Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar served as the organizer and host of a major international conference titled SUNRISE Networking—the central event of the International Cooperation Week, held this year from June 9 to 13.

The conference focused on the role of European university alliances in modernizing higher education, developing institutional capacities, and supporting the European Union accession process.

“These gatherings represent a valuable opportunity to bring together universities that share common goals and values, to exchange ideas, and to reaffirm our commitment to the European dimension of higher education. Today’s conference places particular emphasis on the SUNRISE alliance, a consortium of universities that our Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar is proudly a part of—alongside eight other full partners—with the aim of developing a joint strategy for long-term institutional cooperation in education, scientific research, and innovation,” said the Rector of the Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar, Prof. Dr. Alena Huseinbegović.

SUNRISE (Smaller Universities Network for Regional Innovative and Sustainable Evolution) is a university alliance funded by the European Commission. Its core idea is to create a unified European Education Area based on values, not borders.

“Such alliances break down barriers between national education systems, connect research and innovation with local communities, empower students and academic staff for interdisciplinary work, enable the development of joint or dual degrees, increase visibility and international recognition of institutions, foster intercultural and multilingual exchange, strengthen universities’ resilience to crises (e.g., pandemics, climate change), and allow universities from diverse socio-economic contexts to participate equally in shaping Europe’s future,” added Rector Prof. Dr. Huseinbegović.

The Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Prof. Dr. Adnan Velagić, emphasized that networking platforms such as SUNRISE open doors to new projects, partnerships, and visions.

“This is a network where innovation is supported, where knowledge becomes a tool for solving real-world challenges, and where young people are encouraged to take on leadership roles in society—which is exactly what Bosnia and Herzegovina needs. Universities have always been places where ideas grow. That’s why events like this are of exceptional importance, as they serve as a bridge between potential and realization,” said Minister Velagić. He added that in a time when the world is rapidly changing, knowledge becomes the most valuable resource, and international cooperation in higher education is not a luxury but a necessity. Young people deserve the opportunity to present their ideas to the world—and that opportunity must be provided.

Prof. Dr. Emina Junuz, the SUNRISE project coordinator at the Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar, emphasized that SUNRISE serves as a tool for transformation and equal integration into the European Higher Education Area.

“We are aware of the importance of connecting universities through alliances, and today is an opportunity to share experiences with them and to implement good practices,” said Prof. Dr. Junuz.

According to her, university alliances like SUNRISE are created for students and offer them numerous opportunities.

“Students can participate in research projects with other universities, go on short-term mobilities, and receive formal recognition for each of those activities. Through SUNRISE, we have focused particularly on providing such mobility opportunities to master’s and doctoral students who are already in the labor market and unable to participate in standard exchange programs or spend an entire semester abroad,” stressed Prof. Dr. Junuz.

Thomas Mirow, the SUNRISE project coordinator from the partner Technical University of Ilmenau in Germany, underlined the importance of networking among universities across Europe.

“The goal of today’s conference is to highlight the importance of initiatives that bring European universities closer together, including those in the Western Balkans. Through alliances, we want universities to learn from one another in order to continually improve, which is the essence of this initiative and the SUNRISE alliance,” said Mirow.

He explained that the SUNRISE alliance was formed two years ago, and the Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar is currently the only full member from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Universities located in smaller communities have their advantages, and we want to highlight that. While we understand that larger cities may be more attractive to young people, universities in smaller towns are often more flexible, deeply rooted in their regions, and offer better networking opportunities with local and regional companies—which is one of our goals,” Mirow emphasized.

Prof. Dr. Kristina Pantelić Babić, Vice-Rector for International and Interuniversity Cooperation at the University of Banja Luka and a participant of the SUNRISE Networking conference, stated that European university alliances offer numerous benefits to both students and staff at all universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Networking is imperative for all universities. It brings clear benefits, especially since internationalization and cooperation in research and teaching are now expected norms. Membership in university alliances is a confirmation of the quality our universities possess,” said Prof. Dr. Pantelić Babić.

As part of the SUNRISE Networking conference, presentations were held on the significance of university alliances for the regional education system. Of particular interest was the panel discussion titled “The Impact of European University Alliances on Higher Education and the Community”, which included esteemed experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad, including representatives of the Erasmus+ network, professors of European Law, and international alliance coordinators.

The SUNRISE Networking conference and the future activities under the SUNRISE Alliance represent a platform for networking, knowledge and idea exchange, and strengthening cooperation between educational institutions in the region and beyond.