Jorgovanka Tabaković: Let go of yesterday...

Speech by Dr Jorgovanka Tabaković, Governor of the National Bank of Serbia, at the opening of the "Serbian Insurance Days" conference, Zlatibor mountain, 27 November 2024.

The views expressed in this speech are those of the speaker and not the view of the BIS.

Dear friends,

Before we move on to the official part, I will start today's address in my own unique way, with a poem titled "The past and the present," which, I am sure, just like everything in life, has fittingly aligned with this year's slogan "Let go of yesterday." In this way, I want to tell you that we are privileged to be together today- It is a poem dedicated to all of us and the circumstances in which we live.

They say don't look back.

They say don't seek anything behind you because there is nothing of value there.

So speak those who believe that the past is only a burden and pain, and that there is a single remedy for all men.

So speak those who believe only they know and think they are called upon to give advice. But only we ourselves know what is valuable, wrong, or right in what remains behind us. No one else can read our reasons and handwriting as well as we can. But this requires strength, honesty with oneself, to preserve a valuable memory, to recognise every mark, the desire to look ahead, to not stumble over the same stone. No one knows why, how, or where to go further better than you.

Through our past days, we will seek pride, others will seek shame. The truth that only we know, or the truth that everyone knows – will always be our Great Wall of China. Others' hatred and fear of us will turn us into warriors who took by force. Without fear of sin, they will spread a bad reputation about us. Lies will be their weapon and they will dig through our hearths and ruins with stolen money and other people's hands.

Some say don't listen to what they say. The wind will scatter their empty words. But how will people know that it is envy and hatred, and that those words are false? In those lies and empty words, others will find excuses and determine our paths and destinies. Therefore, don't let others shape your destiny – neither those who flatter you, nor those who fear you. Everyone is the maker of his own fortune and know that no one can steer the helm of your destiny better than you.