Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we are delighted to welcome you to the 12th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD 2019) to be held on 20-23 February 2019 in Berlin, Germany.

We invite you to be a part of the ATTD initiative, namely bringing together clinicians such as diabetologists, endocrinologists as well as pediatricians and family medicine practitioners, scientists, engineers, start-ups, investors, medical corporations, regulators and payers with the single goal to ameliorate the care of people with diabetes at the fastest possible pace. Over the past decade, tremendous changes occurred in the use of new technologies to treat and monitor patients with diabetes and the annual ATTD meetings have become the leading international forum to present and discuss these innovations.

Presentations and discussions will be given by many distinguished professionals in the field and will include topics such as glucose sensors, closed-loop systems, artificial pancreas, advisors, devices for diabetic prevention, new insulin analogues and delivery systems and insulin pumps and more.

ATTD 2019 promises to be an outstanding event and we will be happy to greet you in the interesting city of Berlin.

For online registration: https://attd.kenes.com/2019/register-here/individual-registration#.XFl3st7VKM8

Yours sincerely,

Professor Moshe Phillip | Professor Tadej Battelino

Conference Chairpersons

On November 28, 2018, the International Conference of Ministers of Transport of the States Parties to the Agreement on Transit and Transport Cooperation (Lapis Lazuli) began its work in the Avaza National Tourist Zone in the city of Turkmenbashi.

At the beginning of the conference, a congratulatory message from the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, addressed to the participants of the International Conference of Ministers of Transport of the States Parties to the Agreement on Transit and Transport Cooperation (Lapis Lazuli) was read out.

Then the heads of the delegations participating in the International Conference of Ministers of Transport (Lapis Lazuli) made their presentations: Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan M.Chakiyev, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Yagub Eyyubov, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Achilbai Ramatov, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey Jahit Turhan, Minister of Transport of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Tahmasi Mohd Hamid and Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Akaki Sagirashvili.

Also in the first part of the international conference, delegations discussed issues such as the role of interstate cooperation in the development of the international transport corridor Lápis-Lazuli and the importance of logistics companies in the development of transport corridors.

The authorization board has unlawfully denied the International Black Sea University the right of receiving new contingent of students for one year period. 
Starting from 2018, the authorization process begun with new standards applied in higher educational institutions operating in Georgia. On April 24-27, the International Black Sea University hosted an expert group headed by Professor Andy Gibbs, an international expert in education from the United Kingdom. As a result of the study analysis and factual circumstances, a team of experts prepared a conclusion according to which the University meets authorization standards: out of seven standards (19 sub-standards) none have been evaluated negatively.
By the decision of the Authorization Board of Higher Educational Institutions of 20 August 2018, the International Black Sea University was granted authorization for 6 years; At the same time, the Board has made a totally illogical and incompatible decision that contradicts the experts’ conclusion; it ignores the positive conclusion of experts and the University is forced to stop accepting the new contingent of students until August 20, 2019. As a result, up to 800 students' choices to study at the International Black Sea University have been ignored, the Board has compelled them to apply to other higher educational institutions. The decision constitutes a threat to students’ legal preferences during two academic years. 
The argument for the decision made by the Authorization Board is that the International Black Sea University was imposed a tax penalty in 2013 (the amount of the fine at the current moment is 700 000 GEL and the judicial dispute is still in process). Due to the fine, the property of the university has been sequestered. The university is ready to pay a tax penalty in case of loosing a court dispute. It should be emphasized, that according to the decision of June 4, 2018 of the Revenue Service (# 025-152), sequestration of the university’s property was abolished. The document was submitted to the Authorization Board, however, the Board did not take the mentioned factual circumstance into a consideration. 
The Board’s position is groundless and unfair due to the following reasons: Firstly, real estate and other assets of the International Black Sea University greatly exceeds 700,000 GEL; secondly, the decision made by the Authorization Board reduces the revenue of the university up to 2 million GEL only this year (which normally would have been used for various educational purposes). The question is whether or not limiting the university's income is an adequate measure when the Board (unreasonably) considers the material instability to be university’s main problem? 
Besides, according to the authorization experts’ report, the university's material and financial resources are in full accordance with the requirements. It is clear, that the Authorization Board ignores a qualified assessment of its local and foreign experts.
The irresponsible decision of the authorization board hinders the development of one of the leading and internationally recognized universities in Georgia which has 23 years of successful academic experience, is known for its graduates' high employment rates and cooperates with more than 60 international universities. Up to 2000 international and local students are currently studying in the university, it employs 400 qualified staff members.
We apply to NGOs and international organizations, diplomatic corps and the whole civil society to support the International Black Sea University in its fight against injustice.
We refer to the Government of Georgia to take appropriate measures in order to prevent the damaging of the country’s international reputation, democratic values, freedom of entrepreneurial activity and to protect the educational sphere from unhealthy influences.

Administration of International Black Sea University

Let me extend my gratitude on the beginning of work of International tourist exhibition and conference “Tourism and Travel” in Avaza National tourist zone. I am confident that the forum would be very important in popularization of tourist potential of the country, - greeting message of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

Turkmenistan works on the formation of relevant infrastructure, legal, economic and social bases of tourist activity. Adoption of legal acts on regulation of tourism sphere, construction and opening of fashionable hotel complexes in free economic zone of Avaza, in Ashgabat and velayats, new health improving and entertainment centres cause the growth of potential of the country in the world tourist market.

International rally Amul – Hazar 2018, which was held recently, became not only big important competitions but also excellent event that revealed Turkmen land as attracting direction on the world map for tourists and travellers.

The rally brought together masters and amateurs of this captivating sport from different countries. This project was not only the sport event but also excellent opportunity for popularization of national cultural heritage, historical monuments, variety of bright traditions and rites of our nation in the world, - the message noted.

Formation of modern tourism industry in Turkmenistan as an important factor in development of international cooperation, attraction of innovative technologies to he country and integrated modernization of national economy.

I am confident that international forum on the coast of Caspian Sea would support the establishment and improvement of new partnership relations, successful implementation of innovative approaches to the practice of our country, improvement of Turkmenistan authority as perspective centre of international tourism industry, - the message of the President highlighted.

The state news agency of Turkmenistan 

The Amul-Hazar 2018 International rally, held on the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan, completed. The two teams from Turkmenistan took the third place of the competition that aroused keen interest all around the world. As is known, the President of Turkmenistan participated in the international tournament at the start, driving vehicle No. 100. The crew, driving vehicle No. 100 won the third place. The driver of this car – Hodjaguly Annamammedov – is a driver at the motor transport enterprise of the Administration of the President of Turkmenistan, sportsman of the motor sports centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan; the co-pilot – sportsman Gaygysyz Akmyradov – the officer of the motor vehicle administration of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan.

Sports car No. 104 driven by pilot – Guvanchmyrat Hommadov – a sportsman at the motor sports centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan and co-pilot Redjepniyaz Annaberdiev won the third place of the T2-2 international racing.

 The state news agency of Turkmenistan

The Georgian side has been informed through diplomatic channels by the Iranian side that a number of Iranian citizens have expressed their discontent with security procedures at the Tbilisi International Airport.
Immediately upon receiving the information, the competent authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia made an immediate enquiry into the procedures conducted by aviation security officers at the Tbilisi Airport.
The preliminary enquiry has found no evidence of wrongdoing, including actions insulting religious feelings.
The Ministry has already reported the findings to the Iranian side. The inquiry results will also be communicated to the Iranian ambassador in Tbilisi.

On August 10 , 2018, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Georgia held the briefing dedicated to the grand sports event - International Rally “Amul-Hazar 2018”, which will be held on September 11-15, 2018 in Turkmenistan. 

The briefing was attended by representatives of the “Georgian Business Week”, newspapers of  ”Resonance”, “Multinational Georgia”, “Free Georgia”, international magazine “Geo Traveler”, “News Day Georgia” news agency, “Sputnik” international news agency, “TV-24” channel and others.

In his speech, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan in Georgia D. Muratov underlined that this year, which is held under the motto “Turkmenistan is the heart of the Great Silk Road, Turkmenistan has revived its significance as a key link of this ancient route. This grand sports event will be a unique opportunity to present both the past and the present of the Great Silk Road, which today, thanks to energetic efforts and constructive international policy of the Esteemed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is reborn again, connecting countries and peoples.

During the briefing, media representatives were provided with detailed information on the Rally “Amul-Hazar 2018”, on the enormous preparatory work, which is personally patronized by the Esteemed President of Turkmenistan.

