Dear friends, dear catalysts,

The individual matters. It’s the individual who leads the way when important changes are made.

You make a big difference; a genuine difference. You are the catalysts for freedom, democracy and human rights.

Perhaps you’ve chosen your own field. Or perhaps you feel that your particular field has chosen you. Either way, it’s your job to reach out with your message and to get people to act.

It’s not hard to imagine that life as a catalyst for change is both lonely and exhausting.

You’re the ones who are expected to energize everyone else. But what are you left with for your efforts? You know that your cause is weighty and worthy; that your message is clear; and that your story is gripping. Each and every time.

Yet rarely does everyone listen. Sometimes it must feel so tempting to simply give up.

As a politician, I can sympathize with your plight. I’ve lost count of the number of speeches I’ve made where my sole consolation has lain in the fact that I’ve been addressing a larger audience. At least some of those present must be awake! And if I repeat myself often enough, surely my message will eventually strike home?

It’s here that the value and necessity of repeating one’s story shines through.

Dear friends,

The people are the standard-bearers of society’s fundamental values and attitudes. Even in the most repressive of regimes, those in power must show regard for the people. And this is why there are so many different roads to democratic change and human rights.

It’s all about creating the unifying narrative about who we are and who we want to be. About what kind of society we live in. It’s a narrative that never ends; a narrative in which we are all active contributors.

Few things have a better chance of getting the ball moving than the personal example people like you set. Your message is so strong that it just has be listened to. It must be picked up and carried by other parties in the public debate; by authors, artists and journalists.

It’s here that culture’s huge diversity plays such a vital role. Not least popular culture. The best-selling novel touches more hearts than the discriminating prize winner. A catchy pop song spreads more optimism and energy than a ground-breaking art house film.

Many of you use popular culture as a means to create a more open society. Comic strips, music, graffiti, films, talk shows, books; and – of course – social media. You have powerful tools at your disposal in the fight for democracy. It’s all about touching the hearts and minds of the people.   Dear friends,

As catalysts you work in a variety of ways. It all depends on the circumstances. The conditions may change, the means may vary, yet each and every one of you has a vital contribution to make in turning this world into a better place to live.

The story of the struggle for democracy and human rights includes many legendary names: from Gandhi to Rosa Parks, from Martin Luther King to Mandela. Next to these brightest of stars, the firmament is full of other, perhaps lesser known flames. It’s this fellowship that gives light and hope of a better life for all people.   We are all individuals, yet it’s in our meetings with others that our dreams can be made real.

May you have strength and the very best of luck in your fight for a free world. But before that, an enjoyable and delicious dinner.

Thank you so much!