Guests

Your Excellencies, Minister Halilovic, Dear Mayor, Ladie and Gentlmen,

Thank you for asking me to participate in the opening of this conference.

The subject of education and reconciliation is something which is close to all of us working in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We are all aware of the importance of education in developing a modern democratic society-especially in a multiethnic post-war environment such as Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The European Union understands that human resources are the Union'S main asset and it is acknowledged that investment in this area is a determining factor of growth and productivity, in the same way as investment in the capital and equipment.

The investment which has been made in your education is invaluable for this country. As an ancient Chinese proverb says: "If you want one year of prosperity, grow rice. If you want ten years of prosperity, plant trees. If you want twenty years of prosperity, educate people".

Bosnia and Herzegovina is aspiring towards European Union membership, and in this respect strive to learn from the best EU practices in all areas. The European Union is here ready to help. We are investing substantial funds and expertise in the educational system, especially in higher education, through TEMPUS programme in which we have invested 9,8 million Euro.

It is our obligation to ensure that the future generation of students is able to reap the rewards of good education and that excellent education opportunities help move this country faster on its chosen path to European Union.

The European Union is clearly committed to the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and wants to see Bosnia and Herzegovina progress towards EU membership.

This process will involve all sectors of the society and therefore I cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring that the future generations are driving forward reforms in this country and ensuring that Bosnai and Herzegovina can be able an example to the world of successful post-war reconstruction, not just in terms of physical reconstruction but terms of development of its society.

The list of participants to this conference is impressive and I can see that you will stimulate a fruitful discussion on the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Thank you for attention.