It was mentioned that big competitions in Turkmenistan on one of the most spectacular and popular sports attract keen interest of the world community. This is indicated by the wish of the sportsmen and teams from various states to take part in the races, which route would run along the Silk Road and through magnificent Karakum Desert. This competition will be true historical event of Turkmen motorsport and will serve to the improvement of the world authority of Turkmenistan

At the end of the briefing, a video about the rally “Amul-Hazar 2018” was demonstrated. Representatives of the Georgian media expressed their gratitude to the Embassy of Turkmenistan and personally to the Ambassador of Turkmenistan in Georgia D. Muratov for organizing and conducting the briefing. Having noted that the competitions will contribute to widening the humanitarian dialogue and developing sports in general, they wished the Rally to be successful.

Appealed to Romanian youth and citizens to join in the activities calling for the establishment of international law for peace

On May 20th, Tîrgu Mureş City in Romania and the UN ECOSOC-affiliated NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) signed an MOU for 'Peace Culture City Project' to develop a culture of peace through cultural exchanges and peace education.

“Tîrgu Mureş City is a multicultural and historic city. HWPL is working to raise awareness of the world in culture, civilization, and history through continuous and constructive peace education and cultural exchange. Through this MOU, we hope that Tîrgu Mureş City and HWPL will be able to make each other’s culture more beautiful through “A Culture of Peace - the City project,” said Mayor Dorin Florea.

Regarding this peace-building cooperation, Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL said, "I am glad to be able to communicate with the progressive City of Tîrgu Mureş through the MOU.”

As for the role of individuals in working for peace, "Let us leave peace and better culture for future generations as a higher state of culture through exchange of culture of peace," he added.

Then, Chairman Lee of HWPL and its peace delegation participated in the youth event titled "Youth, Let's Voice out" in Bucharest Parliament House. The event was jointly hosted by HWPL, its affiliated organization, International Peace Youth Group(IPYG), and the Romanian youth peace group, Master Peace Ro.

"All mankind desires peace, nobody has wanted war. So, if we become one, we will be able to achieve peace. HWPL exists for youth. I hope all youth to join in peace activities of the IPYG and leave peace as a legacy for our future generations,” said Chairman Lee.

 “We have all shared to you our experience during a period of huge political, economic, culture, and scientific, technological transformation. We hope that this working experience will contribute to your future in the next period of big transformation ahead of you,” said Hon. Emil Constantinescu, the former president of Romania.

Mr. Dragomir G. Marian, President of MasterPeace Ro said, "More than 1,000 youth have signed the DPCW and expressed their support. Today, I am happy to see the culture of peace promoted by the Peace Letter project." And he expressed his hopes for the youth in Romania to continuously promote the activities of culture of peace with HWPL, such as peace education and peace walk.

The DPCW with 10 articles and 38 clauses includes provisions to avoid war-related actions and achieve peace, including respect on international law, ethnic/religious harmony, and spreading a culture of peace. In order to advocate peace and conflict resolution, HWPL has engaged in peace education and “the Legislate Peace Campaign” to raise awareness of peace to students and citizens around the world.

In this event attended by 200 young Romanian youths, HWPL introduced the DPCW proposed as a solution to the dispute, and the participants wrote the 'Peace Letter' urging the president to support the DPCW.

“Chinese government will help the Georgian side to hold various events on the territory of China targeted at promotion of the Georgian products,” – the First Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Dimitry Kumsishvili stated following the meeting with Zhong Shan, the Minister of Commerce and Industry of the People’s Republic of China.

According to the First Vice Prime Minister, the proposal of the Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China is unprecedented and it will contribute to the export growth of Georgian products in China.

“Today we have been offered another unprecedented assistance by the Minister of Commerce of China. In order to sell more Georgian products in China and thus increase the export rate from Georgia, the Minister has offered us to conduct a number of events in the territory of China,” – Dimitry Kumsishvili declared.
According to the First Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, special joint groups, which will further promote the Georgian products in China, will enable more Chinese companies to get acquainted with Georgia's opportunities and make necessary investments for our country.

Shanghai Expo was one of the prevailing issues for discussion at this meeting.

Dimitry Kumsishvili expressed his gratitude towards the Minister of Commerce of China for the official invitation of the Government of Georgia to the Shanghai International Exhibition, which will be held in November 2018.

