Ambassador of North Macedonia visits HIT: Strengthening Academic & Cultural Ties

On Tuesday Jan. 14 the Holon Institute of Technology (HIT), led by its President Prof. Eduard Yakubov, hosted North Macedonia's Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Shpend Sadiku, together with a diplomatic delegation from his embassy. The visit's goal was to enhance academic, technological, and cultural collaborations between HIT and institutions in North Macedonia and other Balkan countries. 

North Macedonia's ambassador alongside HIT president. Photo: Ilanit Extremist

HIT has collaborated extensively with academic institutions, museums, entrepreneurs and historians in North Macedonia, to advance innovative technological initiatives that tell the story of Macedonian Jewry – almost completely annihilated in the Holocaust. The project included the development of a state-of-the-art database linked to Google Maps as well as museums worldwide, including Yad Vashem. 

HIT's President Prof. Eduard Yakubov emphasized the importance of international collaborations for extending the scope of knowledge and innovation:
"HIT sees great importance in promoting collaborations with countries like North Macedonia, that combine a rich history with a technological vision for the future. Such collaborations serve as an example of the connection between academia, technology, and culture, while generating a positive impact on future generations."

At the meeting several of HIT's innovations were presented, including the Living Lab. The Ambassador stressed the importance of synergy between disciplines - such as technology, medicine, design, computer science and AI, noting that the collaboration with HIT can attract students and entrepreneurs from his country. 

Ambassador Sadiku said: 
"I am pleased to see HIT's impressive activities in a wide range of disciplines, and I am committed to supporting the continued collaboration between HIT and our institutions. A Living Lab facility in North Macedonia can serve students, medical teams, and other professionals from the entire region."

Opportunities for collaboration with Israeli hospitals were also discussed, with a focus on the Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Center. Dr. Refael Barkan, VP for Innovation Entrepreneurship and Internationalization at HIT, and Dr. Yoel Har-Even, Director of the International Division at Sheba, presented a novel program for studies and research in digital medicine. 

The collaboration between HIT and North Macedonia has entered a new phase, with ambitious plans to expand both academic and technological activities. HIT continues to generate international partnerships that advance innovation, education, and cultural relations.