On 15 February 1991, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia signed the Visegrad Declaration. For three decades, we nurtured our cooperation by helping each other to great successes, such as joining the European Union and NATO together.
This anniversary, the time is ripe to pick a new mission. One that allows us to grow our partnership beyond ad-hoc political cooperation. One that encompasses more than our governments, uniting the shapers of our region in their efforts. One that spans from local to global, offering opportunities for joint achievement.
We need a purpose that lasts.
In seeking it, let the context guide us. The 21st century threatens with a climate disaster, the destruction of biodiversity, growing inequalities, social fragmentation and unsustainable economies. Those holding the answers to these challenges are the ones writing the future. We cannot afford to lag behind on this if we want to stay relevant and alive.
Our founders had foreseen this. In the declaration, they called for “increasing cooperation in the field of ecology”. It is something we never devoted enough attention to. In 2021, we can make a correction by leaping ahead. Let the V4 take on SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP as its permanent cooperation priority.
Placing sustainability at the heart of our group will give us a chance to make the V4 stronger. Around it, we can develop our already existing institutions, such as the Visegrad Fund, and create new ones to enhance coordination. Sustainability also offers a way to cultivate meaningful partnerships between our businesses, NGOs, professionals and young changemakers, taking bold steps with our governments for a green, fair and ambitious future.
Sustainability is the key to a more cohesive V4.
With only a few months left of the Polish Presidency, this historic opportunity falls on the upcoming Hungarian administration. We call on it to take up the mantle of change and deliver the Visegrad Group into a new era of cooperation. As, V4SDG we are always here to help.
This is about sustainability – of the world, and of the V4.
This is the guarantee of our long-term unity.
András Volom
President
V4SDG - Visegrad for Sustainability