“Thirty years of freedom” – Through the eyes of seniors

From 6-8 November, the Christian Senior Citizens’ Association of Slovakia, together with the ESU, organised a regional conference in Bratislava. The subject of the conference was perfectly chosen: ‘Thirty years of freedom’. In Slovakia, November is a special month of commemoration for this captivating freedom. Also, on the 9^th of November, in Germany, Europe and the rest of the world people commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall.

An impressive program was offered. Highly qualified speakers presented their vision and analysis of what happened thirty years ago and the hopes and achievements that followed. “Not everything what we realised was worth doing so. There are victories and failures. Let us take the responsibility together to work not from the perspective of selfishness, but from the perspective of the common good.” Ivan Simko said. Inspiring speeches by Bishop Jozef Haľko, Eva Grey, Milan Majerský and Miriam Lexmann gave insights to work towards an inclusive society as a person, as a citizen, as a Christian and as a politician, where the rule of law and respect for human dignity are core values. Jozef Milkosko; Peter Mach and Milos Nemecek typified what that means for their Senior Association. Delegations from different countries (e.g. Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and Poland) presented examples of good practice from their country, their legislation and their senior organisation’s programmes. This broad picture provides Europe with a wide range of diversity.

‘How governments shape future-oriented policy’ was discussed after Jan Kasal’s lecture on ‘Policy in the Czech Republic’. However, it is not only the Member States that are responsible for an inclusive society in which young and old are given opportunities to develop and live in dignity. Europe also has a part to play in responding to the challenges of demographic change. What can Europe do? What can we expect from Europe? How can policy-making at all levels value the talents of older people, eliminate ageism and provide care and support where necessary? Ivan Stefanec gave a realistic and hopeful answer to these questions.

A panel of representatives from different organisations was entitled to conclude the Regional Conference in Bratislava. ESU president An Hermans expressed her gratitude for the inspiring cooperation and therefore departed (again) from what was done 30 years ago: “Calling for continued commitment to peace, freedom and democracy. The start of a new policy period in Europe should provide answers to the challenges ahead.” – An Hermans