Opinions

The succession of religious leaders varies greatly across major world religions. In the Catholic Church, for example, a new Pope is elected through a conclave of cardinals, emphasizing the legitimacy and continuity of the institution. In Buddhism, Islam, and other traditions, successors may be selected by senior monks, chosen from family lineages, or designated by previous leaders. Among these, Tibetan Buddhism’s reincarnation system is unique: after a high lama passes away, believers seek his reincarnation in a young child, who is identified through spiritual signs, tests, and ritual recognition. This process has shaped the religious and political landscape of Tibet…

The vicious school shooting in BORG Gymnasium in Graz on 10 June 2025 which claimed 11 lives, has undoubtedly cast a suffocating shadow over Austria’s peaceful, tranquil, and safe image. When the headlines of the world’s media point to the territory of this small, politically neutral country, not because of its music and art, or landscape and hidden champions, but terrorist incidents, how big is the challenge it is facing? One can discuss about the campus culture in the Austrian secondary schools, where the relationship between the pupils as well as that of between pupils and teachers has always been…

Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner,Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, We begin this session under the weight of a grim milestone — the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the UN charter. More than 12,600 civilians killed, with many more injured. Entire communities reduced to rubble. Hospitals and schools destroyed. We must spare no effort to bring an end to this conflict, and to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions. Conflicts like the war in Ukraine…