IN THIS ISSUE Leading article by Amb. Giampiero Massolo, Director General for Staff, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

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1 YEAR I ISSUE 7 March April 2007 Web address: e mail: forum@sioi.org Tel Fax This newsletter was created in order to maintain links between this Organization and its Alumni. It also seeks to provide old and new members of different age and profession with information and food for thought on the activities of this Organization. IN THIS ISSUE Leading article by Amb. Giampiero Massolo, Director General for Staff, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Destination: the World Information days on international careers TOMORROW International training The Master course for international careers The international training course for civil servants and officials The Specialization course for experts in E.U. affairs RoSSEL The Rome Summer School of European Law Conferences and workshops The Assisi meetings The Organization of the VIII Protocol International Congress YESTERDAY Specialized training The Course for Experts on national and international Protocol ALWAYS The review The International Community ISSUE I/2007 The Giuseppe Sperduti Award 2007 Edition NEWS from SIOI Branches Piedmont Branch The commemoration of Dr. Alfonso Bellando The 60 year anniversary of the SIOI Piedmont Branch Lombardy Branch The Specialization course on substantive Law and E.U. civil procedural Law INTERVIEWS to ALUMNI: to Dr. Marco Bonabello 1

2 Leading Article by Amb. Giampiero Massolo Giampiero Massolo attended the SIOI preparatory course to the diplomatic career in 1976 and entered this career in Since May 2006 he is Director General for Staff of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. From March to November 2004 he was Director General for Multilateral Political Affairs and Human Rights and from March 2004 to May 2006, he was Head of Cabinet of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Diplomats in the era of globalization and information society: skills and training Diplomats: who are they? Over and above the mystery that today still surrounds a job which has always been considered to be elitist, the new century is posing a more substantive question. Who are diplomats today and how can we define them? Certainly the old patterns to which we got accustomed by studying history or international relations are no longer enough. After all, these subjects, too, as international law, economics and social sciences need to equip themselves with new concepts and models to still propose themselves as valuable tools for interpreting reality. In fact, the impressive development of communication and telecommunication systems, as well as the globalization of markets and information have deeply changed the foundations on which the relations between States and between peoples are based: the complex economic and trade interconnections have replaced the most traditional political links, whereas the global village has wiped out the distance between centre and periphery, thus broadening the scope of distant events and multiplying emergencies. In such context, also diplomats shall radically rethink their roles: a multidisciplinary approach, rapidity, professionalism and training become key elements at all levels. Today s diplomats must be able to interpret the world around them, which is rapidly and steadily evolving, and grasp its significance. They must be able to skillfully tackle political and economic issues, social and cultural phenomena, as well as strategic priorities, by not neglecting the managerial aspects of their job. They must never relinquish the process of reflection, careful observation and interpretation of reality all the more so in the media era, where an impressive mass of information is exchanged every day and it is essential to distinguish the really useful news from the less relevant ones, the fundamental event, which is the sign of deeper movements from the many others, thus promoting a genuine knowledge and understanding of phenomena. Another aspect which cannot be disregarded is the gradual turning of diplomacy into service diplomacy. The growing mobility of the labour force and the stepping up of trade and investment forcefully change the structure and competences of the diplomatic consular network. The Offices abroad are ever more purveyors of services for careful and demanding users: foreign citizens, fellow countrymen, businessmen. Therefore Embassies and Consulates around which the country system must coalesce must turn into an outpost of Italy, the showcase of its companies products, its citizens inventiveness, its regions beauties, as well as the values of freedom, equality and the rule of law which are enshrined in our Constitution, by providing modern, effective and transparent services. This challenge can be risen up to thanks to proper education and training: a significant background of culture and experiences, a flair for problem solving and the optimization of the resources available. This is a heritage which can be developed over time, before and after entering the diplomatic career. Before the competitive examination, while still at university, it is of fundamental importance to design a curriculum which includes all aspects and delve into all the subjects which help to interpret today s world in the most appropriate way, by matching academic knowledge with concrete experiences: periods spent working for international organizations, stages in the private sector and cooperation with other state authorities. 2

3 Once entered the diplomatic career, the same spirit and desire to learn which characterized us as students must be kept alive: to this end any possible opportunity shall be grasped, also through the tools made available by the Administration. Therefore the goal should be devise a recruiting system which allows to select this kind of people namely not only those who are well trained, but also those who are more inclined to improve their knowledge and skills by seeking and finding new methods and tools to come to terms with problems never experienced before. This is the reason why the diplomatic competition which has always been considered one of the most selective ones still is and has to be a complex and difficult exam. As current reality, it requires in depth qualifications and background on various subjects, ability to grasp the interdependencies existing between apparently distant phenomena, accuracy of analysis, ability of synthesis and critical sense going well beyond what can be learnt from textbooks. Certainly it is an uphill competition which may discourage many candidates, but not those who can interpret it as the initial step of a career rich in daily challenges and precisely for this reason really extraordinary. 3

4 Destination: the world information days on international careers On February 19 and 20, two information days were organized on job opportunities, professional development, stages and training in international organizations targeted to young people, officials and experts. This initiative is in line with the SIOI statutory aims of training and informing those who wish to work in the various fields of international activity. The event was attended by representatives from the United Nations, FAO, WFP, UNICRI, UNDESA, the World Bank, OECD, OSCE, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade. More than 400 young people and experts coming from many Universities and State Administrations participated in these two information days. Programme Monday, February 19 Opening address Prof. Enzo Moavero Milanesi Judge of the European Court of First Instance of the European Communities Career and stage opportunities in the heart of Europe Dr. Monika Mastrobuoni European Commission s representative office to Italy FAO and the recruitment and stage programmes Dr. Simone Borelli Official in charge of Programs, FAO Dr. Tineke J. Volker Official in charge of Programs, Technical Cooperation Department Italian candidacies for international organizations Min. Valeria Spinelli Head of Desk I, General Secretariat of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Job opportunities at the OECD Dr. Oscar Villarreal Head of Recruitment, Human Resource Management, OECD Paris Couns. Emilia Gatto Italian Delegation to the OECD Paris Dr. Romina Boarini Economics Department, OECD Paris Tuesday, February 20 The international opportunities of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs The diplomatic competition The competition for the cultural promotion area The activities to promote Italian candidacies for international organizations Couns. of Leg. Agostino Palese Head of Desk V, Directorate General for Staff, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Job opportunities at the OSCE Couns. of Leg. Luigi Diodati Deputy Head of Desk VI, Directorate General for Political Affairs Ministry for Foreign Affairs 4

5 The World Bank: programs and opportunities for young people Dr. Roberto Amorosino Senior Recruitment Officer Talent Search & Partnerships Group World Bank Rome The United Nations today: some opportunities Internship, Competitive examinations, Consultancy Dr. Daniela Salvati UNICRI Liason Officer The ICE training programme and the job opportunities in the companies working with foreign countries Guidelines of the ICE training activities Dr. Pier Alberto Cucino Assistant to the Director of the Training and Research Department The ICE training for young graduates Dr. Luigi Ferrelli Executive of the ICE Managerial Training area Job opportunities at the OECD for civil servants, corporate managers and experts Dr. Oscar Villarreal Head of Recruitment, Human Resource Management, OECD Paris Couns. Emilia Gatto Italian Delegation to the OECD Paris Dr. Fabrizio Pagani Head of the Technical Secretariat of the State Undersecretary, Hon. Enrico Letta, Presidency of the Council of Ministers Working for the United Nations AE/JPO Programme Fellowship Programme UNV/ Internship Programme Other job opportunities Dr. Rossella Salvia Senior Programme Officer UNDESA SIOI s role in international training Courses and the internship programme Dr. Sara Cavelli SIOI Director General Myths and realities of international careers Couns. Stefano Baldi Permanent Italian Diplomatic Representation at the European Union 5

6 TOMORROW International training Enrolment is open for.. The Master Course for international careers March 14 June 13, 2007 The Master course for international careers is targeted to young graduates and final year students of all faculties, who are interested in starting a career in the field of development cooperation, in international organizations or institutions. The Master course is organized in four subject areas and three specialization workshops. At the end of the training pathway following targeted talks SIOI will offer to the young graduates a service of guidance and promotion of traineeships in international organizations, public or private structures. Furthermore an optional study visit is envisaged to some of the leading international organizations in Europe at the end of which a certificate of attendance will be granted. Subject areas International Law and organization International protection of Human Rights Economic and social cooperation European Union Law Specialization workshops Planning of international cooperation initiatives International missions for election observers Peace keeping missions Master course diploma The evaluation for granting the Master course diploma will be made on the basis of the participation in teaching activities, the attendance of 80 of lessons, the discussion of the final dissertation worked out individually on an agreed topic and a final talk. Duration and enrolment The Master course will take place every Tuesday afternoon from 4.00 to 6.00 p.m. and every Wednesday and Friday from 2.00 to 6.00 p.m.. The International training course for civil servants and officials March 22 June 28, 2007 The aim of the course is update managers and officials of the Public Administration and the foreign Embassies to Italy on international topical issues, by outlining the structures and operation of the main international and European organizations and analyzing the political institutional, political strategic, economic and social role. The participants who attend two editions of this course will get the diploma of the Master course in International Studies for civil servants and officials. This Course is organized in three subject areas and a specialization module: International political relations International European Union relations International economic relations Specialization module: the United Nations and the role played by Italy in the Security Council Duration and enrolment The Course will be held every Monday and Tuesday from 4.15 to 6.00 p.m. and every Thursday from 2.00 to 4.00 p.m.. With a view to completing their training pathway, an optional study visit is envisaged to the main international organizations in Europe. 6

7 The Specialization Course for experts in E.U. affairs April 16 May 25, 2007 The specialization course for experts in E.U. matters intends to promote the training of experts in E.U. design and planning, as well as corporate internationalization processes. It analyzes the E.U. sectors of activity, the ways to gain access to E.U. funds and the mechanisms to manage structural Funds; finally it delves into the knowledge and use of the European information system. A large part of the Course is devoted to project drafting techniques with specific attention paid to the project cycle, the monitoring and evaluation tools and the drawing up of an export business plan. Sections The E.U. institutions The European Union policies Structural funds E.U. planning and implementing procedures E.U. planning tools Project drafting techniques and management procedures Evaluation and monitoring techniques Introduction to the operating budget The VII Framework programme on technological research & development and design techniques Information tools The SMEs internationalization processes The European Union external relations and financial tools Admission This Course is targeted to all graduates, managers and officials of the Public Administration and companies. Furthermore, it is particularly useful to prepare for the E.U. competitive examinations. At the end of the Course, SIOI will offer its participants the opportunity of carrying out a traineeship in public or private structures. Duration and enrolment The Course will last six consecutive weeks and will be held every Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9.00 a.m to 4.00 p.m.. 7

8 We have the pleasure to inform you of a new training initiative organized by SIOI jointly with the Public Law Department of the Rome University Tor Vergata RoSSEL The Rome Summer School of European Law Rome, September 17 28, 2007 RoSSEL is a joint venture between the Italian Society for International Organization SIOI and the University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Public Law. Aims Improving and updating the knowledge of E.U. Law; getting more confident with legal English; working in a truly European environment. Target Graduates in Human Sciences preferably Law and Political Sciences, professionals working in the legal field, members of law courts, civil servants interested in European Law. Knowledge of basic elements of E.U. Law and fluency in English are recommended. Attendance Full time course. RoSSEL will begin on Monday 17 afternoon and will end on Friday, September 28 morning. A minimum of 25 participants is required for the course to take place. Schedule: 50 hours of class work from Monday to Friday, divided approximately into 6 hour courses. Workshops where participants are expected to play an active role may take place. Programme All classes are given in English. Lectures will be delivered by academics, members of E.U. institutions, national courts and legal professionals. A syllabus of materials to be used as a reference during both lectures and workshops will be provided at the beginning of the course. Visits to Italian institutions or courts will also take place. Teaching programme Opening lecture Antonio TIZZANO, Judge of the E.C. Court of Justice; General Course Luigi DANIELE, University of Rome Tor Vergata ; The E.C. Court of Justice Roberto MASTROIANNI, University of Naples Federico II ; Enforcement of E.U. Law Enzo CANNIZZARO, University of Macerata; External Relations Marise CREMONA, European University Institute; Internal Market Eleanor SPAVENTA, University of Durham; Third States Nationals and E.U. Law Adelina ADINOLFI, University of Florence; State aids Andrea BIONDI, King s College University of London; Competition Law Denis WAELBROECK, Universit Libre de Bruxelles; Closing lecture Franco FRATTINI, Vice President of the European Commission invited. 8

