Kosovo Human Development Report 2010 - UNDP Kosovo - United ...

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specific difficulties that groups which are particularly excluded face in accessing
their rights.
The concept of social inclusion is central to the European family. Europe has
pledged to become the world’s most competitive economy – and it understands
that this can only be achieved by concurrently aspiring to become the world’s
fairest and most open place to live. Social inclusion, however, goes far beyond
Europe – to the core of human rights and human dignity, and it is decisive in
determining what kind of society Kosovans will to create today, to leave for their
children to inherit.
The message of this report, therefore, is both challenging and hopeful. It informs
Kosovo’s authorities and its people that while conditions may be difficult after
so much turmoil, the power to transform their circumstances is in their hands.
Kosovo’s bright future will not occur through sudden leap to wealth and political
maturity. A longer process is required that must be rooted in more sincere
dialogue between different communities and between people and their leaders.
A climate of scarce resources necessitates serious and thoughtful prioritization
of multiple competing needs and demands. A Kosovo-owned, people-centred
development strategy seems a logical step forward. As tough choices are contemplated,
the findings and recommendations of this Kosovo HDR can help in
ensuring that such a strategy is shaped to liberate the full wealth of human capital
across Kosovo’s social spectrum. This can only be achieved through a resolute
focus on lifting the most vulnerable and socially excluded into the mainstream.
It is the only sustainable means by which an agenda for social change can find a
long-term policy home, and true leadership emerge from Kosovo’s new administration.
The UN is ready and eager to support such a strategy. Social inclusion, as the
foundational platform of the Universal Charter of Human Rights, underlies the
new, five-year action plan for the UN agencies, funds and programmes comprising
the UN Kosovo Team. The UNKT Common Development Plan is designed
to support Kosovan people as they look to create stronger links with their leaders,
improve local services, participate in decisions affecting their communities,
clean up their environment and foster stronger social justice. It aims to build a
partnership with them, as they seek to fulfil their potential.
These longed-for changes will not happen overnight. Their roots are fragile and
may take time to grow and flower. Until they do, the UN will continue to stand
alongside the Kosovan people - and do its best to lift the burdens of those who
need it most.
Osnat Lubrani
UN Development Coordinator
UNDP Resident Representative