President Gül's Speech Adressing the Students on the Honorary Doctorate Ceremony by Amity University

Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Faculty Members and Students,
It gives me profound pleasure to be here today at Amity University, and to address you.
First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the distinguished Honorary Doctorate which the University has bestowed upon me. My sincere thanks also go to the Honorable Chancellor Mr. Atul Chauhan, the University Senate, distinguished faculty members and to all who have contributed in realizing this memorable event.
I am myself of academic background and place special importance on centers of higher education.
Education has a determining effect on the future of our world. Our quest to reach lasting peace, security, welfare and development can never be realized without education.
I am confident that Amity University, as it is stated in its motto of "We Nurture Talent" will go down in the pages of history as a shining example of academic and intellectual excellence. Its achievements are truly impressive.
Distinguished Guests,
Indeed education has tremendous importance in shaping a better tomorrow. The ideals of peace, harmony, understanding, coexistence, democracy, human rights and the rule of law - which we all hold sacred - can only be embedded in the eager minds of future generations through education.
I believe that these notions, if cherished by all, are to make the difference that we all seek. And I believe that educators are among those who deserve the greatest gratitude.
Distinguished Guests,
Today, our world is going through a phase of change, a change which has shifted every balance that we have come to know, bringing together with it wide-ranging and deeply felt global effects.
We must acknowledge that our world is confronted with numerous challenges. These challenges range from the threat of terrorism to unsolved disputes and ongoing wars, from economic crises to increasing poverty and hunger, and to concerns like energy security and climate change.
The nature, historical background and reasons of all these challenges are quite different from one another. Their common denominator, however, is that they are all of a global character and affect every single member of the international community. Regardless of geography, ethnicity, economic prowess or capabilities, they are confronting us. We are all witnessing it together: with the growing effects of globalization and the continuous advancements in information technology, our world has become ever smaller. As a result, our problems have become common and the remedies needed more urgent.
We must confront each and everyone of these challenges.
But even against such a backdrop, I do not think there should be any room for pessimism. I believe that every problem has a solution. This is especially true when a great extent of the issues we face today are man-made, and therefore can be solved by man.
Today, there is a growing understanding among the international community that the deficiencies and shortcomings of the present global order will have to change. For this reason, we are also in a unique position to be able to shape a new order of things, ranging from economics to good governance, and based on equity, transparency, legitimacy, trust and the preservation of human dignity.
Take, for instance, the recent global financial crisis. All of us have been affected by it and we have sought together a way out. The world has seen how the international community could work together and join its efforts to find the necessary solutions and the more efficient ways to implement them. The commendable role of G-20 and all its members, including Turkey and India, in this regard should be seen as a fine example which could be applied to other problems that we face.
But to be able to succeed, the bottom line is setting aside our differences and focusing on acting in unison with an unshakeable vision.
We need to be courageous in our approaches and bold in the action that we take. To say the least, I believe that we owe this effort to the coming generations, if we are determined to create a better future for our children and our grandchildren.
You may ask yourself why I am stressing that there are problems but that they can be solved. I am doing so because some of these problems will have to be solved by your generation. Turkish, Indian and other youths will have to rise together to face global challenges. My generation has full confidence in your generation. You are the future!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Asia has a particular significance for the future. Today, it is undeniable that Asia as a whole will leave its mark on the 21st century.
With its ever rising powers, growing economies, expanding capabilities and influence, Asia, to say the least, has already become a center of gravity. Furthermore, as we have left the first decade of this century behind, Asia is increasingly attracting more and more attention. With these parameters at hand, there is no doubt that Asia's future is promising. What better example is there for all of this than the huge leap forward that India has recorded in recent years? And what better example is there than the enormous potential that this country still has?
But Asia, like the rest of our world is also confronted with a number of problems that could create obstacles on its way toward becoming a much more prosperous continent. Furthermore, as clearly seen in the examples of rapidly growing economies of India and China, Asia's needs are simultaneously expanding as well. Energy appears on the top of this list of needs. Other challenges such as unsolved local and regional disputes and conflicts, and the threat of terrorism also should be taken into account.
But there is no question in my mind that Asians themselves are capable of finding the appropriate solutions. I have tried to underline the approach needed in this regard: a collective and determined stance based on the ownership of the issues at hand.
But above all, continued dialogue is needed. Surely, political will to tackle these and perhaps other issues I have not mentioned is also of utmost importance.
