On October 28 and 29, 2026, students from the Faculty of Pedagogy and the Faculty of Law at the University of Tetova, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Afet Mamuti, participated in the youth platform “Thu’JE – Platform for Democracy and Peace”, held in the city of Elbasan and organized by PVN Albania and the Municipality of Elbasan.

The event brought together young people, institutional representatives, researchers, academics, and activists from various countries across the region, serving as a space for interaction and dialogue among different generations and social stakeholders. Through discussions, presentations, and the exchange of experiences, participants addressed issues related to democracy, peace, social inclusion, development challenges, and the role of young people in shaping the future of the region.

One of the contributions to this event was the presentation delivered by students from the University of Tetova, who highlighted the issue of equality and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labor market through their project entitled: “The Employment of Persons with Disabilities Is Not Charity, but a Right”. Through this topic, the students emphasized the importance of ensuring equal opportunities, eliminating barriers, and creating an inclusive working environment in which employment is recognized as a fundamental right rather than an act of charity.

As part of the program, Prof. Dr. Afet Mamuti also contributed as a panelist in the discussion entitled “Why Do We Leave? The Future We Leave Behind – Brain Drain and the Western Balkans”, which focused on the emigration of young people and professionals, the challenges associated with the loss of human capital, and the consequences of this phenomenon for the development prospects of Western Balkan countries. The discussion highlighted the need to create conditions that encourage young people to envision their future in their home countries by providing better opportunities for education, employment, and professional development.

University of Tetova continues to support the active engagement of its students in academic, youth-oriented, and international platforms, considering their participation in such initiatives an important dimension of university education. Through these experiences, the University seeks to foster critical thinking, civic awareness, and social responsibility among students, while also contributing to the strengthening of inter-university and regional cooperation.