Representatives of the organization Physical Activity and Sports Tech for Healthy Lifestyles (PASTECHL) participated in the international Western Balkans Forum on Higher Education and Innovation, held on October 8–9, 2026, in Pécs, Hungary. The Forum was organized by the University of Pécs and the international education platform Studyportals, with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation, fostering innovation, and enhancing the international competitiveness of higher education institutions.
At the invitation of the organizers, the Forum was attended by Prof. Dr. Radenko Matic from the University of Novi Sad, Prof. Dr. Stevo Popovic and MSc. Miodrag Zarubica from the University of Montenegro, who, through their joint engagement in PASTECHL, contribute to the development of international scientific cooperation and innovative initiatives in the fields of sport, health, education, and modern technologies.
The central theme of the Forum was the future of higher education in the Western Balkans, with particular emphasis on European integration, internationalization, innovation, and strengthening institutional capacities. Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, and thematic workshops, participants addressed the key challenges facing universities in the region, as well as opportunities for their stronger integration into the European research and education area.
Among the distinguished participants of the Forum were Prof. Jo Ritzen, former Minister of Education of the Netherlands and former President of Maastricht University, Dr. Gjergj Murra, Executive Director of the Western Balkans Fund, as well as numerous representatives of European universities, international organizations, and institutions responsible for the development of higher education.
Special attention was devoted to the development of international research partnerships, funding opportunities through the Horizon Europe programme and other European initiatives, improving the quality of higher education, and strengthening connections between universities and the business sector. Participants also discussed innovative models of cooperation that enable more effective knowledge transfer, the development of new competencies, and the practical application of scientific results.
For PASTECHL, participation in the Forum was particularly significant in the context of developing its international network of collaborators and connecting research institutions with organizations operating at the intersection of science, technology, and social innovation. The exchange of experiences with representatives of European universities and international organizations opened up opportunities to explore new possibilities for cooperation, joint projects, and initiatives aimed at advancing sport, health, education, and modern technologies.
The joint participation of representatives from the University of Montenegro and the University of Novi Sad further highlighted the role of PASTECHL as a platform for connecting the academic community with practice-oriented organizations, with the aim of developing interdisciplinary solutions and strengthening regional and international cooperation.
Through its participation in this important international event, PASTECHL uncompromisingly continues to initiate activities aimed at expanding its partnership network, exchanging knowledge and experiences, and developing innovative approaches that connect science, education, and modern technologies, with particular emphasis on their application in the field of sport and healthy lifestyles.