Rector Vataj attended the IVth Scientific Conference of the Association of Balkan Universities in Tetova

Rector of University "Ukshin Hoti" in Prizren, Prof. Dr. Rame Vataj, attended the IV Scientific Conference of the Association of Balkan Universities, held at the University of Tetova .The main theme this year's conference was "Collaboration between universities and cultural coexistence - a premise for a sustainable platform across the Balkans ". This conference, attended by many rectors and scholars from all Balkan Universities, officially opened the Rector of the University of Tetova, also President of the Association of Balkan Universities, Prof. dr. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, who said that with the activities of this academic, scientific and cultural level, we concretize the successful cooperation that we have built with institutions of higher education, with public and private institutions, with non-governmental organizations, as well as mutual cooperation with many universities from the country, region and the world, but also with well-established scholars and scholars of educational, scientific and cultural issues from our country, region and international arena. "Serious studies, scientific research at the University of Tetova are the main activity of our institution, an important and inseparable part of the academic activity. In order to meet the need for genuine research, our University now, through academic units, respectively faculties, organizes scientific activities and this greatly enriches the overall activity of higher education. Today, universities with their commitments and initiatives always make concrete efforts and steps to realize the institutional, educational and educational objectives, setting up staffing capacities and making reforms in line with contemporary times and realities. Topics, debates, different opinions on similar issues like today's discussion and their presentation to students and the academic community, I believe contribute to strengthening the opinion and views for affirming the cultural coexistence in these facilities "- said Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti.

He was also in front of the auditorium, where, besides scholarly researchers, there were over 40 rectors of the Balkan Universities, adding that universities, their studies should guide them in the proper research of the culture of the Balkan peoples, which should not be seen in view of the usual linguistic, cultural and literary influences that have had different cultures in the region, but of particular importance we should devote to the genuine scientific study of the values ​​of this civilization and the contribution that these cultures have provided for the whole history of mankind over centuries. "Different facts about the achievements of the cultures of the peoples of the Balkans, with the history of their development over the centuries, are at the same time an example of the coexistence of other cultures in different regions of the world, as a cradle of civilization, as a juncture of civilizations, even a clearer example of interweaving and harmony of cultures and beliefs. Established in 2014, the main goal of the Balkan University Association since its inception remains to define a vision for the future through universities, libraries, and research centres in the Balkan region based on common global values. The materialization of this vision is done through the formation of a scientific network in the areas of linguistics, culture, art, history, economy, education and sport; the organization of joint degree programs; opening the common archive; the opening of the Institute of Language, Culture and Civilization of the Balkan Peoples; making joint scientific, research and innovative projects by organizing exchange programs for academic staff and exchange programs for students within BUA members. The University of Tetova feels honoured to be a full member of the Association of Balkan Universities, as we have the honour to run for a year with its presidency, during which I believe we have served with dignity, dedication and professionalism. This consolidated association will, in the future, also have the support of the University of Tetovo and jointly with other member universities, with ideas, views and alternative thinking extend its activity and strengthen academic freedom "- he further emphasized Prof. Dr. Vulnet Ameti, Rector of the University of Tetova.

The opening of the works of this Balkan inter-university conference with his presence was honoured by the President of the Macedonian Parliament, Talat Xhaferi. He told scientists that the universities are the cradle of knowledge, the cradle of the future, and the institutions in which the vision for the future is determined. "I totally agree with the topic of the conference, because it is really essential for universities to cooperate with each other, and that is even more important if we take into account the whole Balkan context. The autonomy and the role of universities should be respected by the state power and institutions, and the universities must develop into effective partners of global development, whether at the local, regional or global level. "Talat Xhaferi, Chairman of Parliament.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Science, the proceedings of the conference were welcomed by the Deputy Minister of this Department, Doc. Dr. Arbër Ademi. According to him, the great presence of foreign guests at this conference gives the impression that we all think and believe in the power of knowledge as one of the fundamental pillars of social and regional development and in building a better future for the peoples of these countries. "I believe that even today, as well as at the three previous annual conferences, there will be many general conclusions regarding the challenges we will be pursuing in the coming period and in the next conference we will summarize the positive outcomes. Of course, I believe in the host contribution of this conference, representatives of the University of Tetova - that for the past 23 years is an example for a higher education institution that invests with dedication in creating new and successful generations of academic citizens and has part (s) on the overall development of the country and the region "- stated Deputy Minister Doc. Dr. Arbër Ademi.

On behalf of the University of Tirana, the participants of this conference were addressed by the Rector of this University, Prof. Dr. Mynyr Koni. In his speech, he focused on the weight and responsibility that universities carry on society. "As university representatives we carry on ourselves and a great burden of responsibility for what we will inherit in future generations in the Balkans. Universities are not the buildings where students are studying, universities are not just a few labs. Universities are an essential element in all of our societies influencing every aspect of life. And as a consequence, cooperation between universities becomes mandatory. Normally, each speaker at an event where the focus is on cooperation is supposed to mean some good words that often remain as unchanged prints to emphasize the need for co-operation. But, in the Balkans, we are witnessing where the lack of cooperation has led us. In order for history not to be repeated, that being repeated will come as a tragedy-comedy, we need to know each other more and more. It is the lack of this ignorance that has brought in countless issues in our region. It is a hesitation to know, to understand, to respect one another. Therefore, these barriers must be overcome. We must understand that this cultural, linguistic and identity variety is an added value for the Balkans and that we should use it best ", Prof. Dr. Mynir Koni, Rector of the University of Tirana.

While the Rector of the University of "Aleksander Xhuvani" Elbasan, Prof. Dr. Skender Topi thanked the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ametin, for his engagement in the Association of Balkan Universities to join many Albanian-speaking universities. "I want to thank Rectors, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti and Prof. Dr. Erhan Tabakoglu, who two years ago took the initiative to open the Balkan University Association in all Balkan countries, including the membership of many Albanian-speaking universities such as the University of Tirana, the University of Medicine, the University of Shkodra and the University of Korça. We hope that in the future many other universities will become part of this Association and in the conference sessions, the discussions that will take place today will not be left on paper, but to make them active and practicing because the Balkans need for us and us through these activities we can influence and change the history of the Balkans "- assessed Prof. Dr. Skender Topi, Rector of the University "Aleksandër Xhuvani" from Elbasan.

At the official opening of this conference, their views on the topic of the conference and the importance of cooperation between the Balkan Universities were also presented by the Rector of the University of Trakia Prof. Dr. Erhan Tabakoglu and Prof. Dr. Ivan Ilchev - from the University of Sofia "St.Kliment Ohridski".