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It is with renewed satisfaction that I take part in the awards ceremony for the North-South Prize of the Council of Europe.

This Award recognizes people who, by their actions, stand out for contributing to the protection of human rights, the defence of democracy and the rule of law, and the promotion of freedom, intercultural dialogue and interdependence between peoples. The award-winning individuals are examples of hard work and perseverance and, often, many sacrifices.

Building on these common values inscribed in the structure of the Council of Europe, this Award has, over the years, honoured entities coming from many distinct contexts, thus highlighting the diversity and plurality of the North-South Centre.

The winners of this edition are clear examples of this: His Highness the Aga Khan and the Aga Khan Development Network, and Dr. Suzanne Jabbour.

His Highness the Aga Khan and the Aga Khan Development Network need no introduction. I only wish to underline the commitment and the role they have played in favour of strengthening civil society, the spirit of pluralism and respect for cultural diversity.

The Aga Khan Network, present in 30 countries, has long worked to improve people’s living conditions and access to opportunities, highlighting in particular, areas such as health, education, rural development, culture, architecture and entrepreneurship. Based on an impressive project, which develops partnerships with various public and private institutions, from governments to international organizations, businesses, foundations and universities.

I hope that this Award will also serve to stimulate cooperation between the Aga Khan Development Network and the North-South Centre itself.

Today we also pay tribute to Suzanne Jabbour, a doctor with a leading role in the promotion of human rights and, in particular, the fight against torture in prisons and detention centres in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Her work is concerned with supporting the rehabilitation of victims through a number of legal, medical and psychological support services.

Besides managing the NGO "Restart", the functions that Dr. Suzanne Jabbour carries out as Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, and Vice-Chairperson of the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, are an additional testimony of her value and her dedication.

In previous sessions, areas revealing the importance and value of the North-South Centre have been highlighted. This year, I stress the aspect of human rights, a consensual issue in terms of words, but which in practice, unfortunately, still remains unfulfilled. The work of Suzanne Jabbour illustrates well this situation. I would also give particular mention to the prospects for education and development, underlying the action of the Aga Khan Network, which covers a broad spectrum of countries and social situations, including, for the last few years, Portugal.

This is therefore, just recognition of the commitment and work of these prize winners who, through concrete and inspiring accomplishments, mindful of society, chose to assume their responsibilities as people.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I welcome to this ceremony the highest representative of the Council of Europe. I hope that his presence will contribute to the commitment of all in reinforcing the role and mission of the North-South Centre.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the North-South Centre. The Centre was established as a platform for common dialogue, bringing together participants from the Europe and neighbouring regions for the promotion of universal values, thus contributing to the democratic process, through global education for citizenship and intercultural dialogue. It has the unique characteristic of bringing together, through its activities, representatives of governments, parliaments, regional and local authorities and civil society.

As I have already stated, in the last quarter century, the Centre has evolved enormously. The role it has played throughout this time, as a place for dialogue, is even more relevant today.

I am referring in particular, to the Southern "frontier", bearing in mind the political dynamics of these Countries. It is exciting to observe the growing interest shown in the Centre’s activity by countries South of the Mediterranean and from other parts of Africa. The 2014 edition of the Lisbon Forum will deal, precisely with the electoral process and democratic consolidation in the Southern Mediterranean.

The Centre currently has, amongst a greatly enlarged group of countries, networks of working groups centred on questions about young people and the rights of women. It undertakes, in particular, a very important role in the process of training and building the capabilities of young people to exercise citizenship, and prepare them to take an active role in the democratic process and in the political life of their countries. In this way it also contributes to the struggle, mostly amongst the younger age group, to combat growing disenchantment, alienation and absenteeism in democracy, a phenomenon that has come to affect our societies.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The work undertaken by the North-South Centre and its impact on people's daily lives, shows how, even in the difficult circumstances currently being faced, the Centre continues to deserve the political and institutional support of the Council of Europe and of all countries interested in strengthening the links between the two shores of the Mediterranean.

I reiterate the importance that Portugal attributes to the role of the North-South Centre. The Award ceremony, which is held annually in Lisbon, at the highest level, is, in itself, most revealing of our acknowledgement.

Thank you very much.