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- Русский
Campus Social Activities Centre Square
Tuesday 27 June 2023
"The most important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity, after all, exists for a reason." Since I have the honor of standing before graduates and alumni of the School of Natural and Applied Sciences, allow me to borrow one of the most famous quotes from one of the greatest scientists of all time, Albert Einstein. A phrase that has guided and accompanied my thoughts and feelings since I have been in the position you are in tonight.
Dear Rector of the University of Cyprus,
Dear members of the academic community,
Dear graduates of the Faculty of Science and Applied Sciences of the University of Cyprus,
Ladies and gentlemen,
My presence here tonight, with you, at this pivotal moment in your lives, fills me with emotion and hope. Excitement, as I am every time I am in this place, so dear and familiar, because I feel your excitement and anxiety. Hope, because a country's human potential, young minds, new ideas are the most precious thing a country can have. Especially when it comes to a state like ours, relatively newly established, semi-inhabited, in a geographically nerve centre, young people and young scientists, who are the 'factory' - if I may use the expression - for producing innovative ideas and intellectual work in general, are the most sustainable 'product' for the country and its future generations.
For some of you today may be the starting point for entering the labour market, for others it may mean the continuation of knowledge and specialisation. For all of you, however, a great journey, a great circle is successfully completed tonight and I congratulate you on it. If I could say one single thing, it would be - even now that you have one or two degrees in your hands - to continue to question, to maintain your right not to be convinced, but always to be able to argue with evidence and to justify your positions. You now know the basic rules of research based on the scientific method. The scientific method, bequeathed to us by the great period of the Renaissance, is what brought us to where we are today. In the face of the danger of fake news, adhere closely to the only confirmed model of knowledge and science historically: observation - hypothesis - experiment - proof - conclusion. We are facing a huge multi-level change. Artificial intelligence, social media, the spread of fake news, disinformation, conspiracy theories, racism, xenophobia, the rise of extreme movements in the heart of Europe, climate change are now defining our way of life in moral and practical terms. The vehicle for progress can only be knowledge. So do not stop feeding your curiosity, that primitive instinct that led man to evolution and learning. With absolute respect always... Without any arrogance... With moderation... For the benefit of humanity as a whole.
Dear friends,
As the House of Representatives, we are deeply aware of our legislative responsibility, but also of the crucial role of the State in relation to reducing unemployment, preserving existing professional categories and supporting new ones, as well as promoting excellence. The disdain of young people, especially towards politics and politicians, increases the difficulty of our mission... It makes it more difficult and more demanding, but also more necessary than ever. We need you because you are the country's driving force for the future. Cyprus' brain drain may not be as threatening as that of other countries, but it still worries us. And because I truly believe that your absence is a great loss, I assure you that I will do everything possible for change and development, so that every citizen experiences the concept of the rule of law, feels that there is security and meritocracy, so that every young person wants wholeheartedly to stay, to contribute, to make his/her country, our country better.
We need your participation, your voice in the decision-making centres. How can you not have a say in how you govern? How the country is governed, how decisions are made for you?
Let me refer to a recent example... At the Conference of Presidents of Parliaments of Smaller European States, in Luxembourg, a joint statement was adopted, after our intervention, with reference to the elimination of toxic behaviour on social media, which discourages the participation of young people and women in politics.
Policies are built with small and big, they are drawn day by day, things do not change from one moment to the next... Claim what you deserve, do not give up... "Nothing changes" is not an alibi... Everything can change. Use your knowledge, your expertise... Get your fill of curiosity... "Millions had seen the apple fall, but only Newton asked why?"
I sincerely wish you all congratulations, good careers and every professional and personal success! To the professors of the University of Cyprus I also wish you all the best in your research and your important work for our young people, our education and our society.
Thank you.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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