Remarks, as prepared for delivery
Honorable Ministers,
Distinguished Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan,
Distinguished Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Dear Madam Executive Director of the International Visegrad Fund,
Dear Representatives of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
It gives me a special pleasure to welcome you all to the #LeadBalkans – Regional Leaders of Diaspora Forum.
The Western Balkans Fund stands as a shared regional mechanism to strengthen ties, foster collaboration, and deepen people-to-people connections across our region.
Today, in this very room, we have brought together a unique and powerful coalition, young leaders, members of our diaspora, policy makers and international partners, all united by a common goal: to strengthen leadership and advance regional cooperation.
But, this gathering is not just about discussions. It is about taking action.
Too many talented young women and men leave the region before we create enough opportunities for them to contribute at home.
This is not only an economic issue. It is a social, strategic, demographic, leadership issue for our Region. This is why, connecting with diaspora is not just a bonus, it should be at the roots of any policy.
With the Region advancing quickly towards European Union, the diaspora cannot be a source of remittances.
It is and it should be, our greatest source of knowledge, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation and progress.
The Western Balkans today finds itself at a crucial moment. In a world that is increasingly complex and interconnected, shaped by rapid technological transformation and evolving global dynamics, our region cannot afford for its youth to stand aside.
The future depends on their readiness to step into leadership roles, not tomorrow, but today.
Through this platform, we are creating a meeting place for almost 100 young leaders from the Region, V4, Europe and Unites States.
Over the next days, they will engage in dialogue, interactive workshops and high-level exchanges.
They will challenge ideas, test solutions, and reflect on what leadership truly means in the 21st century.
Leadership is not defined by position. It is defined by responsibility.
It is defined by integrity.
It is defined by the courage to act in the interest of the common good.
Our responsibility, and our leadership as a Fund, is to encourage a stronger regional cooperation. To identify common solutions for common problems. And fund best ideas that unite us over the overarching similarities, instead of the few differences.
We will do that through our grants. More than 400 grants awarded across the region.
And we do that through events just like today, helping to shape a better region, transforming lives and creating a lasting impact.
I would like to use this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the Government of Japan and the Embassy of Japan in Tirana for their unwavering support and strategic partnership.
Our cooperation continues to demonstrate how shared values and mutual respect can generate tangible results for the region.
Our appreciation also goes to the International Visegrad Fund, our strategic partner, whose experience in regional cooperation continues to enrich and strengthen our joint initiatives.
Allow me also to extend our sincere thanks to the Regional Youth Cooperation Office for their valuable contribution to this event and for their continued dedication to empowering young people and strengthening youth cooperation across the Western Balkans.
Dear friends
At the end of this Forum, you will share your ideas, reflections, and forward-looking plans, and outline common principles that can guide future cooperation. But beyond these important moments, what truly matters is the network you are building, a lasting community of leaders connected through the #LeadBalkans platform.
The Western Balkans lives wherever its people innovate, teach, create, and lead.
Let this Forum be the founding stone of something lasting.
Together, we do not only imagine a stronger Western Balkans.
We build it.
Thank you.
