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EHU – a Model of Successful Cooperation

Dear Secretary General,

Dear Ministers,

Ladies and Gentelmen,

I am pleased to welcome you here in Vilnius.

Multiculturalism, ethnic diversity and constant dialogue among communities is an inseparable part of Vilnius’ DNA. Vilnius has always been unique in the sense that in its history it sheltered various nations. Tolerance and spirit of freedom has always been the utmost and distinctive elements of this city, which has become a home to different nations and cultures, including Belarusian. The works and ideas of Francysk Skorina an outstanding figure of the Belarus culture of 16 century were followed by the first Belarusian newspapers Nasha Dolia and Nasha Niva which were established in Vilnius more than one hundred years ago. Those are only several examples to illustrate the importance of Vilnius in the development of Belarusian culture and society.  

Today Vilnius itself is developing with zeal, and its active and creative community is home to modern and original ideas. So it comes very naturally that European Humanities University (EHU) has found its new home here, in Vilnius.

I want to note the importance of the political factor - Lithuania, being one of the closest neighbour of Belarus, fully understands the situation and the expectations of people in Belarus. On our hand, we are ready to support any steps of Belarus towards Europe.

We are proud to note that different Lithuanian institutions can be credited for the establishment and institutionalization of the University. However, full restoration of the academic activities of EHU, financial sustainability and, what is most important, understanding and broad political support would not be possible without assistance and encouragement from our partners. Especially I would like to thank European Commission and Nordic Council of Ministers for the leadership in securing long-term sustainability of EHU. 

Today we can already evaluate what is done and what should be improved. We welcome the establishment of the EHU Trust Fund, administered by the Nordic Council of Ministers. We consider the Fund being an effective instrument securing financial sustainability of EHU, and we appreciate every single contribution and support given to the Fund. Donors’ commitment to further support this University is a strong signal that we are not indifferent to the fate of Belarus.

European Humanities University is based on traditions of liberal education and belongs to the European and international academic network, which beyond doubt has a mutual impact on the developments of different systems of higher education by enriching them with exchange of ideas between East and West. EHU prepares graduates that are Belarus future. I do hope that these young people will be able to take their due part in the development of the society of their country towards the openness to the Western civilization.