The Division for Academic Development, Quality, Monitoring and Career at the University of Prishtina organized a two-day workshop titled “From Security to Impact: Contemporary Threats and Civic Leadership in Practice”, held on 3 and 4 June 2026 at the Career Development Centre.
The activity was designed to strengthen students’ knowledge and practical skills in the fields of security studies, public policy, advocacy, strategic communication and civic leadership. The workshop combined theoretical perspectives with practical discussions, offering participants the opportunity to analyse contemporary security challenges and better understand the role of civic engagement in democratic and institutional processes.
During the two-day training, participants were introduced to the development of contemporary security studies, key theoretical approaches, and traditional and non-traditional threats affecting modern societies. Through case studies, analytical discussions and structured reflections, students had the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and connect academic knowledge with real-life contexts.
The workshop was led by Arbër Gorani and Artan Canhasi, professionals with extensive experience in democratic governance, public policy, institutional development and civic engagement.
Arbër Gorani addressed both the theoretical and practical dimensions of security studies, analysing the evolution of the concept of security and the current challenges affecting political and social stability. He emphasized the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based analysis in understanding and addressing contemporary security threats.
Meanwhile, Artan Canhasi focused on practical skills for civic leadership, advocacy and strategic communication. Through discussions and practical exercises, he presented concrete mechanisms for effective influence in decision-making processes and highlighted the importance of active citizen participation in public life.
Reflecting on the importance of the workshop, Arbër Gorani, trainer of the first day, emphasized the need to develop an analytical culture among students in response to increasingly complex security challenges: “Contemporary security challenges require not only theoretical knowledge, but also the ability to critically analyse and interpret the processes that affect our societies. This workshop created a valuable space for students to reflect on these developments and to understand that security is not only a matter for institutions, but also for informed and engaged citizens”.
Artan Canhasi, trainer of the second day, highlighted the importance of empowering young people to actively participate in democratic processes: “Civic impact begins with the awareness that every individual has the potential to contribute to the improvement of communities and institutions. Through this workshop, we aimed to provide students not only with knowledge of policy-making processes, but also with concrete tools for advocacy, strategic communication and effective engagement in public life”.
Participating students also shared their reflections on the benefits gained during the two-day training.
Shkëlqim Hyseni, a first-year master’s student in Marketing at the Faculty of Economics, noted that the workshop provided him with a broader perspective on the connection between strategic communication, public policy and civic impact: “The workshop helped me understand that strategic communication and advocacy skills are important not only in the public sector, but also in the fields of marketing and management. The discussions and practical cases enabled me to see more clearly how these competencies can be used to create positive impact in organizations and society”.
Diarta Huruglica, a second-year master’s student in Sociology at the Faculty of Philosophy, valued the reflective and interdisciplinary approach of the activity: “As a sociology student, I particularly valued the opportunity to discuss the connection between security, civic participation and social processes. The workshop helped me reflect more deeply on the role of citizens in building democratic institutions and the importance of informed engagement in addressing public challenges”.
The workshop brought together sixteen students from different academic units of the University of Prishtina, who actively contributed to discussions, practical exercises and collaborative activities. Through this experience, they developed competencies in policy analysis, public communication, critical thinking and civic participation.
As part of the workshop activities, students also developed a concrete output in the form of a structured guide titled “From Student to Professional: A Guide to Building Professional Identity” This material summarizes key concepts related to contemporary security challenges, critical thinking, civic leadership, effective communication and active community engagement, guiding students from knowledge and analysis toward action and positive impact in society.
At the conclusion of the activity, participants were awarded certificates of participation, while the workshop was recognized as an important contribution to the academic and professional development of students.
Through the organization of such activities, the Career Development Centre continues to support the creation of new opportunities for learning, reflection and professional development, connecting academic knowledge with real social and institutional challenges.