The Academy for Public and Social Policy Musine Kokalari 2023
The Musine Kokalari Academy for Public and Social Policy in its third edition was held from July 10 to 14, 2023 at Hotel Nartel (Pristina)
Lecturers & Moderators
Jean-Arnault Dérens, historian from France and a specialist on the Balkans
Fatos Lubonja, writer and scholar from Albania
Ivan Čolović, ethnologist and cultural anthropologist from Serbia, specialized in political myths, nationalism, and popular culture in the Balkans
Andi Haxhiu, scholar from Kosovo, specialized in the role of collective memory and theories of nationalism
Arlind Qori, political scientist from Albania and lecturer in political sciences at the University of Tirana
Adri Nurellari, political scientist from Albania
Leart Kola, political scientist from Albania
Predrag Momčilović, researcher from Serbia, specialized in environmental policy, climate justice, and energy transition
Rinora Gojani, expert from Kosovo, specialized in environmental policy, sustainable energy, and climate justice
Granit Gashi, activist from Kosovo, specialized in environmental issues and energy transition
Ermira Danaj, researcher from Albania, specialized in feminism and gender policies
Ana Sladojević, art theorist, curator, and researcher from Serbia, focused on the intersection of contemporary art, race, politics, and historical memory
Blert Morina and Uresa Ahmeti, LGBTQI+ community activists from Kosovo
Paul Stubbs, sociologist and researcher from the United Kingdom, specialized in social policies in Southeast Europe
Edona Krasniqi, researcher from Kosovo, specialized in economic development and public policies
Artan Mustafa, researcher and university lecturer from Kosovo, specialized in social policies
The Programme
Over five days, the Academy addressed the following topics:
- The social history of Kosovo, nationalism and national myths
- Political ideologies and left-right clashes in a regional context
- Political ecology, “degrowth” and the energy transition in Kosovo
- Feminism, gender equality and racism in the post-Yugoslav context
- Social policies in Southeast Europe and welfare state models
- Progressive theories on economic development and the redistribution of wealth in Kosovo
The programme was also enriched with:
- Documentary screenings and open discussions, such as: ‘Whose is This Song?’ – on cultural belonging in the Balkans, “Parullat” – a cinematic reflection on totalitarian Albania, ‘Home’ – an environmental documentary produced by Luc Besson, ‘I Am Not Your Negro’, a reflection on institutional racism in the USA
- Ideological debates and discussions, such as ‘The Left and the Right in Kosovo and the Region’ with the participation of scholars and political analysts
- Meetings with the LGBTQI+ community, through the ‘Open Library’ activity with activists discussing rights and inclusion
- Cultural and academic activities, including: a workshop on environmental justice & analysis of historical documents and interdisciplinary lectures with a regional focus.
The Musine Kokalari Academy for Public and Social Policy 2023 was organized with the support of:
