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Young Leaders,

It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you to the events concluding Lithuania’s Presidency of the Community of Democracies. I am delighted to see so many future leaders from various fields – representatives of NGOs, scientists, students, young political activists, politicians and diplomats from over 20 countries around the world assembled here to debate, reflect and generate ideas on strengthening democracy in the world. I am also happy to see the winners of the Young Leaders contest held in Lithuania. 

The noble mission of Lithuania’s biennial Presidency of the Community of Democracies is about to be completed. Lithuania, as a presidency, together with other members of the organisation has launched a number of important initiatives in this two-year period. The Parliamentary Forum for Democracy and the Working Group on Gender Equality and Women’s Rights have been established and the European Union dimension of the Community of Democracies has been further strengthened Throughout the Lithuanian Presidency we have particularly stressed the need for the Community of Democracies to become a result-oriented community addressing actual challenges democracy faces.

On this occasion, I would also like to express my appreciation of the beautiful Presidency initiative to establish the Young Leaders Forum. Last year, in the framework of Democracy Days in Vilnius and at the High Level Democracy meeting in Krakow several days later, 48 young political activists, young NGO leaders, young diplomats and other young people in leading positions from all over the world signed the Vilnius Declaration thus establishing the youth pillar within the Community of Democracies. I invite you all to join this symbolic act and thus enlarge the community of future leaders of democracy around the world.

Let me also welcome the Young Diplomats for Democracy initiative and active engagement of the World Youth Movement for Democracy in strengthening the new Young Leaders Forum. I am convinced that after this meeting, the community of young leaders will grow even further and develop many more initiatives.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We all know that democracy should not be taken for granted. We must develop it on the daily basis with our belief in democratic ideals, our work and unity. Looking in your eyes that radiate with this belief, enthusiasm, and energy, I am already convinced that you are the new generation of democratic leaders who hold the future in your hands.

I wish you fruitful discussions and ideas. We are eagerly looking forward to your valuable ideas on jointly cherishing the values and strengthening democracy around the word.

I promise that even after the conclusion of its presidency of the Community of Democracies, Lithuania will continue to actively support and encourage the involvement of young leaders in all the initiatives on both intergovernmental and parliamentary levels.