Can universities become sanctuaries of peace in an increasingly divided world? Academic institutions and international organisations have signed the Skopje Declaration, calling for the protection of education, scientific research and cultural heritage from the consequences of conflict.
SKOPJE, Oct. 21 (BalkanView) – Representatives of international academic organisations and universities have adopted the Skopje Declaration, an initiative calling for educational and scientific institutions to be protected from the consequences of armed conflicts and to play a greater role in promoting peace, dialogue and human security.
The declaration, formally titled “The Skopje Declaration: Universities, Academies and Schools as Sanctuaries of Peace,” was signed in North Macedonia’s capital during an event marking the 20th anniversary of Skopje University.
The initiative forms part of the Global Peace Offensive (GPOC), an international effort aimed at encouraging universities, scientists and intellectuals to contribute more actively to peacebuilding through education, research and international cooperation.
Universities as sanctuaries of peace
The declaration calls for universities, academies, schools, research centres and cultural heritage institutions to be protected from the effects of conflict.
It also emphasises the importance of preserving academic dialogue, scientific knowledge and educational cooperation as foundations for peace and human security.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the role of academic institutions not only as centres of learning and research but also as platforms for international dialogue and cooperation.
Its central message is that education and knowledge should remain protected and accessible even during periods of political instability and armed conflict.
International academic organisations join initiative
The initiative was presented by Donato Kinniger-Passili, president of the Global Peace Offensive.
The declaration was signed by Skopje University Rector Professor Ace Milenkovski and representatives of several international academic institutions and networks.
These included the World Academy of Art and Science, Alma Mater Europaea University in Slovenia, the World University Consortium and the International Council of Universities based in Turkey.
According to the organisers, the International Council of Universities brings together more than 200 higher education institutions from different countries.
The participation of these organisations gives the declaration an international academic dimension and creates opportunities for broader cooperation on education, peacebuilding and the protection of cultural and scientific institutions.
Declaration to be submitted to UN and UNESCO
The Skopje Declaration remains open to additional signatories, with organisers seeking to develop it into a wider international academic platform.
In the next phase, the document is expected to be submitted to the United Nations, UNESCO and other relevant international organisations and academic networks.
The aim is to secure broader international support for its principles and increase their visibility among institutions involved in education, science, cultural heritage and peacebuilding.
Submission to these organisations would not, by itself, constitute their formal endorsement of the declaration.
Skopje seeks a place in international academic dialogue
By hosting the declaration’s adoption, Skopje University has positioned its 20th anniversary celebrations within a broader discussion about the responsibilities of academic institutions in times of conflict.
The initiative also provides an opportunity for North Macedonia’s academic community to participate in international cooperation on peace, education and human security.
Organisers hope the declaration will develop beyond its initial signatories into a global network advocating the protection of educational institutions and the promotion of dialogue.
Its wider impact will depend on the participation of additional institutions and the practical initiatives that emerge from the declaration.