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- Ελληνικά
Esteemed Priesthood,
Dear friend Rector and friend President of the Council of the University of Nicosia,
Dear teaching and administrative staff of the University of Nicosia,
Dear graduates and dear alumni of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Nicosia,
Young people,
Every time I attend or address a higher education graduation ceremony, addressing young people who, with the guarantee of knowledge, are moving on to the new challenging chapter of their lives, I really feel that I gain a lot from your enthusiasm. Your energy. The willingness to do everything in your power for a better world and to feel that you can make a catalytic contribution to it.
And my concern, just that, is that you do not lose this enthusiasm and energy despite all the challenges and difficulties that you will encounter - and admittedly there will be many - because we need you and we are investing in you. And we absolutely need you, especially today, when everything is being challenged, including principles and values, but also knowledge, unfortunately, because this is the only way to float, to progress, to lead. And somewhere here, of course, lies our responsibility as politicians.
Friends,
I borrow the words of the French philosopher Pierre de Chardin, that the most satisfying thing in life is to be able to give a large part of yourself to others. And I add that not only have you chosen to give a large part of yourself to others, but you are also bold, because in this 21st century world of digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, speed, hyper-information and at the same time the devaluation of values and even of the historical conquests of the past, you have chosen to follow the difficult path of the humanities. This move involves not only courage, but also something more precious: vision and responsibility. In a world oriented almost exclusively towards the sciences, you have chosen the only path that can bring much-needed balance to society and to humanity in general; you have turned towards the understanding of human existence and its psyche, towards the study of society, culture and history; you have turned towards creativity. This choice makes you the guardians, ambassadors and ambassadors of the values that distinguish human beings from machines, robots and automation and becomes necessary to bring about the balance and equilibrium we need.
The education you have received is not limited to information and academic progress. You have received knowledge that is broader, which has equipped you with the ability to understand, analyse and interpret and even predict man, society and the world. This capacity gives you the power to contribute to society in a meaningful, innovative and transformative way. You bring to light the human experience, protect it and offer solutions to the chronic or emerging social problems that every new change, or contemporary trend, brings. You hold the key to protecting man and humanity from cruelty and indifference, from the backlash of intolerance, conspiracy, fake news and the spread of negativity and flattening in the face of contemporary challenges. This is the answer to the question of why one should pursue the humanities in the face of the predominance of the sciences or the omnipotence of the screen and social media.
We know that technology is evolving at a dizzying pace and we need it. I am not arguing that it is not important and necessary, let alone our transition to the digital age. However, its proper use requires care and moderation.
There are three core values that I believe will help you honor your degree and your academic background. First, the search for truth and dedication to it. Always seek the reality behind phenomena and pursue unquestionable understanding of things. Truth is the core of all scientific and social progress. Second, social justice. Be defenders of the weak, of minorities and of all those who have no voice. Promote equality, defend diversity and equal opportunities. Third, the empathy so precious to our species. Humanity and understanding the feelings of others to guide you. Remember that behind every social phenomenon there are human lives and unique stories.
Somewhere here I need to mention the major issue of the contribution of the professors of the University of Nicosia. The teaching and research staff of the University of Nicosia do a great job with high quality curricula, while its cooperation with a wide range of domestic and international institutions, perfectly in tune with the needs of the modern era and labour market, prepares its thousands of students for a career interwoven with the demands of the times. Its international character is fully confirmed by the plans to open a branch in Athens next year, in the year 2025. I wholeheartedly wish this project every success.
The warmest congratulations are also due to the families of the graduates. Those who supported, deprived, gave their all to see their children standing here tonight. I am absolutely certain that you are proud and proud and you deserve and should feel that way.
Dear graduates and alumni,
Today, as you close one great circle of your life and open another, I invite you to look forward with optimism and confidence. The knowledge and experience you have gained are the tools to ensure a better future for all of us. You have the power and responsibility to uphold human values and shape our changing society for the better. You, after all, already know better than any of us how beneficial creativity and imagination are for human beings."
I conclude by underlining the words of the Austrian intellectual Bertha von Shatner who said: After the verb to love, the verb to help is the best verb in the world.
And I would like to assure you of the support of the House of Representatives and myself personally in every step you take. I warmly congratulate you and wish you a good career and every success in your professional and personal career.
And remember that helping, empowering, giving opportunities and changing things for the better is our most basic mission.
That is where we stand out as people, that is where we improve as individuals. That is where we lead and pioneer to change what disappoints us and that is where we chart a course for the future in colours of hope and positivity.
Thank you.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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