The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, today attended the opening ceremony of the seventh edition of the Kosovo–Albania Mathematical Olympiad (KAMO 2026), held in Prizren.
Addressing the participants, Acting President Haxhiu said that Prizren is a city where history is present at every step. The most significant cultural and political events throughout the history of our nation are interwoven in its streets, houses, schools, and institutions.
“Today, in the minds of students who compete through knowledge, focus, and perseverance, another part of our future is taking shape here in the city of Prizren. As you know, mathematics teaches us not to be satisfied with first impressions. When faced with a problem, you must pause, read the instructions carefully, try one approach, retrace your steps if it leads nowhere, and patiently search for the solution,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
According to her, where it may seem that a single answer is enough, mathematics also demands an explanation of why that answer is correct. That is why, she added, this Olympiad is particularly valuable: it teaches students to think clearly, not to give up in the face of challenges, and to understand that talent can only flourish when accompanied by consistent work.
“Your presence here shows that you possess not only talent, but also discipline and dedication. But behind your talent and hard work stand the teachers who have guided you, the families who have supported you, and your own perseverance in striving for success. Today, each of you has every reason to be proud, and each of you is already a winner, because you have reached this point through your own efforts—and that is the best lesson you will learn,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
She further noted that the competition will produce results, medals, and rankings, like every Olympiad, but that the experience you will gain from it will remain with you throughout your lives.
According to the Acting President, this experience will teach you how to cope with pressure, think clearly, embrace challenges, and understand that knowledge grows through effort.
“Through KAMO, Kosovo and Albania come together through education, children, teachers, and the pursuit of knowledge. Here, we see students who have worked hard, teachers who have prepared them with dedication, and families who watch them with pride. This is a valuable tradition, because the talents of our children should be identified early, nurtured, and encouraged,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu thanked the organizers, the Kosovo Mathematical Society and the Albanian Mathematical Society, for their dedicated efforts in organizing the competition, as well as the teachers, professors, and parents who have supported these students with patience, confidence, and a lot of commitment.
“I hope that KAMO 2026 will be a rewarding experience for all of you. I hope that you will remember Prizren as the place that gave you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, to see that the pursuit of knowledge is a path worth following seriously, and to build new friendships. On behalf of the Republic of Kosovo, I wish you productive work, clear minds, and success in this seventh edition of the Kosovo–Albania Mathematical Olympiad,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
