Rector’s welcoming speech during the Second International Student Conference of Civil Engineering (ISCCE 2024)

Distinguished Rector of the Polytechnic University of Tirana, vice rectors, deans, esteemed professors, distinguished guests, dear students,

Good morning and warm greetings to each of you. As the Rector of the University of Prishtina, it is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome you to the Second International Student Conference of Civil Engineering, ISCCE 2024, right here at our beloved Faculty of Civil Engineering in Prishtina.

Today, as we gather in this place of learning and innovation, we stand as custodians of the future. Civil engineers are not merely professionals; they are visionaries who literally build the future. Every bridge, every building, every infrastructure project that dots our landscapes is a testament to their foresight and determination. These structures are more than concrete and steel; they are embodiments of human ambition and collective resilience.

But let us also reflect on the broader role of education in this grand endeavor. Education is the cornerstone of progress. It does more than impart knowledge—it shapes minds and molds the character of future leaders. Here, within these halls, we are engaged in a profound act of hope and belief. We believe in the power of education to transform lives, to uplift communities, and to forge a future that is brighter than today.

This conference is a celebration of that belief. It is a gathering of bright minds from across the globe, united by a common passion for civil engineering and a shared commitment to enhancing human life through sustainable solutions. We are here to exchange ideas, to challenge each other, and to build upon the vast repository of knowledge that civil engineering has accumulated over centuries.

The theme of our conference, “Building the Future”, reflects not just the physical act of construction but also the creation of new ideas and technologies that will define tomorrow. It underscores the responsibility we bear—to our communities, to our planet, and to generations yet unborn. As educators, researchers, and practitioners, we are laying the foundation stones for a future that we may not live to see but will be our legacy.

Over the next few days, you will have the opportunity to hear from some of the leading voices in the field of civil engineering. They will share insights gleaned from cutting-edge research and projects that challenge the conventional boundaries of this discipline. I encourage you to engage with these ideas, to question, to debate, and to dream. Let us approach these discussions with open minds and hearts—ready to learn, ready to change, and ready to inspire.

And as we proceed with this conference, let us remember the emotional and human aspect of this profession. You are not just building structures; you are building homes, communities, and safe spaces where life unfolds, where memories are created, and where the spirit of humanity thrives.

Thank you for choosing to be part of this important dialogue. Your presence here is a commitment to the future—a future we are building together, brick by brick, and idea by idea.

Welcome to ISCCE 2024 in Prishtina. Together, let us build not just with concrete and steel, but with vision and compassion, courage and curiosity. Let us build a world we are proud to pass on.

Thank you.