The University of Prishtina Confers Its Highest Title, "Doctor Honoris Causa," Upon Distinguished Japanese Professor of International Law Hisashi Owada

During a solemn ceremony at the Amphitheater of the Faculty of Education, the University of Prishtina awarded the prestigious title of "Doctor Honoris Causa" to Professor Hisashi Owada in recognition of his exceptional academic contributions and lifelong dedication to international justice and the advancement of global peace. 

At the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Avni Puka, delivered the laudatory address, while Rector Prof. Arben Hajrullahu hailed Professor Owada as a "citizen of the world" and a paragon of universal values such as justice and human dignity. 

In his speech to the attendees, Prof. Owada thanked the University of Prishtina for the honor they bestowed upon him, along with all the individuals who contributed to this process.

The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including His Excellency Mr. Kiminori Iwama, Ambassador of Japan to Austria and Kosovo; Mr. Hiroyasu Tanigaki, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Kosovo; Mr. Sabri Kiçmari, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Japan; as well as ambassadors, representatives from international organizations, and institutional partners of the university. 

Rector Arben Hajrullahu and Vice-Rectors Rozafa Basha, Albana Berisha-Qehaja, Majlinda Gjelaj, Naim Jerliu, and Avni Hajdari welcomed the guests. Attendees also included members of the Governing Council, deans and faculty from academic units, students, rectors of public universities nationwide, and distinguished figures from Kosovo’s academic and institutional communities. 

Professor Owada, who has taught at the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, Harvard University, Columbia University, and New York University, maintains a notable connection to the Japanese imperial family through his daughter’s marriage to Emperor Naruhito of Japan. 

During the ceremony, students and professors from the Faculty of Arts presented several artistic performances. You can watch the tribute video to Prof. Owada, published by RTK, below.