The ninth edition of the conference addressed contemporary challenges of migration, governance, and social cohesion
Skopje, November 20, 2025 – Mother Teresa University in Skopje organized the 9th edition of the International Migration Conference, an event of significant scientific importance that brought together over fifty researchers, experts, policymakers, and institutional representatives from the country, the region, and several Asian states. The conference was held both in-person and online via the Google Meet platform.
This year, the conference was characterized by a broad academic participant base and a program structured into three scientific sessions, including the online session. Out of more than 50 applications, 36 scientific papers were approved for presentation. The main purpose of the conference was to address the contemporary dynamics of global migration, socio-economic transformations, and governance challenges in an international context.
In his welcoming speech, MTU Rector, Full Prof. Bekim Fetaji, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of academic and institutional coordination in the study of migration, stating: “Migration is a global phenomenon in motion that requires an approach based on values, science, and inter-institutional dialogue. Our task is to create knowledge that protects human dignity and leads to effective policies.”
He also reminded the audience of the symbolism of the University named after Mother Teresa, who, as a migrant and humanist, embodied the values of solidarity, dignity, and humanism.
The Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Mr. Lulzim Aliu, highlighted the key role of education in migration processes, emphasizing: “Education is the key factor of integration and development. An inclusive educational system is the most strategic investment a state can make for its future.”
He also addressed the phenomenon of the youth leaving the country, i.e., the phenomenon of brain drain, stressing the need to create conditions that encourage the youth to contribute to their own country.
Furthermore, Ms. Elvisa Drishti from Luigj Gurakuqi University of Shkodër underlined the importance of cross-border scientific cooperation. The representative of the National Migration Agency pointed out the current challenges of migration policies, while Assoc. Prof. Arta Xhelili, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, emphasized the role of MTU as an active research center in the field of migration.
The first session examined issues of migration, governance, and public policies, security matters, migration policies, the diaspora, geopolitical influences, and demographic changes.
The second session, Migration, Youth, Education and Social Transformations, focused on the role of education, the labor market, human capital, and socio-economic development.
The third session, Integration, Identity and Social Cohesion, addressed the challenges of integration, cultural identity, and social cohesion in multicultural environments.
On behalf of the conference’s organizing body and Mother Teresa University in Skopje, MTU Rector, Full Prof. Bekim Fetaji, Ph.D., expressed gratitude by awarding certificates of appreciation to the institutional supporters of the event, including: the Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Mr. Lulzim Aliu; the diplomat from the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in North Macedonia, Mr. Altin Kelmenti; and the Director of the National Migration Agency, Mr. Lulzim Aliu.
The coordinator of the 9th International Migration Conference was Assoc. Prof. Elisabeta Bajrami Ollogu, Ph.D., who professionally led the organizational process, coordinated the scientific sessions, and managed communication with local and international participants.
The 9th International Migration Conference hosted by MTU, once again confirmed MTU’s role as a promoter of scientific research in the field of migration and as a hub for international cooperation.