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July 26, 2010
Posted: 2021 GMT

Using diplomacy and peaceful campaigning, Tutu has spent a lifetime striving to make the world a better place.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu healing the world spiritually and environmentally.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu healing the world spiritually and environmentally.

Throughout the 70s and 80s he was a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement in his home country South Africa. The cleric was awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, and became the first black head of the Anglican Church of South Africa.

Not always popular, he had many enemies during decades of racial turbulence, but his faith, and trust in the universal goodness of humanity, carried him through.

Tutu celebrated with the rest of South Africa when in 1994 the apartheid system was dismantled. Since then, he has had more freedom to spread his universal message of tolerance and optimism – the essential good of man, in the face of evil.

Tutu’s religious and moral code, and his high-profile status, placed him ideally to sit on the TRC – Truth and Reconciliation Commission – a body which eased South Africa in to its new democratic era, with a very simple concept: forgiveness granted in exchange for the truth.

Nowadays, Tutu’s attentions turn to the global community and he throws himself in to many active causes on the international stage.

And This week he is coming out with his new Children's Bible.

Last week on Thursday Tutu announced he will retire from public life in October, when he turns 79 years old. "Instead of growing old gracefully, at home with my family - reading and writing and praying and thinking - too much of my time has been spent at airports and in hotels," the Nobel laureate said in a statement. "The time has now come to slow down, to sip Rooibos tea with my beloved wife in the afternoons, to watch cricket, to travel to visit my children and grandchildren, rather than to conferences and conventions and university campuses," he said.

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Posted: 1750 GMT

Retired diplomat, Hans Blix, is most well-known for his involvement in the United Nation's disarmament and monitoring program of nuclear weapons in Iraq.

Hans Blix is your Connector of the Day.
Hans Blix is your Connector of the Day.

The 82-year-old Swede was called out of retirement by then former Secretary General, Kofi Annan in 2000 to help lead the UN's effort in Iraq.

As head of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission, Blix was responsible for taking inspection teams into Iraq to make sure that the country was following proper disarmament guidelines.

During his tenure as the chief inspector, Blix admonished former leader Sadaam Hussein for playing 'cat and mouse games' and for a decade of unnecessary sanctions.

Blix also clashed with the Bush administration over the reasons to go to war.

After leaving the United Nation's role in 2003, Blix went on to write two books on his role in Iraq.

This week, Blix will be appearing at the Iraq Inquiry in the United Kingdom to testify over his involvement in the lead up to war.

Here's your chance to quiz Hans Blix.

Do you want to know about what it was like being part of the inspection monitoring process in Iraq? Does he have any doubts? Was war the right decision?

Please leave your questions below and be sure to tell us where you're writing from.

Filed under: Connector of the day


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Posted: 1251 GMT

As the U.S. state of Arizona prepares to enact a new law which will allow police officers to ask for proof of residency from anyone being investigated for a crime, the spotlight has shifted on the role immigration plays on developed countries around the world.

Does immigration help or hinder?
Does immigration help or hinder?

Opponents of Arizona's SB 1070 say the measure is discriminatory and invites racial profiling, but supporters say it's necessary to curb the flood of illegal immigrants in the border state.

On July 21, ten nations joined Mexico's opposition and signed a declaration expressing their "strong condemnation and profound rejection of the law," according to Senate President Carlos Navarrete Ruiz.

As countries around the world voice their opinion on the Arizona law, the debate brings into question the role that immigration can play in a country and whether it either helps or hinders.

Countries like Canada have gained a strong reputation for embracing immigration from countries around the world and today, Canada is one of the most multicultural and diverse nations on earth.

Other countries like the United Kingdom and Australia have had more difficult paths to multiculturalism.

In Australia, Pauline Hanson's One Nation party won a handful of seats in the Queensland parliament on the back of an anti-immigration message.

In the United Kingdom, Nick Griffin's British National party also received a great deal of attention for their right-wing policies, but remains relatively ignored in mainstream politics.

We want to know what you think.

Are you an immigrant? How have you found your transition from one country to another? Do you think the majority of people are welcoming? Do you oppose immigration? Should there be tougher regulations in your country?

Please leave your comments below - we would also love to use your comments on air, so please let us know if you are interested in appearing on CNN's Connect the World. And don't forgot to let us know where you're writing from.

Filed under: General


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July 23, 2010
Posted: 1508 GMT

Anil Kapoor is one of India's most well-known Bollywood actors and he has carved a name for himself not only on the subcontinent, but also overseas in markets like the United States.

Anil and Sonam Kapoor are your Connector of the Day.
Anil and Sonam Kapoor are your Connector of the Day.

Most moviegoers in the west will recognize Anil for his role in the Academy award-winning film, "Slumdog Millionaire" in 2008. His performance in the film earned him a Screen Actors Guild award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture.

But, long before his breakthrough role for western audiences in "Slumdog Millionaire," Anil was one of the biggest celebrities in India.

He first won acclaim for his role in the 1984 film "Mashaal" and three years later was part of another critical success in "Mr India."

Anil went on to appear in a number of highly lucrative films during the 1990s and was given several "Filmfare" awards during his career.

For Anil and his family though, it seems that the acting bug runs in the family.

Anil's daughter, Sonam is also one of the country's biggest Bollywood stars.

Born in 1985, Sonam has appeared in a number of blockbuster hits, including the smash hit "Delhi-6," opposite Abhishek Bachchan.

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July 22, 2010
Posted: 2021 GMT

Since television was first brought into our homes in the 1930s, shows have brought us moments to cry about, moments to be joyous about and even moments to despise.

What's your favorite TV export?
What's your favorite TV export?

Audiences have been watching everything from comedies, dramas, reality shows, news programs... the list goes on.

