As delivered by Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Administration, Mr Van Slyke,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to here in Washington DC at this important event.

To sign this important Memorandum of Understanding between the Council of Europe and Syracuse University.

The over 30 years long relationship between our two institutions is already strong and impactful –

Just imagine the number of excellent students who have benefitted from this programme, and are now serving or working in so many different roles in our societies on both sides of the Atlantic.

I have no doubt that all of this has had a lasting impact, and many will have fond memories of their short, but hopefully inspiring, experience with the Council of Europe.

For us, as an organisation, we have also greatly benefitted from the professionalism and experience of the excellent students enrolled at Syracuse University.

In all senses of it I think this has been a win-win arrangement for us all.

There could also be no better moment to reinforce this relationship and demonstrate our shared determination to shape a better world.

The Council of Europe started out as a peace project.

Founded almost 75 years ago, in the wake of two devastating world wars –

Causing the terrible loss of lives of so many people from both of our continents –

Our Organisation remains dedicated to ensuring peace based on ever closer unity between its member states –

And through the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law as a means to build and safeguard democratic security.

And what we actually need today is certainly a strong commitment to multilateralism and a rule based international order.

I must also say that as an Organisation we have benefitted greatly from close co-operation with the United States, as an Observer State, in so many key areas and in meeting challenges that we face jointly today.

But despite all this, what we have achieved is now under threat.

In Europe, in the Americas, and throughout the world, we have witnessed the return of widespread populism and extreme violent nationalism that seek to undermine what we have built up together since the Second World War, and the very fundamentals on which we base our cooperation – our values and the universal respect for fundamental human rights, rule of law and democracy.

The completely unacceptable Russian invasion of Ukraine is a threat that we need to contain – and we must do so together.

I am grateful for the strong leadership and robust response we have seen from key international organisations, be it the European Union, the Council of Europe, or for that sake the strong and crystal-clear resolutions adopted by a huge majority at the General Assembly of the United Nations in response to this form of violent and aggressive nationalism. An old ghost that regrettably is again haunting Europe.

I also appreciate the very strong leadership of the United States and other European countries, as well as the vital military, humanitarian and other kind of assistance provided to Ukraine.

But most importantly I have been highly impressed by the resolve, sacrifice and fighting spirit of Ukraine, its leaders and people. They have given us a reason to believe in a better future, and in many respects showed us the way.

I also take some pride in the firm and resolute reaction of my own organisation. It took less than 24 hours to suspend Russia from the CoE, and only a few more days until the country was expelled, and since then we have done everything we can to support Ukraine.

Now we are establishing a Register of Damage, to help collect and register the evidence of the Russian destruction and breaches of fundamental rights in Ukraine.

We are also willing to help set up a Special Tribunal to address the issue of crime of aggression, the worst of all crimes, that the Russian leadership are guilty of.

We also need a comprehensive compensation mechanism for the victims of this aggression, as there can be no lasting and sustainable peace without justice.

Dear friends,

Understanding the benefits of democracy is in no way automatic or inherited.

This we have seen in Europe, and elsewhere.

And opinion polls show that increasing numbers of young people do not value living in a democracy –

Or believe that democracies can solve the problems they see around them today –

So, the noble cause in which you are leading the way – education – is a vital instrument in helping people understand why democracy is important and actually in their interests.

And I believe that what you teach your students is the knowledge and skills they need to help make the world a better, fairer, more just place.

Over the years, the Council of Europe has forged a range of partnerships with education institutions.

But the Memorandum of Understanding that we will sign today with Syracuse University is unique.

It represents our only trans-Atlantic link with a single university –

Outlining clear and specific means of co-operation –

At a moment when our shared aspirations and values need our focus more than ever.

Therefore it is an honour for me to be here today –

And a pleasure to sign it.

Thank you for your attention.