SUM Participated in the Tenth Rectors' Forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans

The University of Montenegro hosted the Tenth Rectors' Forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans, along with the ULYSSEUS International Networking Conference, held on April 7 and 8, 2025. The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Vladimir Božović, Rector of the University of Montenegro, and Prof. Dr. Snježana Prijić-Samaržija, Chair of the Rectors' Forum and Rector of the University of Rijeka.

The Rectors' Forum brings together 34 universities from nine countries in the Western Balkans region. Members meet once or twice a year to discuss common challenges, strengthen mutual cooperation, and promote shared interests of the regional academic community. The Forum also encourages connections with universities within European university alliances, in which nearly half of the Forum members participate.

The two-day program addressed key issues for the future of higher education, including the establishment of a European degree, the enhancement of quality assurance systems, cooperation within the Berlin Process, and examples of best practices from European university alliances.

The University of Mostar was represented at this important gathering by Prof. Dr. Sanja Bijakšić, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation. Vice-Rector Bijakšić participated online in the session titled “The Role of European University Alliances in Building Capacity for Sustainable Governance of Western Balkan Universities.” During her presentation, she showcased the work of the EUPeace alliance (European University for Peace, Justice, and Inclusive Societies), of which the University of Mostar is a member, emphasizing the importance of inter-university cooperation in fostering regional development and the modernization of education systems.

It is worth noting that the University of Mostar participates in the European Commission’s European Universities initiative through the EUPeace alliance, which promotes peace, justice, and inclusive societies. This is a strategic initiative shaping the future of European higher education through joint projects, innovation, and knowledge exchange, laying the foundation for a fairer, more sustainable, and more open society.