UBT successfully organizes the third edition of the Leadership Conference – Experts share visions on governance and effective policies
28/04/2025The third edition of the Leadership Conference was successfully held at UBT, marking a prestigious event that has become an important tradition in Kosovo. Organized by the UBT Center for Leadership, the conference brought together a wide audience, including industry leaders, academics, and international experts.
This year’s theme, “Effective Governance: Strengthening Policy Design and Implementation,” provided participants with the opportunity to discuss key issues in governance, sustainable development, and the importance of improving decision-making processes.
The conference was opened by Professor Faton Limani, who emphasized the importance of leadership in governance processes and highlighted the urgent need to train and develop leaders capable of addressing today’s global and local challenges. He noted that strong leadership is the key to successfully implementing effective policies and managing crises.
UBT Rector, Prof. Dr. Edmond Hajrizi, in his keynote address, underlined the importance of international cooperation and the need to develop policies that support the building of sustainable institutions.
He explained that UBT has taken significant steps to contribute to leadership development by offering quality education and opportunities for the professional growth of younger generations.
“UBT has clearly demonstrated its commitment to fostering leadership development and preparing future leaders by offering quality education and professional growth opportunities. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen the impact of policies and contribute to the advancement of society,” said Rector Hajrizi.
He also highlighted that Kosovo, as a developing country, has extraordinary opportunities to utilize its natural resources and invest in technology and innovation, including digitalization and artificial intelligence.
Speaking about the development of ethical and value-based leadership, Rector Hajrizi emphasized the need for leaders who guide with principles rather than personal interests.
“Leadership is about stepping forward and taking responsibility. We need more leaders with the right competencies—capable of addressing the complexities of today’s challenges,” he added.
According to him, universities, including UBT, play a key role in creating opportunities for human capital development and in nurturing the next generation of leaders. He concluded by commending the UBT Center for Leadership for its valuable contribution to the training and development of Kosovo’s future leaders.
Another keynote speaker, Pankaj Agarwal, Chancellor of Shri Ram Swaroop Memorial University from India, highlighted the transformative power of education and leadership in shaping societies. Agarwal shared his experience as an educator and transformative leader, emphasizing that:
“Education is what can bring real change to society.”
He encouraged participants to invest in developing youth potential to contribute to sustainable societal growth.
“Success is the result of focusing on a guiding philosophy and believing that everything can be achieved through shared commitment,” he stated, adding that his achievements were made possible through teamwork and a leadership philosophy developed over the years.
Ahmet Ismaili, Governor of the Central Bank of Kosovo, added an important dimension to the conference by discussing the importance of effective governance and the Central Bank’s role in strengthening the country’s banking sector.
Ismaili emphasized that:
“Corporate governance is a critical pillar for the stability, integrity, and sustainability of the banking sector.”
He addressed weak governance practices as common causes of major banking failures, leading to systemic crises and loss of public trust.
“By continuously developing and improving our regulatory framework and working closely with international partners, we ensure that Kosovo’s banking system is governed responsibly and sustainably,” he said.
In conclusion, Ismaili noted that governance is not merely a regulatory requirement but the foundation upon which stable, transparent, and trustworthy banking institutions are built. He reaffirmed the Central Bank’s commitment to strengthening the banking sector through sustainable, transparent, and secure policies.
The Third Edition of the Leadership Conference stands as a testament to UBT’s and other institutions’ dedication to fostering leadership and enhancing governance processes in Kosovo. The event concluded with a strong commitment to continue advancing policies that promote sustainable development and create opportunities for responsible and effective leadership.
