The newly appointed rector of South East European University (SEEU), Prof. Dr. Sadudin Ibraimi, on Thursday presented his four-year vision for the institution’s development, stressing that priorities will include strengthening the academic community, green initiatives, digital transformation and internationalisation of study programmes.
The presentation was held during SEEU’s traditional staff training, organised by the Quality Office, and marked the first official unveiling of Ibraimi’s plan since he assumed the post from academician Prof. Dr. Abdylmenaf Bexheti.
“Our university will develop on three main pillars: People, Planet and Progress, supported by innovation. The greatest strength of SEEU is and will remain its staff. We will enhance professional development, ensure fairness in advancement and actively encourage participation in decision-making,” Ibraimi said.
He announced the establishment of a Centre for Lifelong Learning and Career Development, part of efforts to modernise curricula and align them more closely with labour market needs and European educational standards. The plan also includes fostering inclusive education, aimed at widening access for students from different social and ethnic backgrounds.
Focus on green and digital initiatives
Strategic priorities also include building a green campus and promoting environmental sustainability, in line with global trends among universities to reduce their carbon footprint. Ibraimi said SEEU would invest in digital transformation, with new technological solutions and learning platforms to support teaching and research.
“Only together can we build an innovative, sustainable and influential university in the region and beyond,” the rector said, adding that applications for the new academic year had increased compared with last year, which he described as an encouraging sign of growing interest and trust in the institution.
Financial stability and internationalisation
Ibraimi assessed the university’s financial position as stable and announced continued efforts to secure diversified revenue streams, including EU-funded projects and other international partnerships. He emphasised that internationalisation would remain a central pillar – through partnerships with foreign universities, joint research programmes and expanded opportunities for student and faculty exchange.
SEEU’s role in the region
Founded in 2001 in Tetovo, SEEU is one of North Macedonia’s leading private higher education institutions. The university operates on a multilingual model – with instruction in Albanian, Macedonian and English – making it a unique platform for integration and cooperation among the country’s diverse communities.
With more than 25,000 graduates to date, many of whom have entered the public sector, business and international organisations, the university has become a key contributor to human capital development in North Macedonia and the wider Western Balkans.
Ibraimi, who takes office during a period of political and economic challenges for the country, called for collective engagement. “The success of the university depends on the joint work of staff and students. The vision we offer is open, inclusive and based on partnership,” he said.
At the close of his address, the rector paid tribute to his predecessor, academician Prof. Dr. Abdylmenaf Bexheti, for consolidating the university, while signalling that the new four-year cycle will focus on expanding SEEU’s influence at national and regional levels.