The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr Albin Kurti officially opened the ‘KFOR and Kosovo +25’ exhibition at the National Museum of Kosovo in Pristina on 11th June 2024. This powerful exhibition, featuring images captured by Scottish Highlands photographer Nick Sidle, who was attached to KFOR, offers a poignant reminder of the cost of conflict and the crucial role of peacekeepers. During 2024-2025, the exhibition will be presented in various locations across the UK and Kosovo.
For 75 years, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has been a leading force for peace, stability, and international cooperation. One of its most enduring efforts has been its peace-support operation in Kosovo, which began in June 1999 as part of a broader initiative to bring stability to the region.
Twenty-five years ago, NATO intervened in Kosovo to stop the violent conflict that had engulfed the area. The intervention was a remarkable example of international collaboration, with many nations coming together to restore peace, stability, and security to a region that lacked even the most basic services that many of us take for granted. Since then, NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) has maintained peace, helping to ensure a more stable future for the people of Kosovo.
On 18th September 2024, the exhibition arrived at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, where it was met with a warm welcome. Depute Provost of Inverness, Councillor Morven Reid, delivered a heartfelt welcome address, while Lord Clive Soley gave the opening speech. Lord Soley, who had been deeply involved in efforts to help Kosovo rebuild itself into a functioning, free society, reflected on the enduring significance of the issues raised during the conflict. He also spoke about the role of peacekeepers, highlighting the photographs in the exhibition that capture the human side of peace-building.
One of the other speakers at the event was Pastor Wilfred Masih from the Inverness Seventh-day Adventist Church. In his thought-provoking speech, Pastor Masih underscored the importance of viewing peace as more than just the absence of conflict. “True peace,” he said, “is built on acknowledging the inherent rights and dignity of every individual.” He emphasised that a society cannot be at peace if its citizens are denied fundamental rights such as the freedom to speak and worship.
Pastor Masih also offered a Christian perspective on peace, pointing out that all people are vulnerable to the temptations of power, pride, and prejudice. He cited the biblical principle from Luke 6:31, which challenges us all: “...to treat others as you would wish to be treated.” His words resonated with the audience, reminding them that peace requires more than treaties and ceasefires; it requires a deep commitment to justice, equality, and respect for one another. NATO soldiers from Kosovo were also present and shared a few words on how much progress had been made over the 25 years to restore peace and stability to the region.
During the Q&A session that followed, Pastor Masih was asked how peace could be achieved in today’s turbulent world. He responded thoughtfully, acknowledging the complexity of the question. “While there are no easy answers,” he said, “we must continue to strive and explore alternatives to war and violence as ways to resolve our differences.” His message was clear: the pursuit of peace is ongoing and requires all of us to seek non-violent solutions to conflict.
The lessons of Kosovo remain relevant today, as many parts of the world continue to suffer from war and unrest. The consequences of these conflicts are felt globally, including within the UK, reminding us of the importance of peace-building not just internationally but also in our local communities. In these times of unrest and tension between countries and communities, Christ offers these words in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
The ‘KFOR and Kosovo +25’ exhibition, with its moving portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the people of Kosovo, will head to the Houses of Parliament in the autumn. The exhibition is a timely reminder of how far Kosovo has come since the conflict and the power of international cooperation in the face of adversity. As Pastor Masih so powerfully articulated, true peace is not just about resolving conflicts but about fostering a society where freedom, dignity and the rights of every individual are protected.
