Speaking to the students, Gitanas Nausėda said that the University was the perfect space to discuss and deliberate on today’s global challenges, advances in technology and their implications for the future of society. According to the President, it was particularly important to explore issues of sustainable development and coherence in society at the academic level, especially in the context of Russia's war in Ukraine and its impact on our lives.
“It is only through discussions on topics such as climate change, sustainability, green transformation, and public health that solutions and new ideas can emerge,” the President said.
Gitanas Nausėda also underscored the transnational aspect of education and the role of universities in society as leader-building institutions.
“Today, humanity faces global challenges that require global solutions across security, climate change, public health, and other areas. I firmly believe that you, as young, creative and forward-thinking people, will contribute to new and innovative solutions, stay open to the world, without shying away from critical thinking," the President said.
The first couples of Lithuania and Belgium were welcomed by the Rector of Vilnius University, Professor Rimvydas Petrauskas, who took them on a tour of Vilnius University. The guests were shown the collection of books of the Lithuanian noble Sapiega family and the manuscripts of Joachim Lelewel at the University Library.
