Ambassador Kounalakis Launches Year of Active Citizenship

Ambassador Kounalakis presents the award to Hungarian Baptist Aid Director Béla Szilágyi (Embassy photo by Attila Németh)

On January 26, 2012, Ambassador Kounalakis launched the Active Citizenship initiative. Throughout the year and across the country, Ambassador Kounalakis will recognize citizens and organizations that are working to make a difference in their communities.

The Ambassador presented the inaugural Award for Active Citizenship to Hungarian Baptist Aid in recognition of the organization’s domestic and international humanitarian work. In recognition she noted:

“Hungarian Baptist Aid is a major force in Hungarian civil society that has provided vital assistance to people in need. Their list of undertakings in Hungary is extensive and includes launching secondary school education campaigns to raise awareness about Trafficking in Persons and the perils of drug smuggling, advocating against racism, and providing after-hours programs and activities for the homeless and addicts. They also run a nation-wide holiday shoe-box charity that collects and distributes thousands of holiday gifts for under privileged children.
 
Their work within Hungary is only part of what this incredible organization has accomplished.  They are also active in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Western Hemisphere.  In Afghanistan, they have served alongside Hungary’s NATO contingent in Baghlan province, providing mid-wife training and medical support.  In Haiti, Hungarian Baptist Aid and their U.S. counterparts were among the first responders in the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake. Two years later, they are still engaged in the rebuilding of Haiti. Just this month, they opened a school and orphanage that will provide care and education for hundreds of Haitian children.”

Following the awards ceremony, attendees from civil society, the government, academia and Fulbright and RETURN alumni discussed the initiative and what makes an “active citizen.” They noted that active citizenship should be about individual responsibility as well as building up institutions and civil society. They also stressed the importance of engaging youth and working in partnership to foster strong communities and a better world.  They also shared their ongoing efforts to promote active citizenship within their personal and professional lives.

To give your feedback on active citizenship and nominate those you believe should be recognized check out our Active Citizenship page.