President Osmani was received by the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani was received by the President of the United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Dubai, where global conference COP28 is carrying out its proceedings. President Osmani highly praised the support of the United Arab Emirates during the most difficult time for our people. In particular, she appreciated the support provided to the healthcare sector through the construction of hospitals, which significantly contributed to the improvement of the quality of services provided, especially to mothers and children. In this regard, Madam President pointed out that this support is a demonstration of the strong bond between our two countries. Among others, the expansion and deepening of cooperation, the increase of investments in energy, healthcare, tourism and other strategic sectors, as well as the strengthening of Kosovo’s international position. President Osmani congratulated His Majesty for the successful organization of COP28, where Kosovo is participating for the first time at the highest state level, upon an invitation by His Highness.
President Osmani met at COP28 with the Prime Minister of Czechia Petr Fiala
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani met with the Prime Minister of Czechia Petr Fiala, at COP28 in Dubai. “Czechia is an important ally of Kosovo and an ardent supporter of our country’s Euro-Atlantic path. During #COP28, I thanked Prime Minister Petr Fiala for Czechia’s support and expressed our commitment to continue bolstering our bilateral ties” wrote President Osmani.
Speech by President Osmani at the presentation of Kosovo’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) at COP 28
Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends of Kosovo, This is the Republic of Kosovo’s first inclusive and voluntary Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Therefore it is my honor to open this event at the time when the entire world is gathered here to discuss ways how can we jointly and ambitiously meet the 2050 targets. For Kosovo, our presence at COP means an opportunity to share our story with the world. It is an opportunity to have our voice heard and to make our case for climate action. On this note, I also would like to thank our partners, GIZ and UNDP, as well as NDC Partnership for having made the preparation of our NDC and its presentation today possible. In the post Paris Agreement era, COP meetings have played a significant role in shaping the global response to the defining challenge of our time—climate change. As we look towards the future, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture. The 2050 goals set forth in the Paris Agreement should not remain mere aspirations; they should be perceived as the strongest call to action that demands immediate and unprecedented efforts. Whether through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, or disruptions to ecosystems and the everyday living of different communities around the world, the evidence of climate change’s impacts is all around us. The window to avert the most catastrophic consequences is narrowing, and the need for enhanced ambitions has never been more pressing. You have heard time and again that ‘the time to act is now’. I won’t be repeating that. I am here wanting to believe that ambitious action is already underway, but hopeful that the ambition will become ever higher; ever bigger. We need to be more decisive and uncompromised in our efforts to enhance climate action. COP, as a nexus of international cooperation and joint global determination, is aimed to be a platform where countries, regardless of their size or economic power, converge to discuss, negotiate, and set the course for a sustainable future. Each COP is, indeed, a milestone. It is a checkpoint where we measure progress, confront challenges and identify opportunities to renew the commitment of the countries around the world to the shared goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. However, in this long journey, the principle of inclusivity has not always been fully honored. Because of Russia’s blockade, Kosovo is not a UN member, yet. That means we are not a party to the United Nationas Framework Convention on Climate Change. This unjust reality has kept our country out of high-level discussions at annual COPs year after year. However, it has never faded our commitment and dedication to doing our share of work. We always found a way to be heard. We always will. We remain restless in our ambition and unwavering in our commitment to ensure our rightful place in the global climate discussions, but not only. We are convinced that this is the only way forward, because, it is only through inclusion, equality, and participation that we can become successful in our battle against climate change. We often hear the expression “Climate change knows no borders”. It is therefore high time that there is also representation at the table, support and financing becomes borderless as well. Nonetheless, more often than not even those in charge of climate global policies and the ones leading the climate fight tend to forget about the ‘borderless’ nature of the challenges we’re facing. But we know too well, that no matter how small or big a country is; whether in the UN or not there yet, our success will be your success. Respectively, the individual success of countries will mount to the collective success of our planet in combating climate change. Ladies and gentlemen, Kosovo has set ambitious objectives to phase out coal, boost renewables, and promote innovation. These objectives are outlined in the Energy Strategy of the Republic of Kosovo 2022 – 2031, the initial draft of the National Energy and Climate Plan, and the new pending-final-approval Law on Climate Change. Yet, today marks a significant milestone in our journey toward a sustainable and resilient future. I am thrilled to stand before you on the occasion of introducing Kosovo’s vision and ambition as part of our first inclusive and voluntary Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to combat climate change. This document confirms our steadfast commitment to contribute to the global fight against climate change. Kosovo is voluntarily commiting to the ambitious 1.5°C target and we are currently developing our first inclusive and voluntary NDC, built on ambitious climate policies that aim to reduce emissions by up to 49% by 2030 compared to 2016 levels. Respectively, in our planning for a successful transition, we envision an energy sector with at least 35% renewables in gross electricity consumption by 2031 and a significant reduction of emissions in key sectors such as transport, agriculture, forestry, other land use, and waste. Kosovo understands well the importance of playing an active role in this existential battle. With that in mind, we have established the National Council for Climate Change. It’s turned into a platform to join forces to identify scenarios that help us make significant miles forward, day after day, in our efforts to combat climate change. In addition, we are now working towards the finalization of the National Energy and Climate Plan 2025-2030 and the plan is to adopt the first Law on Climate Change in our country. Soon, we will also be the host country of the biggest battery storage capacity project supported by the U.S.