Public International Business College Mitrovica (IBCM), in partnership with Sapienza University of Rome, officially inaugurated its Master’s Programme today, marking a significant milestone in international academic collaboration and sustainable higher education.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Prof. Dr. Mihone Kerolli Mustafa, Rector of IBCM, who emphasized the College’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, internationalization, and sustainability. She highlighted that the programme reflects IBCM’s vision to cultivate future leaders capable of addressing global challenges through innovation and cross-cultural engagement.

“This program represents our shared vision of education that transcends borders, embraces global perspectives, and prepares students to lead with responsibility and purpose.” — Rector Mihone

Ms. Chiara Castaldo, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Italy in Kosovo, delivered a warm address reaffirming Italy’s support for educational and cultural exchange. She noted that the cooperation between IBCM and Sapienza University represents not only a bilateral academic endeavour but also a deeper diplomatic bridge strengthening Italy–Kosovo ties.

“Combining different traditions to achieve common goals will lead to excellent results.” — Ms. Chiara Castaldo

Prof. Asst. Judita Krasniqi, Head of the Master Programme at IBCM, presented the curriculum’s structure, highlighting its rigorous, interdisciplinary nature. She stressed the importance of combining theory and practice to equip students with the skills to tackle real-world challenges in sustainability, sociology, and global development.

“Incorporating business, environmental, and social viewpoints for a comprehensive approach will give the students abilities and skills to solve global problems in different approaches.” — Prof. Judita Krasniqi

From Sapienza University, Prof. Assoc. Fiorenza Deriu praised the joint programme as an embodiment of Sapienza’s mission to foster sustainability and social responsibility.

“Students will find in this program a balance between theoretical foundation, practical workshops, good practice, and opportunities for in-depth study.” — Prof. Fiorenza Deriu

In a video message, Prof. Emma Galli, Head of the Department of Social Science and Economics, along with Prof. Andrea Ciarini, President of the Master in Sociology in Sustainability and Global Process Analysis, highlighted the university’s commitment to preparing socially conscious scholars capable of contributing to sustainable development globally.

“Education has the unique power to build bridges among disciplines, cultures, and communities.” — Prof. Emma Galli
“Through knowledge, cooperation, and responsibility, we can craft a fairer and more sustainable future together.” — Prof. Andrea Ciarini

Representing the SHER Programme Kosovo, Ms. Aqim Emurli underscored how the new Master’s aligns with SHER’s goals of strengthening higher education and research in Kosovo. He praised the collaboration for enhancing research capacity, promoting inclusivity, and preparing a new generation of professionals aligned with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) principles.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Asst Hajdari reiterated her gratitude to Sapienza University, the Embassy of Italy, and the SHER Programme, expressing confidence that graduates of the new Master’s programme will be well-equipped to lead in academia, public service, and international organizations.