University of Mostar Participates in the 11th Rectors’ Forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans

The 11th Rectors’ Forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans was held on 11 and 12 May 2026 at the University of Ljubljana, bringing together representatives of numerous higher education institutions from across the region. The University of Mostar was represented by the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, Prof. Sanja Bijakšić, PhD.

The Forum was organized through the cooperation of the Rectors’ Forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans and the EUTOPIA European University Alliance, gathering members of the academic community with the aim of exchanging experiences and strengthening regional cooperation in higher education.

The central theme of this year’s meeting was the role of universities in cooperation with industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities arising from such collaboration. Participants discussed models for connecting academia and the business sector, shared examples of successful practices from the region and Western Europe, and highlighted the importance of actively involving universities in the development of innovation ecosystems.

Established in 2018, the Rectors’ Forum currently brings together 34 universities from Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans. By fostering joint initiatives, international partnerships, and academic cooperation, the Forum serves as an important platform for strengthening connections among higher education institutions across the region.