We Remember: A champion for global democracy and equality
It is with great sadness that GLOBSEC mourns the recent passing of Madeleine Albright. Her contributions to advancing both transatlantic relations and gender equality were nothing short of titanic where her impact is still felt today and will be for the foreseeable future.
From her humble beginnings as a daughter of Central Europe during the Second World War, to being named as the first woman to hold the position of US Secretary of State, her story of personal persistence and unwavering promotion of peace, openness, kindness, and security is inspirational.
In 2016, GLOBSEC had the privilege of hosting Secretary Albright at the Bratislava Forum. The same year, she was awarded the prestigious Czech and Slovak Transatlantic Award for her years of tireless service. With Eastern Europe engulfed by the tide of war, and Central Europe on the frontline of this struggle, her words of the past are as meaningful today when it comes to Allies standing side by side in times of crisis,
“We all have our baggage that we come with and mine is definitely the fact that US needs to be involved. I was born in Prague, and I know the United States was not at Munich. Terrible things happened. I was in London during the war when the Americans came in and everything changed. Then as a result of agreements made during World War II, Czechoslovakia was behind the Iron Curtain, and not with the United States. My whole life’s beliefs are based on the fact that United States does need to be involved.”
“Let's celebrate her life story, the legacy and the inspiration she gave us. Let's not forget that even immigrants who run away from political oppression or war, can make it big in the world, push themselves among the best and make the world a better place,” said GLOBSEC President Róbert Vass upon learning of the passing of Secretary Albright.
The entire organization sends its condolences to the Albright family during this tough time.
Revisit Secretary Albright’s appearance at the 2016 Bratislava Forum: “Future of Democracy in a Disordered World”