Remarks at the International Charity Bazaar Diplomatic Ball
11 May 2013
Tá an-áthas orm bheith anseo i bhur measc inniu. Go raibh míle maith agaibh as ucht bhur bhfáilte chaoin agus cneasta.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am delighted to be here this evening and I would like to thank Ambassador Trijullio, Ambassador Kafka, the Board of Directors for inviting me and all of you for that very warm welcome.
The International Charity Bazaar is an inspiring example of a community spirit that is not limited by borders or nationality. The focus of the Charity Bazaar is to build and develop the relationship between the diplomatic and host communities in Ireland, recognising all that we share in common and celebrating the vibrant and multi-cultural dimension of the society in which we live and work.
Too often, the diplomatic world can be viewed as something disconnected from the everyday and set apart from the mainstream of society. However, those who work in that world realise that, while not always glamorous, at the heart of diplomacy lies a public spirit dedicated to international understanding and solidarity; as well as a willingness to engage actively and creatively with the societies in which diplomats and their families live and work.
The work of diplomats is undertaken in a myriad of ways: through bilateral negotiations and contacts; through engagement in multilateral organisations; through the making of treaties and agreements; and through the management of high-level visits – from which many of you may feel afflicted during the course of the current Irish Presidency of the European Union. But the work of diplomacy can also effectively be done through cultural and educational exchange, through facilitating people-to-people contacts and through assisting citizens in distress.
The primary role of the diplomat is of course to represent his or her country abroad and to interact with the Government to which they are accredited. Yet those diplomats and their families form part of a host community; they interact with their neighbours; they send their children to our schools; they form friendships with Irish people; and they absorb part of the Irish spirit and culture.
While no diplomat can ever admit to “going native” (or they may be quickly recalled), I hope at the same time that the diplomatic community in Ireland feels very welcome and at home here. The establishment of the Charity Bazaar and your ongoing commitment to it strongly suggests that you do feel part of the fabric of Irish society and want to make a contribution to some very worthwhile charities that seek to enhance the quality of life in Ireland.
Over the years, I have been constantly impressed by the commitment and professionalism of the diplomats I have encountered. Despite the revolution in our communications technology, the personal skills of our diplomats remain a vital tool in promoting good relations between Governments and peoples.
But perhaps I have been even more impressed by the spouses and partners of those diplomats. They are the real embodiment of “soft power” – usually unpaid but providing a vital support to their diplomatic spouses in representing their countries abroad. It is often the network of those diplomatic spouses and partners that forge lasting links with the wider community in which they live and that enhance the reputation of the countries that they represent.
It is very encouraging to know that the international diplomatic community here in Ireland is making its unique and significant contribution to the great spirit of mutual-support and solidarity which has defined Irish society for many years. As President, I am privileged to see countless examples of the great spirit of giving and generosity that characterise communities across this country.
In fact, the World Giving Index suggests the Irish are the 2nd most generous donors to charitable causes in the world and the first most generous in Europe. In addition, our programme of overseas aid remains strong and effective despite a period of intense economic turbulence; and we are home to international development organisations of global renown and impact. This is a record and reputation of which I am very proud indeed.
Over the last five years Ireland has of course experienced a difficult period in its history. With startling suddenness we moved from what seemed to be a buoyant economy and a time of practically full employment to a country with severe fiscal and financial challenges, the consequences of which have taken a heavy toll on our people. It has also, of course, been a time when charities have found themselves under increasing pressure for their services while donations understandably dropped as donors struggled with their own financial difficulties.
As we detect some early signs of economic recovery and renewal, it is an opportune time to reassess and debate the values that will inform the next chapter in our national narrative. The full articulation and emergence of these values will require ongoing debate about the proper relationship between society and the economy, and an appreciation of the importance of the social and cultural spaces as well as the economic realm. As we work to rebuild our damaged economy and renew our society, it is crucial that we reconstitute a strong sense of social cohesion in order to give real meaning to the ideal of an inclusive citizenship.
This is a debate that must focus on the objective of developing a sustainable economy, where the economy is seen as an instrument of society and where wealth is defined in terms of the welfare of all of the people. It is a definition of ‘wealth’ which I know is truly understood by all of those involved with the International Charity Bazaar; an initiative which has a three-fold mission – to fund raise for Irish charities; to promote multi-cultural awareness in Ireland; and promote community support and co-operation.
The foundations of the Bazaar are rooted in a spirit of international concern. It was founded by Nausheen Ahmad, wife of the then Ambassador of Pakistan to Ireland, in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan in 2006. The Diplomatic Corps rose to the challenge and responded with great generosity, raising €75,000 to aid the victims of that horrific event.
Since then, the Diplomatic and Irish Community have continued to work together, in a spirit of generosity, to benefit communities and causes here in Ireland. Since its formation, the Bazaar has raised over a quarter of a million euro which has assisted many of our citizens to lead more fulfilling lives, to overcome barriers and to help them as they struggle with various difficulties and disadvantages which can cause people to feel disconnected, vulnerable or overlooked.
As everyone here in this room knows, it is often easier to launch an initiative than remain engaged and committed to it. So let me commend you for your dedication and ongoing commitment to the aims and objectives of the Bazaar – an organisation which continues to go from strength to strength and whose activities have grown and expanded in recent years.
So congratulations to the diplomatic community for all that you do in making the world a better place; for helping to ensure that Ireland enjoys good and friendly relations with your respective countries; and, most important, for having the vision and the generosity of spirit to establish and sustain this wonderful Charity Bazaar.
There is an old Irish proverb I sometimes quote - ní neart go cur le chéile’ – there is no strength without unity. I thank you for being part of that unity and I wish you, both diplomatic representatives and Irish friends of the diplomatic community, every success for the future.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.