NordenBladet — On Monday 9 April, a diplomatic reception was held at the Royal Palace of Stockholm. A few times a year, newly-appointed ambassadors and their spouses are given the opportunity to meet The King and The Queen during a reception at the Royal Palace of Stockholm. The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel also took part in Monday’s diplomatic reception.
The first time newly-appointed ambassadors meet The King is when they submit their credentials at a formal audience. At the diplomatic reception, they also have the chance to meet The Queen and other ambassadors, as well as representatives from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
The reception was attended by ambassadors and their spouses from the Dominican Republic, Portugal, Turkey, Ethiopia, Lebanon, South Korea, Egypt and Iraq.
The Dominican Republic’s ambassador is welcomed by The King and Queen and The Crown Princess Couple. Photo: royalcourt.se
Featured image: The King welcomes Iraq’s ambassador. (Photo: royalcourt.se)
Source: Swedish Royal Court Find us also on Twitter: @NordenBladet
NordenBladet — Statement by HM The King regarding the Swedish Academy.
The controversy that has emerged within the Swedish Academy is very unfortunate and risks seriously damaging the important work carried out by the Academy. It is vital that all those involved now realise their responsibility for the institution and contribute to measures to resolve the conflicts. For members of the Swedish Academy, responsibility for the institution must always take precedence.
It is my firm conviction that the Monarch has authority over the Swedish Academy’s statutes, which were established by my predecessor Gustav III. In light of recent developments, I will consider the need to supplement the statutes, including with regard to the right to resign.
NordenBladet — Finland’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2018–2021 will be launched on Friday 13 April. It is based on UN Security Council Resolutions.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini will open the event. In his address, he will emphasise the objectives of Finland’s third action plan in enhancing women’s role and decision-making capacities with regard to conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding. Peace processes and crisis management among other issues are at the heart of the action plan.
“Finland is strongly committed to the 1325 agenda. Mediation is one of my strategic priorities as the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Sustainable peace may be achieved only by involving all parties of society in the dialogue. Several studies indicate that women have an important role in this work,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Soini says.
The action plan will be implemented in collaboration with different administrative branches. Civil society actors in both Finland and crisis regions play a key role in the implementation and follow-up of the action plan. Finland’s aim has been to create a realistic and concrete action plan where the focus is on the promotion of action.
The keynote speakers at the event are Minister for Foreign Affairs Soini and Executive Director of UN Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. During her visit in Finland, Mlambo-Ngcuka will also have bilateral discussions with Minister Soini.
Former president of Finland Tarja Halonen and the Foreign Minister’s Special Representative on Mediation Jutta Urpilainen, among others, will also speak at the launch event for the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. The event will be hosted by former Minister Elisabeth Rehn. Event participants will receive the new action plan. It will also be published online at the websites of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence on 13 April 2018.
NordenBladet — On Monday 9 April, The Crown Princess visited the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency in Stockholm.
The Crown Princess was welcomed to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency by Director General Björn Risinger, who began by talking about the agency’s aims and about the national environmental quality targets and Agenda 2030.
The Crown Princess then learnt about the agency’s work relating to the climate, mountain safety, plastics and textiles, and ecosystem services. The Crown Princess was also given a tour of the agency’s premises and met employees.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, opens in new window is a state agency for environmental issues, and works on behalf of the Swedish Government with environmental issues within Sweden, within the EU and internationally.
The agency is a driving and coordinating force within environmental work, and is responsible for issues relating to the climate and air, soil, biological diversity, polluted areas, waste cycles and waste, environmental monitoring and environmental research.
The agency works to ensure that the generation targets for environmental work set by the Riksdag are achieved, and if necessary proposes environmental development measures.
NordenBladet – A thrilling Nordic skiing spectacle is taking place in Levi, Finland, on 12 April 2018, with three men and one woman attempting to break the 24-hour world record. The current world record holder Teemu Virtanen as well as marathon skier Hans Mäenpää of Team Mäenpää will be representing Finland at the event. Norway will be represented by long-distance skiing expert Daniel Strand, and Finland’s Anni Angeria will be attempting to break the women’s record. Levi.fi mediates.
Teemu Virtanen is the current holder of the Guinness World Record of “Greatest distance in 24 hours of Nordic skiing” set in 2010, even though Sweden’s Erik Wickström broke that record in 2016. However, due to the fact the entire 24 hours of skiing was not filmed, Wickström’s result was eventually not accepted by the Guinness World Records, and he was granted an unofficial world record.
Now at the event taking place in mid-April, Teemu Virtanen is looking to set a new world record and of course to the other contenders.
