On September 23, Dr. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of Kosovo, visited Fordham Law for an informal meeting with students while in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Osmani is the fifth president of Kosovo, which achieved independence in 2008. She received her LL.M. and S.J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and helped to draft the current constitution of Kosovo.
Osmani’s remarks centered around the domestic and international challenges her country has faced as well as its triumphs as a new democracy.
“Kosovo, the country that I represent, is a success story of the resilience of its people, but also a success story of the resilience of the international community, of democratic countries standing together against tyranny to defend human rights and freedoms,” she said.
The event was organized by Jurij Toplak, a recurring visiting professor at the Law School, as part of the Comparative Election Law course that he teaches.
“Usually, we hear what scholars and courts have to say about election law, but hearing the leader of a country’s views brings another perspective,” said Toplak, who is a co-editor of the Routledge Handbook of Election Law, the first book to give a global perspective on election law.
“It was a unique experience for all of us to talk to [President Osmani], who is guiding the country on its path to international recognition,” said Toplak. “We are grateful that President Osmani adjusted her busy schedule to meet with Fordham students.”
Delighted to address & engage in excellent discussions with @FordhamNYC law students and professors in New York.
We talked about Kosovo’s efforts to strengthen democracy, international standing, and rule of law through concrete reforms.
Full discussion: https://t.co/rVm5IO6Gxa pic.twitter.com/GUaTNI000W
— Vjosa Osmani (@VjosaOsmaniPRKS) September 25, 2022
Osmani, who was once a law student in the United States herself, expressed that meeting with students was one of her “favorite things to do” when visiting outside of her home country. Students had an opportunity to ask President Osmani questions directly on topics like electoral systems, anti-corruption, and the difficulties the country has faced in achieving UN membership and full international recognition.
“It speaks a lot to her character that she took time out of [the UN General Assembly week]to speak to us and to answer questions,” said Tasha Brown ’24 after the event. “It was just a very genuine, honest conversation.”
Another student in attendance, Samantha Guzman ’23, agreed. “It was great to hear someone who so strongly holds on to her background as an activist, and who genuinely cares about not just the young country that she helped to found but also the people that are the foundation of that nation,” Guzman said.
“It was really interesting to hear from someone who actually was there to help create the constitution,” added Isabella Loarte-Ciudad ’24. “Hearing from someone who is passionate about a new country, it brings hope for the future.”
To conclude, Toplak asked President Osmani if she had any advice for the room full of law students in attendance.
“My advice would be, never stop being an activist at heart,” said Osmani. “That is the most fundamental issue no matter the job that you will have … It’s very important that you never forget that your job is to make a difference in people’s lives.”
