From September 11-12, 2024, the University St. Kliment Ohridski in Bitola hosted the 9th Rectors’ Forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans. The forum, a key regional higher education network, strengthens university collaboration and gives voice to academic institutions across the region.
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Igor Nedelkovski, Rector of University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola who pointed out the positive impact of such an important event such as the Rectors forum, with synergies with the European university alliances, such as COLOURS, EUTOPIA, YUFE as well as EUA to be hosted in Bitola, North Macedonia.
Discussions centred on the future of university alliances, joint project opportunities, and academic collaboration, with notable input from Prof. Dr. Joseph Garrell, President of the European University Association, who highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing universities in alliances.
Participants also explored cooperation through the Regional Network of Centres for Advanced Studies (CAS) network, focusing on joint research projects, postdoctoral mobility, and collaborative events. The second day of the forum emphasized core university values, with insights on integrity, peace, and diversity initiatives shared by representatives from universities in Sarajevo, Belgrade, and Ljubljana.
This gathering solidified partnerships within the region and highlighted the role of RECAS in advancing research and fostering regional academic growth. RECAS is also listed as a priority action in the financial plan for the 2025 year of the Rectors’ Forum.