the trip. It was an exciting time for each of us but it was obvious that the Timor-Leste students were visibly moved by this meeting. I could only imagine the impact such an encounter would have on these young men, with this historical figure, given the turmoil and triumph of their country in their short lives. It was an event that punctuated a successful trip with a most amazing and unforgettable ending.

It goes without saying that my 12 companions would have completely different travelogues than I have given here. I too come from a science based background and am not beyond true appreciation of the wonderful animal life we were able to uncover in our travels. But I am an emotional traveler and this trip served my emotions well as it peaked my appreciation for the cultural heritage of this land rather than solely looking at the gifts nature has to offer. My trip was, as the adage goes, not so much about the final destination but rather the journey along the way. (Team poses outside Presidential Palace in Dili)The end of a trip severs ties that, in the moment, seem unbreakable. Teams become individuals again and, in this case, go across the globe to rest in familiar lifestyles. But whether paths cross again or not, those 21 days of laughter, hard work, sharing, and the glory of success as a team will always stand and be given life only to those Team Members. So, to those Team Members; for your partnerships, friendships and to the true nature of good traveling companions I would like to say Thank You for your wonderful company. And finally, I would like to take this opportunity to say to all of those who helped us along the way a most sincere Thank You for a memorable stay in Timor-Leste.


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