In 2009, numerous translations relating to the city of Bonn as a location for tourism and conferences, and concerning the ‘Sustainable Bonn’ initiative.
French into English translation for the 2nd Bonn Conference on International Development Policy, October 2009:
Development Education as a challenging task for the civil society and municipalities
Plenary Session – Key notes from CONCORD
European Confederation of Development and Relief NGOs
Ladies and gentlemen,
I thank the organisers, and particularly the North Rhine-Westphalia region, for involving our Confederation of European NGOs in your work and allowing me to present my talk in my native language.
The context in which we talk about development education today is a context of profound changes in our societies. Whether we like it or not, the societies in which we live have never seen such upheavals as they have done in recent decades … Change and adaptation is not an idealist aspiration, but definitely a reality in both our western and European societies and in developing countries. The immediate question is not ‘for or against’ change? The question is: ‘What are the conditions for change on both the local and international scale?’
We know that cultural, political or even economic changes are complex processes, often lengthy and involving numerous stakeholders and several levels of responsibilities. However, what history also shows us is that there will be no democratic and lasting changes without the consent of the people themselves, without the contribution of the populations. Yes, leadership – politics in particular – is important, yes, innovation and technologies can be driving forces for change, but without the support and participation of the populations nothing will really get moving to a significant degree.
You – who look after regional or municipal territorial collectives – know that more than anybody!
This is why the NGOs will consider what we jointly call Development Education – DE – to be of strategic importance (others also call it raising public awareness, global, formal or informal education, education for life, citizen campaigns, advocacy, training for adults, etc.).
Under this perspective, development education is not (which is too often the case, unfortunately) a “gadget” to be added to development co-operation, a “by-product” of on-the-ground projects, a technical “sub-sector” to be sub-contracted to specialists! No! Within the perspective of a political agenda for change, Development Education is at the heart of development co-operation. DE is even becoming a sine qua non condition for the success of initiatives taken within territories and at the more global level, particularly by means of international partnerships.
Concerning the ‘Sustainable Bonn’ initiative, November 2008:
Welcoming Speech by the Mayor of the City of Bonn
“The UNO in Bonn – Supporting Sustainable Development Worldwide” – this United Nations motto at the UN Campus characterises the location and a multilayered network of players in the environment and development fields. As a conference location, Bonn is synonymous with pressing sustainability topics – from climate to biological diversity.
Precisely in the area of major conferences there are many and varied opportunities for more sustainable and fair measures. This is why, initiated by the City of Bonn and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development, the project “Sustainable Bonn – Conference Location of Sustainability” has been in existence since 2006 under the umbrella of Tourismus & Congress GmbH.
Following the success of the first two project phases, nine more establishments from the conference sector – hotels, caters and event venues – have been distinguished with the “Partner of Sustainable Bonn” seal this year. However, I am particularly delighted that the pilot establishments from 2006 underwent renewed examination with success. I am proud of these 30 partner establishments which, together with the City of Bonn and many of the players based here, are standing up for sustainable development in the conference industry. This is not only having a visibly beneficial effect at major international conferences such as this year’s UN member states’ conference on biological diversity, but is increasingly turning into an inherent quality feature that makes our location stand out.
Concerning Bonn, German into English, October 2008:
Advent in the Bonn region
BONN
Every year, between 21st November and 23rd December, the Christmas market adds a festive note to Advent in Beethoven’s home city of Bonn. On 1st December, the historic city hall is transformed into an oversized Advent calendar on which one extra window is lit up every day. This year, Christmas decorations, cribs, candles and arts and crafts will be on sale at around 160 stalls on Münsterplatz, Bottlerplatz, Friedensplatz, Martinsplatz and the connecting streets, and fairground rides will be set up in the city centre. The Christmas stage will feature a new programme every day, with puppet shows and music to entertain visitors and, for the little ones, an appearance by Santa Claus. An artificial ice rink on Friedensplatz will be the location for all who enjoy ice skating (skate rental available on site). At the ice rink and all around, an attractive range for Advent will be on offer from caterers and magical chalet-style stalls. Ice-skating enthusiasts can enjoy fun on the ice for free every day between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., while the market will be open for visitors daily between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Visitors will also find all sorts of presents to go under the tree at the Nikolausmarkt in Bad Godesberg from 24th November until 23rd December, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday (Theaterplatz and the pedestrian area). The aroma of pine needles, mulled wine, roast chestnuts and delicious spicy gingerbread will be setting the holiday mood throughout.
A Word of Welcome
North Rhine-Westphalia is the German North/South federal state and Germany’s only United Nations location. No other state in Germany maintains closer links with Southern countries, no other state is home to more international organisations, and no other state hosts more immigrant men and women from Southern countries. In short, North Rhine-Westphalia holds enormous development policy potentials.
