Good morning everyone!
Honourable Head of the EULEX Mission, General Barbano,
Honourable Police Director General, Mr. Hoxha,
Honourable Director General of the Correctional Service, Mr. Dibrani,
Honourable representatives of institutions,
Dear participants, you who work tirelessly on the principles of the Agenda for Women, Peace and Security,
Ambassadors,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is always a special pleasure to return to the annual event organized by you, especially when the focus of the discussion is such an important agenda as the one for Women, Peace and Security.
Kosovo has proven over the years that it can share a lot in this field. Despite the difficult and dark periods that our people experienced during the war, we managed to rise again and build freedom thanks to the strength, courage and dedication of our women and men.
This story of resilience and cooperation is now becoming an inspiring example, which Kosovo shares with the whole world each and every day.
At this jubilee year, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Agenda for Women, Peace and Security, we remember not only our joint achievements in the cause of equality, but also reflect on the continuous efforts to advance this mission in Kosovo and beyond.
This anniversary to us is not simply a chronological record, but evidence of an entire chapter of resistance, vision and transformation of an entire system of values in the sector that connects women with the values of peace and the mission to strengthen and guarantee security.
The Republic of Kosovo has already become synonymous with the Agenda for Women, Peace and Security, as part of our ongoing state commitment.
Today we proudly see the ever-increasing participation of our women in security structures, while we remember their extraordinary contribution to the journey of freedom and state formation and state building, and the continuous strengthening of our institutions.
Today I want to honour every woman who has not only sacrificed everything for Kosovo, but also who today has chosen to serve our Republic, in the Security Force, in the Kosovo Police, in the Correctional Service, in diplomacy, in the economy and in every sector where peace and law are protected, where the very foundations of our state are strengthened.
Dear participants,
Equality and human rights are the fundamental pillars of the Republic of Kosovo and at the same time the guiding principles in the implementation of this agenda.
These are also the values on which the Regional Centre of Excellence for Women, Peace and Security in Kosovo, established within the Presidency and the only one of its kind in the entire continent of Europe, operates.
Through its work, the Centre promotes the role of women and girls in peace and security processes every day.
Thanks to the Centre’s commitment, Kosovo was once again this year a meeting place for leaders, activists, and other global actors to address current challenges for Women, Peace and Security, placing in the spotlight not only the perspective of women on the security situation, but also of future generations, who deserve a safer and more peaceful future..
However, the progress achieved should not satisfy us, as challenges still remain, especially in achieving equal representation in senior management positions.
I believe you noticed, at the beginning, that almost everyone I greeted as the heads of the institutions, were men. We will work together to change this as well.
Always recognizing the extraordinary progress that women make in every security institution, we must continue to empower women in these sectors, make them more attractive for greater participation, but even more importantly, give women the deserved, deserved role in decision-making, a role that they have deserved for a long time.
Only by eliminating the barriers imposed on women, will we be able to advance their representation in every institution that deals with peace and security, ensuring that their professional cadres remain and develop within these institutions based on the principles of meritocracy.
It is essential, therefore, to promote successful examples of women in decision-making positions and encourage them to take on more responsibility, so that the gender perspective is part of every decision we make as a society.
As you know, this year, due to the contribution of women in Kosovo, our country was also honoured with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Award, the annual award for Women, Peace and Security, which is a historic appreciation for our state and people, and in particular for the women who have given everything for this country for decades.
We will continue to work even harder, so that the participation of women in every sector, and in particular in the security sector, is every day more influential, every day more competent and with ever-increasing representation.
Without women present at the decision-making tables, security is not inclusive, because the women of Kosovo, in addition to being part of our glorious history, are also forces that are shaping the best possible future of our Republic each and every day.
Thank you very much and I wish you much success in today’s discussions!
