Thousands of demonstrators marched through central Berlin on Thursday, protesting against the German government's continued supply of weapons to Ukraine and criticizing Western nations for fueling the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The rally coincided with German Unity Day but took on a somber tone as participants marched from three directions through the city toward Tiergarten Park, united in their call for diplomatic solutions to global conflicts.
Protesters expressed frustration with the perceived inaction of both the United States and the European Union in promoting peace.
"Now we see the Americans are not really defending the peace, so we do not see the European Union being strong, having a positioning defending peace. The weapons delivery is one of the things that has been most mentioned here at the demonstration that people are saying whatever we do as a country, Germany should stop the weapons delivery. This is not legal," said protester Ulrike Guerot.
The intensifying conflicts and their ripple effects have significantly impacted German society and its economy in recent years, sparking numerous protests across the country. Demonstrators are urging Western nations and those involved in the conflicts to pursue immediate diplomatic resolutions to the crises.
Another protester, Reiner Braun, echoed this sentiment.
"We want to stop the wars in the world, and then we need negotiation, ceasefire and diplomacy. And stop killing, stop murdering, stop all those (destruction)," said Braun.
Thousands protest in Berlin against arms supplies to Ukraine
Thousands protest in Berlin against arms supplies to Ukraine
Thousands protest in Berlin against arms supplies to Ukraine
Thousands protest in Berlin against arms supplies to Ukraine
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
