On 29 September 2026, the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA) held its 4^th Annual International Conference under the theme “Internal Quality Assurance in Higher Education Institutions: From Evaluation to Quality Culture.”

The Conference brought together representatives of higher education institutions, quality assurance agencies, students, policymakers and international experts from Kosovo and across Europe. It was opened by the Minister of Education and Science, Mr. Hajrulla Çeku, the Austrian Ambassador to Kosovo, H.E. Georg Schnetzer, and the President of the State Council of Quality, Mr. Avni Berisha.

The discussions explored how external and internal quality assurance can work together to support continuous improvement, strengthen institutional responsibility and foster a sustainable quality culture in higher education. Speakers and participants shared European and regional experiences, practical approaches and lessons on evidence-based quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, follow-up mechanisms and the balance between accountability, enhancement and institutional autonomy.

SHER supported the Conference through a range of organisational and communication activities, including moderation of a thematic panel, support to the Conference rapporteur, communication and promotion, and logistical arrangements. As a follow-up to the Conference, SHER will also support the preparation of a Policy Brief capturing the key messages, lessons and recommendations emerging from the discussions.

The Conference provided an important platform for dialogue and exchange on the further development of quality assurance in Kosovo and on strengthening a culture of continuous improvement across higher education institutions.

SHER is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), co-financed by the Ministry of Education and Science, and implemented by WUS Austria, the Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI) and OeAD.