Monday, 23 August 2010
Dear participants of Baze – 2010 youth gathering,
Dear youth,
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the opening of Baze – 2010 youth gathering. The year is marked by numerous pan-Armenian events which makes us feel happy. The government will do its best to prop up youth movement in the Republic of Armenia as “Baze” provides an excellent platform for rallying, developing joint programs and injecting a new culture onto youth movement in Armenia. In this respect, any such gathering is kept in focus by my government. We follow closely those events attended by you in hopes that the culture so shaped will be extended to the provinces and abroad. We are pleased that the event is attended by Nagorno-Karabakh’s and Javakhk’s representatives. Since the very outset, we have been making efforts to ensure that the forum is attended by representatives from Diaspora youth organizations. The movement has a second asset either, namely that we are trying to include such games and sporting events as call for a new culture, intellectual debates and discussions. This is extremely important as you have the possibility of comparing your skills and aptitudes, arguing and thinking out concerted actions which can help us find solutions irrespective of differences in views. It seems to be crucial that the representatives of different political movements are invited to take part in these gatherings. I am glad to have achieved such diversity
From this perspective, the day is also special as we mark the twentieth anniversary of Armenia’s Declaration of Independence. Many of you were born just as we were laying the foundations of the Republic of Armenia.
The Declaration was historical in that it incorporated those fundamental principles which allowed us to build a statehood based on laws and statutory acts. I am congratulating you all on the anniversary of our Declaration of Independence.
Being the same age as the Declaration itself, you should realize very well that the present and future day of our sovereign statehood will be largely conditioned by the way we bring up the new generation based on specific values and traditions. This is just what “Baze” is expected to accomplish as an exclusive mission.
It is a well-known fact that only those nations keen on knowledge and learning can have a competitive advantage in the modern world. Today’s world is not only the arms race: it is first of all an intellectual competition. We will have a bright future, if today's hero is an educated and intellectual young man. I think we have much to do yet in this respect.
The government is mindful of those challenges facing our youth. Jointly with you and the Prime Minister-headed council (which coordinates all spheres of youth policy in Armenia) we are trying to work out such programs as emphasize the role of teenagers in public life and create a friendly environment for them.
For instance, a first-ever housing program is implemented for the first time in our country. The program will be given a strong boost in 2011-2012. The second key area of activities is covered by those programs developed by the youth council. They will be successful only if actively contributed by you.
Initiated on the part of the President of Armenia, Luys foundation-led educational programs represent the third direction. Over ten talented young people have already been supported to get graduate learning in the world’s best universities. 75 more school-leavers are expected to be supported during this year. You may agree that the target is worth our efforts as we back young people to get an excellent education. We are convinced that the teenagers so selected will use their skills and knowledge to strengthen the Armenian statehood.
At the same time, I would like to highlight the thesis adopted by Baze – 2010, namely that the so-called synergy of skills and abilities, unity and cohesion are the key to ensuring sustainable development for the State. In this respect, I feel that the right motto is chosen for Baze - 2010.
I wish you every success and congratulate you once again on this occasion.
