Where is Lithuania going? What is the future vision, the common goal which would unite Lithuanians? In the discussion “Lithuania, quo vadis?”, initiated by law firm Triniti and Global Lithuanian Leaders, have invited architect Algirdas Kaušpėdas, candidates to the European Parliament Gabrielius Landsbergis and Juras Požėla and historian Arvydas Anušauskas who were trying to answer these questions.
Fast changing world, power shifts and globalization urges us as a nation and a country to have one strong vision and a plan how to become an important player in the global world, seek leading positions in various important areas internationally, strive for excellence. It is crucial to have key success drivers identified in addition to a strong set of values as pillars for the successful development and achievement of this important goal.
Last 24 years witnessed major power shifts and developments. Lithuania has reached the objectives of historical importance: restored its independence, completed multi-step processes of European and global integration by entering the EU and NATO, and almost finalised the last national challenge – introduction of euro. These impressive results prove the ability of Lithuanians to aim high, work hard and unite for common goals.
With main objectives achieved, what shall Lithuania aim for next? Do Lithuanians, locally and globally, have a vision and objectives to reach out for? What idea or goal could inspire and bring everybody together?
“There are many “unrenovated” people in Lithuania” said A. Kaušpėdas, adding the idea that people should be educated more and “come out of the darkness”. When asked what could be the goal for Lithuania, Kaušpėdas said that it is necessary to have a national idea which would unite the people.
G. Landsbergis agreed that Lithuania needs to have a goal, stating that there is no such organization, which would survive without an objective. He also said that a country should pursue to be safe and prosperous.
As it was mentioned by J. Požėla, one of the current problems is the fact that majority of people do not consider long-term perspectives. He said that for most Lithuanians it is hard to plan something far in the future simply because they will no longer be here. Lack of positivity was also one of the problems pointed out by Požėla. He suggested that there should be more “good news“ in the media.
A. Anušauskas supported Požėla on the idea of positivity stating that young people should have good and affectionate associations of Lithuania. This could be one of the ways to maintain the relationship with the ones who have emigrated.
There was a live broadcasting of the discussion on Delfi.tv which was watch by almost 2000 people. Watch the recording of the discussion here.
Media about the event: http://bit.ly/1guDgmf
Photographs from the event: http://on.fb.me/1dpU8dp
More about the initiative: www.gll.crafts-world.com/projects/global-lithuania-club-powered-by-triniti/