University of Tetova hosts the Conference “From Youth Initiatives to Sustainable Peace”

University of Tetova hosted the Peace Conference: “From Youth Initiatives to Sustainable Peace”, organized within the framework of the Erasmus+ project “INNOV&PEACE”, co-financed by the European Union.

The conference, held on March 24, 2026, at the University of Tetova, brought together institutional representatives, international organizations, experts, and young people, who discussed the role of youth initiatives in building peace and strengthening dialogue within society.

Representatives of international peace organizations also participated in the event, including Jacques Marion, President for Europe and the Middle East of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF); Dëfrim Methasani, Chair of the UPF for Albania; Secretary Gani Rroshi; and the representative from North Macedonia, Prof. Dr. Afet Mamuti.

In his speech, the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in social processes, stating that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also active contributors to change today, bringing new ideas, energy, and commitment to building bridges where divisions once existed.

During the conference, issues related to contemporary challenges to peace were addressed, highlighting the importance of involving young people in promoting dialogue, understanding, and intercultural cooperation. The discussions were further enriched by contributions from panelists and institutional representatives from the country and the region.

Within the framework of this conference, the titles of “Ambassador of Peace” were also awarded to distinguished personalities, including: Professor Drenusha Palloshi from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Tetova, the artist of the group “Elita 5”, Arif Ziberi, as well as Members of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Rina Ajdari and Ilir Demiri.

The conference reaffirmed the importance of inter-institutional cooperation and the key role of youth as an active factor in building a more sustainable, peaceful, and inclusive society.