Dec 4, 2009

Opening Ceremony in the Assembly of the City of Belgrade

Remarks by Carl Gershman

I want to thank Mayor Dragan Djilas for hosting the Opening Ceremony of the Belgrade Summit in this august hall.  It conveys a kind of official recognition of the summit which is symbolically very significant.

I just met with 15 of the young activists from throughout the Western Balkans who have come to Belgrade for this summit.  I was very impressed by their dedication and determination, and it makes me very proud to be among you this evening.
   
I was here last year at the 5th anniversary celebration of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights when I proposed the idea of having a European youth summit.  The Youth Initiative kept the focus on youth but made the theme much more compelling -- giving young people a voice in determining the future of the Western Balkans. 
   
That’s terribly important because youth represent the future.  They have the capacity to organize and they know how to use the new communications technologies.  They bring hope and solidarity to the cause of democracy and a sense of responsibility.  What you are saying here at this conference is that freedom is not something that is given to you – it must be earned.
   
Almost a half century ago a young new President of the United States, John Kennedy, boldly proclaimed, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” 
   
That’s the responsibility that you are assuming – the responsibility to end the divisions in this region, to renounce the historic enmities, and to bring the Balkans into Europe whole and free.  It’s an historic challenge, and there’s no one more qualified to meet it than the young people of this region, because you are the future.
   
Thank you and have a successful summit.