On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kosovo, the Faculty of Public Administration at AAB College organized a discussion roundtable on the topic: “February 17 – The State-Building of Kosovo: Historical, Political, and Institutional Dimensions.”
The roundtable opened with a speech by Dr. Sc. Blerim Olluri, Rector of AAB College, who emphasized the importance of higher education institutions in fostering critical thinking and building a culture of responsible institutional practice, contributing to the strengthening of the state of Kosovo.
The Dean of the Faculty of Public Administration, Prof. Dr. Vrullim Buja, described February 17 – Kosovo’s Independence Day – as “the culmination of a long path of sacrifice and collective effort for freedom, dignity, and statehood.”
The thematic panel for the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s Independence featured presentations by Prof. Ass. Dr. Ramë Buja and Prof. Ass. Dr. Melihate Tërmkolli.
Prof. Ramë Buja addressed the topic “February 17 as a Historical Milestone in the State-Building of Kosovo,” analyzing this date as a turning point in the country’s political history. He raised the question of whether February 17 should be seen as the culmination of a historical process or the beginning of a new stage in state-building, arguing that the declaration of independence simultaneously represented the conclusion of a long chapter of efforts and the opening of a new period of institutional responsibilities for the Republic of Kosovo.
Meanwhile, Prof. Melihate Tërmkolli, in her presentation “The Role of Political and Diplomatic Factors in Consolidating Kosovo’s Independence,” highlighted the importance of the international dimension in the state-building process after 2008. She analyzed Kosovo’s progress in gaining international recognition while also addressing the ongoing challenges related to recognition, integration, and strengthening state capacities.
A special segment of the roundtable dedicated to the 18th anniversary focused on personal reflections from honored guests, including Ms. Sala Berisha Shala, Ms. Safete Hadergjonaj, Ms. Selvie Halimi, Mr. Berim Ramosaj, Mr. Ibrahim Gashi, and Mr. Gani Koci. Through their testimonies and experiences in state-building processes, they shared their emotions and perspectives on the historical significance of February 17 and the responsibilities it imposes on current and future generations.
In conclusion, the organizers congratulated the participants on the occasion of Independence Day, reiterating that state-building is an ongoing process that requires continued academic, institutional, and civic engagement.
