Prishtina, 19 May 2026
When Professor Hasnije Ilazi came forward to speak before us, you all saw the photograph displayed there on the left side of the screen, with her characteristic sideways glance from the lectern. But what caught my attention was what was written below. It said: “Prof. Hasnije Ilazi, President of the State.” I thought, perhaps from the land of dreams! But then it continued: “President of the State Quality Council.” I said, “Oh!”
Honourable Acting President, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu,
Honourable Director General of the Kosovo Accreditation Agency, Naim Gashi,
Honourable Chairwoman of the State Quality Council, Professor Hasnije Ilazi,
Honourable rectors of universities, deans of faculties, professors, students and friends of higher education,
Honourable local and international members of the State Higher Quality Council,
Honourable Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America in Kosovo, Ms. Anu Prattipati,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Honourable participants,
A state is politically recognized by its flag, but it is strengthened internally and internationally by the standards it builds. The reason we are gathered here tonight demonstrates that when a state invests in knowledge, criteria and integrity, it gains authority and dignity.
The official recognition of the Kosovo Accreditation Agency by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation of the United States of America makes Kosovo an exporter and guarantor of higher education in the democratic Western Hemisphere.
Through this recognition, Kosovo is speaking the universal language of quality, credibility and knowledge. This marks the beginning of a great responsibility: that our universities must produce free minds, capable professionals and citizens who make the state better today and tomorrow than it was yesterday. The path toward the developed world passes through laboratories, auditoriums, scientific research and standards that inspire trust. Beyond preparing for the labour market, higher education prepares, above all, for freedom of thought and scientific inquiry.
This recognition came after a long process of reforms, evaluations and professional verifications by one of the most credible accreditation mechanisms in the United States of America.
The fact that the Kosovo Accreditation Agency has been certified as a trustworthy authority until 2033, and that our Republic is the first country in Europe with this status, demonstrates that our state gains dignity through high standards. Throughout history, small nations have survived through courage. Modern states move forward through quality. Quality in education is the highest form of patriotism.
This achievement comes at a time when Kosovo is affirming itself within international quality assurance mechanisms, demonstrating that our institutions are functional and trustworthy. When an institution of Kosovo earns such American trust in the field of knowledge, it is both an academic victory and a victory of state respect.
Following this recognition, our Republic, through the Kosovo Accreditation Agency, will have a much clearer path toward other international mechanisms. This validation, following membership in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR), further strengthens our position.
I thank the Council for Higher Education Accreditation in the United States of America for the evaluation granted to the Kosovo Accreditation Agency, as well as all American partners and allies who made a significant contribution to this highly important process.
I sincerely thank the Kosovo Accreditation Agency for its extraordinary work. Through its dedication and professionalism, it has made Kosovo part of the highest international standards in higher education. Through tireless work and a clear vision, the Agency has demonstrated that Kosovo stands proudly alongside the most respected international institutions of education and academic quality.
On this occasion, I also thank the former Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Arbërie Nagavci, and the former Chair of the relevant Parliamentary Committee, Ardian Gola.
Congratulations to everyone on this important achievement. I wish you continued success in your mission to guarantee the quality of higher education in our country.
Thank you for the invitation, your attention and your participation.