The central ceremony and academic dialogue under the motto “Roots and Wings”, which symbolically represents the connection between tradition and the future, was held by UKLO on April 25, on the occasion of the Day of the Foundation.
A ceremonial event was held in the Cultural and Information Center – Bitola, addressed by the rector, Prof. Dr. Igor Nedelkovski, followed by a panel discussion “Roots and Wings – European Diploma at Home”, moderated by the Vice-Rector, Prof. Dr. Jasmina Bunevska Talevska, with the participation of academic and local leaders and representatives of the COLOURS Alliance. The rector, Prof. Dr. Igor Nedelkovski, presented UKLO’s commitment to integration into the European education system, highlighting the key initiatives aimed at raising the international recognition of diplomas and supporting student mobility. “UKLO is actively implementing the integration strategy, creating conditions for young people to receive competitive quality education and professional development, without leaving their own country,” said the rector.
The role of the local community was presented by the mayor of Bitola, Dr. Toni Konjanovski. He emphasized that the municipality is a partner in building an educational future, pointing out that thanks to UKLO, the concept of a European diploma is of essential importance for our students. Among other, the mayor emphasized the joint initiatives with UKLO, including summer paid internship programs that show that integration is possible at the local level.
The relationship with secondary schools was discussed by the principal of the Secondary School “Tsar Samoil” – Resen, Dinche Kochevska, who emphasized the importance of involving the secondary school students in such ideas: “Our students want a university which is accessible, modern and connected to European trends, and our cooperation with UKLO helps in that direction”.
Prof. Dr. Renata Petrevska Nechkoska, the academic director of UKLO COLOURS, spoke about the European context of UKLO and presented the role of the COLOURS alliance as a bridge between UKLO and Europe. Integration through COLOURS is not just formal – but a real transformation of the curricula and students’ competencies. Innovation and interdisciplinarity are already built into the daily functioning of UKLO. In that context, it was emphasized that as the only institution from a country that is not a member of the European Union, UKLO successfully demonstrates its credibility and inclusiveness within the Alliance.
The Voice of Europe: the COLOURS Alliance was articulated by the representatives of COLOURS: Prof. Dr. Heike Trautmann, Dr. Annette Klinkert and Dr. Chris Schattka. They expressed admiration for the way in which UKLO integrates itself as an equal partner, creating projects that have a concrete impact on students and the community. “UKLO is an example of how a non-EU partner can be an innovative and active participant in shaping the future of European education,” emphasized Klinkert. Regarding the initiative “Roots and Wings – European Diploma at Home”, it was underlined that this campaign represents a model for other partners in the Alliance. With this initiative, the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” not only confirms its educational and strategic orientation towards Europe, but also provides concrete tools for the future of Macedonian students – at home, but with a vision for Europe.
The event continued with interactive World Café sessions with topics such as strategy, finance and administration, student affairs, teaching and science. Within the framework of the session, Katerina Stojkoska was also promoted as a young talent, an active second-cycle student with a notable engagement in the initiatives of UKLO COLOURS.
The event was made special by the creative works from the “Roots and Wings” competition as part of the #COLOURSjuniors initiative. High school students from all over the country presented themselves with multimedia, visual and literary works – inspiration for the future. The initiative presented the best examples of creativity, art, literature and multimedia from high school students across Macedonia, who explored and responded to the great challenge of the European regions. They not only explored European values and identified creative solutions, but were also encouraged to think about their future as young cosmopolitans of the 21st century, but, at the same time, with a strong connection to their roots and culture. Motivating young people to build their future at home, with open minds and European perspectives is the central focus of the UKLO innovation #COLOURSJuniors, an initiative that continues to be launched across the Alliance. The entire high school production is promoted by UKLO in a special brochure identical to the promotional slogan “Roots and Wings”.
As part of the rich academic program, UKLO organized another important panel on the topic of “Women in Energy”, focused on the importance of gender equality in the energy sector – an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men. The panel highlighted the need for greater representation of women in this crucial sector, while emphasizing the role of mentorship and professional networks as tools for opening new career opportunities and fostering gender equality in the energy industry. Greater inclusion of women not only enriches the sector, but also plays a key role in the future development of sustainable and innovative energy solutions. The panel: Women in Energy, UKLO held with one of its confirmed friends, the Preda Plus Foundation with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Climate Investment Fund (CIF).
Under the motto “Roots and Wings”, UKLO not only celebrated its traditions and achievements, but also clearly outlined its vision for the future – with strong roots in the community and culture and with wings widely spread towards the European and global educational space.
https://uklo.edu.mk/blog/centralna-svecenost-25-april/
