On 19 February 2025, the International Balkan University (IBU) proudly hosted the internal dissemination event for the Erasmus Virtual Exchange project titled Skills Enrichment for Adaptive Leadership in the New Reality (SEAL-NR) within the official launch of this transformative initiative that aims to empower young people and educators with cutting-edge educational technologies and virtual exchanges.

The event was opened by IBU Rector Prof. Dr. Lutfi Sunar, who underscored the importance of virtual exchange projects like SEAL-NR in enriching IBU’s expertise in global education and fostering meaningful collaboration among international partners. Funded by the European Commission, the SEAL-NR project positions IBU at the forefront of innovation in virtual education and adaptive leadership.

IBU, as the lead coordinator, collaborates with a diverse consortium of partners, including Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD) in Ukraine, Politechnika Warszawska (WUT) in Poland, Baltijas Starptautiska Akademija (BIA) in Latvia, Institute of Social and Economic Initiatives (ISEI) in Ukraine, Mingachevir State University (MUS) in Azerbaijan, and the Kyiv Education, Training and Youth Centre (KETY) in Ukraine. Additionally, the associated partner, DITELC Switzerland – Swiss Center of Excellence in Digital Transformation and Ecosystem Leadership, based in Zurich, Switzerland, lends its expertise to ensure the project's success.

Prof. Dr. Snezhana Bilic, as Vice-Rector for Research and Projects, presented the project’s key objectives and its profound impact to be achieved over the next three years. SEAL-NR focuses on enhancing digital and soft skills, fostering social and psychological adaptation, and nurturing entrepreneurial abilities among young people, particularly those displaced by crises and wars. The initiative also aims to train educators and youth workers as facilitators, integrating virtual exchanges into both formal and non-formal education systems.

As the lead coordinator, IBU plays a pivotal role in managing all aspects of the project. This includes ensuring sound financial management, maintaining quality control and evaluation, organizing training sessions at IBU for facilitators, and engaging students in virtual exchanges. Additionally, IBU will oversee the publication of a monograph based on surveys conducted as part of the project. Acting as the main focal point for communication with the European Commission, IBU also aims to enhance the research dimension of the initiative and ensure the university’s visibility in this innovative endeavor. The project will establish the European Virtual Hub for Education and Adaptation in Emergencies, hosted by KNUTD, as a central resource for online courses and continuous learning materials.

The IBU Project Team, consisting of Prof. Dr. Snezhana Bilic, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Andrijana B. Danevska, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ceneta T. Durmishi, and Asst. Dr. Leposava Ognjanoska Stavrovska, that brings its expertise and skills to ensure the successful implementation of SEAL-NR.

With plans to involve great number of students and train facilitators, SEAL-NR reflects IBU commitment to advancing education and innovation. This initiative further solidifies IBU’s role as a key player in driving impactful international projects and fostering adaptive leadership.