Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, Esteemed guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear friends,

September 8 is a day for remembrance, a day for celebration and a day for new aspirations and visions. Last September 8, we celebrated the 20 anniversary of our third Ilinden, we commemorated and celebrated those who gave their lives and laid in a free, independent and sovereign Republic of Macedonia.

Even today, with great piety, we remember them, but this September 8, symbolically is an entry to the third decade of our independence. Decade in which we are to live what we have invested in the past two decades. Decade in which we are to attain our strategic goals as a country. Decade in which Macedonia is to finally get what it deserves. Decade in which the citizens are to feel all the benefits of their sacrifice and appeasements in the past years. Therefore, this September 8, this address, is mostly dedicated to the generations born in freedom. Generations born in independent, sovereign and autonomous Republic of Macedonia.

These are the generations that create individually the image of themselves and Macedonia. These are the generations that are no longer slaves to the notions of Macedonia created by others. The generation born with the birth of independence is already in the faculty halls and amphitheaters. They are students who are now eager for knowledge and for life. It is a generation that is part of the single European educational space.

To them and to all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia we need to enable life with European values, European principles and European standards. To enable them competition of results of their mind and their labor. We have to prepare them to face the challenges of life in the 21st century.

Everything that has been done so far, all that is now being invested in education, in new technologies, in the reforms of our institutions, in the opening to foreign investment, the changes in all spheres of daily life, is an investment for all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, and especially for the young people. Investment in their present and investment in their future. They already live in a global world in which they smoothly communicate with their peers from all over the planet. New technologies, new media make them global citizens. Aware and responsible for what is expected.

Therefore, all the reforms we are implementing, all the changes that we are undertaking are not done because of Brussels, we do them for ourselves and for the generations to come. Literally, we do not go to Europe, but we create Europe here in our country.
 

Ladies and Gentlemen,
We live in a time when great ideas, big projects, pass through periods of crisis. We are not immune to everything that happens in the world on economic, political, and security level. Our citizens feel these changes because we are increasingly connected to the global world, more informed about all global events.
 

Due to the current events, some people have doubts and skepticism, obsession with evil and negative. However, we should know that every crisis at the same time is a great challenge, a time of new opportunities. In Europe, as well as in our country. In time of crises we are looking for solutions. Crisеs is a time when we are naturally much more innovative and creative. Therefore, every problem has a solution if we focus on the solution, not on the problem.
 

I have said this before, and I will say it again: We will live in Macedonia as we will create it. Our obligation is to prepare Macedonian society for everything that is ahead. That is our responsibility. Responsibility of every individual, regardless of its ethnic, religious or any other affiliation. Responsibility of each community, each political party. Responsibility of each institution, including me as President, the government, the opposition, the judiciary, the administration, media, civil society. Simply, everyone has a stake and responsibility in attaining the strategic goals. There is no room for excuses and avoidance of obligations and responsibilities.
 

We need to create Macedonia as free and democratic country. A country that takes care of the interests of its citizens. A country which meets European values, standards and principles in the daily life. A country that responsibly meets its international commitments. Our responsible attitude gives us the basis to ask others to behave responsibly towards us.
 

Every request we have is based on respecting what is sacred for everyone in this world, as well as for the people of the Republic of Macedonia. Respect for freedom, justice and human dignity. Every denial of these generally accepted values is incomprehensible and unacceptable. I repeatedly urge and I will continue to urge. We need unity. We are in need of unity of state interests, the interests of these young people I am speaking of.
 

Different interests and different perceptions on all issues are necessary in every democracy. However, differences and divisions should not distract our attention from the state interests and the strategic objectives. Democracy is a system in which a solution is reached through dialogue.
 

Dear fellow citizens,
Every contact with our successful individuals I meet, either in Macedonia or abroad, makes me particularly pleased. They are everywhere, at prestigious universities, in prominent companies, global media. They are the most deserving ones for the fact that today, the entire planet knows of Macedonia. Many of their values and virtues have already been attained by young people here in Macedonia. We have really great potential.
 

The generations we are speaking about are the ones who by the end of this decade will begin to occupy key positions in the institutions, in politics and in society. In economy, culture, science, art and sports. They are the future entrepreneurs, innovators, scientists, politicians, artists, athletes. They are the most essential symbol of our country, our independence, our third Ilinden.
 

Therefore, we are immensely happy of every individual success. We rejoice every result achieved, all medals and all recognitions won. That is what motivates and encourages new successes.
 

If last year we received the most beautiful greeting from the basketball and handball team, this year our hearts were filled with the success of Mrs. Bikova, who sent us the most beautiful greeting for the holiday. There are thousands such examples in all spheres. Because of all what is to happen we need to forget the divisions and confrontations that take us away from what we have set as a goal.
 

Generations to come have no understanding of spending time and energy on what is not going to help them integrate into the modern world.
 

Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,
We had a lot of missed opportunities, many unused chances, undecided moves, unfulfilled dreams in the past. Let us close that chapter. All those who have missed the opportunities and chances, those who were undecided, bear their responsibility. We have drawn a line and we walk forward to the future decidedly.

The third decade of the independent Republic of Macedonia has to be a decade of successes. Decade in which each individual success is to contribute to the achievement of the common success of our Macedonia. Decade of the generations born in freedom who, through their work, commitment and optimism, need to experience well-being here in Macedonia.

This means a life in accordance with the highest ethical values and principles. Principles which are the basis for building integrity, acceptance of what is good.
 

Integrity or lack of integrity has always consequences. People with integrity have nothing to fear of. Their lives are like open books. They have set up a system of values on which they bring all decisions in life. They have self- confidence and enjoy respect of others.

We have to be responsible. Any right implies responsibility and anyone who makes decisions will take responsibility for his steps. Character and future is established that way.

We must not forget that the laws and rules are not adopted to be infringed, but to be respected. Thus, new generations, to have a life with peace and order in which they can have confidence and certainty, should abide by laws and rules. No one should ever forget that our country needs to create equal opportunities for all, and we all need to be equal before the law. But not only the laws, the rights of others should also be respected. With diligence we create values.
 

To be aware of everything we have acquired and earned. To have a sense of responsibility and timely execution of tasks. It features a virtuous people.
 

I am convinced that the future of Macedonia is in the quality and in respect for these values. The future is in the people who build physical, material and spiritual goods. We need all together to build the greatest good: an independent and prosperous Macedonia. To build Macedonia in height. To achieve the highest European standards and values.
 

We need to create youth for the future and future for the youth. Investing in future generations is one of the most important tasks of our society. I am happy, both as President of the Republic of Macedonia and as a university professor, that we are creating generations with an open mind - brave, intelligent, with a positive attitude towards society. We all have great confidence and high expectations of the young generations. The more successful people there are, the more successful Macedonia is.

Dear fellow citizens,
Everything begins with us. From each one of us who from his birth lives the dream of our ancestors - the dream of freedom, exercised rights and human dignity. Thus, we need to respect the legacy - unity, coexistence and tolerance.
 

Every day that we live in an independent Macedonia is an Independence Day. Independence that we will preserve, promote and hand over to the next generations only if we do not deviate from the fundamental values of our common homeland. It is a pride but also a commitment to be Macedonian. Pride is to live in Macedonia, pride and commitment is to be a citizen of the Republic of Macedonia, regardless of ethnic, religious or any other affiliation.
 

May we all be guided by a positive thought, let us compete in goodness and success. The more we love and invest in Macedonia, the greater the benefit for us.
 

Long live the Republic of Macedonia!
To our eternal Macedonia!