As of 19 December 2024, SHER Programme and University ‘Fehmi Agani’ in Gjakova (UFAGJ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen our collaboration in the areas of academic and research development, through enhancing education, promoting innovation and supporting evidence-based research.

The signing ceremony of the MoU was held at the UFAGJ Rectorate, officially signed by, Rector Prof. Ass. Dr. Drilon Bunjaku and SHER Team Leader Mr. Aqim Emurli. The ceremony was attended by academic staff, administrative staff and students from the university, all of whom expressed their excitement and gratitude for the new opportunities that this MOU will bring.

In order to further UFAGJ’s academic and research development, the MoU creates a framework for cooperation with an emphasis on joint activities, expert support, and capacity-building initiatives. With the common objective of establishing sustainability, this collaboration will facilitate support through both local and international experts in key areas such asstatute revision, strategic plan development, implementing the performance-based funding, staff training, and digitalization of the processes at the UFAGJ.

Furthermore, the MoU ceremony facilitated a space for Q&A session, allowing both students and academic staff to explore the potential impact of the partnership, focusing not only on academic and research development but also on strengthening the university’s role in promoting engagement, extending the university’s impact beyond its traditional teaching mission.

With regard to the discussion, Rector Bunjaku in his address highlighted the importance of collaborating with SHER, expressing gratitude for the successful partnerships in previous phases. He also acknowledged SHER’s ongoing support and commitment to future initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainable transformation in higher education, emphasizing that this collaboration will promote long-term development.

As a final point, Mr. Emurli emphasized the importance of integrating students into such processes, noting that this aligns with almost every university mission and is central to the goals outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding. He further shared information on ways students can directly benefit, mentioning joint double degrees, fellowships, and social dimension grants.

Through this partnership, SHER will provide support to help the university achieve its strategic goals over the next three years.