More topicality is not possible

In this Sake Masterclass – by invitation only –, we introduce Fukuju, a craft brewery established in 1751 and located in Kobe on the windy foothills of Mt Rokko. The name Fukuju is derived from one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology, Fukurokuju, which means happiness (fuku), wealth (roku), and longevity (ju).

We have every reason to look to the new year 2023 with gratitude and optimism. Instead of lamenting over overlapping crises, it is time to become aware of all that we have already achieved and what opportunities the future holds for us.

Many people seem to be under the completely false impression that our world is getting worse and worse. But in reality, the opposite is true, as can be illustrated by a few examples.

German Ambassador Dr. Heinrich Kreft, a long-standing member of the  Diplomatic Council Board of Presidents, will deliver the Keynote Speech at the New Year's Celebration on January 27, 2023.

Various new ambassadors as well as a head of government have become Diplomatic Council members in the past few weeks.

Most of them are based in the United Arab Emirates and have accepted the membership invitation issued by Michael Gutowski, Head of DC Mission UAE.

The Diplomatic Council draws an extremely positive balance for the year 2022. Numerous high-ranking diplomats from all over the world joined as new members, including the ambassadors of Belgium, Italy, Nigeria, Kosovo, Cuba and Taijikistan. Demand for memberships from business and academia was equally brisk. The strict quality course was continued, in that new members must continue to undergo a "heart-and-brain" examination as part of their application process to the Diplomatic Council or present a sound recommendation.

It's just a small pin that every new member of the Diplomatic Council is presented with. But in its message, the pin with the letters "DC" for Diplomatic Council is huge.

The little "DC" marks membership in a global think tank whose members are deeply committed to the principles of humanism. Those who wear the symbol belong to a select circle of bright minds around the globe who care about their fellow human beings and feel a responsibility for the future of humanity. So it is only a small pin for one person, but a great symbol of humanity.

With the success of the Diplomatic Council Publishing, the range of English books available in 2022 has grown substantially. With as many as nine titles now available, Diplomatic Council books are available in bookstores throughout Europe, America, Asia and Australia. More books are planned for international distribution in 2023.