Ambassador Hovenier Delivers Keynote Remarks at AmCham’s Charity Gala Dinner

Pristina, December 9, 2022 – Delivering a keynote speech at AmCham’s Charity Gala Dinner, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier, thanked the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo for raising funds for worthy causes. He said that events like these demonstrate the importance of corporate social responsibility.

Ambassador Hovenier further said that Kosovo’s private sector members play a vital role in addressing three different challenges: energy diversification, economic empowerment for all, and rule of law.

Speaking about energy diversification, Ambassador Hovenier said that Kosovo’s older power plants have a significant impact on energy supply predictability, the health of the citizens, and attracting potential investors.

Ambassador Hovenier highlighted the importance of an inclusive economic empowerment, highlighting the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.  Ambassador Hovenier said that when women have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field, they perform very well. The Ambassador said society benefits from greater diversity in government, social institutions, and business communities.

Ambassador Hovenier asked AmCham to play a leadership role in Kosovo’s society to help ensure that glass ceilings are broken, that impediments to people on the basis of gender are removed, and that all of us are champions of ensuring a level-playing field.

Ambassador Hovenier welcomed Kosovo’s efforts to combat corruption, adding that the U.S. government is involved in supporting these efforts, including the active role of USAID in helping to establish the commercial court.

Finally, Ambassador Hovenier thanked the businesses for helping advance the shared vision for a sovereign, independent, successful, and prosperous Kosovo, which is a shared mission of the U.S. Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo.