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I wish to thank UN Resident Coordinator in BiH Ingrid Macdonald and her colleagues for selecting Brčko as a central location to mark this year’s United Nations Day.
Brčko is indeed a special city, a place to showcase unity and progress at the local level. It is a city with a long history, especially that of multi-ethnic coexistence.
We all know that Brčko has suffered tremendously in the last war.
Ironically, just as BiH was being admitted as a member of the United Nations, Brčko was in shock following the destruction of the Sava Bridge – a symbol of communication and trade – and the death of dozens of civilians.
30 years later, we are standing in a different city. After a difficult period of rebuilding, reconnecting, and healing, once more it is a symbol of coexistence looking towards a future of shared prosperity.
It is a result of hope and determination to overcome conflict and cooperate, as mentioned by Ms. Macdonald.
Many positive steps have been made towards achieving sustainable development. We are seeing new energy-efficient facades on public buildings. Next year works should start on closing the old landfill, replacing it with a modern waste management facility, and preventing future flooding with regulated waterways.
New legislation will enable the District to produce its own clean energy in the future. With a modernized port and new highways, Brčko will become an economic hub and a link to the markets of the EU.
All this is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and was made possible by changing the direction the District was heading, starting with cleaning up budget spending and the budget adoption process, and a firm stance against corruption and nepotism.
There is much more to be done. And for all these things to become reality, the authorities must remain focused on meeting deadlines and improving the efficiency of the administration.
Because of all this, it is my great pleasure to stand here today and be able to say:
Brčko has a bright future! If you all remain committed and do your part for the common good!
Thank you.