“It is remarkable how a small NGO has built such a strong network for regional university cooperation,” noted Memet Memeti, Professor at SEE University. This sentiment was shared by academics across the Conference on Peace Education in the Western Balkans, organised by Center LOJA in November 2025.

The event marked a historic milestone: the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with partner universities across all six Western Balkan countries. These agreements formally link institutions from North Macedonia (UKIM and Mother Teresa – Skopje, SEEU and TSU, Tetovo, UGD in Štip, and UKLO in Bitola) Albania (University of Tirana and Mediterranean, Serbia (University of Niš), Montenegro (University of Montenegro–Nikšić), Kosovo (University of Prishtina), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (University of Sarajevo) laying the groundwork for long-term academic cooperation.

Held on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the conference brought together leading scholars from 12 universities (teacher training faculties). Participants focused on integrating multicultural youth work into university curricula for future teachers—a model already mandatory in North Macedonia that partners now aim to adopt regionally.

The conference drew on diverse international expertise and Good Practices; Joss Beker (K. Wustrow) highlighted global peace work through the Civil Peace Service, while Frank Morawietz (CrossBorder Factory) emphasized connecting regional networks to European integration and youth mobility. Additionally, Ursula E. Gamauf-Eberhardt (Austrian Center for Peace) showcased a Master’s program focused on competency-based training and emotional learning for educators.

Developed in cooperation with KURVE Wustrow, the curriculum combines theoretical modules on democracy, human rights, anti-discrimination, and multiculturalism with culturally sensitive teaching methods and practical assignments. a key element is LOJA’s interactive training in constructive conflict resolution, encouraging future teachers to engage in civic initiatives aimed at overcoming divisions. what began as a 2008 pilot at SEEU Tetovo has grown into a game changing regional initiative.

A regional network emerged through exchanges, summer schools, and academic events, eventually encompassing all six WB countries. The conference concluded with a roadmap for deeper cooperation and the presentation of a bold vision: the Western Balkan Academy for Peace-Building and Civic Activism. This academy will bridge the gap between academic theory and practical civic engagement.

“This will not only bring our universities closer together, but also our countries,” added Trajce Stojanov, Dean at UGD Štip. “For the first time, we are tackling a very big project together, LOJA has achieved what politicians have not—bringing us all to one table,” concluded academics.