Distinguished Dean of the Faculty of Law,
Prof. Dr. Borche Davitkovski,
Esteemed Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Six decades after the establishment of the Faculty of Law “Iustinianus Primus”, there are many reasons for us to be proud of.

Today, this anniversary represents a sublimate of sixty years incessant existence of the legal studies, thousands of students involved in extensive research and pursuit of new knowledge, united intellectual effort of many graduates, masters and doctors of science, much labor invested, many awards and recognitions received, many individual and joint achievements.

Throughout the course of all these years, through the corridors of this institution, significant part of the Macedonian intellectual force was created, the history was testified, the challenges facing us all were discussed with energy and enthusiasm.

The Faculty of Law is the central place where each new generation channeled its youth and energy, shaped its dreams and aspirations, paved the path of their own future and the future of our country. It is this Faculty that brings together legal, political studies and journalism, has created professionals who are active in building and upgrading the Macedonian academic scene, but also individuals who, in a given moment and in certain conditions, have taken upon themselves responsibility to be front men and leaders of major social and political movements.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

By awarding this Order of Merit for Macedonia, we pay tribute and respect for the great role that the Faculty of Law had and still has in the Macedonian society - articulation of extremely valuable scientific research activity, its contribution in strengthening the country’s legal system and the rule of law, faithful representation of Macedonia as a country where quality education is among the highest values and ideals.

However, we must not forget – the merits for Macedonia, which undoubtedly are recognized and valued, are not an accomplished process for anyone, but an incentive and motivation for tireless continuation of the efforts for new achievements and even greater successes. In today’s world of global connectivity, every institution that educates and enlightens should base its actions on the principle of openness. The Faculty of Law has demonstrated and proved to have the capacity to follow the global trends, to be modernized, when necessary to be corrected, and to create lasting relations of cooperation and exchange with numerous high education institutions from Europe and the world, with equal focus to the West and to the East.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I was also a student and a professor at this institution – those were the times I spent the most beautiful years of my life, years of creation and discovery, but also years with plenty of challenges and the need for struggle and perseverance. From that perspective I can say that development, advancement and success of a high educational institution is a never ending process. To ensure a prosperous future, we must not limit our views and interests only in one direction or within one dogma. We need a vision to study other regions, including the emerging world powers that are beyond our traditional range, and to absorb knowledge, positive practices and experiences of those who are able to offer such.

Even stronger connection with the practical problems of today which must be solved is needed. It is necessary to seek inspiration in reality, present and to identify specific problems that require innovative approaches, to draw ideas from the best practice, to review established norms and principles, to see clearly into the future.

And, what is most important: to be relieved of absolute authorities and to have eyes and ears wide open towards those who come for the first into the lecture rooms and amphitheaters – the students. The students must be provided, firmly and unflinchingly, with conditions and freedom to act, to explore, and to express themselves. We should work to maintain interactive and dynamic relationship between teachers and students, to encourage their thought and creativity, to support student and academic mobility and exchange. Because exactly the students are the backbone of fresh critical thought in the society and our promise for the future. The more we invest in students today, the more Macedonia will get in return.

The Faculty of Law "Iustinianus Primus" consciously, responsibly and in continuity has been working in these fields and is on a good track to achieve these postulates. I am pleased that, despite many challenges over the decades, the Faculty of Law continues to be the pillar of cognitive and progressive part of the social apparatus.

I am proud that today, quite deservingly, the Faculty of Law "Iustinianus Primus" receives this high recognition - the Order of Merit for Macedonia.

Thank you.