Honorable Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ms. Arbërie Nagavci,
Honorable KFOR Commander, Major General Enrico Barduani,
Esteemed Director of the Kosovo Leadership Academy, Ms. Nadine Hennesey,
Honorable Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of North Mitrovica,
Honorable Members of the Assembly of the Republic,
Distinguished educators, dear students,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to be with you on this special day for your school. Today marks the culmination of a generation of graduates—18-year-olds preparing for the next phase of their lives, now as young adults. At the same time, you are celebrating the 10th anniversary of your school—a milestone birthday that deserves to be honored with dignity.
The Kosovo Leadership Academy is now a well-established center of learning and knowledge in the heart of our Mitrovica. With such inspiring facilities that encourage learning and development, curiosity and research, you are truly a model of excellence—reflecting a core principle of the philosophy of teaching here. Naturally, when the school’s motto is “Learn, live, and lead excellently,” progress and success are bound to follow. This aligns fully with the values and principles we hold as a state, as a society, and as a government—values that continue to guide us every day and through every mandate, like a beacon of light in the open sea of opportunities ahead.
Excellence is not easy to achieve—and even harder to maintain. To excel, one must commit to hard work, study, and discipline. This is true for you as students, just as it is true for us as representatives and leaders of the state. That is why the continuous quality of education and schooling is a fundamental goal of our Ministry of Education. This process—noble yet demanding—is, in fact, a shared responsibility for all of us: as parents who were once children, as professionals who were once students, and as individuals who today are decision-makers and policymakers.
The government has placed particular emphasis on the progressive enhancement of education quality—from infrastructure to curricula. In these past four years, we have built and renovated schools and kindergartens, reviewed core school textbooks, undertaken structural reforms of the school system to meet needs, and much more. Of course, the work does not end there—and it certainly continues.
Dear students graduating today,
I am confident that this academic institution has equipped you for your journey as adults, whether it be a student life or a professional one—whichever you choose from here on. I firmly believe that your future will be paved with success and accomplishments in all areas of life. Just as the name of your school suggests—Kosovo Leadership Academy—so too are you leaders of knowledge and of progress.
In conclusion, I want to add that it is truly a source of pride to have such events in a city like Mitrovica, which has given so much to Kosovo over the decades. Historically, Mitrovica has been at the forefront of various progressive movements, producing thinkers and patriots who have contributed to our national, scientific, cultural, and artistic life. Just a few days ago, we were also here in Mitrovica for the anniversary of IBCM—the International Business College Mitrovica. As the first public college in Kosovo, fully supported by our government, IBCM is also leading academic progress with rich programs that prepare students for both life and work.
Today, I see that the tradition continues: Mitrovica remains a source of intellectual and academic strength, with great potential and a bright future. I encourage you to maintain this pace by nurturing curiosity and cultivating creativity at every stage of life. As a government, we are always ready to support new and innovative ideas—in your service, in the service of the people, and of our beloved country.
I congratulate the graduates on the successful completion of their schooling, and I wish you continued success in the decades ahead for your distinguished school.
Thank you!
