Dean’s speech on November 17, 2025, at Vyšehrad

Ladies and gentlemen, 

dear colleagues, students, 

Today we stand once again at Vyšehrad – 

to commemorate the Fight for Freedom and Democracy 

and International Students' Day. 

The events of 1939 and 1989 will always be linked to the courage of young people  

and their determination to stand up to injustice. 

They continue to teach us that freedom cannot be taken for granted – 

and that democracy requires the commitment of each successive generation 

to breathe new life into it. 

Universities are traditionally places 

where dialogue takes place, 

where different opinions clash – 

but where discussions are conducted with respect 

and arguments are based on verified facts. 

It is precisely this ability to listen, discuss 

and seek common solutions to differing positions 

that forms the basis of academic 

and democratic life. 

These principles must be constantly reiterated — 

not only to the public 

but also, within the academic community itself. 

Disagreements or disputes, 

which occasionally transfer from the academic environment to the public sphere, 

undermine the public’s confidence in the ability of the academic community to engage in constructive dialogue. 

If we – 

those who teach how to conduct discussions with respect – 

– cannot agree, how can society as a whole do so? 

Universities, therefore, must not only be places of learning 

but also embody a culture of dialogue and understanding. 

Only if we fulfil this role 

can the principles of academic freedom – 

openness, critical thinking and independence – 

stand up to the challenges posed by the outside world. 

The events we are commemorating today 

are, above all, a story of students– 

their courage and their belief in a better world. 

It is up to us 

to create a space where current and future students  

can freely ask questions, express their doubts and generate new ideas. 

Because tomorrow, they will be the ones protecting 

what we take for granted today. 

I would like to thank everyone 

who, through their work, teaching and attitude, 

help to maintain universities 

as places of freedom, education and cooperation. 

And above all, I would like to thank the students 

for constantly reminding us, 

through their energy and enthusiasm, 

why it makes sense to strive for these values. 

Thank you.