-Millennium Challenge Corporation, as well as the first project in the Balkans for central heating with solar panels. As we look forward, Kosovo will develop its first Strategy on Climate Adaptation by 2024, building on existing policies outlined in our Climate Change Strategy and Agriculture and Forestry Strategies. This strategy will focus on risk mapping, afforestation, and the creation of an early warning system to address climate threats. But there is potential for so much more and there is certainly a lot of space for innovative projects and solutions. And this conference of parties is the perfect opportunity to discuss some of the forms this could be done through partnerships that would ultimately enable technology and knowledge transfer, but equally as
President Osmani met with the Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen at COP28
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani met with the Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, at COP28 in Dubai. “Pleasure to talk to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during #COP28. A good opportunity to discuss the latest developments in our country and the region. Denmark is a valuable friend for Kosovo, and we look forward to continuing to work together on tackling shared challenges” wrote President Osmani.
President Vjosa Osmani met with former Secretary John Kerry at COP28
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani met with former Secretary John Kerry, the special US presidential envoy on Climate at COP28 in Dubai, whom she informed about the latest security developments in Kosovo. “At COP28, I met with Secretary John Kerry, informed him on the latest security developments in Kosovo, stressing the importance of the leadership of the United States of America for lasting peace and stability,” wrote President Osmani. Madam President congratulated former Secretary Kerry on his leadership on climate issues. “Commended his climate leadership and expressed our readiness to work together to tackle common challenges,” wrote President Osmani.
President Osmani commemorates President Rugova on the anniversary of his birthday
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, commemorated President Rugova on the anniversary of his birthday. President Osmani’s full comemorative post: “Today we remember the birthday of the creator and architect of independent Kosovo, the historic president Dr. Ibrahim Rugova. December 2nd reminds us of our journey towards freedom and independence and strengthens our belief in its daily empowerment as it is among other things, connected to the life of a man who gave meaning to it, once as a writer and intellectual and then as a political leader of his people, becoming a model to the whole of humanity.
President Osmani received the Ambassador of Türkiye Sabri Tunç Angılı
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Kosovo, Sabri Tunç Angılı. Kosovo-Türkiye relations, the intensification of interstate cooperation with special emphasis on security and trade relations between the two countries were discussed at the meeting. In this regard, Madam President reiterated Kosovo’s commitment to the further expansion of otherwise excellent bilateral relations and cooperation with Turkey.
President Osmani met the US Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Hovenier
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received in a regular meeting the Ambassador of the United States of America Jeffrey Hovenier, with whom she discussed the political and security developments in the country and the region, the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue process as well as Kosovo’s membership in international institutions. In this spirit, President Osmani underlined the importance of continuing close cooperation with the USA, to further strengthen the international position of the Republic of Kosovo.
President Osmani received the United Kingdom’s special envoy to the Western Balkans Lord Stuart Peach
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the United Kingdom’s special envoy to the Western Balkans Lord Stuart Peach, with whom she discussed the latest developments in the country and in the region, the security challenges faced by the region and the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. Kosovo’s integration into international institutions, including the Council of Europe, as well as NATO membership were discussed at the meeting. President Osmani emphasized that membership in the Council of Europe would be an important step to the further strengthening and advancement of human rights through the mechanisms offered by the Council, which will serve as an additional mechanism for the protection and guaranteeing of human rights of all citizens of Kosovo without distinction. President Osmani also reiterated the importance of Kosovo’s membership in NATO, commencing with its inclusion in the Partnership for Peace. In this spirit, President Osmani stated that this step is necessary to ensure long-term peace and security in the region and beyond. Lord Peach congratulated President Osmani on her continuous engagement in advancing the agenda for women, peace and security at this challenging time for world peace.
President Osmani participated at the reception held by President Begaj in honor of the Independence Day of Albania
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani participated at the reception held by President Begaj in honor of the Independence Day of Albania. “Pleasure to participate in the reception held by President Begaj in honor of the Independence Day of Albania. Congratulations Albania! Congratulations Albanians wherever you may be!” wrote President Osmani.