“I hope you experience this communion, learn from people wiser than yourselves and keep believing in Romania,” President Nicușor Dan told young participants at ITO 2026 on Tuesday.
The Romanian president attended the opening of the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth at the National Cathedral, alongside representatives of dioceses, sister Orthodox Churches and central and local authorities.
‘Such a timely theme’
Nicușor Dan congratulated the Romanian Patriarchate “for organising this event around such a timely theme — Youth, Family and Life in Christ”.
“I am convinced that during these days you will have time to reflect, each of you individually and all of you together, in a world where everything seems to be called into question, on the values we believe in and upon which we want to build our world and our society,” the Romanian head of state emphasised.
The President highlighted the need for young people to bear public witness to the values they believe in, not only within the Church, “because this country has a history”.
“There were people in these lands who fought for certain values and who made us what we are today. And we should be proud of those people.”
‘I cannot help but be optimistic’
Nicușor Dan also highlighted divisions within society and a growing unwillingness to engage in dialogue.
“What is unhealthy is for us to become entrenched in our positions and no longer hear what others believe, thus preventing us from working together so that we can move forward together.”
“There are not enough people present in the public sphere who have arguments, people capable of listening to others. Instead of hearing substantive dialogue that would help all of us progress, we hear shouting from one side and the other.”
“When I see so many young people, I cannot help but be optimistic. I wish you fruitful days!” the President told the young participants at ITO 2026.
This year’s International Meeting of Orthodox Youth brings together around 2,400 young people aged 16 to 35 from Romania, the Romanian diaspora, and other countries for four days.
Photo: BASILICA / Raluca-Emanuela Ene
