Launching of the Research Institute for Legal Studies at University of Pristina

February 27, 2020

Speech by Maria Suokko, UNDP Resident Representative

27 December 2020

Courtroom - Faculty of Law, University of Pristina

Professor Marjan Dema, Rector of the University of Pristina,

Professor Haxhi Gashi, Dean of the Faculty of Law,

Dear Professors, distinguished guest, and students,

It is my pleasure to be here today, in the launching of the Research Institute for Legal Studies – the first one of its kind at Public University of Pristina.

Rationale for support and expected achievements

A key attribute of a mature democracy is the presence of a professional research facility to inform policies to be more effective, and to better respond to the needs of society.

One of the principal tasks of a public university is to conduct evidence-based scientific research for the benefit of improving education and policymaking.

UNDP recognizes University of Pristina’s strategy and vision to enhance the research culture in Kosovo’s higher education. We welcome the establishment of the Research Institute for Legal Studies, which aims to advance the overall quality of research in the Faculty of Law. Some of the areas of the research that the Institute will focus on are of our joint interest as well, as they include human rights, access to justice, and transitional justice.

UNDP is a strong supporter for achieving quality education for all, including higher-level education. We have earlier supported University of Pristina in establishing the Transitional Resource Centre and the Human Rights Center, and we are proud to support the Research Institute for Legal Studies as well in taking forward its objectives and priorities.

Looking at are future cooperation and partnership, we are happy to be able to support the Research Institute for Legal Studies in developing its research capacities through:

o   Webinars together with international universities / research institutes;

o   Internship programme for law students to conduct research in Kosovo’s justice sector – allowing them to link theory with practice.

o   Externship programme for students/researchers to gain hands-on experience in different thematic areas of justice sector thematic areas,

o   Development and publication of research papers in the area of justice and human rights.

We also recognize that there are other stakeholders supporting education, research and innovation – and would like to highlight the importance of working together for better results and impact.

Finally, I would like to highlight the importance of research in higher education

Research strengthens evidence-based policymaking – Thoroughly researched and objective data provides credible guidance to policymakers to better respond to the needs and challenges faced by society. Research provides us evidence, analysis, ideas and strategies that can shape debates, frame policies and approaches, that can be used for planning and policy decision-making.

Research Institutes advances the education system – Research Institutes established within academic institutions such as the Faculty of Law in this case, have crucial roles to play in developing differentiated and effective academic systems. An effective academic system with innovative research opportunities makes it possible for countries to join and compete in the global knowledge society. This is especially important for Kosovo, which is constantly progressing and aspiring to join the EU.  

Research engages the youth and benefits students in their growth – the youth are at the forefront of change and innovation; they just need to be given the space to excel. So, this Institute is the ideal place to give the space to students to become productive and engaged citizens. As such, students should be an integral part of university research as they can come up with ideas and approaches to challenges they think should be addressed.

The Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development requires new, innovative partnerships to ensure that all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be achieved by 2030, and to ensure that no one is left behind. The fact that today’s event gathers participants from different backgrounds and institutions - rule of law institutions, academia, international community, the local media - is a clear indication that we all want to work together. We all want to make Kosovo a better place for all, and support it in achieving the SDGs.

Thank you!