Pristina, November 25, 2024
Albin Kurti, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, wrapped up his evening by attending the screening of the documentary “Ajo’Mal”.
“In this documentary ‘Ajo’Mal’, by Uta Ibrahimi, we observed a group of young women, under the leadership of this icon of ours, who transcends her own limits and tells us that we too can try and achieve something similar. This power stems from the extraordinary potential that lies somewhere in the future, and we actualize it because we believe,” said the Prime Minister at the beginning of his speech.
The Prime Minister added that Kosovo is surrounded by impressive natural beauty – from the majestic peaks of Sharr in the southeast to the Albanian Alps in the west, which represent the precious treasures of our country that, through this documentary, are illuminated not only as destinations but also gain a new dimension as spaces where characters are formed, dreams are cultivated, and the future is built.
“Our highlands with rugged mountains and peaks have often been a shield for the Albanian people, with noble men and women”. Besides giving us beauty and inspiration, these mountains also remind us of our duty to protect and preserve them for our generation and for future generations. We must care for our nature and mountains just as we care for our homes and bodies, because their destruction is not only a loss of natural beauty or tourist destinations, but also a denial of our cultural and spiritual heritage, as well as a threat to the living environment and the health of the population,” said the Prime Minister while also mentioning the numerous successes of the mountaineer Uta Ibrahimi.
Here, the Prime Minister stated that “Ajo‘Mal” should inspire us all to strive for a stronger, greener, and more united Kosovo; where everyone, particularly girls and women, can achieve their personal and professional aspirations.
In wrapping up his address, Prime Minister Kurti conveyed his thanks to Uta for her tireless efforts and for the pride she brings us whenever she hoists the flag of our country and the Albanian nation to the world’s highest summits.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable attendees,
Ladies and gentleman,
In this documentary “Ajo’Mal” by Uta Ibrahimi, we saw a group of young girls, under the leadership of this icon of ours, who transcends her own limits and tells us that we too can try and do something similar, and this power comes from the extraordinary potential that lies somewhere in the future, and we actualize it because we believe.
Kosovo, our country, is surrounded by impressive natural beauty – from the majestic peaks of Sharr in the southeast to the Albanian Alps in the west, which represent the precious treasures of our land.
In this documentary, they are highlighted not just as destinations, but also acquire a new dimension as places where personalities are formed, dreams are nurtured, and the future is constructed.
As we remain heavily occupied with society within society, it’s crucial to test ourselves in nature, especially when dominated by countless hours. As our eyes are fixed on our phone screens and we become centripetal beings, we should try to become centrifugal by stepping out into nature, becoming like the arrows of our dreams, with desires we must not compromise on, thus enriching our lives and forming new relationships as humans with nature, with the air, with the water, with the earth, with the leaves and trees, with the weather, with the peaks, with the fields, and not just social relationships in this stifling economy of things that people endure.
Uta is the first Albanian woman to have ascended the highest peak in the world – Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world with an altitude of over 8000 meters above sea level. She is now nearing the completion of the significant project of summiting the 14th peak, having transformed into a symbol of bravery and victory. Upon completing her 14th peak, Uta becomes the 13th woman globally to achieve this feat. Furthermore, she stands as the sole individual in the Balkans, encompassing both men and women, to have conquered over six summits. These are great triumphs that elevate the values of our Republic, and for me, as a political activist and as the Prime Minister of the Republic, I am delighted by the fact that through Uta’s commitment as a mountaineer and mentor, she has reopened the path for young women to have the confidence to aim to return to the mountains. Uta clearly demonstrates the power of the Albanian woman and her determination to reach the heights of success.
Honorable attendees,
Our highlands with rugged mountains and peaks have often been a shield for the Albanian people, with noble men and women. Besides giving us beauty and inspiration, these mountains also remind us of our duty to protect and preserve them for our generation and for future generations. We must care for our nature and mountains, just as we care for our homes and our bodies, because their destruction is not only a loss of natural beauty or tourist destinations, but also a denial of our cultural and spiritual heritage, as well as a threat to the living environment and the health of the population.
Particularly today, as we gather together this evening, and with the commencement of these 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, it serves as a reminder to all of us that we must be more mindful of one another and show solidarity whenever necessary.
Let “Ajo‘Mal” serve as an inspiration for all of us to work towards a stronger, greener, and more united Kosovo; where everyone, especially girls and women, has the opportunity to reach their personal and professional peaks.
I want to thank Uta for her relentless work and for the pride she gives us every time she raises the flag of our state and the Albanian nation on the highest peaks of the world. Special gratitude goes to everyone who contributed to making this project and documentary possible. And as I watched Uta and the other girls, I was reminded of a line in a different context by our great poet Ervin Hatibi, which I will slightly adapt tonight, “The mountains bow before her”.
Thank you.
Last modified: November 27, 2024