A nation with a shared past and a shared future also bears a shared responsibility. This is not merely an ideal but an indispensable necessity. The choices we make, the leaders we elect, and the way we interact with each other and our environment shape not only our lives but also the lives of future generations. Surinamers, we are collectively responsible for the direction our country takes. This responsibility extends beyond the political arena to our daily interactions with our elders, the care we give to our natural environment, and the nurturing of our youth. These are all pieces of a larger mosaic in which each of us plays a role. Avoiding this responsibility means undermining the very foundation of our society. Leadership is a shared duty. We choose our leaders, but they act on our behalf. Therefore, we cannot merely point fingers at politicians; we must also look inward. Are we the examples we expect from our leaders? Do we listen to each other, even when opinions differ? Do we make space for the voices of the vulnerable? Do we cherish the earth that sustains us and protect the heritage that has shaped us? This responsibility is especially palpable as our country reflects on 50 years of independence. Fifty years of building together, of struggle and progress, but also of lessons and challenges. This anniversary is a moment of reflection: what have we endured together, what have we achieved together, and what legacy are we leaving for those who follow us? It is a reminder that our future is not guaranteed but is the result of our collective efforts. This is particularly relevant as a new economic future dawns with the promise of an oil boom. While this development could bring prosperity and growth, its success depends on our collective care and responsibility. It requires sustainable thinking, fair distribution, and the preservation of our natural resources. Only by acting together, with consideration for both people and the environment, can we ensure that this new source of wealth becomes a blessing for everyone, now and in the future. Shared responsibility also means not turning a blind eye to the problems that affect us but tackling them together. Whether it’s social inequality, climate change, or raising children in an increasingly complex world, these challenges can only be overcome if we find common ground in our shared duty. Every individual, every community, every institution has a role to play. And it starts close to home. How do we treat our elders? With respect and care, or do we too often leave them to their fate? What do we do with the nature around us? Do we see it as an inexhaustible resource, or do we realize that our future depends on how we treat it? And most importantly, what values are we passing on to our children, who will carry our society forward? Shared responsibility is the glue that binds us. It is the understanding that we are stronger together, that our future is not the sum of separate individuals but of a collective that supports and challenges each other. It is a call to actively contribute to a society where everyone matters, where we learn from the past to create a just future. Without this shared responsibility, a nation loses its cohesion and, with it, its future. Therefore, let us not wait for others to act but start today—with small steps, with conscious choices. Together, we are the architects of tomorrow.