Political leaders must take upon them the responsibility for giving guidance and directions. We must create an enabling environment for economic and social progress. We must promote common values, with the aim of furthering the well being of all. There is in my mind a clear need for innovation and determination in politics. I think that this will flourish only if there is a sound basis of public participation and democracy.
Democracy is where it all starts.
Democracy takes time and it thrives on contemplation, thorough debate, exchange of views, sharing of experience - what this conference is all about. Together we should seek the most fruitful models for development and progress. But let us avoid the illusion of the existence of one model that will be the answer to all our problems. Let us resist the temptation of forcing our own models on others, while trying to persuade each other of the strong points of our respective systems. Personally my point of departure in debates of this kind is a belief in what I call and what I think is known as the Nordic social security model or the Nordic welfare model.