Skopje, 18 January 2023 (MIA) – Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi addressed on Wednesday the opening of the 11th International Scholarly Conference on “Challenges of identity, cultural heritage, sustainable development and tourism, related to the new crises”, taking place in Ohrid.  

“Towards the end of the past century, the world began to talk about a new phenomenon of globalization. Globalization is treated from different perspectives and everyone who talks about this topic defines it according to their own perspective, thus giving ideas about possible challenges that accompany it in culture, economy, and identity. But what I see in globalization is not a threat of eradicating the clear identity, but a chance for cooperation between nations, tolerance and promotion of the exceptional uniqueness of everyone, a chance to get to know each other, and thus respect each other. Only in this way will we truly co-create our one society for all,” said Bytyqi.  

He pointed out that today’s modern societies face many complex challenges that require quick adaptability, as well as multi-sector or interdisciplinary action. Bytyqi stressed that sustainable economic development, environmental protection, care for human rights and many other segments cannot be successfully addressed by only one party and one actor, be it the Government, the civil society or businesses, but requires joint action and partnership.  

“We must continue to work for our one society whose foundation is exactly that, a sincere intention to know and appreciate the others and to create a safe space for them to be themselves and get the same chance we wish for ourselves,” he said.  

Bytyqi stressed that despite the challenges, we should see opportunities, despite the past, we should fight for the future, and despite the differences, we should build a mosaic of togetherness.