– This year’s 24-hour event will the toughest one yet, as both Hans Mäenpää and Daniel Strand are in terrific shape. However, I’m determined to give them a good fight, and I’m certain I’ll clinch the world record if I can only keep going all the way to the end. No one in my age group M50 has ever skied over 400 kilometres. The best-case scenario in Levi is that we’ll break as many as three world records, says Teemu Virtanen.
Hans Mäenpää is eagerly expecting the upcoming record attempt, which will be a totally new experience for the 39-year-old skier.
– I have never skied or done any sporting activity for this long in one go before. Last weekend, I took part in the Nordenskiöldsloppet, where I finished in sixth place. I’ve competed in several marathon ski competitions and have e.g. taken part in the Vasaloppet seven times. This year, I finished in the top 100. I have also run a couple of marathons, and that’s actually how my athletic career got started, Hans Mäenpää explains.
Sweden’s Erik Wiksctröm did not accept Virtanen’s latest challenge, but Daniel Strand, a 36-year-old marathon skier from Norway was up for it.
– This is a very unique opportunity and a somewhat crazy idea, so that’s why I just had to sign up. My goal is to win and break the world record, Strand says.
Anni Angeria sets out to break the women’s world record, which currently stands at 333 kilometres.
– I believe I can break the record, because in a previous attempt I have already skied 344.5 kilometres. Hopefully, I will now be able to set an official Guinness World Record, but anything can happen along such a long distance. My biggest worry is, how will my body endure it all, and I also worry about how to get the energy absorbed. I’m sure it will be a big boost for me to ski together with the men, even though they will be using the classic technique, whereas I will be skate skiing. I hope there will be lots of spectators, because their support always gives you strength, Anni Angeria says.
The world record attempt taking place on Thursday 12 April 2018 on the Tunturijärvi lake in Levi is by no means an easy challenge for the skiers. A successful world record attempt requires a good track with nearly perfect skiing conditions as well as hard training.
– If we have good conditions weather-wise, then I’m sure that at least one of us will break a record. So you should definitely come and see it live, Teemu Virtanen says.
The Nordic skiing 24-hour world record attempt, 12 April 2018, starting at 10:00 next to the Levi Zero Point, around the lake. Spectators are welcome to come and cheer on the skiers and follow the event. On Saturday, 14th April 2018, spectators are also welcome to follow Visma Ski Classics Ylläs-Levi long distance skiing event.
Live coverage of the world record attempts can be found on the following sites:
NordenBladet — United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kate Gilmore will visit Finland on Friday 13 April.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the principal human rights organisation within the United Nations system. The High Commissioner for Human Rights and the OHCHR have expressed their opinion on the situation in several countries and are essential actors in the promotion of sustainable development and in the prevention of conflicts. This work is becoming more and more difficult. International law, including human rights, are challenged in different parts of the world. Finland is a long-term supporter of the OHCHR.
In honour of Kate Gilmore, an event on promoting and defending human rights will be organised in the Little Parliament by the Human Rights Centre, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The event will be opened by Minister of Justice Antti Häkkänen and it may be followed live. Live broadcast. During her visit, Gilmore will also meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini.
NordenBladet — Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Director of the UN’s organisation for equality UN Women, will visit Finland on 12–13 April. On Friday 13 April, Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will participate in the launch of the third Finnish Women, Peace and Security action plan that is related to the national implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
The resolution discusses women’s position in conflicts and promoting peace and security. UN Women plays a key role in the implementation and coordination of the resolution in particular in the UN system. The launch can be followed live at the address https://formin.videosync.fi/launch-of-finlands-national-action-plan-on-women
During her visit, the Director will meet the President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö, Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Anne-Mari Virolainen and Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Annika Saarikko. In addition, the Director will attend the fourth consecutive annual discussions between Finland and UN Women at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs with Under-Secretary of State Elina Kalkku in the lead.
UN Women is one of Finland’s main partners among the UN organisations, and Finland is one of the organisation’s most significant funding countries. In its foreign policy, Finland emphasises strengthening the rights and position of women and girls and promoting gender equality.
President Niinistö is one of the influencers in UN Women’s HeForShe campaign promoting equality. The influencer group consists of heads of state and governments as well as directors of companies and universities.
NordenBladet — On Friday 6 April, The King received four new foreign ambassadors during formal audiences at the Royal Palace of Stockholm.
The new ambassadors were Tanzania’s ambassador Willibrod Peter Slaa, Kyrgyzstan’s ambassador Bolot Isakovich Otunbaev, Mauritania’s ambassador Abdellahi Bah Nagi Kebd and Cambodia’s ambassador Soeung Rathchavy.
At the ceremony, the ambassadors submit their credentials – a document from their head of state – to The King, who then grants them the formal right to work in Sweden.
Formal audiences follow a traditional ceremony. The ambassador is collected in one of the Royal Stables’ carriages from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and is taken to the Royal Palace of Stockholm. The King and the ambassador then talk in private for around fifteen minutes.