Potentials which we intend to utilise more efficiently in the future and also make accessible to others. This is why we brought the “Bonn Conference on International Development Policy” to life.
Considerable success was achieved from the start, at the first conference in November 2007. More than 400 professionals came to Bonn to discuss the topics, “Migration and development”, “Climate change”, “Good governance” and “Business and development”.
August this year will see the second Bonn Conference, which we will be holding in partnership with the German Development Institute (DIE), the Association of German development non-governmental organisations (VENRO) and KfW Bankengruppe (KFW). The focal topic this time will be sub-national development co-operation.
Conference, the first couple of paragraphs of a 9-page brochure, German into English, May 2008:
Dear colleagues,
We are delighted that you have accepted our invitation to the xx Management Conference 2008. Our motto this year is:
Dynamic Development
Work. Position. Strategy.
With this in mind, this year we have developed a new concept as concerns the conference’s schedule: there will be various workshops on a wide variety of topics, therefore enabling us to work on more points over the two days before we come together to discuss and exchange ideas.
Naturally, we will also have sufficient time to get to know our “birthplace”, Vienna, a little better – back to the origin, where it all began.
Vienna is the capital and at the same time one of the nine federal states of Austria. With around 1,670,000 inhabitants it is the country’s most populous city, while Greater Vienna, with approximately two million inhabitants, is home to one quarter of all Austrians. For centuries the city was the residence of the Habsburgs and during this period it developed into one of Europe’s cultural and political centres. At the request of the Republic of Austria, Vienna’s Old Town, which continues to bear witness to the Habsburg reign, along with Schönbrunn Palace, were recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
We look forward to having you take part and wish you and ourselves a successful and productive conference in Vienna.
Travel and conference schedule
We warmly welcome you on your journey to
Vienna. Ahead of this we ask you to pay attention to the following:
• Please bring a valid passport or, as applicable, an EU identity card with you.
• Wear your name badge at the hotel throughout your stay. Your “extras” (meals, drinks, parking space) will then be included on the xx bill.
• The xx Hospitality Desk in the side entrance lobby is at your disposal for queries and requests during your stay.
• Please report to the Hospitality Desk by Friday at the latest if you wish to take part in any of the scheduled activities proposed for Saturday.
“Summer brochure 2007 Morschach-Stoos”
This translation from German into English was performed on assignment from an agency in Switzerland. (U.S. spelling was required).
Nordic Walking & Mountain Biking
The Stoos offers Nordic walkers and bikers a wonderful, car-free activities environment, with opportunities to get fit and healthy by running/biking on 4 HELSANA Nordic walking mountain paths and 6 marked bike routes. Terrains are suitable for beginners to super athletes. Bikes can be rented at the Seminar and Wellness Hotel Stoos.
Sticks can be rented at the tourist information office, lessons (CHF 20.00 pp./hr. incl. sticks, groups on request) and guided tours are provided by the ActiveTeam-Stoos. 8 www.active-team-stoos.ch
Ticket recommendation: “Nordic Walking/Wandern/Spazieren” day and family pass, “Bike” tickets (see reverse)
Heavenly value for money
Car-free, child-friendly, attractive, varied, value for money and yet so close! The Stoos (1300–1922 meters above sea level) is a beautiful leisure idyll in the heart of Central Switzerland, high above the Vierwaldstättersee lake. There is plenty on offer in and around the small mountain village for unforgettable vacations and excursions!
At the foot of the Stoos you can unwind on the Morschach sun terrace (650 meters above sea level). In Morschach the Swiss Holiday Park offers swimming fun, wellness & spa and sporting entertainment.
The Stoos and Morschach are close by: one hour by car from Zurich and you’re in the mountain paradise with fantastic leisure activities, far away from noisy traffic and everyday stress!
Walking wonderland
Walking wonderland Morschach-Stoos-Muotathal
25 different suggested walks are described on the small walking map alone – from the simple village tour (stroller and wheelchair accessible), through gentle family walks, right up to demanding day-long mountain tours. Certain routes can also be completed by chairlift / aerial passenger tramway. There are also numerous grill locations and cozy alpine inns to be enjoyed, and many inviting restaurants in Stoos and Morschach.
Ticket recommendation: “Wandern” day / multi-day / family pass (see reverse)
Wellness & Spa
New! Day-Spa offer CHF 90.00 including champagne aperitif, 2-course wellness dinner & use of the over 1100 m2 sized Wellness oasis (daily 2 – 7 p.m., only on request & subject to availability) www.hotel-stoos.ch
“hotelissimo” search engine optimization
Translated from German into English in August 2007 on assignment from an agency in Austria.
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