University of Kosovo awards highest honour to Mayor of Porto

The UBT University in Kosovo has awarded the Mayor of Porto the Honoris Causa title, an academic honour that highlights personalities for their high merit in various fields. In Lipjan, on Thursday morning, Rui Moreira received the 'Excellence in Leadership Award' for his contribution to that country.

Referring to this as 'a distinction that honours me greatly', the Mayor considers UBT to be 'one of the most innovative higher education institutions in Kosovo and the entire region'.

'This is a prestigious institution of central importance to the region, namely for promoting a knowledge-based society and training human capital capable of generating prosperity, sustainability and quality of life for the population', Rui Moreira added.

The Mayor also shared the hope that 'this honour will also strengthen the bonds of cooperation and friendship between Kosovo and Porto, a city with a historic academic vocation and excellent scientific research work'.

In the words of Rui Moreira, 'Portugal is currently a country of freedom, where people can express their thoughts, where they can resist oppression'. That's why, he says, 'we saw Kosovo's independence [which is now being celebrated] as a great opportunity to meet and let you know that the Portuguese have always been by your side and that we admire what you've achieved'.

'You are not alone', the Mayor emphasised, adding that Porto, 'which has always been a city of freedom', 'greatly values what you have done'.

On the role of universities, Rui Moreira said: 'What we want to achieve is not growth for its own sake, if that were the case we'd be working like machines. It's the ability to understand the world, the changes, and to look to the future, to believe in a bright future'.

Optimism in a society depends on knowledge, on the ability to interpret what is happening at the moment and to expand humanity's dream', he emphasised, adding that 'that was the dream that I found here, that of building a network of knowledge, of generating new businesses'.

Rui Moreira ended with the message of the need to 'fight fear'. 'As long as we can develop our knowledge and our ability to understand, we will be able to survive the threats', he concluded, reaffirming his support for Kosovo.

The Excellence in Leadership Award was presented by the rector of UBT University, Edmond Hajrizi, who pointed out that the honour is given 'to personalities with a proven impact, not only in Kosovo, but globally in relation to humanity values'.

'We want to promote this award as being given to personalities who are role models for younger generations, so that people can see how they can make a difference', he explained.

During his speech, Edmond Hajrizi emphasised the importance of 'not forgetting the role of people and institutions in supporting freedom'. And he referred to the Mayor of Porto's 'entrepreneurial spirit' and 'leadership skills' as criteria for the award.

In addition to the 'social and political values in favour of Porto and Portugal', the head of UBT also considers 'the proactivity in supporting Kosovo and creating synergies between the two countries'.

The event takes place during the Kosovo-Portugal Business Forum, and Rui Moreira was also a speaker at the opening ceremony.

Until the end of the week, the event will bring together more than a hundred Portuguese and Kosovar companies with the aim of promoting future partnerships that contribute to the economic growth of both countries.