The new ambassadors are transported by horse and carriage to the Royal Palace of Stockholm. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/royalcourt.se
Cambodia’s ambassador is received by Crown Equerry Ulf Gunnehed. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/royalcourt.se
Mauritania’s ambassador at the East Gate. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/royalcourt.se
The King receives Cambodia’s ambassador Soeung Rathchavy. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/royalcourt.se
The King receives Kyrgyzstan’s ambassador Bolot Isakovich Otunbaev. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/royalcourt.se
The King receives Mauritania’s ambassador Abdellahi Bah Nagi Kebd. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/royalcourt.se
The King receives Tanzania’s ambassador Willibrod Peter Slaa. Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck/royalcourt.se
Tanzania’s ambassador leaves the Royal Palace of Stockholm in the Royal Stables’ car. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/royalcourt.se
Featured image: The King arrives at the Royal Palace of Stockholm for the formal audiences. (Photo: Henrik Garlöv/royalcourt.se)
Source: Swedish Royal Court Find us also on Twitter: @NordenBladet
NordenBladet – Are you seeing 11:11 everywhere? Do you know what this number means? Some believe that the actual meaning of 11:11 is a sign that angelic beings are close by. They come with love and protection, and they want to bring you clarity and guidance. Sequences of numbers have very special meaning, often dual and/or amplified messages from your spirit guide or guardian angels.
Many times, sequences of the same numbers are presented to you to catch your attention, so as to better send you a message. There are no coincidences. Series of the same number may also include subtle message enhancements such as indicated below. Generally, the same sequence of number have very similar meanings but also added meanings to the sequence.
1 – The meaning, significance, or vibrations of the Number 1 (one) is Beginnings, New, Self Development, Striving Forward, Positive, Forward Progress, and Courage. Number 1 is attributed with the symbolism of New or Beginnings. Have you been struggling with a situation in life? Usually, this number signifies that a new day is dawning and your struggles are being put into the past. Doors are closing in your life but new ones will open with courage to step forward. All endeavors have a beginning and this is a portent that you are on a new path on your journey through this life.
11 – Master Number. Recurring Master Number of 11 indicates renewed cycle or new beginning are occurring in your life. Care must be taken on what you are focusing on. With the Number 2 energetic vibrations, it is an indication that you are in harmony at the current time. Stay in harmony. Focus your attention on what you want to create, not your current conditions.
111 – Recurring 111 number sequence indicates new opportunities, new beginnings, or continued growth in a new cycle. Three ones also resonates with the God Number 3 vibrations. Combined with the Number 111, indicates that you are on the path that resonates well with your higher self.
1111 – This a powerful number sequence that one often sees when they are at their cusp of manifestation of their deepest desires. Since this number also resonates with the Number 4 engery vibration, effort must be made to manifest your intentions. Mediate daily on the Number 1111 to get in contact with your higher self and to clear your thoughts of any distractions. Now is the time to continue to focus, with positive and grateful attitude, on what you truly desire. As you progress, you should see other number sequences come to your attention meaning that you are genuinely progressing.
11:11 – is the number of masters. The ascended masters are sending you the message that you, yourself, are a divine aspect of the Universe, a master at being yourself. It’s no coincidence that every year, from November 11th and up until January 11th, we’re going through a period called the months of divine trinity. All in all, this is a divine time that brings tremendous opportunities for all of us, to wake up and embrace our true divine light.
But, there is more than just one reason why you are seeing 11:11. Here is a list of what seeing 11:11 means.
1st Meaning of 1111: Pay Attention to Your Thoughts
One of the meanings of 11:11 is that the Universe has sampled your thought sequence and that will manifest almost instantly in your physical reality. In this sense, 11:11 or 1:11 is a message from divine angel beings that you need to monitor your thoughts with greater attention, and make sure that they are focusing on the things that you want, and not the things that you don’t want. The 11:11 numeric sequence is a divine sign that an opportunity portal is opening up for you, allowing your thoughts to manifest with the speed of light. Are you happy with the thoughts that you’re sending to the Universe? If yes, be assured they will soon manifest in your life. If not, correct them and ask your angels and spirit guides to help you change negative thoughts with more positive ones.
2nd Meaning of 1111: You Can Start Manifesting Your True Self
What do you want to manifest into your life experience? This is the first question you need to ask yourself when you’re seeing 11:11. Another meaning of 11:11 is that you are sent a divine message to remember that you are the creator of your reality and you need to take responsibility for it. Your current situation is the result of your past thoughts and actions. So what do you want to manifest into your reality? Whatever that is, it will be the direct manifestation of your thought patterns. And your thoughts will manifest faster than ever. Keep in mind that the Universe doesn’t judge your decisions, it just makes them happen. It’s your decision to choose what you want to manifest in this life experience. The message behind 11:11 is that you are to take responsibility and create consciously. You are the creator – the writer, producer, director, and actor in your own story.
