Your Excellency Mr President of the Republic of Cyprus,
Honorable European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
Honorable Commissioner for Citizens,
Dear Speakers,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I welcome you to the Democracy Forum, which is organised by the Office of the Citizens' Commissioner in cooperation with the House of Representatives for the first time in Cyprus. Its purpose, as you know, is to create a common framework in which those who are institutionally involved in the decision-making process will communicate with representatives of civil society and organised groups, in order to effectively address contemporary challenges and developments, but also to entertain and listen to any concerns and worries about the existence of a democratic deficit in our country. I would therefore like to thank the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Ms Mariya Gabriel, who will be the keynote speaker, for her participation, as well as my distinguished colleagues in the House of Representatives, representatives of our academic community, public service and media, members of organised associations, and all of you for your participation in the work of today's forum.
I take this opportunity, ladies and gentlemen, to point out that the effort to actively involve citizens in a form of producing tangible results rather than in an endless debate with vague conclusions is often called into question. Do citizens really have access to decision-making centres? Do they participate and, more importantly, produce political and democratic work? Are their proposals, opinions, concerns and suggestions heard and implemented, or do they simply remain in the realm of fanciful theory?
As President of the House of Representatives, the ultimate expression of the democratic will of citizens, I declare that we clearly have an obligation to constantly strive to bridge any gap between citizens and institutions. The Parliament, through the Democracy Forum, continues to dynamically support both the process of two-way communication between state and citizen and the translation of suggestions into actions and projects, in the context of strengthening active citizenship, participatory democracy, pluralism and transparency, with the aim of highlighting the problems of civil society and consequently solving them.
Moreover, the aim of the Forum's work, as stated from the outset, is for the political, business, scientific, educational and research world, non-governmental organisations and civil society to take the floor today. Through the exchange of ideas and views with representatives of the state and its institutions, we are strengthening democratic processes and grassroots policy making in our country, so that we can collectively define the future that we all dream of.
However, any discussion about the future, ladies and gentlemen, must include the major issue of ensuring the sustainability of the planet through sustainable development. Adopting policies that ensure that the global economy is sustainable and meets the needs of the present without compromising the sustainability of future generations is the key political stake, but also the most valuable legacy that the state has to pass on to the next generation. Because the future of Cyprus, Europe and the whole world is directly linked to global health. As a parliament we send a strong message of awareness of environmental issues and at the same time we seek, in a spirit of cooperation between all competent and interested parties, to achieve the adoption of policies and actions focusing on the implementation of the European Green Deal and the new EU development strategy, which aims to put Europe on the path of transformation towards a climate-neutral, just and prosperous society.
An important tool that will play a particularly important role in the future. New technologies bring a new dynamic and perspective to the democratic and participatory process, making state institutions real agents of the necessary reforms for a more human-centred, citizen-friendly state. As the House of Representatives, by providing access to legislative and parliamentary work in general, through the upgraded, with the introduction of new technology tools, website of the Parliament, but also through the creation of the Citizen's House, which will soon operate as an institution, as well as the operation of a Press Office, we enhance communication with all citizens and, consequently, healthy interaction with society.
In the context of broadening and deepening democracy, important pillars and partners in the whole effort are our young people, without whose participation there are no prospects and no future. In order to build the future they envision for the political, social or other problems they face, synergy is needed. It is therefore up to our young people to become more actively involved in the public sphere and to bring their opinions, energy and dynamism to bear in order to help shape a new reality. Idle and apathetic bystanders simply accept decisions taken for them without them.
Let us not forget that citizens' rights and participation are inextricably linked. "For if it is true what some say, that freedom and equality exist primarily in democracy, this would be true to the greatest possible extent where citizens - without exception - participate equally in government," Aristotle wrote in his Politics in the 4th century BC.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The real prospect of solving the problems that concern our young people every day and our transition to a better society is directly linked to the cultivation of the consciousness of the active citizen, the citizen who participates, is informed, forms an opinion and determines the course of democratic decision-making processes through his or her action. The active, conscious citizen turns a deaf ear to fake news and online echo chambers, which spread conspiracy theories, lies, intolerance and hatred. It refuses to serve the special interests and oligarchies that seek to hold democracy hostage, effectively seeking the apathy of citizens and reducing their participation in it. It calls for equal and equal opportunities for all without gender discrimination, fulfilling its obligations and demanding both its own justice and the justice of its neighbour.
The world around us may not be shaped from one moment to the next according to our wishes, and the problems we face may not be solved at the pace we would like, but so much can be changed for the better through democratic dialogue and our active participation. Today, therefore, we are providing an opportunity for concerned citizens, and in particular the younger generation, to be heard and taken into account in this process of renewing and strengthening democratic governance. Good governance, a system that works for the benefit of the many, is essential for a healthy, democratic and promising future.
I am therefore pleased to welcome you, friends, to the Democracy Forum and wish you every success in its work.
(Text as sent from the House of Representatives)
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