The workshop was opened by the Rector of the UKZ, Prof. Assoc. Dr. Artan Dermaku, who expressed the importance of the revision process in ensuring that the statute reflects the University’s current needs and strategic priorities. While, Mr. Nehat Dervishi, Thematic Coordinator shared SHER’s commitment to supporting the University throughout the revision process.

Facilitated by SHER Expert, discussions focused on existing provisions, areas requiring revision, identified challenges, and proposed amendments to individual articles. The framework for these discussions was the comprehensive analysis prepared by the SHER international expert, which served as the basis for the workshop deliberations. The workshop concluded with a summary of key discussion points and follow-up steps for the continuation of the statute finalization process.

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SHER supported UP throughout the strategic planning process, including the review of the previous Strategic Plan 2023–2025 and the development of the new strategic framework. The process followed a participatory approach, involving the university management, working groups, academic and administrative staff, students, and other relevant stakeholders.

Through expert support, facilitated working sessions, workshops, and consultations, SHER contributed to the development of a strategic document that reflects UP’s priorities, institutional needs, and long-term vision. The new Strategic Plan is structured around six key development areas: academic excellence, student-centred learning, research and innovation, internationalisation, governance and sustainability, and digital transformation.

The Strategic Plan 2026–2030 represents an important milestone in strengthening the University of Prishtina’s institutional development and further aligning its priorities with European higher education practices.

SHER remains committed to supporting higher education institutions in Kosovo in strengthening strategic planning, institutional governance, quality enhancement, and evidence-based reforms.

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The workshop was opened by Ms. Qamile Sinanaj, Head of the International Cooperation in Higher Education and Science Division at the Ministry of Education and Science and NCP Coordinator, who highlighted the importance of strengthening Kosovo’s engagement in Horizon Europe and fostering collaboration among NCPs and relevant stakeholders. Mr. Aqim Emurli, Team Leader of the SHER Programme, also addressed participants, emphasizing the Programme’s continued commitment to supporting Kosovo’s research and innovation community.

During the workshop, Ms. Qamile Sinanaj further provided an overview of Kosovo entities’ participation in Horizon Europe, current statistics, and the support opportunities available through WIDERA. Participants also benefited from the expertise of Mr. Gorazd Weiss, Senior Expert and Head of the Department for Research Policy and Development at the Centre for Social Innovation, Austria, who facilitated an interactive session on improving promotional activities for the Horizon Europe 2026 Work Programmes and presented recent updates for NCPs related to changes in the impact section of Horizon Europe application forms.

The workshop served as a valuable platform for exchanging experiences, strengthening collaboration, and jointly developing approaches to enhance outreach and engagement within Kosovo’s research and innovation community. We thank all speakers and participants for their active contributions and continued commitment to advancing research and innovation in Kosovo.

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The workshop was opened by Prof. Dr. Arben Hajrullahu, Rector of the University of Prishtina, and Mr. Aqim Emurli, Team Leader of the SHER Programme, who highlighted the importance of continuous institutional development and strategic reforms for strengthening UP’s role as a leading higher education institution in Kosovo.

During the expert session, Ms. Kristiina Tõnnisson, SHER international expert, presented comparative European practices on university governance, organizational structures, institutional autonomy and strategic management. The discussions contributed to the ongoing organizational and functional review of UP, which will result in a Roadmap with recommendations for strengthening governance, improving coordination and supporting UP’s long-term institutional development.

The workshop provided valuable inputs for further cooperation between UP and SHER in supporting governance reforms and the continued alignment of UP with European Higher Education Area principles.

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The delegation consisted of Mr. Përparim Kryeziu, Deputy Minister of MES; Ms. Klodeta Krasniqi, Chief of Staff of MES; Prof. Hasnije Ilazi, President of the Board of the KAA; Mr. Naim Gashi, Director General of KAA; Prof. Maja Martinovic, Member of the KAA Board; Prof. Mirlinda Batalli, Member of the KAA Board; Ms. Shkurtë Bajgora, Student Member of the KAA Board; Mr. Aqim Emurli, SHER Team Leader; and Mr. Douglas Blackstock, International Expert of SHER.

The delegation held high-level meetings with representatives of the ENQA, EQAR, VLUHR-QA, AEQES, EURASHE, EUA-IEP and ESU. Discussions focused on Kosovo’s progress in reforming its quality assurance system, strengthening professional capacities, and ensuring full alignment with ESGs. These conversations are vital for ensuring that Kosovo’s HEIs continue to grow in excellence and competitiveness on the international stage.

Building on these exchanges, the KAA reaffirmed its commitment to continues improvement by implementing recommendation from the ENQA review and the EQAR, preparing for the revised European Standards and Guidelines in 2027, and drawing lessons from the practices and priorities of European partners. At the same time, the Agency is considering how it can contribute more actively to the quality assurance community within the EHEA.

