SRSG TANIN EXPRESSES SUPPORT TO UN KOSOVO TEAM AND NEW GOVERNMENT

11 Mar 2020

SRSG TANIN EXPRESSES SUPPORT TO UN KOSOVO TEAM AND NEW GOVERNMENT

Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK Zahir Tanin delivered opening remarks at a Strategic Prioritisation Retreat organised by the United Nations Kosovo Team on 11 March in Pristina. Prime Minister Albin Kurti delivered the keynote address.

Through this event, the United Nations Kosovo Team sought to present its draft United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025 to Kosovo authorities and civil society partners and to obtain feedback on proposed priorities. The Retreat followed months of far-reaching consultations and an extensive analysis exercise of the Kosovo context conducted by the United Nations Kosovo Team, with contributions by UNMIK.

Remarking that we live “in a time that is burdened with serious concerns and global uncertainties, [with] the Coronavirus a metaphor for all the unknowns we face,” SRSG Tanin highlighted that the last few months also brought renewed hopes and expectations of people worldwide for responsible leadership and inclusive societies. In that regard, SRSG Tanin reiterated the United Nations’ support in implementation of Prime Minister Kurti’s ambitious reform agenda. “The success of [your] efforts will require political will and commitment as well as the support of the international community. The United Nations stands ready to support you in all appropriate ways,” Mr. Tanin said.

Ulrika Richardson, the United Nations Development Coordinator, presented the four envisaged priorities centred around governance, public social services, economic development and social cohesion.

Prime Minister Kurti highlighted the alignment of his government programme, agreed on last week, with the strategic priorities of the United Nations. He emphasised that the programme will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Labour and justice issues were two key pillars mentioned by the Prime Minister, which the government will seek to address through investment-focused economic development and by fighting corruption. Mr. Kurti also underlined the importance of equal possibilities and opportunities for all.

In closing, Mr. Kurti stressed that the UNKT cooperation framework presented a “good coordination opportunity to accelerate progress on socio-economic and environmental issues.” 

Read full statement of the SRSG here: PDF iconsrsg_tanin_remarks_unkt_strategic_prioritisation_20200311.pdf