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At the time of her inauguration, the German Chancellor urged them "to embark on new beginnings"
While the 2019 Harvard Clbad had been held for the last time at the beginning Thursday afternoon, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned new graduates to take nothing for granted.
"Our individual freedoms are not given. Democracy is not something we can take for granted. Nor is peace, nor prosperity, "said Merkel, the keynote speaker. "But if we break the walls around us, if we go off the beaten path and have the courage to embrace new beginnings, anything is possible."
Speaking mainly in German, her remarks being periodically translated into English, Merkel is inspired by her own remarkable story as a 35-year-old scientist in Communist East Germany, who has climbed the ladder of the political system of the new unified state to become the first woman of Germany. Chancellor and, according to many badysts, leader of the free world. She urged new graduates to take risks, make informed decisions and maintain their core values.
She remembered her frustration with having to go to the Berlin Wall every day on her way home from work. It was a steel and concrete barrier that divided the city, its inhabitants and its families, including his own.
"Every day, I had to turn away from freedom at the last minute," she told a 35-minute speech to graduates and alumni at the Harvard Annual Meeting. Alumni Association (HAA), before an overflowing crowd at the tricentennial theater.
"The Berlin Wall has limited my chances. It was literally on my way. However, there was one thing this wall could not do for all these years: it could not impose limits on my inner thoughts, my personality, my imagination, my dreams and my desires. "
Indeed, the unexpected fall of the wall in 1989 with the collapse of communism not only ended a divided Germany, but it also offered Merkel new possibilities, including the possibility of becoming a person she never imagined. never become. "A door was suddenly opened" and "I was able to cross that border and venture into the grand opening," she said.
What she learned from this transformational experience, she told the audience, was that "anything that seems fixed or unalterable can actually change," and that it's necessary to make a change. they are approaching the walls that they will inevitably encounter in their lives, whether they are physical, social or socially connected. intellectual or cultural, in the same way.
During the morning exercises, the German Chancellor received an honorary doctorate in law for her resolute leadership on the world stage and her unwavering defense of democratic ideals and international cooperation.
Merkel's speech was more of an opening speech than a political speech, but it addressed several topical issues in foreign policy. She praised the benefits of the European Union and multilateralism, the importance of a transatlantic relationship with the United States "based on democratic values and human rights", and – while Europe is prepares for a possible trade conflict with the United States – the mutual prosperity result of international free trade.
Despite its popularity as chancellor for 14 years, Merkel's center-right Christian Democrat party has seen a drop in support for voters (far-right and far-left parties) in parliamentary elections. last week. In a television interview, Merkel said that showing democracy in action was the best way to deal with the dangers posed by the rise of populist and undemocratic movements in Europe, while recognizing that climate change is now a decisive political issue, especially for young Germans.
Merkel, who will step down in 2021, announced that she would do "everything in my power" for Germany to reach climate neutrality by 2050.
In this period of impatience and immediate gratification, Merkel urged graduates and alumni to think about why they are making decisions, especially with respect to technology. As Chancellor, she said, she often wonders if she is doing something because it is right or because it is possible.
"It's something you too must continue to ask yourself," she said. "Are we setting the rules of technology, or is technology dictating our action?"
As a deliberative leader, Merkel suggested that graduates take more time to think about decisions, a process that will require "courage and truth" in the way they treat others.
"And perhaps more importantly, it requires us to be honest with ourselves. What better place to start doing it than here, in this place where so many young people from around the world come to learn, research and discuss the problems of our time under the sign of truth? It forces us not to describe lies as truths and truth as lies, "she said, standing ovation.
In separating, Merkel advised graduates to go out into the world and "tear down the walls of ignorance and narrowness of mind, because nothing should remain such as that. 39, he is ".
In his report to alumni, Harvard President Larry Bacow, J.D. '76, M.P.P. & # 39; 76, Ph.D. '78, recalled some of the highlights of his first year at the head of the University, visited cities in the United States and Asia and is inspired by alumni and community leaders engaged in the public service. He talked about getting to know students, including graduates, as well as faculty and staff at Harvard campuses in Cambridge and Boston, who work in different ways to change the world and serve the public good.
Bacow also noted the "volatility" of our time, which has been marked by episodes of deadly violence, especially against Jewish, Muslim and Christian worshipers; persistence of badual badault and harbadment; and the existential threat posed by climate change and extreme weather conditions.
"Of course, there are many things in the world that rightly concern us. But there is more that gives us hope, "Bacow said. "And this spirit of hope – the willingness both to see the world as it is and to think about how we can help improve it – is in many ways the most important thing in life. The spirit that defines this university and, I believe, unites us all. "
Bacow said that he had been inspired by what he had witnessed until now.
"It's the power of this institution – not its brand, our buildings, nor our pomp," he said. "This university is its citizens – their aspirations, their achievements, the diversity of their origins, their experiences and thoughts, their desire to see beyond themselves and their dedication to the service of others. .
"So yes, I am optimistic. I am optimistic because I live and work for you all because I see what you are doing and because I know the limitless potential of what you can do. "
ASP President Margaret M. Wang '09 welcomed the new graduates to the Alumni Team, hosted the important clbades of the meeting and announced the results of the Supervisory Council and Council elections. of HAA.
In addition, Bacow presented the Harvard Medals to former students Teresita Alvarez-Bjelland '76, MBA79, Dan H. Fenn Jr. '44, AM '72 and Tamara Elliott Rogers '74 for their outstanding contributions and services to the University. University for many years.
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