Esteemed colleagues, dear representatives of the institutions of South Korea.
Democracy cannot be taken for granted. Democracy isn’t a given. It is a responsibility, a responsibility to protect, to uplift, to defend, to support, but most importantly, a responsibility to act.
Three years ago, through the initiative of President Biden, we joined the democratic world in conveying a message of unity. But most importantly, a message about the necessity of democracy sticking together in the face of rising autocracies.
Ever since, the commitments we made within the framework of the Summit for Democracy have guided our path in policy and decision-making alike. In every era, democracy has been tested by the forces of tyranny and oppression and by those who seek to undermine its transformative power. Yet, it endures. It becomes more resilient and robust because at its core, democracy is about the spirit of the people. It’s about our dreams and aspirations.
Since we last met, Kosovo has made significant strides in advancing the rule of law in line with the adopted comprehensive national strategy, one of the most significant deliverables as part of our Summit for Democracy commitments. We have also demonstrated our commitment to international standards and cooperation by joining the Declaration against Arbitrary Detention in state to state relations, by signing the Declaration of Principles to combat transnational repression alongside six other democratic countries last October, and by working closely with the United States towards advancing joint efforts to countering foreign state information manipulation.
With gender equality and women empowerment standing at the core of all of our commitments, we have worked across all institutions and with civil society to combat gender-based violence, to empower women economically, and to strengthen their role in public and political institutions.
As I speak, we are preparing to host the second edition of the International Forum on Women, Peace and Security in Prishtina, this April. In this edition, not only will we focus on partnerships and dialog to advance sustainable peace through securing higher women representation at all levels of decision-making, but we are also proud to announce the establishment of the first Regional Center of Excellence on Women, Peace and Security in the Western Balkans, in partnership with the Office of the U.S. Secretary of State and in line with the US 2023 WPS and National Action Plan.
These measures collectively represent a robust approach to reinforcing the rule of law, showcasing Kosovo’s dedication to legal reform, transparency and the protection and advancement of human rights. In this journey, engaging the next generation in democratic processes is existential. I am convinced that through their ever-evolving digital fluency, we have exceptional opportunities to innovate democracy. The actions of our youth, their passion and the commitment to democracy can inspire a new era of progress and prosperity.
This because, where there is consistency, persistence, unity and ambition, democracy always wins.
Thank you.
