I accepted with greatest pleasure the invitation to become an honorary member of this initiative which aims to increase the number of workplaces for individuals with disabilities.
Honourable representatives of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honourable representatives of the business community,
Honourable Mrs. Daija,
Honourable Mr. Kelmendi,
Honourable participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen;
I accepted with greatest pleasure the invitation to become an honorary member of this initiative which aims to increase the number of workplaces for individuals with disabilities.
Enlivening of this initiative is directly linked to the building of an all-inclusive society, in which each citizen is guaranteed equal rights. The right to work is part of fundamental human rights, which are guaranteed by laws in force, the Constitution of the country as well as international conventions applicable in our country, to every citizens of our state.
We as leaders, must clearly present our vision for this very important part of the society, to engage and to work for all-inclusiveness, to concentrate on their abilities and not their limitations, as only in this manner we will be offered opportunities which we did not have until today.
We must overcome prejudices about anyone who is not just like us, as we are all distinct and we all have different needs, but only by expanding our viewpoints, may we talk about a state in which each citizen enjoys equal opportunities and rights, irrespective of differences.
Honourable participants,
“National Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2013-2023” is one of the strategic documents of the Republic of Kosovo and aims to improve the quality of life for people with disability in Kosovo as well as empowerment of policies for employment of these individuals in accordance with European standards. However, concrete work, dedication and engagement of all parties is required, not only institutions, but of the civil society and all interested stakeholders too, in order for this strategy to bear fruits and for every disabled individual to enjoy its guaranteed rights and to take the responsibility for building of a better future.
I ask all the institutions, and at the same time I call upon the business community, to expand their horizons, to see beyond prejudice and to utilize in best possible way the talent possessed by the individuals with disabilities, as only by nurturing and advancement of their existing abilities can we have a more developed and an all-inclusive society.
Kosovo is a country which aims membership in European Union, and for this we must achieve the necessary criteria, we must accomplish reforms, and all these for our own interests, in order for our citizens to feel equal and for all, regardless, to enjoy the opportunity for employment, which will no doubt lead to equal opportunities to education, healthcare and in any other sphere of life.
From this conference, I would like to convey the message saying that every society advances by increasing the number of workplaces for individuals with disabilities, by obtaining greater yields and by respecting personal and professional dignity of each citizen.
Today is the time to act, for an all-inclusive Kosovo, of equal opportunities for everyone, and employment opportunities for all, regardless!
Thank you.