3rd Meaning of 1111: You “Re-Member” Yourself
11:11 is a coded molecular structure of “Re-Membering” and reactivating the inner master that resides within you, your true self. Re-member is a term that emphasizes the idea of putting the pieces of yourself, your “members” together into their rightful order. In a way, remembering who you really are. The meaning behind 11:11 is related to your biological ascension because it is the gateway towards ascension. Whenever you see 11:11, the cellular memory is reactivated within you, and you have this sense that you remember something you’ve long forgotten. You’re remembering your true divine nature. You are an individual piece of the Universal Creator, and we are collectively the Universe.
4th Meaning of 1111: You Are on the Path of Awakening
Whenever you’re seeing 11:11 or 1:11 number patterns, you’re called to awaken. A direct channel opens between you and your higher self. 11:11 is a point of merging the physical and non-physical realities of YOU. When this happens, it’s time to stop from any mundane activity you’re doing and look at the bigger picture of life. What you perceive might be imperfect, but the Universal Creator sees perfection on the divine level. Imperfections are simply imperfections to you, but not to the Universal Source. It’s time to see the illusion of life and the true divine reality of all that is. You’re on your path to awakening!
5th Meaning of 1111: Set an Intention (Make a Wish!)
Whenever you’re seeing 11:11, know that it is a wake-up call of divine intervention. It’s time to make a wish and know your intention can manifest for your highest good, and for all mankind. It’s the intention of the thought itself that counts. As humans, we ascend and descend continuously, with every thought and every word. In a sense, ascension is born within each breath, in each and every moment of our lives. Each of us is growing toward the light at our own pace. Essentially, we are all moving in the same direction to be one with the Universal Creator. The meaning of 11:11 is that you are being called for ACTION. What were you thinking at the moment when you saw 11:11? Follow the signs. You are awakening to your true self as you are being divinely guided to your purpose.
11:11 is a wake-up call. Follow your passion and you will find your purpose!
NordenBladet — Thanks to the 100th anniversary of independent Finland, news about Finland hit headlines and the country featured in articles in world media more widely than usual. The results of the annual ‘Finland in the World Media’ survey, based on the missions’ review of their host country media reveal that other topics that interested foreign readerships were, as before, the education system, the basic income experiment, and Finnish design.
‘Finland in the World Media’ is based on the missions’ annual review of what content and news hit the media in their host countries and what strengths and weaknesses were covered in the media in the course of the year.
The centenary of Finland’s independence in 2017 attracted exceptionally strong media attention. Finland attracted attention in all parts of the world, with the most conspicuous growth in the United States, Germany, Japan, Great Britain and, as expected, above all in our neighbouring areas in Sweden, Estonia and Russia. Finnish Crazy Games in Australia, a city festival in Minsk, monuments lit up blue-and-white, and a number of other campaigns gathered plenty of local attention in the missions’ host country media. Media attention scored the highest on the birthday week from 2 to 9 December, with over 2,600 articles on online world media only. It has been estimated that over 40 million people were reached during that week.
“The survey provided interesting information about the views and priorities of world media, highlighting also how images impact editorial choices. Finns who have gained a name and are well-known abroad play an important role, but the fact that various themes promoted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, its diplomatic and consular missions abroad, the Finland 100 Secretariat, Visit Finland, Lapland and the City of Helsinki were recognised is concrete evidence of their significant contribution,” says Petra Theman, Director of the Foreign Ministry’s Unit for Public Diplomacy.
“Finland 100 served as intended both a bait and a tool to showcase Finland’s strengths better than before. The stabbing attack in Turku and the True Finns Party’s split into two, for example, were among the most challenging topics. It seems that Finnish companies remain in the shadow in international media attention,” Petra Theman notes.
On the scale of 1 to 5 – from critical to idealised – Finland’s overall media attention score in 2017 was 3.96. The corresponding figures in 2016 and 2015 were 3.88 and 3.74 respectively.
As in the previous years, education was the single most prominent theme related to Finland discussed in world media. Finnish culture – both traditional and non-conventional – was praised in 2017 to an exceptional extent; hobbyhorses deserve to be mentioned in particular. Finland’s brand as a tourist destination continues to attract attention especially in China. The basic income experiment was one of the topics that raised plenty of questions especially in European media.
The missions reviewed all media channels, but special attention was paid to Finland’s visibility in newspapers. The information is based on the assessments of Finland’s missions abroad and, in some countries, on outsourced media monitoring. Seventy-nine of Finland’s 89 foreign missions responded to the survey. A selection of general assessments, missions’ views and direct media citations are presented in the summary.
