Keynote Address by H.E. Dr. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, President of Kosovo
On the occasion of Kosovo’s National Day at EXPO 2025 Osaka
Osaka, Japan – 11 June 2025
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Thank you very much and Konichiwa to everyone, good afternoon and thank you once again Minister Yoshitaka Ito for your kind words and the warm welcome to Osaka EXPO here.
Distinguished hosts,
Honorable representatives of the Government of Japan,
Representatives from the Republic of Kosovo and all around the world,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a profound honor to address you today on behalf of the people and the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo as we mark our country’s National Day here at EXPO 2025 in the vibrant and visionary city of Osaka.
It is only fitting that this day is coinciding with the celebrations marking Kosovo’s Liberation Day that are already taking place in our country.
Allow me to first extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of Japan and the organizers of this World Expo for their warm hospitality for our delegation and for also crafting a space where countries from every corner of the globe can come together – not only to exhibit what they build, what they produce, or design – but also to share the very essence of who they are, and more importantly, who they aspire to be.
As one of the youngest democracies in the world, Kosovo stands proudly among you today – not defined by its size, but by the strength of its people, the courage of its history, and the clarity of its vision.
Tomorrow, as I said, is Liberation Day in Kosovo, when we mark the day our people were finally freed from oppression and from a genocidal regime—a day that honors the courage of those who fought for our freedom, the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also the strength of the Alliances that came to our help in our hour of need.
Today, Kosovo is a thriving, forward-looking democracy at the very heart of Europe, governed by the rule of law, driven by a new generation of innovators, and deeply committed to Euro-Atlantic values. Our young people, who constitute the majority of our population are the engineers coding tomorrow’s solutions, the artists giving form to our identity, businesses that are thriving and scientists that are bringing our region closer to global progress.
And while our youth innovate and build, they also carry forward the richness of our culture. Few expressions of that culture are more powerful than music, which is why I am proud that Kosovo’s Philharmonic joins us today, ready to share a piece of our identity with all of you.
And in that spirit, our participation at EXPO 2025 is more than symbolic. It is a testament to our commitment to global cooperation, sustainable development, and to closer ties with our partners, primarily with Japan.
The theme of this Expo—“Designing Future Society for Our Lives”—resonates deeply with us. Because for Kosovo, the future is not just an abstract idea. It is a mission. A mission to ensure that our people, particularly our youth, are not merely participants in global transformation—but the leaders of this transformation.
That is why Kosovo is investing in sustainable energy, in digital transformation, and in global cooperation. We are working tirelessly to preserve our cultural heritage while, at the same time, championing values of inclusion and innovation. And we do so with the unwavering belief that our future must be just, sustainable, and human-centered.
And we know that this vision is not ours alone. It is one we share with like-minded partners and friends across the world, and especially with Japan.
Japan’s principled support for our people, especially in the aftermath of the war and the many stages of rebuilding, will never be forgotten by our people. It has formed the solid foundation of the friendship and partnership that we enjoy today – a friendship that is rooted in shared values but also in our shared vision for the future. And as Kosovo continues its path of development and international engagement, we look forward to deepening this partnership – across institutions, academia, business, as well as culture.
Excellencies,
Dear friends from around the world,
As we celebrate Kosovo’s Day, here at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, I invite you to engage with our story – not just the story of our past, but the promise of our future. Visit our pavilion. Speak to our young creators. Taste our traditions. See our innovations. And most importantly, know that behind each exhibit, each smile, and each handshake, each product, each glass of wine, is a country whose voice may be young, but whose values are timeless.
Kosovo is a country that believes in the power of freedom.
A country that honors the sacrifices of the past by building peace in the present.
A country that stands ready to contribute to a world that is safer, more sustainable, more equal – and more importantly, more human.
Because yes, it is governments who lead – but it is the people – the people who give a country its purpose, its character, and most importantly, its enduring power.
May today be a reaffirmation of our shared future, one of understanding and respect, one of solidarity, and boundless possibility.
Thank you.
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Faleminderit shumë.
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