Marking a significant step forward in ongoing efforts to tackle corruption in higher education institutions, IDRA, in collaboration with esteemed partners ISIE and CESID, orchestrated a productive working breakfast session. Joined by Ms. Andia Ulliri, member of the Education and Public Information Commission from the Parliament of Albania, and esteemed representatives from Student Councils, the gathering aimed to delve into the comprehensive findings and policy recommendations stemming from the study “Corruption-Free Universities in Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia.” The focal point of the discussion was to underscore the critical importance of fostering transparency and upholding integrity within the realms of higher education.

Throughout the meeting, a wide array of initiatives were explored, spanning from immediate actions that can be implemented within university settings to broader systemic issues demanding attention and resolution. The exchange of ideas and insights served as a testament to the collective commitment towards fostering academic environments free from corrupt practices.

Corruption Free Universities is being implemented by ISIE, CESID and IDRA with the support of the “SMART Balkans – Civil Society for Shared Society in the Western Balkans” regional project implemented by the Centar za promociju civilnog društva (CPCD), Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) and Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM) and financially supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA).
The primary objective of this project is to proactively address and prevent corruption in higher education institutions in Albania (AL), North Macedonia (NM), and Serbia (RS). The initiative seeks to engage the civil sector from the region and involve all relevant stakeholders, aligning with the broader goals of the SMART Balkans initiative. Its overarching mission is to foster the rule of law, ensure effective administration of justice, and combat corruption within the student body and among university employees in higher education institutions across the three countries.

This collaborative effort is made possible in the framework of the regional grant of the “SMART Balkans – Civil Society for Shared Society in the Western Balkans” regional project implemented by Centar za promociju civilnog društva (CPCD), Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) and Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM) and financially supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA).

To solidify this commitment and establish a cooperative foundation for the initiative, representatives from the partnering organizations—Mr. Misho Dokmanovic of ISIE (North Macedonia), Mr. Auron Pasha of IDRA (Albania), and Mr. Bojan Klacar of CESID (Serbia)— signed a cooperation agreement in Tirana, Albania. This pivotal moment marks the initiation of a promising and enduring partnership, laying the groundwork for future developments in addressing corruption within higher education across the region.