Hungary is a country of talents; the future of our country lies in young talents.

“We are proud of the outstanding intellectual achievements of the Hungarian people. (...) We believe that our children and grandchildren will make Hungary great again with their talent, persistence and moral strength. (...) We are proud that our nation has over the centuries defended Europe in a series of struggles and enriched Europe’s common values with its talent and diligence” 

The above thoughts appear in Hungary’s Fundamental Law. We, Hungarians, have no major natural resources, Hungary has no borders with seas or oceans and we lost much of our population, territory and industrial capacities and economic resources during the turmoil of the 20th century. 

Therefore we have had and we have to fight and strive for results, opportunities and a better life twice as hard as others. 

Hungary has given 13 Nobel prize winning scientists to the world. Hungary ranks among the ten most successful counties on the all-time medal list for Olympic Games, while in terms of gold medals Hungary is in the eighth place. Names of famous Hungarians, such as Albert Szent-Györgyi, János Neumann or Fernc Puskás are recognised all over the world, just like Hungaricums such as the Rubic cube or Zsolnay porcelain. Foreign visitors leave Hungary with the unique bitter-sweet taste of the crunchy caramel on the top of the Dobos cake or the smoky pleasant taste of the Szeged fish soup. 

What might the secret of the success be? 

The Hungarian answer to this is diligence and hard work, as well as courage, but what is the most essentially common in all of our achievements is none other but talent. 

Talented young people are our most important resource; the future of our country lies in young talents. Discovering and fostering talents, helping their capabilities flourish, is our common national cause. We must help young people from the very beginning in maximising their potentials. 

Hungary has made significant progress in building up a talent-friendly country during the past ten years. The National Talent Programme provides financial assistance for 300-350 thousand young people each year, and an increasing number of people offer 1% of their personal income tax for helping young talents. Professionals working in talent fostering are also rewarded. A scholarship programme called Stipendium Peregrinum is available for the most highly talented students, enabling young Hungarians to obtain degrees from the world’s best universities.   

The Hungarian talents live among us, both inside and outside Hungary’s borders. As President of Hungary I wish to focus the limelight on them.