ISOMA 2025 Concludes Successfully in Kosovo, Showcasing Global Leadership in Military Education

The International Symposium of Military Academies (ISOMA) 2025 successfully concluded after three days of high-level dialogue, academic exchange, and international collaboration, bringing together military academies and security institutions from around the world to advance military education, leadership, and cooperation.

ISOMA 2025 was organized by the Kosovo Defense Academy (KDA) of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), with RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) – an unwavering partner institution of KSF – proudly supporting the academic and professional dimensions of this international gathering. The Organizing Committee was led by CPT Premtim Shaqiri, an RIT Kosovo alumnus and President of the Alumni Association Board, who had the privilege of coordinating the event on behalf of the Academy.

A Distinguished Opening and Global Participation

The official program opened with a ceremonial session on November 11, featuring keynote addresses from leadership of the Kosovo Security Force-BG Jeton Dreshaj, the Superintendent of the Korea Military Academy-MG Hyung-Ki So, and the Secretary of the International Association of Military Academies (IAMA)-Dr. Ian Parentau. The Opening Ceremony also included musical performances by the Kosovo Philharmonic Soprano, and ceremonial honors from KSF Band and KDA cadets, setting an international and academic tone for the symposium.

Strong Academic Contributions from RIT Kosovo

RIT Kosovo faculty and alumni played a prominent role throughout ISOMA 2025, contributing research, moderation, and practical application to discussions on innovation, leadership, and international security.

On Day 1, RIT Kosovo faculty made impactful academic contributions:

• Dr. Venera Demukaj and Dr. Linda Ziberi, alongside Dr. Mexhid Ferati and Shqiponja Bislimi, presented their research on Innovative Pedagogies for Gender-Inclusive STEM Education, emphasizing international collaboration and curriculum development in Kosovo and Albania.
• Prof. Brikena Avdyli and Cadet Arbesa Zenuni presented The Potential Impact of Simulation-Based Learning in the Kosovo Security Force, a paper also featured in the Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies (JPCSS) in a session moderated by Dr. Bernard Nikaj.
• Sessions in the tracks Evolution of Teaching Methodologies and Enhancing International Collaboration for Security and Stability were moderated by BG (ret.) Xhavit Gashi, Jeton Mehmeti, and Dr. Gent Carrabregu.
• RIT Kosovo alumnus Robert Shala led a cross-national wargaming simulation, engaging cadets from multiple international academies in exercises focused on leadership, strategy, and cooperation.

On Day 2, academic exchange continued with high-level research presentations:

• Dr. Albina Balidemaj-Basha, Dean of Faculty at RIT Kosovo, moderated the session Enhancing International Collaboration for Security and Stability.
• Dr. Erik Benson (RIT Tirana) presented an in-depth analysis on hybrid warfare and historical military strategy.
• Dr. Linda Ziberi, Head of the SOIS Program at RIT Kosovo, together with RIT Kosovo student Cadet Dardan Syla, presented Modernizing Military Education in Kosovo, a study published in JPCSS.
• Dr. Leandrit Mehmeti, Associate Dean at RIT Kosovo and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies, provided an official presentation on the journal’s mission and contributions.

Journal Leadership and Scholarly Engagement

A highlight of ISOMA 2025 was the academic leadership of Dr. Leandrit Mehmeti, who served both as a scientific contributor throughout the symposium and as Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies. Under his leadership, the journal continues to position RIT Kosovo as a regional hub for scholarly research in peace studies, defense, and security education.

A dedicated session on Day 2 formally presented the Journal of Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies to the international audience, reaffirming RIT Kosovo’s commitment to academic excellence and global research impact.

International Education and Cadet Engagement

The official agenda included multiple academic tracks dedicated to international cooperation, emerging security challenges, and teaching innovation. On Day 2, cadets from several international military academies delivered comparative presentations, creating a rare platform for peer-to-peer learning across institutions and nations.

Cultural Diplomacy and Closing Ceremony

Day 3 concluded with a cultural and diplomatic program designed to strengthen relationships beyond the academic space. Delegations visited:

• Ulpiana Archaeological Park
• Prizren’s historic landmarks, including the League of Prizren Museum with an artistic performance by the National Song and Dance Ensemble “Shota,” Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, and the Orthodox Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš

The Closing Ceremony at the Kosovo Defense Academy featured remarks by BG Jeton Dreshaj, followed by certificate distribution and official gifts, marking the formal conclusion of ISOMA 2025.

Alumni Contributions and Acknowledgment

RIT Kosovo extends special recognition to its alumni and contributors:

Organizing Committee (Alumni):

1. Premtim Shaqiri
2. Shkëlqim Raci
3. Bajram Geci
4. Dritëro Bajrami
5. Arjanit Hoxha
6. Alisa Ramadani

Volunteer Photographer:

1. Agron Istrefi

Wargaming Presenter:

2. Robert Shala

Last but not least, KDA cadets, who are also students at RIT Kosovo, played an active role throughout ISOMA 2025, contributing to program coordination and the overall success of the event. Their involvement exemplified the strength of the RIT Kosovo student and alumni network and its continued engagement in international security education.

A Shared Mission for the Future

ISOMA 2025 reaffirmed the value of international cooperation in building leadership, advancing military education, and strengthening peace and security worldwide. Through research, dialogue, and practical collaboration, participants demonstrated a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in defense education.

RIT Kosovo is proud to have partnered with the Kosovo Security Force and the Ministry of Defense in delivering an event that will have lasting academic, institutional, and diplomatic impact.