In the framework of the project “Increasing the financial autonomy and accountability at public Higher education institutions in Kosova” the 1st National Conference on the Financial Management of Public Higher Education Institutions of Kosova, was held at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Kosovo, on December 2 – 3, 2015.
The event started with the welcome speech which was given by Prof. Dr. Arsim Bajrami – Minister of Education, Science and Technology. Mr. Bajrami emphasized that the conclusions drawn from this conference will be important in finding the adequate formula for funding, which will ensure increasing of quality in education and accountability in the management of public finances. In addition, Mr. Tragoudase Stergios, representative of the European Union in Kosovo, said that this project will affect Kosovo's transformation into a more attractive place in the field of higher education and the modernization of financing higher education institutions.
 
In the Conference the following presentations were held:

• Financing the Tertiary Sector in Kosovo: A New Concept towards a better Higher Education;
• Financing and Managing Higher Education – A European Perspective;
• The way towards the White Paper “Financial Model for the Kosovo Public Higher Education System”.
   

The Conference contained panel discussions as well on the following topics of the White Paper:

• Development of higher education profile with a focus on regional needs;
• Financial Management - Autonomy and Accountability;
• Higher Education Institutions – Steering towards Success;
• Human Resources – Staff Policy for Higher Education Institutions;
   

In the second day of the Conference, a break out session was organized where participants were separated into three groups in order to discuss three of the following topics:

• Profile of Higher Education;
• Financing of Higher Education;
• Human Resources in Higher Education;

 
There were around 80 participants attending the event representing private and public universities in Kosovo, nongovernmental organizations, and other relevant international and national stakeholders. Suggestions, feedback and comments of the participants to the Draft White Paper will be incorporated in the document. The new version of White Paper will be available by mid of February 2016.