I am equally sure that most of you have learned from hard experience that civic education must be an intrinsic part of the educational process. Knowledge of rights and social responsibilities on the part of citizens insure a stable and healthy society. This conference is extremely important because it brings together people from different lands and governments to network common civic goals, problems, and solutions. We can no longer afford the luxury of isolationism. Technology has fashioned the global village in which all of us must live.
Civic education is a dynamic social science.
As the world changes, our relationships change, and we must learn new ways to get along with each other across borders. Honestly discussing ideas that have made our governments and communities function more effectively does help. We must talk about successes and failures. Just as I was like a pebble in a pond that continuously rippled out and touched many people, each of us here today has the potential to change our societies for the better. But you and I know that these are also dangerous times.