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Events >> The Democracy Award >> 2002 Democracy Award
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National Endowment for Democracy Chairman In 1987, the National Endowment for Democracy presented its first Democracy Award to Congressman Dante Fascell, whose vision of a bipartisan effort to promote democracy has grown since its inception in 1983 into an institution that promotes grassroots democracy in over 80 countries in every region of the world. Since that time, we have paid tribute to courageous individuals representing each of these regions, from those whose dreams of a more democratic society have begun to be realized, to those who continue the struggle on behalf of freedom, self-government, and the rule of law. Tonight we honor four outstanding women from predominantly Moslem countries. This is, in fact, not the first time that the National Endowment for Democracy has paid tribute to women of significant democratic achievement. Women from Latin America, Russia, the Balkan region of Eastern Europe, and Africa have been among the recipients of NED's Democracy Award.. Today, women are on the cutting edge of democratic reform in countries with substantial Muslim populations. At a time when many of those countries are being challenged from within by those who preach intolerance and hatred, it is essential that encouragement be given to those whose work embodies universal democratic values. We are pleased to have the opportunity to pay tribute to women whose day-to-day activities reflect a growing determination within their societies to strive for free institutions, responsible elected government, and a respect for human dignity. Before we move ahead to the presentation ceremony, I want to take note of the sponsorship of tonight's event by the foundation that bears the name of John Hurford. As many of you know, John was a dear friend of NED, a Board member whose wise counsel we all appreciated, and whose untimely death two years ago was a blow to all who value the work that we are doing. We are pleased to have with us John's long time associate Bob Miller, who continues to carry on John's important philanthropic work. Unfortunately, time does not permit me to mention the other benefactors and supporters of tonight's presentation, but I ask that you take note of their names in the printed program. Funds raised in excess of our expenses will be used for the World Movement for Democracy, an initiative that brings together democrats from around the world, such as our award recipients, for mutual cooperation and support.. We are honored tonight to have with us a couple of very special guests. Mr. Patrick Cox, President of the European Parliament, has been a member of that body since 1989, representing the constituency of Munster in the Republic of Ireland. He has been a lecturer on economics, a journalist, and a presenter on Irish television reporting on, among other subjects, U.S. presidential elections. Our second special guest represents a struggle that is dear to the National Endowment for Democracy, namely, the religious, political, and cultural rights of the Tibetan people. Professor Samdong Rimpoche has served since last September as Chairman of the Cabinet of the Tibetan Government in exile. Professor Rimpoche is an internationally renowned religious scholar and a political activist in the Ghandian tradition of nonviolence. To begin our program tonight, it gives me particular pleasure to introduce someone who has long been at the forefront of both governmental and non governmental efforts to promote democracy. Paula Dobriansky is no stranger to the National Endowment for Democracy, having served with distinction as our Vice Chair from 1995 to 2001, when she was appointed to a major position in the Bush Administration. As the Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, she handles an almost inconceivable array of issues, ranging from democracy and human rights to counter-narcotics, refugees, and the environment. Let me now call upon Paula for some remarks and to introduce tonight's distinguished speaker. |
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