Mitrovica, 15 May 2025
On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the International Business College in Mitrovica (IBCM), the acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, today participated in the ceremony organized to mark this anniversary, which was held at the premises of the IBCM Campus in Mitrovica.
“Today we have gathered to mark the 15th anniversary of IBCM, a university center sui generis for many reasons. The very geographical position of the college, the student composition, as well as the content of the academic programs – not only in Albanian, but also in English – shows that everyone is welcome in this institution. Every student who graduates from IBCM is well prepared for the labor market and for life in general,” said Prime Minister Kurti in his speech on the occasion.
He said that throughout his mandate, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has not spared support for this institution of special importance. We have done this with careful review and analysis, and further with concrete decision-making.
By decision of the Government, since 2023, IBCM is fully financed by the Government of Kosovo through the Ministry of Education, thus guaranteeing qualitative continuity of the academic development of the student body.
Speaking about the support given to the field of education, the Prime Minister said that the government has proven its determination to support the increase in the quality of higher education in all possible modalities.
“The removal of semester fees for students of public universities, support with scholarships at home and abroad, opening new opportunities for studies and scientific research, establishing networking platforms for research projects – are just some of the specific actions we have taken during our government. Of course, our work will continue in the next mandate, where support will be intensified and results will not be lacking, he said.
Prime Minister Kurti congratulated the staff and students on the 15th anniversary of the establishment of this college, as he pledged that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo remains committed to supporting creative initiatives by students and that it is always at the service of all citizens, because only in this way do we advance together, only in this way does our Kosovo progress.
The full speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Dear Ms. Nagavci, Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation,
Dear Mr. Jonas Westerlund, Swedish Ambassador to Kosova,
Dear Erden Atiq, Major of Municipality of north Mitrovica,
Dear Mr. Izmir Zeqiri, Major of Municipality of Zubin Potok,
Dear Mr. Oliver Boudart, representing the EU Office in Kosova,
Dear Rector, Prof. Mihone Kerolli Mustafa,
Dear academics and researchers, professors and students,
Dear participants,
Ladies and gentleman,
Learning is one of those organically human processes that never ceases. It forms an inextricable part of our daily life, be it within the family, at school, or in society, taking place in multiple forms – individually as well as through established systems. Educational institutions are centers of knowledge where learning happens in groups, fostering a beautiful sense of community and togetherness, alongside the achievement of common goals. These are inalienable values as well as core principles on which we have built our policies in the sector of education and the overall development and emancipations of our citizens.
The International Business College Mitrovica (IBCM) imbues these values and principles best. From its founding 15 years ago, today we bear witness to its accomplishments, all of which are the result of our relentless cooperation.
Throughout our mandate, the Kosova Government has not spared support for this especially important institution. We proceeded based on careful review and analysis, followed by tangible decision-making. By a Government Decision, since 2023 IBCM is entirely funded by the Government of Kosova, through the Ministry of Education, guaranteeing quality continuation of the academic advancement of the student body.
In fact, our government has already proven its determination to fully support the improvement of quality in higher education, in all possible modalities. Lifting tuition fees for public university students, scholarships for students both in-house and abroad, new opportunities for study and research, as well as new networking platforms for universities – are only a few of the specific actions we have taken during our governance. Naturally, our work will continue throughout the next term, with intensified support and visible results.
We are here today to mark the 15th anniversary of IBCM, a sui generis university center for many reasons. Its mere geographic position, the composition of the student body, as well as the content of academic programs – both in Albanian and in English – bear testament to the fact that everyone is welcomed here. Every student graduating from IBCM is well prepared for the labor market and for real life in general.
Quite to the point, in the early 20th century, the German philosopher Walter Benjamin would emphasize the link between education and the radical transformation of society, putting forth his vision of learning not as transmission of knowledge but rather as ‘thinking together’ of student and teacher. I see that this same concept is well-ingrained in the philosophy of your college, and that is highly admirable.
Dear students,
New horizons are opening up for you every day. I therefore encourage you all to use these opportunities well, every day, every year. Let us not forget that the developmental, academic and geographical position of your college is an added value, bearing in mind that in Kosova we work to create equal conditions for all citizens alike. Meanwhile, as the first public college in Kosova, IBCM is a prime illustration of blazing new academic trails, and an example of transformation from idea into reality of a project of key national significance.
Throughout this academic journey, I assure you that the Government of the Republic of Kosova remains committed to support any creative initiatives you bring forth. We are permanently at the service of citizens, because this is the only way we advance together, the only way our Kosova makes progress.
Congratulations on IBCM’s 15th anniversary and thank you very much!
Last modified: May 16, 2025