3
P
rince
of
A
sturias
A
wards
1981-2014. S
peeches
Speech III
The Prince of Asturias Foundation’s family, with its far-reaching and deeply fraternal embrace, keeps
increasing in size.
This is the third occasion on which I have had the opportunity to address you during the
solemn presentation ceremony of the Awards that bear my name and, like in previous years, I feel
moved and full of responsibility.
An “examination” of sorts is what I am experiencing now, like every year, but with much more
satisfaction and joy than with other types of academic examinations.
At this point I would like to recall a special event.
At the beginning of last June, on behalf of my father, The King, I made my first trip to America
in order to attend the commemoration of the four hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding
of Cartagena de Indias. It was an unforgettable experience for me. To beautiful and plural America,
the prolongation of our homeland across the oceans, I would like to return again and again.
For this reason, I express my gratitude in this public ceremony for the hospitality and affection
that were afforded to me by the President of the Republic of
Colombia, Belisario Betancur, who is among us here today.
Mr President, thank you very much. I give you thanks from
here, from my universal home of Asturias, from where so many
of its children set out to join together in ardour and work with
their fellows from the communities of Spanish America.
In culture and education lies the secret of coexistence, progress
and peace. Because of this I believe, as I said at the beginning of my speech, that the aims of this
Foundation contribute to broadening our great Spanish-American community. In this regard, I
feel whole-heartedly united to all of your initiatives and objectives.
On the other hand, the Awards, which have gained more renown and importance with each
passing day, have turned into a permanent and necessary message that is dispatched from here,
to Spain as well as to the nations of America, enabling us to enrich the legacy of distinguished
names in the different spheres of the arts, literature, science and cooperation among individuals
and communities.
I congratulate all of the Laureates. The fact that you have been chosen demonstrates how very
demanding the Prince of Asturias Foundation’s requirements are.
I also congratulate the Jury for their wise work, as difficult and committed as it is.
I express my gratitude to the wonderful region of Asturias and to this noble city of Oviedo for
offering us these magnificent surroundings.
And lastly I express my desire to be a diligent student in learning and studying the scientific
and artistic works and biographies that have been distinguished here. These symbolise the fecund
life of the communities, to which our Foundation, through culture and humanism, wishes to be
of service.
Thank you very much.
“In culture and education lies the secret
of coexistence, progress and peace.”
