The STAND project, titled “Strengthening University Autonomy and Increasing Accountability and Transparency of Western Balkan Universities,” showcased its accomplishments after three years of implementation at the premises of Fan S. Noli University in Korça. This event aimed to disseminate the project’s outcomes beyond the Consortium partners, particularly emphasizing its primary objective related to university autonomy.
Dr. Mihone Kerolli, the Rector of IBCM Public College and the Coordinator of the STAND project, led the presentation of the challenges and achieved the objectives of the project. The audience, comprised of staff from Fan S. Noli University of Korça and other partners from Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, gained insights into the project’s progress and impact.
Dr. Bujar Gallopeni delved into the External Expert engagement within the project, explaining their roles and the expected results until the project’s conclusion. This comprehensive overview provided attendees with a clear understanding of the collaborative efforts and expertise involved in driving the project forward.
Dr. Elona Karafili, Vice-Rector for Research and Internationalization at POLIS University, contributed by presenting an overview of higher education developments in Albania and their alignment with the objectives of the STAND project. This broader perspective enriched the discussion by contextualizing the project within the larger landscape of higher education reforms in the region.
At the heart of the STAND project are the processes and mechanisms aimed at enhancing university autonomy, boosting management capacities, and promoting accountability and transparency within universities across the Western Balkans, particularly in the target countries of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Through collaborative efforts and shared expertise, the project endeavors to drive positive change and foster sustainable development in the region’s higher education sector.
