On October 10 - 11, 2024, the First International Scientific Conference on Sustainable Regional Development was held, organized by the Institute of Scientific Research for Sustainable Development, Kosovo (IKSZ) supported by the Ministry of Regional Development.

On behalf of the Ministry of Regional Development, Dr. Refike Sülçevsi - Director of DEIPC took the floor and greeted all those present and emphasized the importance of this conference in the advancement of sustainable development policies of developing regions in Kosovo.

Further, Mrs Sülçevsi emphasized that the realization of the Conference reflects the commitment of the MRD to promote policies and strategies that represent sustainable and balanced development in Kosovo and beyond. This conference comes at an important moment for us, as it not only further enriches our work to date, but also helps us develop new policies that face the challenges of the demographic transition until 2050.

The main topic of the conference was "Demographic Transition to 2050 and Regional Policies", a topic which attracted the participation of a large number of researchers, academics, professors and representatives of institutions from inside and outside the country.

At this scientific conference, the cooperation agreement was signed between the "Haxhi Zeka" University in Peja and the University of Rijeka, Croatia, an agreement reached thanks to the commitment and official visit by representatives of the MRD in May 2024 in Croatia.

During the second day, the conference continued the work according to the agenda. The representatives from MRD and the international scientific delegation first held a meeting at the Rectorate of the University of Gjakova, then continued the visit to the Innovation Center "BONEVET" and finally visited the Old Bazaar, the handicrafts and the object of cultural heritage "Hadum Mosque" in the Municipality of Gjakova.

This conference was attended by: dr. Refike Sülçevsi- Director of DEIPC in MRD, Prof. Dr. Armand KRASNIQI - Rector of Haxhi Zeka University - Pejë, Prof. Dr. Tüzin BAYCAN - Technical University of Istanbul and President of the Turkish National Committee of Regional Science - Turkey, Prof. Assoc. Dr. Ana VINUELA from the University of Oviedo - Spain (ONLINE), Prof. Dr. Petraq Papajorgji from the European University of Tirana - Albania, Prof. Ass. Dr. Dimitrios from the Agricultural University of Athens - Greece, Prof. Dr. Marinela Krstinić NIŽIĆ Vice Dean for Development, Prof. Ass. Dr. Elena RUDIN Vice Dean for Business Relations - University of Rijeka Croatia, and Prof. Ass. Dr. Filip RUXHO from the IKSZQ Institute - Kosovo.