 Your Excellency, Mahamudu Babumya, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor Ernest Ariete, Director of Wider Institute, Fintarp, Professor Ingrid Palmari, Researchers, Academia, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for the opportunity to speak here today. It is an honor to be included in this event. I am very, very pleased that during my tenure as Ambassador of Finland to Ghana, I have the opportunity to welcome here the Director of Wider Institute. Wider began its operations in my country over 30 years ago as the first research center of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique organization that produces top quality research and important policy advice and is known for its leadership in global development research. For me, this is actually at the same time a wonderful reunion with wider staff with whom I used to work closely in Helsinki. It is great to witness firsthand the cooperation between Wider Institute and the University of Ghana. This cooperation is long-standing and there are many University of Ghana students who have stayed at Wider. As a premier higher education institution, it is good to see this conference take place here at University of Ghana. A special mention goes to Professor Ernst Ariete as President of the African Research Universities Alliance and former chair of Wider Board. Relations between Finland and Ghana are active and I have been very pleased to see the many contacts between higher education institutions in Ghana and those in Finland. We also had the pleasure and privilege in Finland of receiving the Honorable Minister of Education of Ghana on a visit just a month ago. The discussions that were started there will continue when our Minister of Foreign Trade and Development comes to Ghana next month. It is a particular pleasure to see our relations flourish during a year that for Finland marks 100 years of independence and for Ghana 60. The theme of this conference could not be more pertinent. In the midst of perhaps historic developments, it is important to go beyond political rhetoric and quick sound bites and to take time with an open mind to have a proper look at issues surrounding migration and mobility with all the challenges and opportunities they offer. This will continue to be a very relevant subject for a long time. People have always moved and they always will. Finns have done so too. I congratulate the organizers for focusing on this important and timely theme and I wish everyone an excellent conference. I have to say I'm already extremely impressed by the participation and also by the organization. I thank you all for your kind attention. Thank you.