In Praise of Solid Work
HAKIMA EL HAITE president, liberal internationalClosing remarks delivered via video at the CALD 30th Anniversary Public Conference held on 9 September in Taipei, Taiwan
Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, dear friends, dear Kiko, allow me to start by extending my heartfelt congratulations on your 30th anniversary General Assembly. I would also like to commend Kiko, the outgoing CALD Chairman, for his exceptional leadership and achievement. We have had the opportunity to work together through virtual meetings and online platforms during the pandemic. And we performed together, so thank you, Kiko, for your valuable participation.
I must also express my gratitude to Lito and the CALD Secretariat for their continuous hard work, and also for organizing this memorable meeting in Taiwan. Although I regret not being able to join you in person today, rest assured that you are in good hands with our Vice President Henrik and Phil. Their vast knowledge and experience will certainly contribute to enrich your discussions and debates.
not only the region but also global energy, food security, while causing devastating effects on civilians. Additionally, we are witnessing military coups in Africa and a growing division in the world order that is undermining the multilateral system.
Asia is not immune to these perturbations and threats to democracy and individual freedoms, as well as to challenges to countries’ sovereignty that are becoming increasingly prominent. In such turbulent times, regional organizations like CALD are vital platforms for upholding the values of freedom, democracy, and peace.
partnerships, working hand in hand to create a more liberal, democratic Asia. I send my best wishes for a successful assembly on behalf of the Bureau and the 122 members of your global liberal family.
“Today we find ourselves in a time of severe pressure on the liberal democratic world order.”
Ladies and gentlemen, today we fnd ourselves in a time of severe pressure on the liberal democratic world order. Humanity has been grappling with one crisis after another, frst with the pandemic and its profound social, economical, and even psychological effect. Now the confict in Ukraine has added another layer of complexity affecting
Your work in empowering women and youth, advocacy, as well as uniting Liberal Democrats to safeguard liberty and hold autocrats accountable, is commendable. I must share that one of the proudest moment of my time with Liberal International was standing together with Juli Minoves, our president of honor, and together with you in the Philippines to support Senator Leila de Lima, who has become an inspiring symbol of resistance against repressive regimes for liberals worldwide.
With this message, dear friends, I raise a toast to all of you here to the next 30 years of global
Lastly, I would like to acknowledge Mardi Seng, the incoming CALD Chairperson, and her sister Theary, who we remember fondly. The Liberal International Bureau takes pride in having nominated Theary for the Hans Van Baalen Medal of Liberalism at our Executive Committee in Ottawa. Mardi, I eagerly anticipate presenting you with the medal on behalf of Theary very soon. Until then, I wish you every success in your chairmanship. Rest assured that Liberal International is an active and dedicated partner in supporting our shared values across Asia and worldwide. Cheers to your achievements and brighter future for CALD.