In the early days, audiences were mesmerized by the black and white edition of "Leave it to Beaver," fell in love with "The Cosby's" and became addicted to "Friends" and "Seinfeld."

The United States has truly been the leader in providing hit shows to the rest of the world over the course of the last half century.

And while America may be known as the home to modern-day television programming, many other countries have provided us with some memorable moments.

Countries like Canada, the United Kingdom and even Australia have all exported television shows that many audience members would consider national treasures.

Canadians probably all still love "Degrassi High," Australians cherish "Neighbours," and the Brits still watch "Doctor Who."

We want to know what you think.

Is there a television show from your country that you feel is a 'national treasure'? Has a show from your country become a global success?

Please leave your questions below and be sure to include where you're writing from.

Filed under: General


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Posted: 2012 GMT

Richard Holbrooke is one of the world's most recognizable diplomats.

Richard Holbrooke is your Connector of the Day.
Richard Holbrooke is your Connector of the Day.

Currently he is serving in the important role of Special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan under the Obama administration.

Prior to his work for Obama he was the only person to have held the assistant secretary of state position for two different regions.

He gained much recognition in 1994 when he served as the Balkans envoy and worked to end the conflict betweeen Serbia and the Kosovo Liberation Army.

5 years later he served as the 22nd ambassador to the United Nations, where he worked on a successful resolution to tackle HIV/Aids and pursued a series of diplomatic negotiations in Congo.

In addition to his diplomatic work, Holbrooke has worked as an author, professor, magazine editor and Investment banker.

In his current role as the Representative to Pakistan and Afghanistan Holbrooke has had to shoulder a number of complaints and accusations about US Mistakes in the regions.

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July 21, 2010
Posted: 1921 GMT

Tony Blair is one of the most influential statesman in the world and during his time as British prime minister, he helped bring both prosperity and division to his country.

Tony Blair is your Connector of the Day.
Tony Blair is your Connector of the Day.

Blair, who was prime minister from 1997 to 2007, helped bring the Labour party back into power after nearly two decades in the political wilderness.

Many Brits may remember Blair for bringing prosperity to their country, but many others will remember him for his decision to send British troops to war in Iraq.

Since Blair left office, the 57-year-old has been keeping busy with a number of important initiatives, including acting as an envoy for the Middle East and consulting for a number of private firms.

Today, as part of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, Blair is working closely with a new project called "Faith Shorts 2010."

The global film competition is an opportunity for young people to express their faith through film - whether it be Christianity, Hinduism or Islam.

The top 50 filmmakers were given camera equipment to showcase religion and the way they believe it breaks down barriers.

"By gaining insights into the lives of young people across the world, this competition has the potential to build bridges across cultural and religious divides," Blair said.

"I hope this competition will provide a platform for creative and talented young people and an opportunity for filmmakers to see their work promoted on the global stage."

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Posted: 1452 GMT

Dita von Teese is one of the most versatile entertainers on the planet - she is first and foremost a burlesque artist but also an actress, designer and model.

Dita Von Teese is your Connector of the Day.
Dita Von Teese is your Connector of the Day.

Inspired by Betty Grable, Von Teese is well-known for her glamorous appearance and performances which involve the entertainer in a giant martini glass.

Von Teese got her start by performing at strip clubs and posing for photos as a fetish model. Her unique look set her apart from other women.

She appeared in a number magazines and was featured in "Playboy" in 1999, 2001 and 2002.

However, Von Teese is best known for her burlesque routines and the 37-year-old is known as the "queen of burlesque."

Recently, Von Teese lent her support to the MAC Aids Fund to help raise money and awareness of the disease.

Von Teese has also just been in Vienna to perform at an annual aids charity concert during the World Aids Conference.

Here's your chance to speak to superstar entertainer, Dita Von Teese.

Do you want to know about her involvement in the fight against aids? Do you want to know if she is up to any interesting projects?

Please leave your questions below and be sure to tell us where you're writing from.

Filed under: Connector of the day


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July 18, 2010
Posted: 1146 GMT

He's arguably the most famous business man in the world, but Bill Gates is anything but a selfish money-maker.

Bill Gates is your Connector of the Day.
Bill Gates is your Connector of the Day.

The Microsoft founder has become one of the world's greatest philanthropists and today the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation boasts nearly $34 billion.

The foundation teams up with partners around the world to take on some of the most important global issues, primarily poverty and poor health in developing countries.

A significant portion of the fund is spent fighting HIV/AIDS, and this week Gates is playing a key role in the Vienna 2010 AIDS Conference.

Gates has said he is now optimistic about finding an HIV vaccine and he's working with some of the world's top health experts to make this possible.

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Posted: 1117 GMT

William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton needs no introduction on these pages.

Bill Clinton speaks exclusively to CNN.
Bill Clinton speaks exclusively to CNN.

The former U.S. president has been a prolific fundraiser and activist for a number of important causes since his term ended in 2001. If it's not HIV/AIDS and malaria, it's development and post-quake reconstruction in Haiti.

As scientists edge closer to a vaccine for HIV, the fight against AIDS has never been more crucial. Bill Clinton will lend his clout, celebrity and fundraising expertise to an international conference on the disease in Vienna starting Monday.

He will be one of the key voices in a conference that tells us how we've progressed and where we still have to go.

Please join us for our exclusive interview on Monday evening at 2000 GMT on CNN.

Filed under: General


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Connect the World takes viewers on a sweeping journey across continents, beyond headlines and into histories, possibilities and depths of the stories that are changing our world. Host Becky Anderson and guests will join the dots of stories and events by exploring how an event or circumstance in one part of the world can have significant impact and reach elsewhere. Weekdays at 2100 GMT.

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