Competence and sense of duty. A regional perspective
Competence and sense of duty. A regional perspective
Speech of His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania
The Sixteenth Marmara Eurasian Economic Summit in Istanbul
9-11 April 2013
Mr Chairman,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for inviting me to this significant annual economic and political event in the region. The Marmara Summit remains, after sixteen years, a valuable and, sadly, rare example of how building trust, friendship and common interest is vital for our region.
The world is, after five years, still paying the consequences of a deep economic crisis, related to a less visible moral crisis and a decreasing trust and respect of democratic societies in their political leaders. The Eurasian Summit in Istanbul brings, with competence and courage, in the public dialog, topics such as greediness and mismanagement of resources versus opportunities, competitiveness at global level, and innovation.
Much has been said about the economy, resources and energy, about politics, co-operation and development in the Middle East and North Africa, especially after the Arab Spring. Focusing on these areas, as well as on Central Asia and Southeast Europe, the Marmara Summit provides a platform of dialog and a fountain of ideas about this part of the world.
Perhaps it would be useful to speak for a few minutes about three extraordinary resources of our times that are bountiful in this part of the world.
First, the competent youth. Whereas countries elsewhere in the world experience demographic decline, in Turkey, as well as in other countries of Asia, the Middle East, South-Eastern Europe and North Africa, the younger generation offers to society, year after year, an extraordinary potential of energy, intelligence, knowledge, and creativity. More than ever, the world’s famous universities are full of Romanians, Chinese, Indians, Turks,
Russians, and Africans. Their competence is far more effective and at a much earlier age than that of our generation. However, instead of using this fantastic asset for the benefit of our development and progress, our society seems to see only “the empty half of the glass”, which translates as worries about a youth invasion of the labour market and Governments inability to cope with it.
Second, human energy and creativity. In Romania, as in other former communist countries, the creativity and energy of people of all ages is striking.
Perhaps it is the result of the accumulation, within society, of a half a century of isolation, frustration, and lack of freedom. The same potential in terms of human creativity and energy is present in Turkey, Egypt, and the Central Asian countries and everywhere else in the wider region mentioned earlier. A good, wise and long-lasting political projection should take into account this priceless resource, which does not require the building of any “pipeline” in order to transport it. Rather, it requires the building of a bridge of wisdom, generosity, a sense of duty, and loyalty. And, sadly, in the Western world nowadays, these virtues mean almost nothing.
Finally, communication. The rise of the Internet and other electronic means of communication, their extraordinary evolution, and their instantaneous penetration in our societies provide (at least in theory) an unprecedented chance to build bridges between generations, meridians, cultures, economies and leaderships. We do have a huge chance to enhance connectedness between generations, countries and professions and thereby foster development and progress in the world.
Obviously, to transform these unusual sources of energy into development and progress is a question of responsibility. And this responsibility is certainly shared by our governments and civil society. While the political leadership is coming under increasing scrutiny and criticism by citizens, it is no less true that civil society is proving to be more and more selfish, more and more irresponsible and obsessed with laying hold of democracy and freedom rather than exercising them.
Occasions when the opportunity arises to speak of virtues such as a sense of duty, generosity, wise foresight and loyalty are blessed moments for the community. And I thank you again for this privilege today.