On 22 January 2026, the SHER Programme and the Department of Higher Education and Science of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) jointly organized a thematic event focused on ongoing cooperation and future priorities in higher education and research.

The event was opened by the newly appointed Director, Mr. Bardhyl Kabashaj, who expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation with SHER and highlighted key institutional priorities. In his address, Mr. Emurli, SHER Team Leader, provided an overview of SHER’s core activities and highlighted the progress and developments achieved through the SHER Programme. The meeting was joined by the heads of divisions of the Department of Higher Education and Science.

Throughout the event, Mr. Dervishi and Ms. Kodraliu presented key ongoing and planned activities supporting Kosovo’s higher education and research system. Thematic presentations focused on targeted support to MESTI, public higher education institutions, including quality assurance, research and innovation, social dimension measures, and the integration of human rights-based and gender equality approaches. Discussions focused on shared priorities, progress to date, and the need to better harmonize efforts across policies, institutions, and implementation.

The SHER Programme reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national higher education and research priorities through continued partnership with MESTI.