SACHS: HARMONY AMID DIVERSITY IS ESSENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 28 /SRNA/ - American economist and Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs said that the world today faces dangers that did not exist before and that it is extremely important to achieve harmony amid the diversity people live with.

Speaking during a lecture at the University of Banja Luka today, Sachs said Republika Srpska and BiH are characterized by numerous forms of diversity and that it is a major advantage that development is taking place despite those differences.

"We have three peoples, several languages, and this country is beautiful not only because of its diversity, but also because of its natural resources. Achieving harmony amid diversity here also has an impact on the rest of the region and the world," Sachs said.

He pointed out that BiH faces major challenges when it comes to governance and that it should have genuine self-government in the full sense of the term.

"An autonomous country should and can be part of Europe," Sachs said.

He believes it is important for a democratic government to function independently and lead the country toward the EU.

"Europe should not be a region consumed by war, because such a Europe serves no one. Everyone needs a Europe at peace, and only in that way can we move forward," Sachs said.

Sachs explained that harmony amid diversity involves a range of environmental, economic, human and social challenges, and that overcoming such issues in a multiethnic society is itself a challenge.

"But it is also a significant opportunity for development," Sachs told reporters after the lecture.

He noted that one of the most important forms of harmony amid diversity that must be achieved in today's multipolar world is avoiding global conflict.

"Regional integration is also important in order to achieve cooperation among countries, which is a basic prerequisite for development," Sachs said.

Acting Rector of the University of Banja Luka Ranko Škrbić today presented Sachs with an honorary doctorate for his contribution to the development of economic relations and the peaceful resolution of international conflicts.

Republika Srpska President Siniša Karan also attended the ceremony.

Also present were acting Director of the Republika Srpska Office for International Cooperation Ana Trišić-Babić, Finance Minister Zora Vidović and SNSD Organizational Secretary Igor Dodik.