"Within the Shanghai Export International Exhibition, Georgian companies will be able to communicate directly with 150 000 buyers, which will be supported by the Ministry of Commerce of China. This will be an exhibition that our country needs to utilize with full potential. This exhibition allows Georgian companies to export their products to the Chinese market and significantly increase their sales," - Dimitry Kumsishvili noted after the meeting.

In addition, Dimitry Kumsishvili invited the Chinese Minister of Commerce, Zhong Shan to Georgia and offered to hold a business forum in Tbilisi within the framework of Intergovernmental Commission meeting between the two countries this summer.

According to the First Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic Cooperation between Georgia and China represents an effective leverage for further development of bilateral cooperation.

Dimitry Kumsishvili and Zhong Shan agreed to take effective steps to the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and China. As it was noted, both Georgian and Chinese companies should fully benefit from the free trade agreement, for which both sides shall come up with important decisions.

The agreement on which the negotiations have been completed in a short period of seven months has been in force since 2018. It was also noted at the meeting that following the signing and enactment of the Agreement, there is a tendency for the growth of trade turnover between the two countries, however the potential is still huge and it needs to be supported with the favorable directions for both sides, for which the Chinese side will provide assistance to the Georgian producers.

Deputy Ministers of Economy and Sustainable Development, Genadi Arveladze and Giorgi Cherkezishvili, as well as the CEO of the LEPL Georgian Railway, David Peradze and the the Georgia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Davit Aptsiauri also attended the meeting. 

HWPL and civil society groups in 117 cities advocate comprehensive cooperation for peace and denounce anti-peace activities

While the global society has been sending an interest and encouragement to the historic decision of the North Korea-US dialogue following the ‘Peace Olympics’ held in South Korea, a Korea-based international peace NGO held an event commemorating “The 2nd Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)” on March 14. In Seoul, South Korea, on the theme of "A Call for Building a World of Peace and Realizing Justice" was attended by 1,000 participants including representatives of politics, religion, and civic groups at home and abroad.

The host organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) affiliated with UN DPI and UN ECOSOC, announced the DPCW on March 14, 2016, to strengthen a solidarity of peace through a comprehensive cooperation of all sectors of society and to establish legally binding international law necessary for peacebuilding. The DPCW with 10 articles and 38 clauses, drafted by international law experts, includes provisions to avoid war-related actions and achieve peace, including respect on international law, ethnic/religious harmony, and a culture of peace.

Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL, highlighted that every individual in the global society is responsible for constructing global peace. He appealed to the participants by saying, “Rather than waiting to take peace for granted, it is we who should put an end to war to protect humanity and our globe, and leave peace as a legacy for future generations.” “Law of today cannot compensate for the lives sacrificed from war. What we need is an instrument that protects human life, the very law that prevents war,” he added.

“No human being and no animal on planet Earth can survive from weapons (of mass destruction). Even an error or an accident can cause widespread damage to human life and property which cannot be replenished. We all have to work 365 days and 24 hours together for peace as a messenger of peace,” said, Mr. Pravin H. Parekh, President of Confederation of Indian Bar who participated in drafting the DPCW.

“If we want to put an end to war and build peace, let us work together for peace and overcome the boundary of state, ethnicity and religion. We have to think about how to resolve international conflicts through the adoption of the DPCW as a UN resolution. And the international society should provide assistance to facilitate peace education proposed by HWPL,” emphasized Mr. Deok Gyu Lim, former president of the International Law Association Korean Branch.

In the event, HWPL issued the official statement against anti-peace actions that hinder peace and justice with unsubstantiated information and distortion from socio-economic motives and human rights abuses by religious intolerance. In the statement it addressed that HWPL “will no longer tolerate attempts to obstruct the work for peace, putting personal gain over the common good of humanity. We urge all those yearning for peace and justice to take the right path, not the path marked with lies, and join the effort to build peace together.”

The multi-national events for the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the DPCW calling for building a world of peace and realizing justice were organized in 166 cities in 71 countries, including South Korea, the United States, Germany, Ukraine, Britain, and China. 150,000 citizens and leaders of all sectors in the world took part in this global event urging the establishment of international law for the realization of a peaceful, just society and the denunciation of anti-peace activity.