NESsT-Citi Social Enterprise Competition

Awards Reception 2007

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Welcome Remarks from Ambassador April Foley, United States Ambassador to Hungary

Ambassador April H. Foley

Good evening, Lee Davis, Bartara Sianturi, Ken Quinn and Andrew Sandor. As United States Ambassador to Hungary, I am deeply honored to speak to you this evening on a topic about which I feel quite passionate – corporate citizenship and creating and nurturing a culture of giving back.

Let me begin by commending the tremendous work of this Symposium and everyone involved it. The idea of bringing leaders and decision-makers together who represent civil society, philanthropy, and the corporate and investment worlds, with the goal of supporting social enterprise development, is very powerful.

In the words of Robert F. Kennedy, “But history will judge you, and as the years pass, you will ultimately judge yourself, in the extent to which you have used your gifts and talents to lighten and enrich the lives of your fellow men. In your hands lies the future of your world and the fulfillment of the best qualities of your own spirit.”

The work

of this Symposium and each of you is a gift to this region. Stifled and oppressed under a political system that systematically erased personal empowerment, individuality, innovation, and creativity – all hallmarks of freedom and democracy – your efforts to support organizations that are dedicated to reinvigorate and reward personal and institutional development are phenomenal.

I am always amazed and impressed by the dramatic impact responsible corporate citizenship can have on the lives of so many.

For example, in 2006, the Citi Foundation of Citigroup gave more than $92 million in 86 countries. Their programs focus on financial education, educating the next generation and building communities and entrepreneurs that touch literally thousands of lives by giving people the tools to determine their own future.

Squire Sanders & Dempsey, the highly regarded and well-known international law firm, has a long history of community involvement and activism since it was established in 1890 in Cleveland, Ohio. Their path continues through their global operations, in which they promote transparency and respect for the rule of law. I could go on about the generosity and compassion of American firms.

In addition to my years spent in the corporate world, I also had the opportunity to work with a variety of charities before I became Ambassador. The resilience of the human spirit never ceased to amaze me. Given the chance, people will grow and flourish. Those that succeed look back to extend a helping hand to those behind them. As Albert Einstein opined, “It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.”

What you are doing matters, and it is important to shine a very bright spotlight on your activities. I wish you all great success in your endeavors, and I extend my warmest congratulations to the awardees this evening because I am unable to stay for the presentations.

Thank you.

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