President Begaj Awarded the “Doctor Honoris Causa” Title by Kadri Zeka Public University in Gjilan
President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, received the “Doctor Honoris Causa” title from Kadri Zeka Public University in Gjilan today. Beyond personal recognition, the Head of State considered this honor a responsibility to support in every possible way what this university and every Albanian higher education institution represents, and a collective responsibility towards education and future generations. “We must raise an educated, ethical, and professionally capable generation, with a sense of belonging, responsibility, and national interest,” declared President Begaj during his acceptance speech.
The Head of State called for the utilization of potentials for quality education, for the preparation of capable and value-driven individuals, and for investments in knowledge: “If we want to build a sustainable, advanced, and worthy future for the coming generations, there is no other way but through quality education.”
Addressing the challenges facing Albanian higher education today, President Begaj emphasized the necessity to prepare skilled professionals, knowledgeable and with integrity: “It’s not enough just to have more universities, more diplomas, or more study programs, we need more capable people. We need more scientists, more entrepreneurs, more thinkers, and more responsible leaders who think about the next generation.”
Referring to the pace at which the world is changing due to artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, the President of the Republic highlighted the importance of preparing a competitive society. In this context, he valued investments in education as a significant development opportunity: “Today, technology is not just a tool, but a divider of nations: into those that will lead and those that will follow. Albania and Kosovo cannot merely be followers, cannot be passive consumers of knowledge and technology produced elsewhere. We need to be active contributors, but for that, we need a prepared, educated, and capable youth, a generation that not only uses technology but also develops and creates its future.”
Referring to the success of Albanians in medicine, science, art, technology, or diplomacy, President Begaj noted that they succeeded because they invested in themselves, in knowledge, and their values. “Every generation of Albanians that has moved forward has done so through knowledge, not through luck or favorable circumstances,” emphasized President Begaj, calling this the greatest lesson for the future. To not lose these knowledgeable minds, the Head of State appealed for the creation of opportunities for their investment to serve the Albanian society: “What we need to do is to create an environment where knowledge and skills can be turned into action, into real impact for our society. A nation that has an educated youth is a nation that cannot be stopped. A nation that invests in its youth is a nation confidently moving towards success and achievements.”
Following the “Doctor Honoris Causa” award ceremony, President Begaj, along with the leaders of Kadri Zeka Public University, planted a tree in the courtyard of the rectorate. Additionally, President Begaj also visited the museum house of the hero Rexhep Mala.
