Presidenti i Republikës së Shqipërisë

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Speeches

Speech of the President of the Republic, H. E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, marking the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year

Today, based on my background, I should have been at the Medical University because I am a doctor. I graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in 1989. In addition, I should have been at the Academy of the Armed Forces since I come from a militarybackground. I have been an army doctor and, most recently, a General.

However, despite its significance, I chose to be here at the Agricultural University of Tirana. I remember from my youth how important and highly valued the diploma from the Agricultural University was.

Indeed, our life journey is intertwined with dreams, desires, opportunities, and passion. Dreams and wishes are most often found in childhood, where they can change significantly. We naturally have dreams and aspirations to become someone in life and pursuespecific professions, such as doctors, veterinarians, agronomists, engineers, outstanding professionals, scientists, and professors. However, on this path to realizing our dreams and desires, we also need mentors to guide and support us. Most importantly, apart from our family members, these mentors are the professors we encounter at university, who, with great dedication, lead us on our journey of passion.

There are many speeches, numerous books, and countless examples that express motivation and inspiration. These speeches cover various topics, such as politics, economy, health and well-being, or the latest trends. While many of these speeches focus on how to get rich quickly or become influencers, today, since we are also in “October, the Month of Books,” I would like to recommend a book to you, dear students, that I really enjoy and believe you will too. It is titled “Make Your Bed,” written by an American Admiral, William H. McRaven.

There are certainly plenty of positive examples out there. We just saw one here: a former student who is now an outstanding businesswoman in your field.

I want to share that during these two years as President of the Republic, I have traveled to many regions of Albania, and there are indeed numerous examples that deserve recognition and appreciation. From Shkodra, Saranda, Konispol, and Peqin to Elbasan, many truly deserve medals. However, I would like to bring to your attention one example that deeply touched me, which involves the students of the vocational school in Cërrik.

These students, with great love and passion, demonstrated their seed bank, focusing on grain seeds they held in high regard—not only because they protected and promoted these seeds but also because they visited every farmer to advise them on the bestseeds to plant. I believe the example set by these students will stay with you as you graduate tomorrow.

I am honored to be with you today as we embark on a new academic journey. It is a pleasure to be at your university, a place with a rich history, strong traditions, significant influence, and well-deserved contributions.

The Higher State Institute of Agriculture, and later the Agricultural University, has played and continues to play an extraordinary role as a unique institution in educating and preparing young generations in fields of vital importance. Specialists, professionals, professors, and esteemed academics have studied and graduatedhere.

Through their work, dedication, sacrifices, and passion, they have left a mark and contributed to the country’s development, making it possible for this university to rank among the best in the country and the region.

To all the students beginning their university studies for the first time today, the transition to this new chapter in your lives may have brought about dilemmas and difficulties, endless questions about which university to trust, what program to choose, and many others related to your post-graduation plans. This new status marks a significant change in your lifestyle, goals, and daily routine. Make the most of this opportunity and time! Study and learn as much as you can! Draw inspiration from those whose youth offered very few opportunities. Never give up! Explore everything in the field you have chosen and make good friends!

It is tempting at your age to seek an easy life and have everything readily available. But is this truly beneficial? Will you feel fulfilled in the end? Life has shown that anything achieved easily, without effort and dedication, lacks longevity.

Therefore, my advice today is to focus on this crucial stage of life for each of you, aiming for greater success and more achievements! Seek what you need in your university life! Pursue your rights!

Persist in gaining knowledge! The future depends solely on you! The most important lesson in your career and life is that success is built on study, discipline, love, and passion for what you have chosen to do. Behind you stand the sacrifices and aspirations of your family that have made this opportunity possible. Every student sitting in the classroom carries the prayers and blessings of their parents to ease this journey.

Dear students,

Esteemed faculty and academic staff,

Technology is fundamentally changing the way we study, work, and interact with the world around us. With the recent advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and green technologies, we are witnessing the dawn of a new era—one where technological innovations will be the main driver of future development.

What is our role in this?

Should we prepare ourselves and be ready for this new reality?

The answer lies within you, the students and youth, who represent the true power of our country.

For these reasons, the role of studying, education, and training at the university is a vital and essential starting point. There is no better way to prepare for the challenges of the future than to study, deepen your knowledge, and acquire new skills. The university is the right place to gain theoretical knowledge, think critically, collaborate, and innovate. On this academic journey, it is important to draw motivation from positive role models—those who have achieved success through dedication and passion. Invest in your education, learn, and take advantage of all the opportunities available to you, including exchange programs and projects where your university leads in Albania.

Your choice to stay and study in Albania is admirable. Our responsibility is to create and provide the conditions you need, ensuring that your hard work, sweat, sacrifices, and efforts are rewarded. By doing so, we will contribute to the development of our country and the progress of Albania.

In particular, I want to highlight to all of you students here today who have chosen to study here at the Agricultural University of Tirana that beyond the confines of this institution, Albania needs you, your knowledge, energy, and passion. I assure you that farmers need you, and the agricultural sector needsyou.

Esteemed faculty,

Your role is of extraordinary importance in preparing the new generation. You serve as guides and inspirations for these young people. Through your commitment to improving teaching conditions, promoting academic freedom, and investing in scientific research, you play a key role in equipping them for the challenges of the future. Your work not only contributes to the academic development of students but also to their formation as responsible individuals who love their country.

In a world where knowledge and technologies are rapidly changing, we must ensure that our students are prepared not just for today’s challenges but also for those that tomorrow will bring. Therefore, investing in scientific research and enhancing the quality of education is essential.

Finally, I want to highlight that you are the generation that will build the Albania of tomorrow—an advanced, sustainable, and strong Albania, soon to be a member of the European Union. This journey will not be easy, but I am confident you can achieve anything you desire with dedication, hard work, and a love for knowledge. Albania has extraordinary potential, but the mostsignificant value of that potential lies with you, its youth.

Your success is the success of Albania, and together,we will create a better future for everyone.

I recommended a book for you to read at the beginning of my speech. The book is written by Admiral William McRaven, the Commander of the U.S. Navy SEALs, who was invited to the University of Texas at Austin to deliver a keynote address as an alumnus of that university. In his speech, he drew motivation from the university’s motto: “What starts here changes the world.”

In that remarkable speech, which received over 10 million views, he shared several important principles—practical principles he had gained from his time after university and his 37 years of experience as a military officer. These principles enabled him to change himself and then help others change for the better. Since his speech was extraordinary and began with the statement, “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed,” it resonated widely and was later published as a best-selling book on the New York Times list, not just for sales, but for the powerful messages it conveyed.

The messages emphasized that we must be strong and have the courage to achieve success, even in the most challenging moments of our lives, starting with the simple act of making our bed every day. It’s a small task, but one done well because if we can’t do the small things properly, we won’t be able to effectively manage the more significant tasks.

After speaking with the rector, I learned that the Agricultural University of Tirana did not have a slogan, I came up with one for you: “What you embark on here today has the power to change your life—and who knows, it might just change our country for the better.”