Respected Attendees,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

When on July 26, 1963, the devastating earthquake hit Skopje, in only few seconds everything that had been created through the centuries was destroyed. Skopje suffered immeasurable human and enormous material loss. Whole neighborhoods were wiped out. Whole families disappeared. 150,000 people were left homeless. The earthquake left behind a world in ruins.

In those difficult moments for Skopje and Macedonia, the world did not remain indifferent. The world solidarity was not only reactive but also preventive. Not only it helped in the reconstruction of the devastated city, but it also resulted in the Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology. An institute through which we learned how to build a safer future for the future generations.

From the very beginning, the Institute became synonymous with knowledge, professionalism and excellence. I will give you just a few examples.

The first MA studies in Macedonia were realized in 1965 at this same Institute. At the same time, those were the first studies on Earthquake Engineering in Europe.

The first computer in Macedonia and one of the first computers in the Balkans, IBM-1130, was brought in 1967 by IZIIS.

In 1978, the Institute published the first issue of the international journal of the European Association for Earthquake Engineering, which even today is the first in the world by the impact factor in its field.

In 1981, the Institute installed the largest and most modern seismic platform in Europe. Today it is one of the most advanced platforms in the world.

Since the establishment until now, IZIIS has issued opinions on more than 3 million square meters of residential and commercial space in Macedonia. The Institute is a real filter for seismic safety in Macedonia.

IZIIS consistently gives examples for wise, efficient and effective use of international funds and programs. Experts from the Institute are engaged in many countries worldwide.

Because of this, as President of the Republic of Macedonia, I felt obliged to do something about this institute.

I asked for support by the Director General of UNESCO and afterwards, in 2013, IZIIS was declared a UNESCO Institute. Thus, not only did it become the first UNESCO institute in Macedonia, it is the only UNESCO institute in the world working in the field of earthquake engineering, seismology and reducing the risks of major earthquakes.

I am proud that IZIIS has grown into the most famous professional, scientific and expert Macedonian brand in earthquake engineering and seismology. Today, the Republic of Macedonia returns the investment.

Dear friends,

I often say that no matter how big the state is, it is too small for the global challenges such as the natural disasters and catastrophes. At the same time, the state seems too large to ensure a carefree childhood, prosperous life and peaceful old age for its citizens. To overcome this gap, a functional partnership between the state and science, among decision-makers and experts is needed in order to make wise decisions and policy grounded on a scientific basis.

We are aware that science still cannot predict earthquakes. But what we can do is to act preventively.

All scientific, educational, publishing, expert and innovative activities of the Institute of Earthquake Engineering can be summed up in one thing: and that is to ensure seismic safety of the buildings where we live, where we work and where we spend our free time. In other words, the purpose of the Institute is to seismically provide the greatest possible value - the human life.

With all its professionalism and dedication, the Institute gives us security and certainty. Certainty that whatever happens our children will not remain without shelter. That our homes, schools, hospitals, factories and our bridges will withstand all possible earthquakes. And that certainty is the starting point for planning the future of our families, but also for the sustainable development of our society and country.

Having said all this, on behalf of all Macedonian citizens, we express our gratitude to the Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology with this "Order of Merits for Macedonia". We are grateful because it allows us to build seismically safer future.

Thank you and congratulations.