Throughout this process, SHER has provided guidance, resources, and a platform for cooperation, ensuring that the KAA continues to meet European benchmarks while contributing to the broader mission of fostering trust, integrity, and innovation in higher education.

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Keynote speakers represented institutions such as the University of Southeast Norway, the University of Sarajevo, and the University of Durres. Among them was also Mr. Aqim Emurli, Team Leader of the SHER Programme, who delivered an insightful address on the challenges and perspectives of higher education. He emphasized the urgent need to raise academic quality, empower scientific research, and ensure that universities remain engines of sustainable progress. His reflections resonated deeply with the conference’s mission to advance knowledge and foster collaboration across borders, reminding participants that international partnerships are essential for creating opportunities for future generations.

A highlight of the conference was the awarding of the prestigious “Marin Barleti” Prize to the SHER Programme, presented by Rector Prof. Assoc. Dr. Artan Dërmaku and  Prof. Dr. Xhevdet Thaqi. This distinguished recognition honors outstanding contributions to academic achievement, international cooperation, and the promotion of innovative ideas in higher education. In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Emurli expressed heartfelt gratitude to the UKZ for the honor and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing international collaboration that opens new horizons for students and researchers alike.

The conference proceedings continued with six parallel scientific sessions: EduDay Conference, Justice Conference, Economics Conference, DigiDay Conference, MathDay Conference and Social Science Conference.

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The workshop brought together representatives of university management, academic and administrative staff, students, the Ministry of Education and Science, civil society, and industry. The broad participation of internal and external stakeholders provided an important opportunity for consultation, discussion, and joint reflection on the future development priorities of the university.

The workshop focused on key elements of the strategic planning process, including the assessment of the current institutional situation, identification of strategic priorities, and definition of development objectives for the next five-year period. Participants also worked on the SWOT analysis, the university’s vision, mission and values, as well as key performance indicators.

Through expert support and facilitation, SHER Programme is supporting the university in developing a comprehensive and realistic strategic document that will guide its institutional development, strengthen planning capacities, and contribute to sustainable academic and scientific advancement.

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The workshop commenced with opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Nurten Deva, Rector of the UIBM, and Mr. Aqim Emurli, Team Leader of the SHER Programme, who emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional governance and supporting the university’s long-term development objectives. During the first day, discussions focused on the university’s current realities, challenges, and strategic vision, followed by sessions facilitated by Prof. Blerim Saqipi, SHER Programme Expert, addressing areas requiring revision within the statute. Participants also reviewed recommendations provided by the international expert and discussed concrete amendments to specific provisions.

The second day focused on the article formulation and refinement of selected articles of the statute through facilitated working sessions aimed at ensuring coherence, clarity, and alignment with institutional priorities and legal requirements. The workshop concluded with a summary of key discussion points and agreement on follow-up steps for the continuation of the statute finalization process.

Overall, the workshop served as an important platform for constructive dialogue and institutional reflection, contributing to the strengthening of the university’s governance framework in line with contemporary higher education standards and the university’s strategic objectives.

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Facilitated and coordinated by the SHER’s consortium member OeAD, participants were given a comprehensive introduction to Austria’s higher education landscape, including its institutional structure, key funding programmes, and well-established internationalisation frameworks. This initial orientation was complemented by a series of study visits to leading Austrian institutions: BOKU University, the Medical University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, Hochschule Campus Wien, and OeAD, each offering a distinct perspective on academic organisation and collaboration. Collectively, these experiences fostered a deeper understanding of how Austrian higher education institutions operate within a global context and provided valuable ideas for strengthening partnerships and enhancing institutional development.

Participants included representatives from the University of Prishtina, University “Ukshin Hoti” in Prizren, University “Haxhi Zeka” in Peja, University “Kadri Zeka” in Gjilan, University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova, University “Isa Boletini” in Mitrovica, University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, Public International Business College Mitrovica and the Faculty of Islamic Studies. Ensuring effective implementation, the visit was facilitated by the SHER Programme Officer, Ms. Shqiponjë Kodraliu.

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The Rector Drilon Bunjaku underlined the critical importance of these processes for strengthening the university’s long-term strategic direction and ensuring robust, sustainable quality assurance. On the other side, Mr. Aqim Emurli reaffirmed SHER’s commitment to supporting UFAGJ throughout the entire process, while also emphasizing the broader importance of strategic development and institutional accreditation for future development of the university. In this regard, he highlighted SHER’s readiness to provide tailored support in line with the signed MoUs, as well as the availability of earmarked funds of SHER to facilitate these processes.

The workshop was facilitated by SHER expert Prof. Dr. Bujar Pira, who presented the methodology and a clear roadmap for both the strategic planning process and the development of the SER, ensuring a structured and coherent approach. The next phase will include a stakeholder workshop focused on defining clear strategic priorities and objectives for the Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

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