University of Prishtina Strengthens Ties with Academic Diaspora Through the "Together in Science" Forum

In the hall of the National Library "Pjetër Bogdani," the Kosovar academic diaspora, teaching staff, University of Prishtina (UP) students, institutional officials, and representatives of supporting organizations came together to further institutionalize cooperation and channel knowledge toward the common good.

To this end, the forum "Together in Science: The University of Prishtina and the Academic Diaspora" commenced its proceedings. The event was organized by UP's Center for Advanced Studies, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).

In their welcoming remarks, the speakers highly valued everything the diaspora has accomplished throughout all stages of Kosovo's liberation and state-building. They called upon the academic segment of the diaspora to continue supporting the University of Prishtina and their country of birth or origin.

The speakers also emphasized the comprehensive and inseparable connection between UP and the diaspora. They specifically mentioned the university management project, led by Rector Prof. Dr. Arben Hajrullahu, focused on the "return and circulation of brains." This initiative is guided by the Regulation on Transfer, the 'Brain Gain' program, and provisions for the exceptional recruitment of academic staff, which was approved by the UP Senate on April 30, 2025.

The University of Prishtina also maintains exceptional and continuous links with the diaspora through the Prishtina International Summer University, which has opened its call for professors for its 26th edition to be held in July 2026. Furthermore, the International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture has consistently maintained connections with Albanians worldwide, for instance, in Italy, Croatia, and Syria.

Mention was also made of the Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, which brings young professionals from the diaspora to Kosovo. A number of these professionals have also assisted UP in its daily duties, with many choosing to settle in Kosovo. The University of Prishtina was also described as a bridging link between universities and students in countries that have not yet recognized Kosovo's independence.

During the introductory part of the "Together in Science: The University of Prishtina and the Academic Diaspora" forum, speeches were delivered by the Rector of the University of Prishtina, Prof. Dr. Arben Hajrullahu; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Liza Gashi; the representative of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), Dardan Sadriu; and the Director of UP's Center for Advanced Studies, Prof. Dr. Gentrit Berisha.

The forum will continue its work throughout today with presentations and discussions, involving UP's vice-rectors, professors, students, as well as scholars, researchers, and professors from the diaspora. A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at the Rectorate of the University of Prishtina to concretize cooperation and networking efforts.