The EU Ambassador in Kosovo, Tomas Szunyog, and Rector of University of Pristina (UP), Prof Dr Qerim Qerimi, marked today the beginning of the construction of the new premises for the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS).
At any one time, the premises will host more than 2,300 students and 133 staff members studying, researching, and working in five different departments including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and geography.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Pristina Mayor Perparim Rama, and other dignitaries took part in the groundbreaking ceremony along with the UNOPS Austria Multi Country Office Director Freya von Groote. UNOPS will implement the EU and UP funded works.
“These new premises will contribute to further modernization of higher education in Kosovo, increase the research capacities of its students and academia, and promote gender equality, inclusivity, and eco-friendliness with its well-equipped laboratories, breast-feeding rooms, outdoor communal area, and energy-saving features,” said Prof Dr. Qerimi.
The construction of new faculty premises, worth EUR 8.9 million, is part of a broader EU for Employment and Education Program and is one of the many education infrastructure projects financed by the EU in Kosovo. While the EU will fund the construction of the premises, the University of Pristina will supply furniture and laboratory equipment worth EUR 5 million.
“This is yet another EU investment in education in Kosovo. From 2007 to 2022, the EU has invested EUR 85 million in the development of the education system in Kosovo to help create opportunities for students and academia in Kosovo similar to those in the EU, and contribute to knowledge-led economic development and job creation,” said Ambassador Szunyog.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Kurti said today we are taking another important step towards creating the prerequisites for the development of education and research in Kosovo.
“The construction of a new, modern building for the Faculty of Mathematical-Natural Sciences at the University of Prishtina will provide students and academic staff with the infrastructure, technology, and necessary resources for academic and professional development in the academic programs of this faculty. I hope that the foundation we are laying today will be a new page in the history of the development of the University of Prishtina.”
This construction of premises funded through IPA II is being led and implemented by UNOPS, which retains the final accountability and oversight over all aspects of management of the project and its results. The entire process from planning, designing and managing the project is implemented and led by UNOPS.
“With the ground-breaking of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, we not only lay the foundation for new premises but also for new possibilities and opportunities for future generations. At UNOPS we are proud to be part of this visionary project and look forward to witnessing its positive impact on the community,” said UNOPs’ von Groote.
The construction works are expected to be finalised by June 2024.
