UNMIK/PR/767
Pristina, 27 June 2002
Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Piper, ladies and gentlemen:
I am pleased to be here today for the launching of the first UNDP Human Development Report on Kosovo.
This is indeed an important event for Kosovo and the International Community. The conclusions of this UNDP report are vital to building a successful future for the people of Kosovo.
Last month the Overseas Private Investment Corporation of the United States concluded an agreement with UNMIK to provide political risk insurance for private sector investment in Kosovo. Now, because of the backing of this U.S. Government entity, Americans will be able to invest with greater confidence in Kosovo private enterprise.
There was much excitement over the agreement in the local press and business community. It is clear that people understand the enormous importance and significance of this agreement for Kosovo.
And I agree, it is.
But the Human Development Report being released today is just as important for the future of Kosovo and its people.
When the international community came to Kosovo in 1999 our first job was one of emergency reconstruction and rehabilitation. We have now moved out of this emergency phase and are in the process of developing and rebuilding Kosovo’s institutions, economy and social structures.
Market forces are fundamental in any investment decision. Investors need, however, to understand the plans of government in order to guide decisions. Thus, government and private investors working in a clear understanding of the economic framework for the future can jointly build a sustainable future for the people of Kosovo. Imagine, if you will, the shape of the Kosovo economy if investors continue for the next 20 years putting their money solely into gas stations, restaurants and private homes. Development must be more than just adding bricks and mortar to the landscape. It must focus on developing the productive capacity of people. This focus will lay the basis for the true expansion of wealth and sustainable improvements in the quality of life for Kosovo’s people.
And, the quality of life for Kosovo’s people is the ultimate measure of success for government. We must ask: what is the standard of living for the average person; are children educated to become productive members of society; is the health of citizens ensured; does the economy function on the basis of market forces and free of corruption; is justice administered on the basis of rule of law; are women given equal opportunity; do Kosovo’s various ethnic communities enjoy equal economic opportunity; do citizens enjoy social and political freedom; do government institutions function democratically?
All of these questions must be asked in determining the true success of any society.
This is why this Human Development Report is so important. It provides us with a check-list, a road map, and a game plan for a coordinated approach to building a sustainable future for Kosovo’s citizens. By making use of the information and recommendations provided in this report we can focus our energy and resources on increasing the standard of living, knowledge, and opportunities for all the people of Kosovo to lead fuller, more empowered lives.
I look forward to planning and working together with all of Kosovo’s stakeholders – the international community, the Government and the people of Kosovo – in reaching this goal.