9 Conferences and Workshops On March 7 at a.m., jointly with the Directorate General for Asia, Oceania, Pacific and Antarctica of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the event Italy in China 2006 and Italian Spring in Japan 2007 will be presented. Min. Plen. Vincenzo Prati, Coordinator of the Year of Italy in China 2006 and of the Italian Spring in Japan 2007 will participate. The Assisi meetings From February 22 to April 17, the Palazzo dei Priori of Assisi will host the training workshops organized by SIOI, the Office for the support to the United Nations of the Municipality of Assisi and the Perugia University for foreigners. Programme: February 22 Opening address: Ing. Claudio Ricci, Mayor of Assisi; Amb. Mario Alessi, SIOI Secretary General. Use of force and international security in the United Nations system, Prof. Pietro Gargiulo, University of Teramo, managing editor of the review The International Community. March 1 Opening address: Ins. Maria Aristide Belardoni, Town Counsellor of the Municipality of Assisi, Prof. Roberto Giuffrida, Perugia University for foreigners. The protection of the environment 15 years after the signature of the Rio treaties: achievements and perspectives, Prof. Giorgio Bradiali, Perugia University. Prof. Sergio Marchisio, Rome University La Sapienza. March 8 Opening address: Ins. Maria Aristide Belardoni, Town Counsellor of the Municipality of Assisi. Democracy, peace and human rights: fundamental values of the international community, Prof.ssa Francesca Graziani, Naples University Federico II April 17 Opening address: Ins. Maria Aristide Belardoni, Town Counsellor of the Municipality of Assisi. The E.U. neighbourhood policy 50 years after the signature of the Treaties of Rome, speakers to be confirmed. The organization of the VIII Protocol International Congress Last November in Saragoza, following upon the presentation of a technical dossier, the Protocol International Organization selected Rome as the venue of the VIII Protocol International Congress, which will be held from November 21 to 23, The Honorary Committee established to organize this Congress is composed of the Honorary President, Ambassador Paolo Pucci di Benisichi, Secretary General of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs; the President, Ambassador Umberto La Rocca, SIOI President; Minister Plenipotentiary, Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, Head of the Protocol of the Republic, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and by Counsellor Massimo Sgrelli, Head of the Protocol Department of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. The Scientific Committee is composed of the Counsellor of Embassy, Cristiano Cottafavi, who works for the Protocol Office of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Dr. Sara Cavelli, SIOI Director General; Avv. Francesco Piazza, Advisor to the Head of the Protocol Department of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Dr. Daniela de Rosa, Advisor to the National Olympic Committee Protocol Office. YESTERDAY Specialized training The Course for experts in national and international Protocol management of international events, which started on January 12, 2007, ended on February 16 This year the course was attended by 33 participants. Conferences and workshops On February 26, jointly with the Norwegian Embassy, a Conference was organized where the Norwegian Minister for International Development, Erik Solheim, gave a speech on Development as a precondition for security. SIOI s President, Amb. Umberto La Rocca, opened the Conference and moderated the final debate. 9

10 On February 28, jointly with UNRIC and UNICRI, a press conference was held to present the 2006 Report by the International Narcotics Control Board INCB. The Report was presented by Prof. Gilberto Gerra, member of the INCB, an agency of the United Nations. The MEDAC students visit to SIOI On February 6 the students of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, University of Malta MEDAC, visited SIOI. The 19 participants coming from Malta, Albania, Georgia, Greece, Iraq, Lebanon, Montenegro, Russia and Tunisia were welcomed by the SIOI Secretary General, Amb. Mario Alessi, who gave a speech on the Italian foreign policy. ALWAYS The SIOI Review: The International Community Mention is made of some important articles and essays published in the latest issue of the SIOI quarterly review The International Community Vol. LXII 2007 first quarter Issue 1 Ferdinando Nelli Feroci Il cammino dell integrazione europea a cinquanta anni dai Trattati di Roma. Dalla pausa di riflessione all occasione di un nuovo rilancio European Integration 50 Years after the signature of the Treaties of Rome. From the pause for reflection to the opportunity of a new relaunch. Francesco Perfetti Verso i Trattati di Roma. L europeismo di Palazzo Chigi Towards the Treaties of Rome. The pro European attitude of the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers. Umberto Leanza Il nuovo multilateralismo nel mantenimento della pace: Nazioni Unite ed Unione Europea The new multilateralism in peace keeping: the United Nations and the European Union. Antonio Blanc Altemir La successione nella condizione di membro delle Organizzazioni internazionali alla luce della recente prassi internazionale in Europa The succession in the status of member of international organizations in the light of the recent international practice in Europe. Articles available on the web site: 10

