Ditmir Bushati joins Harvard University: The power of thought and the heart of innovative ideas

2025-08-28 14:07:00, Aktualitet CNA

Ditmir Bushati joins Harvard University: The power of thought and the heart of

Former Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati has shared with the entire public opinion that he has joined the Harvard University Center for International Affairs for this academic year, engaging in research projects and a lecture series with students, professors and scholars on the role of US-EU relations in consolidating peace and prosperity in Southeast Europe.

Bushati considered it a valuable experience as he will have the opportunity to contribute based on his own experience and learn from the experiences of others.

"Harvard University is the powerhouse of thought and the heart of innovative ideas."

I have been fortunate to be at Harvard twice. As a minister, where I gave a speech to students about the challenges facing Southeast Europe, and earlier as a participant in an executive program on negotiations.

It is an honor and pleasure for me to join the Harvard University Center for International Affairs for this academic year, engaging in research projects and a lecture series with students, faculty, and scholars on the role of US-EU relations in consolidating peace and prosperity in Southeast Europe.

The Center for International Affairs, founded in 1958 by Henry Kissinger and Robert Bowie, is the largest research institution at Harvard University related to international relations.

It is a meeting point for academics and practitioners from all over the world, reflecting an early commitment to connecting studies with practice in life. Therefore, I consider it a valuable experience as I will not only have the opportunity to contribute based on my experience, but also to learn from others,” Bushati writes.

He also gave his position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and how it has affected our region.

"The rules-based international order has suffered a severe blow as a result of Russian aggression in Ukraine and the renewed conflict in the Middle East. For our region, the consequences are clear, given the geographical proximity and unresolved statehood issues. But the current moment is extremely challenging as it exposes a gap: the need for US-EU coordination in our region remains great, while the space for cooperation between them seems to be narrowing. Therefore, it is important to review the policies, instruments and models of US-EU cooperation in Southeast Europe, in function of a transformative agenda and the consolidation of the European project of the region", Bushati emphasized./ CNA