Technische Universität München Univ.Prof. EoE Dr.- Ing. Holger Magel Congratulations Speech at the Graduation Ceremony 2015 Dear Graduates, Dear Dean Prof. Pail,dear friend and acting chair Prof. Wunderlich, Distinguished Guests, First of all, I would like to thank Tea Dabrundashvili for her informative speech. Tea has clearly pointed out some of the hot global issues and challenges in the very complex land sector,especially in the field of good land governance,what naturally is not easy to implement.but it is important to try it. Once again, we from TUM and you as new TUM graduates can be very proud, and even feel privileged to be much more involved in efforts for improving human conditions. Everywhere, including in Germany and Bavaria, we face the tremendous challenges concerning urbanization and rural-urban migration, which results in the emptying rural areas and the loss of rural homes for millions of rural people. We have just now heard the apology of the World Bank for having supported even forced evictions from rural areas Seite 1 von 1
due to major infrastructure projects. It is a shame for the World Bank that did not follow its ethics, morals and principles. My Dear Students, and now my Dear Graduates, a new period in your life will start after your return in your home countries. Today all of you will get Master of Science degree from the best Technical University in Germany. You will then be better equipped to cope with the various challenges in your countries, either in urban, peri-urban or rural areas. You have learned a lot about the existing theories, methods, programs, and solutions. Don t forget: The urban problems and the increasing urban poor are primarily a result of the problems in and of rural areas. Remember what I have said several times to you: If the rural areas do not breathe any more the big and especially the mega cities will suffocate. That means, we have to pay more attention, and I would add with the highest priority to the right politics, theories, strategies and programs for rural areas. With respective to a practicable comprehensive rural development goals, objectives, and measures. The German Government, as well as the International Community, has now re- discovered rural issues. Unfortunately very late!!! Moreover, what they offer now as new /old ideas is mostly still too much agriculturally oriented or not comprehensive enough. However, we need urgently comprehensive and integrated programs that cover all sectors Seite 2 von 7
of human life, naturally including new approaches and solutions to the rural economy including establishment of SME. I hope that our program, lectures and lecturers could successfully convince you to fight for such thinking and actions at home. Do not forget: In Europe, in Germany and Bavaria we still believe in equivalent living and working conditions everywhere, in urban and rural areas. Bavaria, therefore, wants to achieve what we call territorial justice! We do not like to concentrate only on urban areas accepting more and more mega agglomerations. We already complain about the growth of Munich area though it is still very little compared with the megacities in your countries! Your politicians and governments in Africa, America or Asia should study the European approaches to smart, inclusive and sustainable territorial development. Whether entirely or only partially successfully, it should aim at bridging the gap between urban and rural areas. China has already started its "Chinese way" of strengthening rural regions. The reason is clear. China is afraid of suffocating megacities like Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Guangzhou, etc. You as a professional in your country should urge your bosses to study these international approaches for a more successful integrated policy. However, there is another more important worldwide issue. It is about the respect for human dignity and human rights according to UN human rights declaration. It is crucial that we acknowledge that all people are equal Seite 3 von 7
whether living in cities or villages, whether rich or being elites or poor farmers and illiterates. Dear Graduates, please never forget what I have tried to teach you and to supply you with a lifelong legacy. That is, land management; urban and rural development must always be oriented to the three aspects of justice that are embedded in human rights and human dignity. Please adopt them in your doing your jobs wherever you live. They are: (1) Opportunities for everybody and the next generations. (2) Fulfillment of basic needs for everybody -e.g. food, fresh water, shelter and land. And, (3) Fair procedures concerning good governance and treatment between government and people, transparency, rule of law, etc. I am very happy that the new Zukunftscharta (charter of future) of German BMZ points out very clearly the fundamental importance and priority of human dignity and human rights! The Zukunftscharta is a contribution to the global post-2015 agenda particularly to the new SDGs. My dear graduates, if you follow the "threefold justices" that I have just mentioned in your work, you would live a more respectable life. In addition, if you try to follow the principle of truth, you will be much better protected against challenges and temptations such as corruption, misuse of power, one-sided Seite 4 von 7
careerism, and nepotism, etc. Always keep some distance. This is my farewell wish combined with congratulations to all of you for having reached your academic goal. Several TUM master alumni in Cambodia are currently mourning about the sudden death of Prof. Volker Müller,the very popular GIZ Team leader of Land Rights Programme. We from our Center are also deeply shocked and sad about this huge loss.i would like to request you remembering him for some minutes as our tribute to an unforgettable friend and expert! Ladies and gentlemen, this ceremony is a special ceremony for me, and this congratulatory speech is unique too. It may be my last ceremony, and surely will be my last speech as program director of this excellent and unique TUM Master Program. 15 years ago I decided to establish this program following a surprising and urgent request from DAAD and GIZ. It was not easy to succeed with this idea within TUM because my faculty was not very amused about this new, unexpected baby. However, the baby was born and was crying for help for capable staff members, institutional equipment, and financial supply -just like it happened and still happens to all other programs. After exciting discussions and finally strong support by the president, the first program started in 2001. Now, nearly 14 years later, I will step down with some tears in my eyes, but also with some pride in my mind, and many Seite 5 von 7
thanks in my heart. It was an exciting and enriching part of my professional life. Sometimes we even could watch marriages or the birth of new babies!!i have always enjoyed the discussions with you and your predecessors as very intelligent representatives of nearly 50 countries all over the world. Remember what I have always said: You are the hope and the future of your countries. Moreover, I am particularly proud of our center that we now have got many graduates in important positions at home and that we even have got more and more Dr.-Ing.! And one of these doctors, Eugene Chigbu, is even much more than a normal TUM Doctor. He was appointed one of the very few members of African Good Governance Network. The African Good Governance Network comprises of a group of highly educated African academics that are dedicated to Good Governance principles, under the auspices of former German President Prof. Horst Köhler. I have always been proud of my staff members, especially the four program managers - Babette Wehrmann, Albert Schwiening, Jorge Espinoza and now Fahria Masum. However, I am thankful to the whole staff and to all other lecturers and professors, who made the course comprehensive and unique with respect to the Munich understanding of integrated land management. And many thanks also to our partners and supports in the administrative and business sector! Seite 6 von 7
Land Management is not only about cadastre, land register or SDI. The Munich Pentaphony of Land Management shows very clearly that Land Management must be based on ethical grounds. If you do not believe in human rights, if you do not believe in territorial justice you will never get a well balanced and well developed, or like Chinese call it, harmonious country. Always believe in this idea and mission despite a lot of existing problems which will always happen and will never end.that`s life!. Most importantly, keep to your dreams and visions! Always think about the saying of Village developers : If you do not have the courage to dream, you will never get the power to act. Finally, I wish you many, many dreams in your life. I am convinced you will have an excellent future. Many thanks especially to our Programme manager Fahria Masum and her colleagues who have surprised and honoured me with a wonderful slide show and a unique book including overwhelming dedications of my staff members and former students across the world. Thus I never can forget this part of my life! Goodbye! Seite 7 von 7