11 The Committee for Human Rights The 2007 Giuseppe Sperduti Award February 15, 2007 was the deadline to submit the applications for the 2007 competition to bestow the Giuseppe Sperduti Award, organized by the SIOI Committee for Human Rights. The theme of the 2007 Award, namely Private Life and Terrorism, tackles the complex and topical issue of the use of wiretaps in the fight against international terrorism. The teams who applied for the 2007 award come from the Universities of Bologna, Ferrara, Messina, Milan, Milan Bicocca, Naples, Pavia, Turin and Siena. NEWS from the Branches The Piedmont Branch Commemoration of Dr. Alfonso Bellando On March 5, a ceremony will take place in Turin, Palazzo Bricherasio, Via Lagrange 20, to commemorate Dr. Alfonso Bellando, who was President of the SIOI Piedmont Branch from 1993 to Celebration of the 60 year anniversary of the SIOI Piedmont Branch On March 28, the 60 year anniversary of the SIOI Piedmont Branch will be celebrated in Turin at the ILO International Training Centre, Viale Maestri del Lavoro 10. On that occasion, the book I 60 anni della SIOI Piemonte, Un impegno che si rinnova nel tempo The 60 Years of the SIOI Piedmont Branch A commitment renewed over time, edited by Marina Cerne, will be presented. The Lombardy Branch Specialization course in substantive law and E.U civil procedural Law Milan, March 21 June 18, 2007 This Course will be held at the SIOI Lombardy Branch headquarters, located in Via Daverio 7, and will be targeted to lawyers, judges, corporate legal experts and Law graduates. For more information please consult the SIOI web site or call the following number:

12 Interview to Dr. Marco Bonabello Dr. Marco Bonabello attended the SIOI preparatory course to the diplomatic career in Currently he is an official of the U.N. International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, located in The Hague. Q. Can you explain your current job and what personal characteristics are required for this post? A. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was established by the United Nations in 1993 by means of the Security Council Resolution n Its term of reference consists in prosecuting the individuals who are deemed responsible for serious violations of humanitarian international law perpetrated in the former Yugoslavia after Since 2005 I have been working for the Judicial Services of the Court Clerk s Office. Unlike the Clerk s Office of a national court, this post envisages both legal and diplomatic tasks. Usually the performance of said tasks falls within the competence of the Justice Ministry. Our task consists in coordinating all criminal proceedings; representing the Clerk s Office during hearings and maintaining diplomatic relations with many national and international missions. Furthermore, we manage the Court Detention Centre and the Legal Aid Service for the Defence of Indigents. Finally, we often travel to the Balkan region with a view to promoting the Court activities and assist the national judicial authorities to prosecute war criminals in compliance with the fair trial standards. While performing these tasks, we work in close cooperation with the Judges, the Public Prosecutor s Office and the defence counsels and we also draft many judicial acts. I think that this is a unique and very stirring experience since it enables me to come into contact with a very particular international legal reality, which has enriched me both at human and professional levels. The personal characteristics and skills required to perform this job effectively are mental flexibility, ability to communicate and manage difficult situations. In fact, in our activity, every day we are faced with the so called legal and trial crises, which often have also political implications. Our role consists in facilitating a positive solution of the problem as soon as possible. Cold blood and strong nerves are our small secret. It is extremely important to be able to properly understand and interpret the various interests at stake. Finally, it is absolutely imperative to be always unbiased while performing our activity. Should somebody be interested, the hearings can be followed live on the following web site: Q. What was the pathway you followed to arrive at performing your current job? A. I would say that I started very early still as a child to be interested in international life, which can also mean only looking for something more attractive and challenging than the local reality. You need to be fascinated by what is different and that is not often easy to understand at first sight. In my case I cannot deny that having attended foreign schools in London and Vienna decisively favoured the development of these interests. Once back to Italy, after finishing High School Collegio Navale F. Morosini in Venice, I enrolled in the Law Faculty of the Rome University La Sapienza, with the clear intention of making some new study experiences abroad as soon as possible. La Sapienza itself over and above being a very valuable university for study purposes proved to be especially a school of life. The need to emerge and stand out from thousands of other students contributed to strengthen my determination and resoluteness. After a year spent in Strasbourg in the framework of the Erasmus student exchange programme, where I got a diploma in International and E.U. Law in the local university, I left for Brussels thanks to a scholarship to prepare my dissertation in E.U. Law. In the subsequent years I attended various courses including the SIOI course to prepare for the diplomatic career. This course was a significant step in my training since, on the one hand, it reinforced my desire to start an international career and, on the other, it provided sound teaching and human foundations to make this dream come true. Subsequently, I worked as a trainee in non governmental and international organizations and I took part in many electoral missions with the OSCE in the Balkans and Ukraine. These brief professional experiences 12

