On 27 January 2025, the world, as well as our University, commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz camp complex, the place that has become a symbol of the darkest chapters of human history, a memento of the horrors of the Holocaust, but also a warning of the consequences of hatred, intolerance and systematic violations of human rights.
It is not only an opportunity to honour the memory of millions of innocent victims, but also an appeal to the importance of democracy, education and the protection of human dignity. Democracy, built on the values of justice, equality, mutual respect and humanity, is the best shield against totalitarianism, discrimination and dehumanisation.
As we face the challenges of modern times – including the rise of populism and hate speech – it is important to remind ourselves that peace, freedom and democracy are not a given. They are values that require our constant protection and active participation.
Education, which is the core mission of our institution as a public university, plays a key role in preventing such tragedies. It teaches us to understand the past, to recognise the dangers of extremism and to build a society based on mutual respect and responsibility.
