THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS IN BRUSSELS PA CONSULTANCIES

Movers and Shakers are people of energetic demeanour who initiate change and influence events. AALEP has just published a report of the leading and most influential Public Affairs practitioners associated with consultancies. There are an estimated 600 to 700 people working for PA consultancies in Brussels. The AALEP report only includes the most prominent by virtue of their function ( Managing Directors, Heads of Office, Senior Partners, Partners and Directors).

BIBLICAL ACCOUNTS OF LOBBYING

As Easter approaches, I thought it would be interesting to consider the biblical accounts of lobbying. Indeed there are numerous biblical accounts of lobbying in the Bible, many with successful results. Joseph lobbied Egyptian authorities on several matters relating to the people of Israel . Moses and his associates lobbied hard in the attempt to convince Pharaoh that the Egyptian government should let his people go. Daniel and his friends lobbied Babylonian officials concerning special privileges relating to diet and lifestyle .

The Yin and the Yang

There's a balance in world affairs. That's what the concept of yin and yang is about. The Chinese feel Europe lacks a strategic vision and suffers from internal discord, which impedes its credibility in world affairs. China desires a more united European voice as part of its conception of a multipolar future world order. China has a sophisticated approach to Europe.

NEW DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL SECTOR

Prof. Giorgio Stanta has joined AALEP. Professor Stanta from the University of Trieste  performs molecular and epidemiological analyses in human archive tissues, in particular for research in dermatology and oncology for validation and standardisation of technologies. As Italian representative, he is member of the European Molecular Pathology Board. He is also member of the Molecular Pathology Council of the European Society of Pathology and of the Italian Group of Molecular Pathology.

NEW DISTINGUISHED MEMBER FROM THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS

HE Mr. Avirmed Battur has just joined AALEP. HE Mr. Avirmed Battur is the Ambassador of Mongolia to Benelux and the EU since 2008. Ambassador Battur is a career diplomat and has held a number of important positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mongolia, including that of Vice-Minister from 2004 to 2006. From 1999 to 2000 he was the Minister for Education, Culture, Science and Technology and Director of the Public Administration and Management Department from 1998 to 1999.

NEW MEMBER FROM INDIA

Mr. Bobby Kewalramani, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Perfect Relations Group has just joined AALEP. Established in 1992, Perfect Relations Group is South Asia's  largest image management, communications and business policy consultancy. It employs over 200 media and industry specialists and has its company-owned offices in 14 major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chemnai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Mr. Kewalramani is responsible for managing all operations of the company globally. 

DO NOT RESTRICT LOBBYING!

The practice of lobbying provides a forum for the resolution of conflicts among often diverse and competing points of view; provides information, analysis, and opinion to legislators and government leaders to allow for informed and balanced decision making; and creates a system of checks and balances that allows for competition among interest groups, keeping any one group from attaining a permanent position of power. Lobbyists can help the legislative process work more effectively by providing lawmakers with reliable data and accurate assessments of a proposal’s  effect.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FROM KENYA

Back in 2003 the National Assembly of Kenya debated the matter of a Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament " Members of Parliament shall not be involved in corruption by giving or taking bribes, receiving favours or be abet in corrupt practices and transactions in the course of their public and private work" "Members are required to be transparent, have integrity, be incorruptible, honest, accountable for all their actions and be objective in their decisions" " As Members of Parliament we must lead by example.

AALEP EXISTS TO SERVE ITS MEMBERS

It would be a mistake to suppose that AALEP exists to serve the narrow, self-directed and parochial interests of its individual members, even though it is directly supportive in a constructive sense of those whose business is Public Affairs, Advocacy and Lobbying. Efforts in continuing education, professional standards and economics should expand. There is an obvious benefit to both the Public Affairs practitioners and the public in a proficient, efficient and disciplined organisation whose members render high quality services and perform according to high ethical standards.

THE DANGER OF PROFESSIONAL APATHY

In spite of all the external threats to Public Affairs practitioners, a more serious threat is the threat of apathy. The dictionary defines apathy as a state of indifference or the suppression of passion, emotion or excitement also, the lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting. The opposite of apathy is enthusiasm, fervour, concern and passion. Excuses such as lacking the time, the money and the energy for what is perceived as the 'extras' of being involved in professional activities are just ways of escaping but by doing so we deny our personal growth.

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