13 shall not be underestimated since they often prove to be a real launching pad for international careers. In 2003 I left for another traineeship at the OSCE Mission to Belgrade, where I devoted myself to an interesting legal study on war crimes which highlighted my skills and knowledge. Few months later the OSCE offered me the opportunity of working as Human Rights Officer at its Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the town of Travnik. There I followed with great interest and passion many projects related to human rights and the so called Rule of Law, including the trials for war crimes in local courts. Certainly this experience on the field, together with my tried and tested legal skills and abilities, contributed to make this Court hire me in June This long pathway was matched by dedication and perseverance. Obviously there were some occasions when it was easy to lose heart, but you must always be ready to capitalize also on what could seem, at first sight, to be a setback. Q. What kind of background and professional skills should have the young people who wish to start a career in international organizations? A. The background could be particularly multi faceted and multidisciplinary, ranging from law, economics and political science. Nevertheless, account must be taken of the fact that an ever increasing number of strictly technical initiatives are undertaken by international organizations. Therefore Faculties such as Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Psychology, Medicine, Food Sciences and many others have become very valuable for training purposes. The traditional training pathway envisages a degree in an Italian university and subsequent master diplomas and research doctorates PhDs in foreign universities, preferably well renowned internationally. In this regard, I would like to express a strictly personal opinion. After graduating, enrolling for a post graduate course as a mere filler, just to do something in a period when you do not know exactly what to do, does not always prove to be the best choice. In this connection, I would rather recommend to start a traineeship in international organizations with a view to discovering a new professional reality. In fact, this is precisely the kind of experience that we lack while looking for a job in these organizations. In my opinion, the fact of following a specialization course at a later stage has the advantage of allowing a more shrewd choice of the study sector, in line with the professional career you wish to start. Today an excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential. In fact, we shall consider that we have to continuously compete with many colleagues whose mother tongue is English! This must be matched by the knowledge of a second language, preferably also a third one. French is always a valuable option, but also other languages such as Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic or Chinese have become very important. As to the skills and abilities required to work for international organizations, first of all you need to be skilful communicators and valuable negotiators. I think it is particularly important to be able to listen and understand other people s opinions and hence call our own opinions into question. The ability to quickly adapt to new contexts and changed needs on a case by case basis is of paramount importance Moreover, you need a remarkable sense of personal initiative and excellent analytical and organization skills. Certainly the fact of being a good writer is always a valuable help, as well as public relations skills which are the real daily bread of every international career. Much importance is also to be attached to job talks. In the few minutes available the prospective international official shall prove to be skilful and well prepared, ready to rise up to new challenges, self confident, though always humble and respectful. In this connection, I advise to carefully prepare CVs and letters of introduction. A well structured CV, matched by a concise and convincing letter of introduction can often make the difference! Dialogues with readers, alumni, members and friends of SIOI We would be pleased to receive your comments, observations and proposals to the following e mail address: forum@sioi.org. 13