During the opening speeches of the Second Forum of Southeast European Studies, held at the Faculty of Education of the University of Pristina, participants emphasized the need to define the place and role of  universities, scientific research, and academia in the modern era of artificial intelligence and a world unsettled by wars. 

The three-day forum, led by Professor Ger Duijzings, director of the Seefield Project—which aims to strengthen Southeast European studies in Regensburg, Germany—has brought together professors and researchers from from the University of Pristina, other regional universities, and Southeast Europe. 

Addressing attendees, Rector Arben Hajrullahu expressed enthusiasm for the discussion space. “I am confident that many ideas will emerge, and perhaps someone will summarize them to bring these ideas to life,” declared the head of the University of Pristina. 

He also spoke about the role of universities in an era of rapid technological change. “Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly not leave universities unchanged. Yet I firmly believe the core mission of universities remains unchanged over centuries: to teach people to think, not to tell students what to do,” Rector Hajrullahu stated. 

For Hajrullahu, forums like this one at the University of Pristina help dismantle prejudices and foster “more people in the region, Western Europe, and the world who think based on scientific evidence.” 

Sociology professor Vjollca Krasniqi of the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Pristina also spoke at the forum. She noted that “the Forum’s goal is to reflect on the role of universities in the context of Southeast Europe and beyond, through comparative institutional, social, and historical perspectives.” 

Professor Krasniqi emphasized that “universities must find ways to respond to political and social challenges, financial crises, and demographic shifts influenced by migration.” 

This year’s second edition of the Forum will focus on three thematic blocks: university public engagement in the era of new media, language learning (heritage, inclusion, and generative AI tools), and career trajectories for junior scholars in the region. 

The Seefield Project, launched three years ago and continuing until 2029, prioritize the study of the Albanian language, among other priorities.