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President of the Republic of Portugal
President of the Assembly of the Republic
Distinguished Members of Government and Parliamentarians of the Assembly of the Republic
President of the Portuguese Parliamentarian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
President of the Executive Committee of the North-South Centre
Distinguished laureates of the North-South Prize
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen

You have heard from the previous speakers about the incredible achievements of the two individuals we are here to celebrate. And shortly you will hear from them directly.

So let me just draw one parallel, which I believe is particularly worth highlighting today.

Despite their different backgrounds, Lora Pappa and Joaquim Chissano have both decided to keep their faith in people.

And I am glad that the North South Centre of the Council of Europe has been able to identify them and bring to light their willingness to keep fighting for the things they believe in, even when the odds have not been in their favour.

And it’s obvious, too, that they have chosen to trust people and their capacity to change their fortunes, given the right opportunities, and this with a clear understanding of the importance of solidarity in an interdependent world.

Whether we are talking about emancipating millions from poverty through work and education.

Whether we are talking about transforming the lives of young people and migrants otherwise pushed into the shadows of our societies.

At the Council of Europe – the continent’s human rights watchdog and guardian of the European Convention of Human Rights – we have trust in people too.

Yet looking around today, particularly in Europe, we see a great deal of pessimism. A mood and mindset that are in stark contrast to the positive and constructive approach to the world embodied in Ms Pappa and Mr Chissano.

Across many of our 47 member states, we see anger at elites, frustration at politics and a loss of faith in institutions – national and international.

We see a rising tide of xenophobia, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, hate crime. Just last month one of our members came within inches of electing Europe’s first far right leader since the Second World War.

In many places we see a politics of blame and resentment gaining traction, as well as a movement towards greater insularity. Just one week ago, to the surprise of the continent, a leading European state chose to walk away from the EU.

And, as states deal with an increasingly insecure environment – fuelled by the surge in violent extremism also on European soil, as well as the ongoing refugee crisis…

…increasingly, from governments seeking to counter terrorism and tighten their borders, we also see imprudent and unco-ordinated responses which, at times, show insufficient regard for international law.

We are, I’m afraid, living in fragmented times politically and economically, and in terms of our security and identity.

I, however, have also chosen not to be a pessimist.

Across Europe – and beyond, as Mr Chissano will attest – are citizens, organisations and authorities who cherish democracy, liberty and the rule of law, and who recognise that these are the foundations of lasting prosperity and peace.

Active and socially minded citizens who may not have reached the heights of Lora Pappa and Joaquim Chissano, but who share their spirit and their view of an open and tolerant world.

Organisations such as the North South Centre which are dedicated to advancing dialogue between regions, nations and people; which strives day in, day out, to deepen the ties between societies, across borders, on the basis of common values. And, by the way, let me say how pleased I am that Romania and Tunisia will now be joining the Centre as its newest members and, in time, contribute to its outreach.

And authorities like those right here in Portugal, where the state understands the importance of international obligations and of working closely with its neighbours and allies.

Portugal makes many contributions to the Council of Europe.

One which I attach a lot of importance to is the highly active role this country is playing in our new, flagship education initiative, in which we, as does the North South Centre, also thanks to a strong strategic partnership with the European Union, are developing a ground-breaking framework for teaching democratic citizenship; specifically, for teaching young people how to live as democratic citizens in diverse societies: and we see it as a crucial means to fostering more inclusive societies.

And I’d like to single out Lisbon, in particular, as a dynamic member of our intercultural cities programme, which brings together a network of over 90 cities, who seek to learn from each other in order to manage their diversity more effectively.

Something which may interest Lora Pappa in particular is that Lisbon is leading the way in demonstrating the importance of integrating migrant communities through business – by supporting migrant enterprises as well as integrating newcomers into the wider workforce.

Examples such as these should continue to encourage us in our work. Just as our laureates must.

We cannot deny that the forces of division are alive and kicking in Europe today. But we do not have to accept it.

I don’t for a second believe that Lora Pappa and Joaquim Chissano would accept it.

On the contrary, as we have heard, in their different ways, both continue to act as champions for dialogue, solidarity and fundamental human rights.

The treatment of migrants and refugees, in Greece and elsewhere, is at the top of the Council of Europe’s agenda, as it is for Lora Pappa. Indeed, our Secretary General has made the welfare of unaccompanied minors a particular priority.

We also continue to work with our neighbours to the South towards the common end of good governance, and today it gives me great pleasure to see the Prize extend our window to the South to Mozambique.

[Address laureates] As you continue your work in your respective fields, I would like to extend our wishes for your every success, and our warmest support. Your achievements are a tonic and a source of hope. They remind us why we should reject the fatalism of others, and continue to strive for a better world. And they remind us what is possible when we believe in ourselves and each other. I thank you not only for what you have done, but what you will inspire others to do, as we work together to pull Europe and the world back onto a tolerant, open and inclusive path.