Celebrating Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship 45th Anniversary by Hosting the Global Policy Series in Pristina

December 6- The United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) marked the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program's 45th anniversary by hosting the Global Policy Series on the premises of the Civil Society House Foundation in Pristina. 

In the presence of the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, Alyson Grunder, Humphrey Alumni from Kosovo, Fulbright alums, and other stakeholders addressed Kosovo's challenges and opportunities in Enhancing Economic and Human Capital Development, Sustainability, and Environmental Protection. Pathways for economic development through aligning multiple sectors with cleaner and more environmentally conscious Kosovo were focal point of this discussion.    
The first panel, "Economic and Human Capital Development Panel Discussion," brought together Dr. Driton Qehaja, Professor, University of Pristina, Faculty of Economics; Humphrey Alumnus, Dr. Venera Demukaj, Assistant Professor, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K); Fulbright Visiting Scholar Alumna and Mr. Arianit Fazliu, Chief Executive Officer, KUTIA X.  

The panel, moderated by Blerinda Veliu, Fulbright Foreign Student Program Alumna (Master's), focused on strategies to empower Kosovo in trade, regional economic integration, private sector competitiveness, and human capital development. Panelists delved into strategies that will empower Kosovo in several key areas, including promoting active policy engagement strategies, strengthening Kosovo's ability to take control of its economic and human resources, strategies for boosting private sector competitiveness, and current policies and regulatory reforms to facilitate trade and investment.  

Part of the discussion was also the importance of retaining talent and reducing the "brain drain" through an educated workforce in the private and public sectors.    

Economic and Human Capital Development Panel Discussion

Further, the second panel, "Sustainability and Environmental Protection Panel Discussion," gathered another set of esteemed panelists. Mr. Bekim Ramku, Director, Kosovo Architecture Foundation/Chair, DoCoMoMo_KS; Humphrey Alumnus, Mr. Driton Hetemi, Managing Director, Kosovo Fund for Energy Efficiency and Mr. Trim Tërnava, Energy Expert; Fulbright Foreign Student Program Alumnus (Master's), discussed and explored pathways for a cleaner and more environmentally conscious Kosovo in several key areas and forms.  

During this panel, moderated by Dajana Berisha, Executive Director, Forum for Civic Initiatives and USKEB Civil Society Representative, panelists shared their expertise regarding Kosovo's commitment to a diverse and secure energy supply, ambitious climate and environmental protection agendas, and long-term sustainability. Diversifying Kosovo's energy sources and efficient public policies to support these changes were crucial parts of this fruitful discussion.   

Sustainability and Environmental Protection Panel Discussion

Both panels were followed by a Q&A session, during which attendees participated in the discussion and its recommendations.  

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, a Fulbright exchange, enhances leadership among international professionals who collaborate to address local and global challenges and foster change for the collective good. 

In celebrating the Humphrey Fellowship Program's 45th anniversary, USKEB joined with other Humphrey alums across world regions to advance solutions to shared challenges and celebrate the positive impacts of Humphrey alums in building an inclusive global society, championing good governance and human rights, and promoting sustainable livelihoods and thriving communities. 

Erblina Sejdiu and Fatlum Rexhepi, Fulbright Foreign Student Program alums wrote the policy brief for this event. 

Please click HERE to read the Policy Brief stemming from this discussion. 

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