President János Áder addressed the Friends of Hungary Community in a video message, telling members that we should embrace our new lives and grow from the challenge the pandemic has given us.
The Hungarian president started his speech by quoting Pope Francis’ statement that a person comes out of a crisis changed, either for better or for worse. Áder suggests that it is better to prepare for a changed, better life together after the pandemic, than to want our old lives back.
Áder emphasized that actually, the situation is much more promising than many may think. He reminded us that last year estimates thought that it would take three years to develop a vaccine, the only solutions at the time were quarantine, social distancing, and pandemic restrictions.
While the much earlier than expected introduction of the vaccines came as “a light at the end of the tunnel,” newer virus variants led to an even stronger, even deadlier third wave.
Today, more than a year after the outbreak, we still cannot say that we are at the end of the road: there is still much suffering, many losses and unresolved issues. Lives are still at risk.”
Still, there is a far greater level of protection to those who have been inoculated with what the president describes as “any of the vaccines that were developed with far greater speed than any previous estimates would have expected.”
Hungary’s vaccination rate, alongside promising statistics, indicates that we will soon reach the milestone from where our road only leads to overcoming the pandemic. This is far more promising, Áder said, than the uncertainty that has ruled the past year.
Every time we would find a solution to our problems, new questions would sweep away the answers that were assumed to be reassuring. Slowly, we can once again step ahead, and take the initiative out of the virus’ hands. Because now we have the tools and a strong enough defense to allow us to prepare for the distant future. Because if everything goes well, within a year, we could have our own vaccine.”
Áder said that the Friends of Hungary community can do much to help us be stronger, wiser, more solidarized, careful, and foreseeing. He brought up the work of Hungarian biochemist Katalin Karikó and her colleagues, thanks to which a new technology can now be used in the mass production of life-saving coronavirus vaccines.
The president specifically referred to one of Karikó’s interviews where she said that her ability to find solutions to the obstacles faced in her most difficult times depended on herself, her knowledge, and her perseverance.
Áder wishes this same approach for everyone in further developing healthcare, revitalizing and sustaining the economy, supporting science, and strengthening communities.
In this task Hungary is counting on its friend’s active cooperation. Your perseverance, preparation to collaborate, knowledge, and loyalty,”
the Hungarian president concluded by wishing everyone a successful online conference.
Featured photo via the Friends of Hungary Foundation
