University of Sarajevo at the 7th Southeast Europe Rectors Forum and the Western Balkans
Mobility and cooperation in the science of the main topic of the 7th Rector's Forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans held at the University of Rijeka on 4 and 5 September, gathering more than 70 representatives of regional universities, of which as many as 18 rectors. The aim of the forum is to exchange good practices and strengthening standards in science.
The 7th Rector's Forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans was opened by welcome addresses of Prof. Dr. Snježana Prljić Samaržija, University of Rijeka Rector, and Prof. Dr. Vladan Đokić, University of Belgrade Rector and the president of the Rector's Forum.
University of Turkey and Greece to Slovenia and Austria must cooperate on demanding projects and regional development, it is highlighted.
The University of Sarajevo was represented by Rector Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj.
The rector's forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans brings together 29 universities from the region, and is dedicated to improving cooperation between universities and strengthening the voice of academic institutions in this part of Europe. This is one of the initiatives that arose from the Berlin Process, ideas for better integration of Southeast Europe. The goal is to promote European policies in science and higher education, exchange of good practices, and strengthen cooperation on joint projects.
The 7th Rector's Forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences, and encouraged the development of education, science and innovation in Southeast Europe.
Different topics related to education, science and innovation in Southeast Europe have been considered. It was discussed to improve education policies and science in the region, and possible ways to improve the education system and encourage scientific research. Special attention is paid to the development of higher education programs in Southeast Europe, and this was an opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas on how to improve the quality of higher education. Progress in research and innovation in the region has been discussed, the importance of encouraging research work and innovation for economic development was emphasized.
One of the topics of the Forum was also cooperation between universities in Southeast Europe within which possible projects and initiatives that would improve regional cooperation.
European university federations/alliances operating in the region were presented, and participants discussed their role in the development of higher education. Prof. Dr. Sanja Bijakšić, Vice-Rector University in Mostar presented the EUPEACE alliance, whose member is also a university in Sarajevo, which aims to promote peace, justice and inclusive society.
It was discussed on gender equality issues at universities and ways of promoting gender equality in higher education.
The emphasis was placed on regional cooperation through initiatives such as network centres for advanced studies, which should promote the exchange of ideas and cooperation between the University in the region.
The forum was concluded by the adoption of the Declaration of the 7th Rector and Western Balkans and the Presidents of the University and Higher School Institutions and the Western Balkans, gathered in Rijeka, 4 and 5 of September 2023, confirm the commitment to the principles of academic freedom, Autonomy and responsibilities in higher education.
University of Rijeka Rector, Prof. Dr. Snježana Prljić Samardžija was elected a new president of the Rector's Forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans.
At the Forum, the 7th Joint Scientific Conference of the Berlin Process was announced to be held on 18 - 20 September 2023 in Tirana (Albania).
