Prishtina, November 9, 2024
The First Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue of the Republic of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, attended the ceremony last night celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Young Cell Scheme.
During his speech, he expressed that this project has helped in the transformation of the public administration of the Republic of Kosovo by being more than just a scholarship, but also a catalyst for the development of our institutions as well as the individuals involved.
Throughout 14 rounds conducted in the past two decades, the Young Professionals Scheme program has assisted more than 440 young individuals by allowing them to undertake advanced studies abroad from Kosovo. “Afterwards, they will implement the gained knowledge in our public institutions, thereby aiding in the construction of a stronger, more just Kosovo that aligns more closely with European standards,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi.
He noted that the scheme has significantly contributed to advancing many critical processes within public administration, acting as an investment that continues to yield stronger institutions and more efficient processes. He also noted that from the XI round onwards, the scheme is also co-financed by the Government.
This program is fully aligned with the Government’s priorities for empowering and educating young people. We have increased financial and political support for this scheme, emphasizing the role we attribute to it in building the capacities of the public administration. Undoubtedly, the successes, the impact of the work, and the commitment of the scholarship holders are noticeable everywhere, not only in the administration but also in the sectors of civil society, academia, and private business,” expressed the Deputy Prime Minister.
He concluded by thanking the partners who contribute to the program’s implementation, especially the European Union, and reminded everyone of the launch of the 15th round of the scheme, urging young people to apply for the 40 scholarships available through the new call.
Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi’s full speech:
Honorable Deputy Ambassador of the European Union, Ms. Palatova,
Honorable Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli,
Honorable Vice-Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Mr. Yakintos,
Honorable Deputy Director of the Department for International Relations of the National Institute of France for Public Service,
Honorable Mayor of the capital, Përparim Rama,
Honorable ambassadors of France and Greece, along with representatives from other embassies,
Honorable representatives of Kosovo’s institutions,
Honorable scholarship recipients of the Young Professionals Scheme project,
It is a distinct privilege for me to inaugurate the 20th anniversary festivities of the Young Professionals Scheme, a significant initiative for both the EU and Kosovo. A project that has helped in transforming the public administration of the Republic of Kosovo, a program that is more than just a scholarship; a program that serves as a catalyst for the development of both our institutions and the individuals involved.
Throughout 14 rounds conducted in the past two decades, the Young Professionals Scheme program has assisted more than 440 young individuals by allowing them to undertake advanced studies abroad from Kosovo. Afterwards, they will implement the gained knowledge in our public institutions, thereby aiding in the construction of a stronger, more just Kosovo that aligns more closely with European standards.
The scheme has played an important role in advancing key processes within public administration. Through the contribution of scholarship recipients, significant progress has been made, for example, in: coordinating the European integration process, including the drafting and implementation of the Reform Agenda and the Stabilization-Association process, visa liberalization, as well as applying for EU membership; modernizing public finance management, increasing efficiency and transparency in the use of public funds, including IPA funds and other EU programs; strengthening the rule of law policies by supporting reforms in justice and other key institutions; developing policies for the common market and economic criteria, helping to build a more sustainable and competitive economy; strengthening privacy policies and institutional transparency, improving data protection and citizens’ access to information and public data, and many other areas.
These achievements serve as a reaffirmation that investing in people always pays off. Regarding the scheme, this investment continues to yield stronger institutions and more efficient processes.
While initially this project was funded solely by EU funds, starting from the eleventh round, the Government of Kosovo began co-financing it, fully integrating it into the legal framework of public administration. In the future, we aim to replicate this success model in other sectors as well, and in collaboration with more development partners. Thus, we aim to expand the influence of this instrument in our public administration reform.
This program is fully aligned with the Government’s priorities for empowering and educating young people. We have increased financial and political support for this scheme, emphasizing the role we attribute to it in building the capacities of the public administration.
Undoubtedly, the successes, the impact of the work, and the commitment of the scholarship holders are noticeable everywhere, not only in the administration but also in the sectors of civil society, academia, and private business. Even those who, after their period of contribution within the public administration, have decided to continue their career in the private sector or that of non-governmental organizations, continue to contribute to the economic and social strengthening of our Republic.
Honored attendees,
Allow me to now present another important piece of information, namely the opening of the 15th round of the scheme. On this occasion, I invite all the ambitious young people of the country to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity. The program now offers 40 scholarships, creating opportunities to gain new knowledge and to become part of building a bright future for all of us.
I thank the European Union for their unwavering vision and commitment. Thanks also to all the partners. Today, let me acknowledge our partners from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the French National Institute for Public Service, along with the mentors who have turned this project into a success story. But above all, thank you to all the scholarship recipients, from every generation, who have demonstrated that institutions are strong only when led by prepared individuals with integrity and vision.
Finally, I encourage everyone to share the news widely about the start of this new round. Let’s work together so that the country’s most talented youth can seize this opportunity and turn it into a tool in service of the state and society.
Many thanks once more for this anniversary, and I hope the upcoming round will be highly successful.
Last modified: November 12, 2024