Davos, 22 January, 2025
The final panel discussion at the House of Kosovo, held the title, Artificial Intelligence for Humanity: Ethical Innovation in the Age of Intelligence. This co-organization with the University of Oxford, began with the opening remarks of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, and continued with the panel discussion with international experts in the field of artificial intelligence.
In his address, the Prime Minister expressed that for Kosovo, the promotion of democratic values is not simply a priority of the government but also a source of national pride – an essential part of our identity as a state and as a people.
“In recent years, we have made significant progress on our journey of digital transformation. Last year, Kosovo achieved full broadband internet connectivity to all its villages, making it a leader not only in the region but also across Europe in laying the foundations for inclusive growth. The rollout of 5G technology is well underway, with 65% coverage within the country already. Meanwhile, our innovation hubs, such as the 40-hectare Innovation and Training Park in Prizren and TechPark in Prishtina, are becoming incubators of creativity and entrepreneurship,” said Prime Minister Kurti.
The Prime Minister added that Kosovo is committed to a future where technology serves humanity, and in collaboration with the private sector, academia and civil society, we can design artificial intelligence systems that reflect our values, prioritize all inclusion and empower the richness of human culture.
“We must work together to ensure that artificial intelligence remains a catalyst for ethical innovation, sustainable growth and a better world,” concluded Prime Minister Kurti.
The full speech of Prime Minister Kurti in English:
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening and welcome once again to the House of Kosova. It is a privilege to open this distinguished panel, which brings together some of the brightest minds in the field of AI, from five different continents. As the final panel hosted by the House of Kosova this year, it is no surprise that we are closing with a topic as profoundly relevant as Artificial Intelligence, which is also the main theme of this year’s World Economic Forum.
I would like to extend a special thanks to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Irene Tracey, and to the Director of Oxford’s world-renowned Institute for Ethics in AI, Professor John Tasioulas, for agreeing to be our official co-organizers of this event. This is our first official collaboration with Oxford University. I hope and expect that it will not be the last.
The theme of tonight’s panel is “AI in a Democratic Society.” And there is no better place than the House of Kosova to discuss this topic.
Despite being one of the world’s youngest state, Kosova has quickly become the strongest and most robust democracy in the region. Our country’s advancement on a range of democratic measures has been confirmed by multiple international organizations over the past few years.
For example, during our Government’s mandate, we’ve improved 21 places in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. We’ve come out first in the Western Balkans and among the top nine countries in the world in terms of democratic progress, according to V-Dem Institute’s Electoral Democracy Index. Gallup’s ranking last year on Law and Order lists Kosova as the first in the Western Balkans, second in Europe, and fifth in the world. And similarly, we are first in the Western Balkans, second in Europe, and third in the world for improvement in civil liberties and political rights, according to Freedom House’s 2023 report.
For Kosova, the promotion of democratic values is not simply one government priority among others. It is also a source of national pride — an essential part of our identity as a state and as people.
As a young and dynamic democracy, we have embraced technology as a cornerstone of our development. We are investing in digital infrastructure, education, and innovation to ensure that progress is both inclusive and does not leave anyone behind.
In the last few years, we have made significant progess in our digital transformation journey. Last year, Kosova achieved full broadband connectivity for all its villages, making it a leader not only in the region but also across Europe in laying the foundations for inclusive growth. The rollout of 5G is well underway, with 65% coverage within the country already achieved. Meanwhile, our innovation hubs, such as the 40-hectare Innovation and Training Park in Prizren and the TechPark in Prishtina, are becoming incubators of creativity and entrepreneurship.
But transformation is not just about infrastructure—it is about people. We have awarded nearly 5,000 STEM scholarships, focusing on empowering women and young people to lead the next wave of innovation. And an additional 5,000 individuals have been trained in various ICT fields through government programs supported by our development partners. On top of all of this progress over the past few years, incorporating and developing AI technologies in our state and society is the next logical step.
Kosova is committed to a future where technology serves humanity. AI must remain a tool for empowerment, not control. We must govern it with transparency, fairness, and accountability. As we explore the possibilities of AI, we must ask ourselves: How can we ensure that its benefits are shared equitably, and how can we protect human dignity, rights, and freedoms in the age of intelligence?
The answer largely lies in partnership. The challenges of AI cannot be solved by governments alone. They require collaboration with the private sector, academia, and civil society. Together, we can design AI systems that reflect our values, prioritize inclusion, and enhance the richness of human culture.
Kosova’s story is one of resilience, determination, and progress. We are proud to rank as leaders in IT competitiveness in the Western Balkans and Emerging Europe. But more than rankings, we are driven by the belief that technology must uphold the principles of democracy, equality, and justice.
Ladies and gentlemen, the age of intelligence brings both promise and responsibility. We must work together to ensure that AI remains a catalyst for ethical innovation, sustainable growth, and a better world.
Thank you.
Last modified: January 24, 2025