Vystoupení J. Chmiela na mezinárodní konferenci "Regional and Global Integration: Quo Vadis?", Praha, 16.1. 2010

Vystoupení ministra pro evropské záležitosti Juraje Chmiela při zahájení panelu „Globalization under threat“ v rámci konference asociace „Global Development Network“
(Praha, 16. ledna 2010)

President Paolera, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
I can hardly start talking about international cooperation this morning without mentioning the enormous human suffering as the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti.  I would like express my deep compassion with the people there. Thankfully, the humanitarian aid has now started flowing in.  The relief efforts coming from all corners of the globe are a huge expression of solidarity amongst the members of the international community. Nothing else can, in my view, better demonstrate its very essence.  

However, the humanitarian efforts in such an enormous disaster must be well-coordinated to achieve the best possible results in the given circumstances. The relief is there to help people and not the other way around. Let me use this opportunity to thank all the NGOs, governments, rescuers and people who offered their help.   

INTRODUCTION:
• It is an honor and a pleasure for me to open this distinguished forum today.

• The world is now gradually emerging from the economic crisis that set some tough tests for countries’ commitment to liberalism and openness – the main driving forces of globalization and international cooperation.

• It is, thus, both timely and extremely important to discuss their prospects on such a broad international platform as the Global Development Network represents.

• The economic crisis swept through the globe, leaving behind some serious open wounds, which had prompted some to question the future good fortunes of globalization. This, I believe, should be of concern here today.

THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION:
• Like any complex process, globalization has its risks and darker sides as we have felt especially in the past year or so. We have to analyze them and learn from them, but in my view, we should not allow them to overshadow the tremendous opportunities and benefits globalization creates.

• Based on my own experience from the years I spent working in Africa, I am not afraid to say that both the developed as well as the developing countries have been major beneficiaries of its rewards.

• Of course, globalization is no “magic panacea” to eradicate poverty and disparities amongst societies and can never supplement the democratic reforms and the rule of law. At the same time, the steep economic progress and rapid development that has been taking place not only in China and India, but also in other parts of South Asia and in some parts of  the African continent, would hardly be possible without its effects.

• Everywhere in the world globalization has been instrumental in addressing some principal problems through integration of individual countries into a global economy. This has been a major driver of progress creating some rather remarkable stories of economic, political as well as social change.

• And of course the Czech Republic itself has also been a major beneficiary in similar processes. Our swift transformation from a Communist country sealed off from the West by the Iron Curtain to a thriving market economy and fully-fledged democracy was also pushed forward by globalization.

• The inflow of foreign capital and investment ventures propelled steady growth and fueled the economic reforms in the 1990’s. To a great extent it was the success of these reforms that paved the way of the Czech Republic’s speedy integration into NATO and the European Union.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

• We live in the world of ever increasing interdependence, where domestic and foreign policies of individual countries are more and more mutually intertwined. 

• An utter “must” in this world, where major challenges such economic instabilities, environmental changes or security threats spread around irrespective of boundaries of continents, let alone individual countries, is a concerted action of the members of the international community.

• We face shared challenges which can be best resolved through a shared approach that powered by mutual cooperation, openness, free flow of ideas and the spreading of best practices. All these are absolute essentials for our common goals and all these are propelled and aided by the various processes stimulated by globalization.    

CONCLUSION:
• Therefore, the message I would like to send out to this conference today is simple, yet urgent. 

• Let’s not make globalization the scapegoat of the economic crisis. Its rewards, I am deeply convinced, are indispensable to our societies.

• Globalization is the engine of progress worldwide. We cannot afford that it falls victim of any short term “quick fixes”. Too much is at stake.

• Protectionism and isolationism has never yet in the past been the right cure for redressing of economic difficulties anywhere in the world.

• What is of the essence, therefore, is not to try to curb the progress of globalization, but to better understand its implications  to be able handle its power in a more sensible and responsible way. I am convinced that this is what would best serve the international community.

• I wish you productive discussion.