Serbia seeks to be the region’s leader in many fields. The cornerstone in our drive to complete the unfinished  and creative investment in our younger generation.

Motivated, knowledgeable and skilled young men and women stand at the forefront of Serbia’s determination to squarely face the challenges ahead. Investing in the minds of our youth is the most important strategic decision a country can make. Such an investment is the foundation of our future prosperity. That is why we must work to create an industry of knowledge.

Serbia’s industry of knowledge must seek out every young man and woman with talent. This talent must be nurtured, and cultivated, and harnessed.

Even during the dark decade of the 1990s, with its societal commotions and waves of emigration, our younger generations relied on their raw talent and competed head with the best and brightest the world over. Prestige and recognition came their way. Imagine what they could have achieved had the country stood behind them, instead of seeking to isolate their talent. Imagine only how much greater they could have become had they had at their disposal the same tool, the same resources, as their American or Swedish colleagues.

That is why it is imperative for us-as a society-to consciously invest in developing our young, talented men and women. Investing in our young people is a strategic imperative for Serbia, for our ability to complete in a post-industrial, information-based and service-oriented globalized world.

This investment in our future cannot belong to any political party. It must belong to the general interest. It must belong to all of Serbia.

I will work hard to make the Republic of Knowledge a matter of the greatest national interest.

This means that young, educated and skilled men and women must become Serbia’s leaders- leaders for tomorrow but even for today. Their strength- and primarily their strength- can change Serbia and help it reach the future faster. With their leadership, we can build a decent, prosperous, law-abiding society.

What then does leadership mean? It means demonstrating his or her competence and ability, it means leading the team by working with the team, it means self-confidence and everyday problem solving. A leader is the creator of the vision. But leader is one who can also get people to follow the vision. Leadership is not a job title, it’s not a career, it’s a way of life. And it’s difficult. But that is what serving one’s country means.

And the Serbia we are all building will know- must know- how to value.

Boris Tadic
President of Republic of Serbia