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From Differences to Cooperation: The Power of Intercultural Dialogue

byЦентар за едукација и развој-ЦЕД
An academic lecture entitled “From Differences to Cooperation: The Power of Intercultural Dialogue” was held at the University of Tetovo and delivered by the renowned Norwegian professor Mr. Steiner Bryn, founder of the Nansen Dialogue Centre, an internationally recognized scholar and peace advocate, who has been nominated seven times for the Nobel Peace Prize. The event was attended by students of the Faculty of Pedagogy, secondary school students, academic staff, and representatives of civil society.

In his welcoming address, Prof. Dr. Lulzim Mehmedi, Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy, welcomed Mr. Bryn and emphasized that the lecture represented an added value for the University of Tetovo. He underlined the importance of intercultural dialogue as a key element in education, peacebuilding, and the strengthening of social cohesion. The Dean highlighted that education, beyond the transmission of knowledge, has the mission of cultivating universal values such as respect, empathy, understanding, and cooperation.

At the same time, Prof. Mehmedi expressed institutional appreciation to the Center for Education and Development (CED) for its continuous cooperation and contribution to the organization of this lecture at the University of Tetovo. The audience was also addressed by Mr. Metin Muaremi, Director of CED, who stressed the importance of such academic activities in strengthening young people’s intercultural competencies.

During the lecture, Mr. Steiner Bryn emphasized that intercultural education remains one of the greatest challenges not only for the Balkan region, but also for more developed societies. He pointed out that what distinguishes advanced societies is the awareness that educating new generations in the spirit of interculturalism is a continuous, long-term, and indispensable process.

The lecture was followed with great interest by the participants, and the open discussion that followed provided space for academic reflection and exchange of ideas on the challenges and perspectives of intercultural dialogue in contemporary educational and social contexts.

This event was organized by the Center for Education and Development, in cooperation with the University of Tetovo, with the aim of promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, and intercultural coexistence, reaffirming their joint commitment to advancing knowledge and democratic values through academic and scientific activities.

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