Kurti in Mitrovica: Freedom, equality and truth must be defended by young people

Mitrovica is hosting the 2026 International Youth Peace Summit, which has brought together young people from different countries and communities. The event, focused on peace, coexistence, freedom, equality and the challenges facing young people, opened with a performance of traditional Albanian dances by the “Shqipet e Vogla” ensemble.

During his speech, Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, urged young people to remain committed to the principles of freedom, equality and truth.

He warned that love for one’s nation can take a dangerous turn when it becomes hatred toward other peoples. According to Kurti, this transformation fuels authoritarian ultranationalism, while autocrats seek to influence young generations in particular.

Kurti: Love for one’s nation must not produce hatred

“The freedom we enjoy was won by people who loved it with all their strength. But the moment love for your own nation turns into hatred toward another nation, it becomes authoritarian ultranationalism. This is precisely what autocrats spread. Your generation is where they are trying to exert their influence, and the question is how they will manage to persuade you.

Remain steadfast in your commitment to freedom, equality and truth. Losing them happens easily, while restoring them is difficult. Every generation must choose these values again and decide which of them will influence the kind of world the 21st century will build. Among the main megatrends, technology is advancing at a rapid pace, while artificial intelligence is changing more than anything else,” Kurti said.

Sejdiu: The remains of 23 intellectuals reveal the scale of state crime

Speaking about Mitrovica’s past, former President of the Republic of Kosovo Fatmir Sejdiu said that until 1990, the city represented an important industrial, cultural and sports center.

Sejdiu also mentioned the discovery of the remains of 23 intellectuals who disappeared during 1999. He said the discovery demonstrated the severe consequences and suffering caused by war crimes.

“We must remember that until 1990, Mitrovica was a major industrial center and held a special place in cultural and sporting life. Milošević’s aggressive policy destroyed the city, accompanied by crimes and the killing of innocent civilians.

During these days, the remains of 23 intellectuals who disappeared at the hands of the Serbian regime in 1999 were discovered in the Mitrovica area. This case shows how deep and unhealed the wounds left by state crime are,” Sejdiu declared.

Icka: I hope you leave Mitrovica with new friends

Dr. Ejona Icka, Executive Director of YSP Balkan and UN Coordinator for IAYSP EUME, invited participants to use the summit days to expand their networks, listen to different stories and reconsider their views.

“I hope that beyond the panels and workshop, this summit also brings you something beautiful and simple. I would like each of you to meet someone from another country, perhaps a person you never imagined you would get to know.

I hope you hear a story that is different from your own, or one that resembles your story in some way. I hope our ideas, perspectives and beliefs are challenged, but also that the values for which we have gathered here are strengthened.

Above all, I hope that someone who is a stranger today, from another community or country, leaves Mitrovica not as a stranger, but as your friend,” Icka said.

The 2026 International Youth Peace Summit is being held in Mitrovica with the participation of young people from different countries and communities. Its aim is to promote dialogue, understanding and the creation of connections among younger generations.