- HRH Prince Edward The Earl of Wessex; Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of Romanian Crown; HRH Prince Radu of Romania; HRH The Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg join Vice-Mayor of Cluj-Napoca Dan Tarcea have given speeches to welcome attendees to the 14th Forum of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Association;
The Earl of Wessex, in his capacity as Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, has welcomed delegates to the Award’s 14th Forum with a speech paying tribute to the its impact across the world:
“It’s an absolute pleasure to be in Romania. What we do at the International Award is to guide young people to set and overcome challenges and to learn to achieve; to find their purpose, passion and place in the world. We are forever striving to reach young people regardless of circumstance or ability…everyone is welcome and the Award can benefit anyone.”
This week The Earl will join members of other European royal families to discuss and advocate for the importance of non-formal education and learning during the 14th Forum of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Association.
The four-day event, hosted by The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Romania and held during the month of education, brings together leaders from across the Award Association to discuss and plan the future growth of the Award worldwide.
The global Forum 2022 officially began this evening with a Welcoming Ceremony, where delegates and special guests were addressed by HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of Romanian Crown and HRH Prince Radu of Romania; HRH The Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg; The Rt. Hon. Lord Boateng, International Trustee and Chair of the Award’s International Council and Vice-mayor, Dan Tarcea, of Cluj Napoca.
In her speech, Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown praised the importance of the Forum in spotlighting the unwavering determination of her country and the young generation:
“I am proud that after two very difficult years of pandemic, and after eight months of a tragic and devastating war on our borders, my country and her young generation find the strength and moral resources to welcome friends from the whole world to Cluj, to show that friendship, generosity, sense of duty, bravery and freedom of spirit are stronger than evil, forever.”
The theme of the event, “supporting the infinite potential of young people”, will look at the challenges and opportunities facing young people today and examine how the Award can work with and alongside its participants, so ensure they are fully equipped to face the world and their futures head on.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education and learning, which challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world. Through developing transferable skills, increasing their fitness levels, cultivating a sense of adventure and volunteering in their community, the Award helps young people to grow and excel.
In Romania, the Award was first introduced in 1991 by Sister Agnes in Roman-Catholic Parish of Motru, being carried on locally until 2011. Since June 2013 The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Romania is patronized by Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown.