On the eve of May 21 – the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development – University “Haxhi Zeka”, through its Center for Peace and Human Rights, organized a roundtable discussion at Hotel Dukagjini on the topic: “The University as a Platform for Intercultural Dialogue and Coexistence in Kosovo.”
The event brought together representatives of academic and governmental institutions, local and international organizations, professors, researchers, and other participants, with the aim of discussing the role universities play in building a more inclusive, open, and diversity-sensitive society.
The roundtable was opened by the Rector of University “Haxhi Zeka”, Prof. Dr. Armand Krasniqi, who emphasized in his speech the importance of higher education in cultivating tolerance, mutual respect, and coexistence in a democratic society.
The guest of honor of the event was Dr. Neshad Albani, who spoke about the importance of ethics, dialogue, and human rights in building bridges of cooperation among communities.
As part of the event, the research study conducted by the Center for Peace and Human Rights entitled “The University as a Platform for Intercultural Dialogue and Coexistence in Kosovo” was also presented by Prof. Dr. Armand Krasniqi and MSc. Edlira Juniku.
The discussion focused on important issues related to university policies on diversity and inclusion, the challenges of implementing them in practice, and the role of universities in promoting intercultural dialogue and social integration.
Contributions to the panel were also made by Suad Sadiković and Prof. Assoc. Dr. Anita Cucović, who addressed the importance of language and access to education, as well as the role of study programs offered in community languages.
Further discussions were enriched by the contributions of Prof. Dr. Fahrush Rexhepi, who spoke about interreligious tolerance among Albanians, as well as Member of Parliament Lazar Radulović, who shared experiences and perceptions of communities regarding inclusion and representation in university institutions.
Issues related to discrimination, social barriers, and interethnic cooperation were addressed by Arlinda Muça, Agron Karatash, Anita Çavdarbasha Korenica, and Mirzet Džogović.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sc. Lendrit Qeli spoke about social, economic, and cultural barriers, while Vlora Latifi addressed the importance of interethnic cooperation and the role of organizations in strengthening dialogue and social inclusion.
The roundtable concluded with an open discussion among participants, students, and academics, during which comments, recommendations, and concrete proposals were presented for improving institutional practices and public policies aimed at promoting diversity, equality, and coexistence.
Through this roundtable, University “Haxhi Zeka” reaffirmed its commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue, respecting diversity, and strengthening the role of the university as a space of knowledge, understanding, and cooperation within society.
