Prishtina, 16 November, 2023
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated in the opening of the “Ulpiana” International Forum, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.
This Forum, which is being held for the first time, for three consecutive days will welcome 21 countries from all over the world, with 48 speakers in six different thematic panels, including leaders in the field of migration and diaspora, representatives from international organizations, academia, civil society and media.
“Our history and identity do not live only within our borders, but they extend beyond, resonating within our diaspora, which is spread far and wide. These communities carry stories of triumphs and challenges, not simply as personal narratives, but as a living embodiment of the spirit that defines our nation.”
Speaking about the contributions of the Kosovo diaspora, the Prime Minister said that they are immeasurable. He singled out her important role during our darkest period marked by crimes against humanity and suppression of voices, in exposing the atrocities against our people in the face of the aggressor’s propaganda. “They joined the supporters of human rights and democracy to stop the genocide that was unfolding in their country,” said the prime minister.
He added that “Diaspora communities have also played their part because they have shaped their countries of origin from their new homes. Our diaspora is more than a group of individuals living abroad; it is a powerful force—a powerful bridge that connects our homeland to the world.”
Prime Minister Kurti emphasized the importance of the diaspora in Kosovo’s state-building, as well as their key role in the economic-cultural aspect. He also mentioned the initiatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora in strengthening Kosovo’s connection with its diaspora, including the “Dialogue with the Diaspora” and the “Citizen Diplomacy Program”.
“I invite you to actively engage with us, share your ideas and join us in shaping the trajectory of our nations. Together, we can build a future where the potential of our diaspora is fully realized and where our collective strength knows no limits”, concluded Prime Minister Kurti.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, as well as the well-known international expert on migration and diaspora issues, Kingsley Aikins, also the executive director of the Networking Institute in Ireland, gave a speech at this forum.
The “Ulpiana” Forum, as one of the most important international events in the country, aims to network political and institutional structures that work on creating innovative mechanisms for the connection and engagement of the diaspora, as well as creating opportunities for the networking of participants from different governments in the forum, with global political leaders, academic and diaspora organizations, as well as various industries.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Your Excellency Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora,
Dear Ms. Liza Gashi and Mr. Kreshnik Ahmeti, Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora,
Your Excellency Ambassadors,
Representative of International and Local Organizations,
Dear Mr. Kingsley Atkins, Founder and Executive Director of the Networking Institute in Ireland,
Dear international guests, government representatives, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, State Secretaries, Mayors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honor to welcome you to this inaugural ceremony of Ulpiana Forum, the first and pioneering gathering that seeks to redefine the paradigm of our engagement with the diaspora.
I stand before you today to address a topic of paramount importance. Our history and identity do not live within our borders only, but they extend beyond, resonating within our diaspora, which is spread far and wide. These communities carry stories of triumphs and challenges, not just as personal narratives, but as a living embodiment of the spirit that defines our nation.
Globally, an estimated 281 million people are first-generation migrants, representing 3.6% of the world’s population, though certain countries contribute more significantly to this percentage, and their diaspora communities have played a pivotal role in shaping regions across the world. Diaspora communities have also played their role because they have shaped their countries of origin from their new homes. Our diaspora is more than a group of individuals living abroad; it is a powerful force—a living bridge connecting our homeland with the world.
The contributions of Kosova’s diaspora are immeasurable, including their role in our country’s statehood. During our darkest hour marked by crimes against humanity and the suppression of voices, Kosova people living abroad spoke for those who couldn’t, ensuring that unspeakable atrocities were not obscured by propaganda and force. They joined proponents of human rights and democracy to stop the unfolding genocide in their home country.
Economically, their role is critical. Historically, our diaspora has had and continues to contribute substantially through remittances, offering vital support to their families and communities, and providing a much-needed financial cushion. But they have also become important channels of foreign direct investment, providing trust and knowledge of the country. In the realm of knowledge and innovation, we acknowledge the wealth of expertise they’ve gained abroad and invite collaboration in research, technology transfer, and innovation to ensure that our industries remain globally competitive.
Culturally, our diaspora has served as our citizen ambassadors long before Kosova established its first embassies abroad. Their efforts to preserve and promote our traditions and heritage in their adopted countries contribute to our soft power on the global stage. The extensive networks are a powerful asset, capable of opening doors to new markets and collaborations. Moreover, their worldwide reach raises our country’s profile, fostering partnerships and alliances that benefit us all.
Together, we can build a country that thrives on the strength of its people, both within our borders and beyond. Which is why the Ulpiana Forum, the first of its kind, is a key platform. At a time when a sense of belonging is questioned more than ever, we must offer a connection to home that is best suited to the skills and talents of the community abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora has made significant strides in enhancing the connection with Kosova diaspora abroad. The approval in principle and initiation of technical preparations for the implementation of the law allowing the diaspora to vote in Kosova’s embassies and consulates represent a tangible step forward. “The Dialogue with the Diaspora” initiative, comprising over 100 meetings in various cities worldwide, has facilitated open discussions and strengthened ties between the government and the diaspora. The “Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship” program has successfully integrated numerous young professionals from the diaspora into local institutions. The creation of our sovereign wealth fund will provide another robust channel for the diaspora to be directly engaged in the economic progress of our country.
Diaspora Diplomacy, a core tenant of our government’s objectives, recognizes that there are now multiple actors involved in diaspora engagement and many of these may be non-governmental or non-state actors. Previously, this role was restricted to a few but in a globalized world, the role of non-state actors in diplomacy, including diasporas, have diversified the agency of actors who can drive access, cooperation, and influence of power. This is why this pioneering Forum, which includes representatives of 21 countries, comes at a ripe time.
I invite you to actively engage with us, share your ideas, and join hands in shaping the trajectory of our nations. Together, we can build a future where the potential of our diaspora is fully realized and where our collective strength knows no bounds.
Thank you!
Last modified: November 17, 2023