Americans must remember the importance of preserving and fighting for Western civilization, a Hungarian official said in a speech on campus Monday.

“I am really happy to be here at Hillsdale because Hillsdale is a pioneer — and a persevering pioneer in the endeavor of making America a good place where people can live a good life. All the best luck to you, and I am rooting for you,” said Minister of Culture and Innovation János Csák. 

Csák is a part of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government, which is known for its family and country-first policies.

The minister started his speech by reflecting on the positive turn Hungary has made culturally and economically in the last few years.

“In a nutshell, I would say we are punching above our weight,” Csák said. “We are an ambitious people.”

Csák said Hungary’s position in Europe can make things difficult politically, but despite that, Hungary is thriving.

“Hungary is not only an open country because of the geography situation, but we are an open economy,” Csák said. “Our exports are equal to our GDP.”

Csák highlighted that the country, which has a population slightly less than that of Michigan, is number 10 in the world on the Economy Complexity Index because of its emphasis on manufacturing and supporting “quality graduates” from its higher education system.

“For us Hungarians, the purpose [of our nation] is really down to earth simple. Our ancestors have been living there for 1,100 years,” Csák said. “We want the Hungarian country to be preserved and stay for another 1,100 years.”

He argued America’s purpose is similar, but Americanmust remember the importance of preserving the connections that hold the country together.

“The first attachment is family. And, actually, if you think about it, identity and culture is passed on to the new generation in educational institutions like schools, universities, and churches,” Csák said. “But predominantly, the biggest impact you will get is from your family. Hence, if you want to preserve your identity, if you want to project it into the future, first you have to support family formation.”

While families should come first, and Hungary is prioritizing the issues like increasing the fertility rate of its citizens, it is also the duty of the nation to nurture the citizens’ attachment to the political community, Csák said.

He also emphasized the importance of freedom and laws and customs working hand-in-hand.

“There is no individual freedom without constitutional freedom — without the framework of your political entity, such as the laws and customs and other things that enables you to live your individual freedom.”

Timothy Caspar, lecturer of politics and associate vice president for External Affairs, introduced Csák.

“We, and everyone here, are united in another deeper way, by our love of Western civilization and by our love of freedom,” Caspar said.

Csák encouraged Americans to band together to preserve the culture.

“If you don’t control your destiny, someone else will,” Csák said. 

Senior Sabrina Sherman attended the talk and said while it was engaging and informative, it gave her a different perspective on the situation in America.

“While I was really happy that Hungary is doing so well,” Sherman said, “it was also sad listening to the talk and thinking about how our government is not only not doing things to help traditional families and support the Western heritage and values, but is actively trying to tear it down and make it worse and harder for the average person trying to start their life.”

While she said some aspects of the talk made her discouraged, she left feeling hopeful.

“What stood out most to me was a feeling of hope that it is not too late to return to tradition and reverse course on the radical leftist agenda that the West had been barreling towards for years,” Sherman said. “Minister Csák emphasized repeatedly that it will be very difficult, but with hard work it is possible.”