Prishtina, 15 August 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated in the ceremony organized on the occasion of the conclusion of the program for the second generation scholarship holders within the Citizen Diplomacy Program and the welcome for the third generation scholarship holders.
In his speech, the prime minister said that the Citizen Diplomacy Program is an extraordinary initiative that brings together young professionals from the diaspora, giving them opportunities and inspiring them to actively contribute to our political, economic, social, cultural development, while at the same time, it strengthens their deep connection with the cultural roots of their homeland and our beloved Kosovo.
“Our government has long played a vital role in supporting, but first recognizing, the vital role of the diaspora as a key segment of our national strategy. The diaspora not only contributes significantly to our economic growth, but also brings valuable knowledge, professional expertise and global perspectives. Moreover, the diaspora serves as a connecting bridge between Kosovo and the world, promoting the best of our country in the international arena”, said the Prime Minister.
He added that from the first generation, 80% of the participants continued to work in Kosovo, and this trend shows that it is growing. From 30% to the first generation, more than 50% of the second generation participants have aspirations to continue their engagement and stay here, some of whom have already signed engagement contracts from September 1.
“During this program, I have had the privilege of meeting many of these talented individuals on various occasions. Through these meetings, I gained direct knowledge about their professional achievements, successes and challenges they face in their engagement in Kosovo. Their dedication and determination are truly inspiring, and I’m sure their contributions will leave a lasting impact on our country.” said the prime minister.
Below, the full speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Dear Ms. Liza Gashi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora,
Dear Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the Government and the Assembly of the Republic,
Dear ambassadors and representatives of international and local organizations,
Dear Mr. Atdhe Hetemi, Executive Director of the Institute for Crimes Committed during the War in Kosovo,
Dear students and scholarship holders of the program, especially dear young people of our diaspora,
Dear attendees,
Ladies and gentlemen
Today, we mark an important moment as we celebrate the end of the second generation and welcome the third generation of the Citizen Diplomacy Program, a program that, although new, has already begun to establish a solid and proud tradition.
The Citizen Diplomacy Program is an exceptional initiative that brings together young professionals from the diaspora, empowering and inspiring them to actively contribute to our political, economic, social, cultural development, while at the same time, strengthening the bond their deep cultural roots with their homeland and our beloved Kosovo. With the initiative and funding of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, scholarship holders have a unique opportunity to engage directly in various public institutions of the Republic of Kosovo. In which case this experience will become the path through which they will find important ways to apply their experience, passion and skills, and to change the direction of the country for the better.
Our government has long played a vital role in supporting but first recognizing the vital role of the diaspora as a key segment of our national strategy. The diaspora not only contributes significantly to our economic growth, but also brings valuable knowledge, professional expertise and global perspectives. Moreover, the diaspora serves as a bridge between Kosovo and the world, promoting the best of our country in the international arena. Contribution to the homeland is everyone’s right, and almost all of us consider it everyone’s duty. And our job as a government is to turn this right or duty, or both, into a concrete opportunity that provides the best match between a person’s talents and experience and the needs of our common country.
Today, I am very happy to see more than 50 young men and women from the diaspora, representing the three generations of the CDF program, who have chosen to contribute professionally to Kosovo. I am particularly pleased that some of them have already continued to live and work in Kosovo.
From the first generation, 80% of the participants have continued working in Kosovo, and this trend shows that it is growing. From 30% to the first generation, more than 50% of the second generation participants have aspirations to continue their engagement and stay here, some of whom have already signed engagement contracts from September 1.
During this program, I have had the privilege of meeting many of these talented individuals on various occasions. Through these meetings, I gained direct knowledge about their professional achievements, successes and challenges they face in their engagement in Kosovo. Their dedication and determination are truly inspiring, and I am sure their contributions will leave a lasting impact on our country.
As the program grows, your role will expand to include that of a mentor, increasing your influence not only in shaping the present, but also in defining the future for generations to come.
To the second generation, I wish you success, to the third generation, I wish you welcome. To all, thank you. I look forward to your bright achievements to illuminate the future of our country.
Thank you!
F
Last modified: August 16, 2024