Each individual is unique. We all have equal worth. Young and old, those who can cope and those who need help.

If we dare to come closer to our fellow human beings, we will be able to see and understand them better.

Extremists and populist movements are exploiting people's fear of those who are not like us. We can see the consequences in the form of terrorism and racially motivated violence.

We must never relinquish the vision of a humane society and a humane world.

A person's worth is quite independent of their usefulness to society.

If each of us is to feel that he or she is valued, this calls for more than public funding.

We must remember that politics is more than a power game. The core of politics in my view is to serve our citizens, to serve our fellow human beings.