President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu of the Republic of Kosovo Visits Sophia University and Delivers a Special Lecture to Students
On June 13, Her Excellency Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of the Republic of Kosovo visited Sophia University and delivered a special lecture at the International Conference Hall in Building No. 2.
The lecture was organized following a proposal from the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Japan during the President’s visit to the country. Prof. Taro Komatsu from the Department of Education, Faculty of Human Sciences, coordinated the event, which was attended by approximately 200 students and faculty members.
The lecture, titled “Defending Democracy in the 21st Century: Lessons from Kosovo,” began with a welcoming address by Prof. Miki Sugimura, President of Sophia University, followed by moderation and facilitation by Prof. Komatsu.
President Osmani shared three key lessons for safeguarding democracy, drawing from Kosovo’s experience of declaring independence in 2008 after conflict and its ongoing efforts to build a democratic nation. She emphasized that democracy is a “decision” that every generation must choose daily, that “justice” is essential for lasting peace, and that democracy must deliver tangible “results” to its people.
Drawing from her personal experiences of oppression and liberation, President Osmani stated passionately, “Democracy, justice, peace, and freedom are worth any sacrifice. Freedom, above all, is worth every sacrifice.” She added with conviction, “Together with the people of Japan, we will never stop fighting to protect these values.”
During the Q&A session, President Osmani addressed questions about challenges facing young people and the role of education. She highlighted the importance of investing in education to harness Kosovo’s youthful population, preventing brain drain, and creating job opportunities that contribute to regional development. She also discussed the role of education in post-conflict reconciliation, stressing the need for truth-telling and confronting the past.
Additionally, President Osmani shared her experiences as a female leader and her early involvement in politics. She spoke about collaborating with global partners to protect Kosovo’s democratic and independent status and emphasized that the generation enjoying freedom today holds both privilege and responsibility. She concluded with a heartfelt message: “Freedom provides a powerful motivation to achieve everything else.”
Students who attended shared their impressions, saying, “I was deeply struck by the idea that democracy is not a one-time decision but a choice that must be made repeatedly by every generation,” and “I was truly moved. Thank you for this invaluable opportunity.” President Osmani’s lecture left a profound impact on the audience, inspiring hope and a renewed commitment to action for the future.
