Today, on 07.05.2025, the Ministry of Regional Development, in cooperation with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), as well as with the support of Gazi University from Turkey and the University of Pristina “Hasan Prishtina”, held a conference on the topic: “The Role of Universities in Balanced Regional Socio-Economic Development”.

The main goal of this conference was to deepen cooperation between universities, public institutions and international partners to promote balanced regional development in Kosovo and beyond. The conference addressed the strategic role that universities play in building a sustainable economy through education, scientific research and innovation.

The conference was opened by the Acting Minister of Regional Development, Mr. Fikrim Damka, who emphasized the importance of the role of universities in linking knowledge with practical development at the regional level, as well as the need for close inter-institutional cooperation to address socio-economic inequalities between regions.

The conference also continued with a keynote speech by the Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Albin Kurti, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Kosovo, Mr. Tunç Angılı, the Rector of the University of Pristina, Prof. Dr. Arben Hajrullahu, and the Rector of Gazi University, Prof. Dr. Uğur Ünal.

The conference continued according to the agenda, which included three discussion panels. The first panel addressed the topic “Universities as promoters of innovation for balanced regional development”. The panel was moderated by Ms. Ekzotina Brahimaj – Head of the Procurement Division at the MRD. In this session, the panelists contributed with the following presentations: Prof. Assoc. Dr. Sokol Krasniqi from the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, presented the topic “Innovation in higher education as a tool for sustainable regional development”. Mr. Mentor Rexhepi, Executive Director at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Pristina, spoke about the “Role of innovation centers in promoting entrepreneurship and regional development”. Dr. Besim Kamberaj, Secretary General at the Ministry of Regional Development, presented the topic “Public policies and inter-institutional cooperation for promoting innovation in all development regions” and Mr. Shpend Lila, Manager at the Innovation Center of Kosovo, elaborated on “University-industry cooperation in the service of innovation and regional development”.

The second panel continued the discussions on the topic “Cultural and historical cooperation in regional development” and was moderated by Dr. Refike Sülçevsi, Director for European Integration and Policy Coordination at the MRD. The panelists presented the topics: Dr. Necdet Hayta presented the topic “Kosovo in Balkan Geopolitics during the Fall of the Ottoman Empire”. Prof. Dr. Togay Seçkin Bırbudak addressed “Educational and Cultural Institutions in Kosovo at the Beginning of the 20th Century”, Dr. Tuğba Belenli spoke about “Kosovo’s Independence in the Turkish and British Press”, Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit Rexhaj, from AAB University, elaborated on the topic “The Role of Universities in Promoting and Advancing Cultural and Historical Heritage in Function of Regional Development in Kosovo”.

The third panel discussed the topic “Models of Effective Cooperation between Universities, Ministries and Municipalities” and was moderated by Ms. Arta Ahmeti Xhylani, Director for General Services at the MRD. In this session, the following were presented: Mr. Ylber Çitaku, Director of the Department for Planning and Coordination of Regional Development at the Ministry of Regional Development, on the topic “Effective Strategies for Coordination of Regional Development between Universities and Local Authorities”, Mr. Sokol Luta, Director of RDA West, shared his experience on “Local Experience in Cooperation with Universities for Sustainable Regional Development”, Ms. Rreze Duli, Director of RDA North, discussed “The Role of Regional Development Agencies in Cooperation between Universities and Local Authorities”. The conference was concluded by Dr. Besim Kamberaj - Secretary General of the Ministry of Regional Development, who thanked all participants for their contribution by presenting the recommendations and final conclusions arising from the conference The Role of Universities in Balanced Regional Socio-Economic Development.