Norway’s King Harald, one of Europe’s longest-reigning monarchs, has decided to reduce his participation in official duties due to his age and recent health issues. At 88 years old, the king has faced illness, including a recent hospitalization in Malaysia where he received treatment for an infection and a pacemaker for a low heart rate. His absence from public appearances has been filled by his son, Crown Prince Haakon.
The royal household announced that King Harald will permanently reduce his public engagements, with adjustments made to his official activities. Despite facing health challenges, King Harald has adamantly stated his commitment to remain in his role until the end, as he views his oath as a lifelong commitment. Despite his health concerns, King Harald remains highly esteemed by Norwegians, with a majority expressing support for him to continue as monarch rather than abdicate in favor of his son, Crown Prince Haakon.
Throughout his reign, King Harald has been known for his progressive stance on various issues, including LGBT equality and refugee rights. In a notable speech in 2016, he expressed solidarity with diverse communities in Norway, emphasizing inclusivity and acceptance.
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France is instituting a mobile security force to assist schools grappling with challenges, a move prompted by the resignation of a Paris school head amidst death threats. The headteacher stepped down after being falsely accused of assaulting a student during a dispute over her wearing of an Islamic headscarf. Education Minister Nicole Belloubet has emphasized that the establishment of this mobile force aims to provide reassurance to teachers and bolster security measures, particularly in the wake of heightened tensions following the tragic killings of two teachers.
The mobile school force, comprising approximately 20 education officers, will be deployed within 48 hours to schools facing acute crises, offering support in terms of security, reassurance, and educational expertise. This initiative comes in response to the need for immediate assistance in situations where local authorities require additional support to maintain order and safety within school premises. By swiftly mobilizing this team, the government aims to address concerns and provide tangible support to schools navigating challenging circumstances.
The recent incident involving a Paris school head underscores the complexities surrounding issues of cultural and religious diversity within the French education system. Despite the absence of evidence supporting the student’s accusations, the headteacher resigned due to safety concerns arising from subsequent threats. Politicians from across the political spectrum have condemned the situation, with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announcing legal action against the student for making false allegations. This incident highlights the broader societal challenges faced by educators in upholding secular principles while fostering inclusivity and respect within schools.
Amidst a surge in threats conveyed through digital messaging systems, the education ministry has suspended the ENT system, used by teachers and students, due to a proliferation of threats. Over 320 threats have been reported nationwide, with authorities attributing the surge to hacked personal accounts. Several arrests have been made in connection with online threats, including individuals aged 17 and 21. Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to restore normalcy, with authorities hopeful that the digital messaging system will be reinstated after the spring break. These measures reflect a concerted effort to address the complex interplay of security, technology, and societal tensions within the French education landscape.
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A journalist working for Poland’s state broadcaster has publicly expressed remorse for the channel’s complicity in disseminating anti-LGBT sentiment. Wojciech Szelag, the host of TVP Info, acknowledged the channel’s role in perpetuating hateful rhetoric against the LGBT community over the course of several years. He recognized that LGBT individuals had been subjected to derogatory language and discrimination, emphasizing that they are not merely an abstract ideology but are people with specific identities, relationships, and experiences.
During the Guest of the Evening show, Szelag offered a heartfelt apology to two LGBT activists, Bart Staszewski and Maja Heban. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the humanity of LGBT individuals, expressing regret for the hurtful language and narratives propagated by TVP Info. Staszewski, deeply moved by the apology, highlighted the significant impact of the channel’s previous actions on the lives of LGBT people in Poland.
Under the previous government led by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, TVP Info frequently broadcast content that vilified the LGBT community. PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski and his allies, including President Andrzej Duda, often condemned expressions of LGBT identity and promoted discriminatory rhetoric. However, since the new Prime Minister Donald Tusk assumed office, changes have been made to the broadcaster in an effort to depoliticize state media and promote more inclusive narratives.
The recent apology from TVP Info’s host reflects a broader shift in Poland’s media landscape, as the country grapples with issues of discrimination and intolerance. While the apology signifies a step towards acknowledging past wrongs, there is still much work to be done in fostering greater acceptance and understanding of the LGBT community in Polish society.
