“ Get out of the challenge that the pandemic has thrown at us ”

President János Ãder addressed the Friends of Hungary Foundation in a video message, telling members that we should embrace our new lives and step out of the challenge the pandemic has thrown at us.
The Hungarian President began his speech by quoting Pope Francis’ statement that a person emerging from a crisis has changed, for better or for worse. Ãder suggests that it is better to prepare for an improved and better life together after the pandemic than to want to return to our old lives.
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the Friends of Hungary Foundation, editor of Hungary today, was established in 2011 with the aim of providing value-based, but non-partisan, information to the community of Friends of Hungary and the general public on events and successes concerning Hungary and Hungarians around the world. The Foundation collects and disseminates information on social, cultural, economic and scientific activities of Hungarians, strengthening ties between Hungarians living in their homeland and in the Diaspora. The Friends of Hungary strive to create a more complete and accurate public image of Hungary and the Hungarians. The Foundation sees itself as a bridge between academic figures and actors in public life in Hungary and abroad. There are many Hungarians all over the world who are successful abroad: they are proud to be Hungarians and Hungarians are proud of it.
Ãder pointed out that in fact the situation is much more promising than many think. He reminded us that estimates last year thought it would take three years to develop a vaccine, with the only solutions at the time being quarantine, social distancing and pandemic restrictions.
While the much earlier-than-expected introduction of vaccines appeared to be âa light at the end of the tunnel,â new virus variants led to an even stronger, if not deadly, third wave.
Today, more than a year after the epidemic, we still cannot say that we are at the end of the road: there is still a lot of suffering, loss and unresolved problems. Lives are still in danger. “
Yet there is a much higher level of protection for those who have been vaccinated with what the President describes as “one of the vaccines that have been developed at a much faster rate than any previous estimate would have expected.” “.
Hungary’s vaccination rate, coupled with promising statistics, indicates that we will soon reach the milestone from which our road only leads to overcoming the pandemic. This is much more promising, Ãder said, than the uncertainty that reigned last year.
Whenever we found a solution to our problems, new questions would sweep away the supposedly reassuring answers. Slowly we can once again get ahead and get the initiative out of the hands of the virus. Because now we have the tools and a strong enough defense to enable us to prepare for the distant future. Because if all goes well, within a year we could have our own vaccine.
Ãder said that the Friends of Hungary community can do a lot to help us be stronger, wiser, more united, careful and far-sighted. He referred to the work of Hungarian biochemist Katalin Karikó and her colleagues, thanks to which new technology can now be used in the mass production of vital coronavirus vaccines.
The President specifically referred to one of Karikó’s interviews where she said that her ability to find solutions to obstacles encountered in her most difficult times depended on herself, her knowledge and her perseverance.
Ãder wants this same approach for everyone to further develop healthcare, revitalize and support the economy, support science and strengthen communities.
In this task, Hungary counts on the active cooperation of its friend. Your perseverance, your preparation for collaboration, your knowledge and your loyalty, “
the Hungarian President concluded by wishing everyone a successful conference.
Featured photo via Friends of Hungary Foundation