Transmitem mai jos transcrierea discursului în limba engleză al ministrului Bogdan Aurescu cu prilejul deschiderii celei de-a treia ediții a Forumului Tinerilor din cadrul CoD organizate sub egida Președinției române a CoD, în format virtual, în data de 20 septembrie 2022:
Dear friends, Dear young leaders,
On behalf of the Romanian Presidency of the Community of Democracies for the past three years, it is my great pleasure to join Secretary General Thomas Garrett in opening the Community of Democracies Youth Forum.
It is for the last time that I join you in this capacity and I am delighted to participate at this year’s edition of this event, a very dear tradition that I personally support and encourage.
Having participants from so many countries and regions gathered to discuss democratic values and ways to consolidate democracy gives us a lot of hope in these uncertain times.
Your genuine interest and enthusiasm, your maturity and involvement reflect our common values and principles.
Dear friends,
Your generation was raised to know no war. The values of democracy, the spirit of freedom and human rights which set the rules-based international order created the ground for peace and a better world for the generations to come. However, the horrors we have witnessed in Ukraine since the end of February, an attack not only on security, but also on the fundamental values and principles of democracy, is a bitter lesson of the fragility of democracies.
But this is also a lesson about the resilience and strength of the democratic credo, even in young democracies and in the minds and hearts of the people. The bravery of the Ukrainian people, including of young people just like you, in defending their liberty and democracy is an inspiration.
Therefore, it is our moral obligation not only to support and assist them, but also to uphold and defend democratic principles worldwide.
Dear young leaders,
I am proud that we are organizing the third edition of this Youth Leaders’ Forum.
During Romania’s three years mandate as presidency of the Community of Democracies, we actively encouraged the young generation to assume responsibilities in building and consolidating resilient democracies.
Youth empowerment and meaningful participation in leadership and decision-making processes at global, regional, national and local levels is a long-term investment in a sustainable future.
As Canada takes over the Presidency mandate of CoD, I am confident that the legacy of this initiative and its young spirit will endure, stronger and stronger, year after year.
I also want to use this opportunity to thank Secretary General Thomas Garrett, and his young and enthusiastic team in Warsaw. Without you, it would not have been possible to launch and manage such an important initiative. I am grateful to you for turning this concept into a successful traditional event of the Community.
Dear young leaders,
I am convinced that you will continue to use and enrich the platform offered by the Youth Leaders in sharing good practices on political and civic participation, being innovative and continuing to make a difference in your communities and worldwide.
I thank you for everything you do, day by day, for actively engaging in this network. I wish you every success with your further debates at this event!
Before I conclude, let me assure you that Romania will continue to support your voices and your resolutions, beyond our Presidency mandate.
Thank you!