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Step into the captivating world of Zomkey Tenzin as she shares her extraordinary journey as Miss Glam World 2023. Born as a refugee, Zomkey found herself indebted to Belgium for the countless opportunities it offered her. Here she invites you to witness her heartfelt gratitude, the emotions she experienced upon winning the crown, and the profound impact her family and personal experiences had on her path to success.
Being crowned Miss Glam World 2023 was an incredible honor for me, and I am humbled by the opportunity to represent Belgium. As a born refugee, Belgium provided me with countless opportunities and shaped the person I am today. This blog aims to share my emotions, experiences, and the gratitude I feel towards Belgium and the Miss Glam World organization. It also sheds light on the significance of pageants in personal development, inclusivity, and empowerment.
A Dream Come True:
When the moment arrived and my name was called as the winner, a rush of emotions overwhelmed me. From the initial countdown to the announcement, I experienced a mix of excitement, anticipation, and nostalgia. Representing Belgium as Miss Glam World 2023 was a dream come true. The feeling of being crowned was surreal, and it took time for the reality to sink in.
Family’s Reaction:
The support and love of my family have been instrumental in my journey. After the crowning, I immediately reached out to my uncle, and his emotional reaction was heartwarming. Their belief in me and the sense of belonging they provide have been a constant source of inspiration.
First Pageant Experience:
My first pageant experience was Miss Exclusives in Belgium when I was just 16 years old. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of learning, bonding with diverse cultures, and personal growth. Each pageant I have participated in since then has been a unique opportunity to meet new people, exchange cultural experiences, and continuously learn and improve.
Inspiration to Participate in Miss Glam World:
My inspiration to participate in Miss Glam World stemmed from following the organization for several years. The preparation for the finale involved maintaining punctuality, supporting fellow contestants, and adopting the mindset of a true winner—someone who never surrenders in the face of challenges.
Balancing Career and Personal Life:
Balancing my career and personal life is not easy, especially with the passion I have for beauty pageants. However, effective communication and planning have helped me manage both aspects. Openly discussing my aspirations with my workplace and ensuring clear expectations have allowed me to pursue my dreams.
Role Models and Inspirations:
The women in my household, particularly my sisters, have been my biggest inspirations and role models. Their determination and drive have helped me overcome obstacles and stay focused on my goals. They have provided me with a strong sense of belonging and support, for which I am eternally grateful.
Talent Presentation and Preparation:
For the talent round, I chose to showcase an Indian dance called “Pasoori.” I prepared for it by watching YouTube videos and practicing diligently. Consistent practice and dedication helped me deliver the performance I envisioned.
Advice for Dreamers:
To those who dream of achieving similar success but hesitate to take the first step, my advice is to embrace preparation, train hard, and seek guidance when needed. Joining pageants like Miss Glam World can be a life-changing experience, and genuine support from organizations and mentors is readily available.
Advice for Young Girls:
For young girls preparing for their first pageant, I encourage them to focus on their walk, speech, and behavior towards others. Practicing walking in heels, watching tutorial videos, and being genuine and kind to others are essential aspects. Most importantly, staying true to oneself and treating others with respect are keys to success.
Using the Platform to Inspire:
As Miss Glam World 2023, I recognize the responsibilities that come with this title. I plan to utilize my platform to inspire and empower young individuals who look up to me. Through promoting my charity which supports refugee settlements in India, I aim to inspire others to pursue their dreams while making a positive impact on society.
Evolution of Pageants:
Pageants have undoubtedly evolved to become more inclusive and empowering for all contestants. The shift towards embracing diversity in terms of physical appearance, hair, and body types has made beauty pageants a platform for celebrating uniqueness and breaking stereotypes.
Personal Development through Pageants:
Participating in beauty pageants has significantly contributed to my personal development. It has helped me overcome insecurities, become more confident, and improve my communication skills. Pageants provide a platform for growth, self-expression, and embracing one’s individuality.
Winning the Miss Glam World 2023 title has been a life-altering experience for me. The journey has taught me the value of gratitude, resilience, and embracing one’s passions. I am immensely grateful to Belgium and the Miss Glam World organization for the opportunities they have provided me. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their dreams, celebrate diversity, and make a positive impact in their communities.
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