At UBT, the Scientific Conference “The Role of the Albanian Diaspora in the Creation of the Albanian State and the Declaration of Kosovo’s Independence” was organized
16/02/2023At the UBT Innovative Science Park in Lipjan, the scientific conference titled “The Role of the Albanian Diaspora in the Creation of the Albanian State and the Declaration of Kosovo’s Independence” was held, marking the 15th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kosovo.
The conference, which gathered representatives from various public and private institutions from Kosovo, Albania, and the diaspora, was organized by UBT in cooperation with the Pan-Albanian Federation of America “VATRA.”
Among the participants were: the distinguished activist and leading Albanian lobbyist for the freedom and independence of the Republic of Kosovo Jim Xhema; UBT Rector Prof. Dr. Edmond Hajrizi; the Mayor of Prishtina Përparim Rama; the President of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America “VATRA,” Elmi Berisha; the Federation’s Vice President Alfons Grishaj; the President of the Albanian Diaspora Business Network Nazar Mehmeti; the President of Christopher Hyland Inc. and Director of Hylandtown, Christopher Hyland; rectors of universities from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia; as well as UBT professors and students.
In his opening remarks, UBT Rector Prof. Dr. Edmond Hajrizi highly praised the contribution of the Albanian diaspora in the United States, emphasizing especially its great support for the education of Kosovar youth in American universities.
“UBT is proud to have partnerships with major universities in the United States. We have joint programs, cooperation agreements for the exchange of professors and students, for scientific research, for the joint organization of conferences, and many other activities. This institution works with curricula from the best European and American universities. Therefore, it stands as the best private higher education institution not only in the country but in the entire region,” said Rector Hajrizi.
During the conference, the prominent national activist and the leading lobbyist in the U.S. for Kosovo’s freedom and independence, Jim Xhema, shared insights from his experience and history, expressing pride in the achievements of the Albanian people.
“We are a very unique people, not only in Europe but in the entire world. I am proud of the achievements I see today. To succeed, one must get involved. When preparation and opportunity meet, one must seize it — that’s how I built my relationships,” said Xhema.
The Mayor of Prishtina, Përparim Rama, expressed his admiration for UBT’s work and praised the organization of the conference focusing on the role of the Albanian diaspora in Kosovo’s freedom and independence.
“I am impressed by the work being done at UBT and I hope we can further strengthen our cooperation — not only for the good of the capital but for our entire country. Prishtina has tremendous potential. I believe in the energy of our youth, of Albanians, and in our ability to transform the capital,” Rama emphasized.
As part of the conference, the annual “Excellence Leadership Award” was presented to the universities of the Republic of Albania, in recognition of their invaluable contribution to developing Kosovo’s professional academic workforce.
On behalf of the Albanian universities, Artan Hoxha, President of the Conference of Rectors of Albania, expressed gratitude toward UBT, highlighting the need to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions in Kosovo and Albania.
“Private higher education in Kosovo is progressing rapidly. UBT is one of those examples we can all be proud of, contributing to the advancement of higher education in Kosovo. We will continue to work together with higher education institutions, and I hope this cooperation deepens even further,” Hoxha stated.
Throughout the conference, several presentations were delivered outlining the historical engagement and efforts of the Albanian diaspora in the United States for the freedom and democratization of Albania and for the freedom and independence of the Republic of Kosovo.
Christopher Hyland spoke about the role of the Albanian diaspora in the United States in the creation of the Albanian state and the declaration of Kosovo’s independence, highlighting prominent Albanian figures who played significant roles in these efforts.
Additionally, Ambassador Flamur Gashi and Frank Shkreli highly commended the contributions of Senator Bob Dole, Jim Xhema, and the Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim, and Bektashi communities to the freedom and independence of the Republic of Kosovo.
