Your Majesty, King Abdullah II,
President of the Assembly of the Republic,
Distinguished Laureates, Her Majesty Queen Rania, of Jordan, and Dr. Jorge Sampaio,
President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly,
Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe,
Chairman of the North-South Centre Executive Council,
Members of Parliament,
Ambassadors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is always with great satisfaction that I take part in the Council of Europe North-South Prize award ceremony.

It is a great honour to have this year among us His Majesty, the King of Jordan. King Abdullah II’s commitment to peace in the Middle East and the example of tolerance, inclusion and moderation set by the Jordan society, so eloquently translate the founding values of the North-South Centre. Your Majesty’s presence here today is not only a source of inspiration, but a gesture that honours this Prize, the North-South Centre and the Council of Europe.

This ceremony takes place at a particularly symbolic moment. This year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe, the oldest political organisation in the European Continent, as well as the 50th anniversary of the European Court of Human Rights. These are two institutions which are mutually reinforcing and have become pillars of Human Rights defence.

The work performed by organisations such as the Council of Europe or the North-South Centre has brought noteworthy progress in the past decades at the level of respect for the dignity of the human individual, children’s rights promotion, intercultural tolerance and dialogue, and gender equality. These are progresses we can take great pride in, but that cannot make us forget the long path that still lies ahead of us.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The combination in 2009 of celebrations of such great symbolism in terms of Human Rights lends the present North-South Prize award ceremony a special meaning. A meaning enhanced by the humanism, dedication to the cause of public service and the promotion of intercultural dialogue, of which this year’s two laureates are the perfect example.

Her Majesty, Queen Rania, has been working exhaustively to defend women’s rights and freedoms, and to promote the role of women in the family and community, not only in Jordan but worldwide.

The projects and causes she embraces teach us that equal rights and opportunities, and the sharing of responsibilities amongst men and women are not only an ethical and humanistic imperative, but also a decisive contribution to combat poverty, hunger and disease, and foster balanced and sustainable development.

Queen Rania is also known for her commitment to combating illiteracy and promoting access to education, particularly of young people, as a means for the full development of the human personality. For all of these reasons Her Majesty, Queen Rania, is a living example of the goals that the North-South Prize aims to serve.

The other personality which we are also honouring today is someone the Council of Europe and all of us here present know well. Mr. Jorge Sampaio has led a life dedicated to the Human Rights and democracy causes.

Since he was a student at the Faculty of Law of the Lisbon University, Mr. Jorge Sampaio revealed a special concern for Human Rights protection and the defence of fundamental freedoms, a cause that he has taken up throughout his distinguished public career.

As former President of the Portuguese Republic, or member of the European Commission of Human Rights, the United Nations Secretary General's Special Envoy for Tuberculosis or High Representative of the United Nations for the Alliance of Civilisations, Mr. Jorge Sampaio has always been a steadfastly defender of the unprotected, as well as a promoter of inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue based on the respect for difference and tolerance of others.

In an era which sees new sources of instability arising, the mission that Mr. Jorge Sampaio has embraced, under the Alliance of Civilizations, is more relevant than ever. The dedication, refined sensitivity and the sense of justice with which he carries out his functions are a priceless value-added in the fight against intolerance and ignorance which feed on extremism and fundamentalism– regardless of political or religious beliefs – thus preventing these from becoming instruments of conflict and violence.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

By awarding Her Majesty Queen Rania and Mr. Jorge Sampaio the North-South Prize we are honouring these two illustrious figures, who have excelled in their commitment to defending Human Rights, and enhancing North-South partnership and solidarity.

Furthermore, we are telling them that we still count on their experience and dedication. They are essential for building a fairer world. Moreover, examples like those they provide are also needed for us to believe that such a better world can be achieved.

Thank you very much.