5th Summer University for Democracy closes in Strasbourg
Strasbourg, 02.07.2010 – At the closing ceremony of the 5th Summer University for Democracy, the 650 participants unanimously adopted a final declaration stating: "Present circumstances call for bold, competent and visionary leaders, capable of meeting the challenges of today without sacrificing tomorrow and safeguarding democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law in these difficult times. We expect them to understand the importance of empowering a new generation of leaders."
At this week-long meeting held at the Council of Europe on the theme of "The crisis of leadership" participants sought to answer the question "Can we afford to economise on democracy today, particularly when society is threatened by populism, nationalism, corruption and social exclusion, all of which are inevitably aggravated by the current crisis?"
They called on the governments of Council of Europe member and observer states and on the EU institutions to reaffirm their political support and maintain their financial contribution to the Council of Europe network of Schools of Political Studies, to enable it to expand and promote a political culture founded on respect and dialogue.
This 5th Summer University bears witness to the unique role the schools play in disseminating these values among decision and opinion makers of countries with their own social and political identities.
The unanimous declaration adds "We were pleased to welcome for the second year participants from Africa, invited by the OIF. Their presence was evidence of the universal character of the principles and values underlying our activities. We look forward to further co-operation and to the possible creation of similar schools in Africa and on other continents."
Bianca Jagger, Council of Europe Goodwill Ambassador for the fight against the death penalty, Founder and Chair of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation in London, who addressed the participants at the closing ceremony, declared: "Climate change and threats to the environment are one of the greatest challenges we face today. As citizens of the world, we are responsible for the future of our planet. As citizens of developed countries, our responsibility is even greater."
Her concluding words were "We need strong leadership to ensure that those who are responsible for environmental damage throughout the world are brought to justice. Our future and the fate of future generations depend on how decisively, courageously and responsibly we act now."
Special file: Summer University website
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