A two-day forum on trust building in Kosovo is being held in Ljubljana with participation of more than 150 participants, including UNMIK, municipal leadership and administration, civil society, media and religious communities, Serbian media report.

Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Zahir Tanin said during the opening ceremony that “since taking office in 2017, Secretary-General António Guterres has called globally for initiatives supporting his Sustaining Peace agenda. The United Nations Kosovo Trust-building Forum is the first European initiative of its kind and is focused on highlighting the efforts of individuals such as yourselves, who are dedicated to not only sustaining but advancing peace in Kosovo.”

SRSG Tanin also reminded about the role of the United Nations – to sustain peace in post-conflict societies, as well as about the role of UNMIK during its 19-year long presence.

“UNMIK is led by a new vision. The main aim is to increase the trust among communities,” Tanin said, emphasizing that participants in the gathering are those expected to be “innovators” and “catalyzers” of change.

“Trust, justice, prosperity – these are the aims. They are not abstract, but achievable,” he said, adding that the trust they strive for “will not last for weeks, but for years.”

Matej Marn, Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Slovenia and Director General for Common Foreign and Security Policy also spoke at the event.

Addressing participants from Kosovo municipalities and civil society, Marn said that biggest change “often can come from local level” and that “positive news” are needed.

He reminded on numerous challenges in the region – lack of true progress, strengthening of nationalism, rule of law, lack of employment opportunities, security issues.

Despite this, much has been achieved, Marn said, highlighting cooperation among the countries in the region, and their wish to join the EU.

It is clear Kosovo has achieved success and will make big steps ahead, Marn said, adding that Slovenia would remain “a strong supporter of Kosovo and the region.”

However, March also listed issues such as rule of law, the fight against corruption, organized crime, challenges in respecting the human rights and the right of minorities, KoSSev portal reported.

Goran Rakic: UNMIK’s presence of great importance for Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija

Chairperson of Srpska Lista, Goran Rakic is also taking part in a trust building forum, held from 6 to 9 May in Ljubljana.

Chairperson Rakic, among others, had a meeting with UNMIK Head Zahir Tanin, and conveyed to him, the stance of Srpska Lista that the presence of UNMIK is of great importance for Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, and it is necessary to strengthen and increase UNMIK presence in the forthcoming period, in line with UN SC Resolution 1244, Serbian media reported.

During two-day event participants would discuss recommendations previously made in UNMIK, in areas of good governance, judiciary, interreligious trust, economic development and environment, as well as media and education.