It is true that Asia's ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, while being an asset, may also pose significant challenges to the settlement of the continent's problems. But I believe that Asia is ready and willing to meet this challenge. It goes without saying that Asia can realize its true potential only if a spirit of cooperation, rather than rivalry, defines relationships on the continent.
Within this context, allow me to elaborate briefly on my country's experience. I believe that Turkey's approach to solving regional issues may offer some clues as to why it is now increasingly perceived as an honest broker and facilitator which inspires confidence in its partners.
We are fully aware that we are positioned in a very difficult neighborhood, prone to age-old disagreements and conflicts. But we are also aware that these are our region's issues and therefore, ownership of the existing problems constitutes a major first step. Then comes high-level political dialogue, which must be open, fair and continuous. Regardless of the nature of the problem, a courageous approach is also a must. And this is what Turkey has been doing.
With this spirit, we have embarked upon a policy which aims to have unproblematic and mutually beneficial relations with our neighbors.
Dealing with deep-rooted problems can be difficult at times; one can easily lose hope. But our experience tells us that if we work tirelessly to make the other party or parties understand that the solution will be mutually beneficial, and if there is sufficient political will and courage, then one will soon begin to see results.
Indeed, our intense efforts have started to produce concrete results. From our contributions to the political stability of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lebanon and Iraq to our ongoing efforts to revitalize the Middle East Peace Process and our initiatives to bring lasting stability and normalcy to the Caucasus, the examples are too numerous.
Having said this, I must point out that Turkey is not solely involved in issues pertaining to its immediate periphery. We are also vigorously working to utilize our strategic geographic location and historical characteristics to advance peace, stability and cooperation on a broader scale.
This is especially true where Asia is concerned. As a nation whose roots are embedded in Asia, we are trying to play the vital role of a bridge between Asia and Europe.
One example is our interest in reviving the historic Silk Road. In this regard, we are working to facilitate a multitude of transportation projects between the countries in Asia and their trading partners in Europe.
The same understanding is also true in the field of energy, where we are placing special importance on our transit role between the producer countries and growing markets.
In short, with our vision for bringing about a more integrated Eurasia in political, economic and cultural terms, I can easily say that Turkey's constructive engagements in Asia will continue to grow steadily in the coming years.
Distinguished Guests,
As I stated earlier, without doubt, one can easily say that India is one of the leading actors which will shape Asia's future.
There is so much that Asia can learn from India and its experiences:
- India is a major economic, intellectual and scientific driving force in the continent.
- India is the cradle of a magnificent civilization. It has endured and prospered through millennia, emanating and affecting different cultures, faiths and nations throughout history.
- Its stable democracy, its strong tradition of diverse cultural identity, its rich human fabric evolving in peace and harmony and its growing capability to exert influence over both regional and global affairs guarantees that India is an indispensible factor in its region.
Turkey sees India as a partner which can make a significant and positive contribution to maintaining and reinforcing prosperity and stability not only in Asia, but also at the global level.
Turkey and India are two countries fully aware of the value and fragile nature of peace, security and stability. And today, Turkish and Indian soldiers serve side by side under international peacekeeping missions around the world.
Based on this, I can say that our two countries will be able to play a constructive role in upholding global peace and security in the years to come.
At this point, I would like to come back to the unquestionable importance of education, where a very important duty falls on you, our educators: Let the young and eager minds of tomorrow gain a stronger basis for thinking about peace.
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
I would like to underline that Turkey has the political will to further develop its bilateral ties with India. I believe that both our countries have a lot to gain from a relationship on a broadened basis.
Our economic and commercial cooperation is already on the rise. To give just one example of our commercial dealings, Turkish textile producers increasingly depend on India for procuring essential raw materials such as cotton thread. Science and technology is another area where Turkish-Indian cooperation can produce significant results. Additionally, the Indian Ocean could very well become a route connecting Turkey and India in terms of vital energy resources.
With these thoughts, I can easily say that relations between Turkey and India are destined to grow and we will be ready to explore the full potential of those relations.
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we live in a world where opportunities and risks coexist. This is true for Turkey, for India and for Asia.
Indeed, our world has become ever smaller, our agenda more common, our interests and expectations more united.
This basis should provide us, the international community, with the will to work together towards creating a global environment defined by sustained peace, stability, democracy and human dignity as well as a fairer distribution of welfare.
Let me conclude with the words of the "Bapu" (Father), Mahatma Gandhi: "Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well."
I believe that these wise words can light up the path before us for a better world, a better tomorrow.
Once again, thank you for this honor, and thank you for your attention.