Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Diaspora Engagement
The Training of Trainers on Diaspora Engagement brought together municipal officials and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to develop knowledge and practical tools for cooperation with the diaspora. Across three modules, participants explored institutional needs, motivations and barriers to engagement, trust-building and two-way communication. Through discussions, practical exercises and exchanges of […]
Diaspora4Innovation Conference Connects Diaspora Expertise with Albania’s Education and Innovation Sectors
On 10–11 September 2026, GERMIN brought together diaspora professionals, scholars based in Albania, university leaders, public institutions, entrepreneurs, students and international partners at the Pyramid – Innovation Hubitat in Tirana. The two-day Diaspora4Innovation Conference focused on a central question: How can Albania turn diaspora knowledge, experience and professional networks into long-term institutional cooperation? Through panel […]
Two weeks, Countless Stories: Inside OriginAL Cohort 10
From 11 to 23 August 2026, 42 participants of Albanian origin came together for a journey across Kosovë and Albania. They arrived from 14 countries with different stories, accents and connections to their roots. They left as a community. At the beginning of OriginAL Cohort 10, many participants knew one another only through names on […]
GERMIN and RIT Kosovo (A.U.K.) Sign a Cooperation Agreement
GERMIN and RIT Kosovo (A.U.K.) have signed a cooperation agreement to support young people through education, leadership development and diaspora engagement. The partnership aims to create opportunities for students and young professionals by connecting education with the knowledge, experience and networks of the diaspora. The meeting brought together RIT Kosovo President Dr. Albina Balidemaj, representatives […]
Meet the Scholar: Connecting Innovation and Cybersecurity Through Diaspora Academic Exchange
Through Diaspora4Innovation, GERMIN and EU4Innovation are highlighting the stories of diaspora and resident scholars who are strengthening higher education in Albania through academic exchange, co-teaching, research, and long-term institutional cooperation. This story focuses on the collaboration between Dr. Fatbardh Veseli, a diaspora scholar based in Germany, and Prof. Asoc. Dr. Edlira Martiri at the University […]
OriginAL: What We Made Possible Together in New York City
On June 10, the Albanian-American community came together in New York City for a special evening in support of OriginAL and Albanian diaspora youth. Hosted by Fadil Berisha, Avni Mustafaj, and Mark Kosmo, the event brought together supporters, alumni, and friends of the program for a night filled with stories, gratitude, and shared commitment to […]
Modernizing Engineering Education through International Academic Collaboration
The Diaspora4Innovation project highlights how sustained collaboration between diaspora scholars and resident academics can drive innovation in higher education in Albania. By modernizing curricula, advancing research, and equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address emerging global technological challenges, this initiative effectively bridges regional education with global advancements. Within the framework of the […]
Meet the Scholars: Dr. Gladiola Goranci-Buzhala and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Albana Halili Bring Biomedical Research Closer to Students in Albania
Through Diaspora4Innovation, diaspora scholar Dr. Gladiola Goranci-Buzhala and resident scholar Assoc. Prof Dr. Albana Halili developed a meaningful academic partnership at Western Balkans University, connecting international research experience with local teaching needs in biomedical sciences. Their collaboration focused on strengthening course content, introducing practical research skills, and helping students better understand how scientific knowledge moves from theory to laboratory practice. […]
Revising Entrepreneurship Education in Albania for Global and Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
As entrepreneurship and small business are being reshaped by emerging technologies, new forms of innovation, and increasingly interconnected markets, university curricula also need to change with them. The Diaspora4Innovation supported revising entrepreneurship and small business courses in Albania to better reflect the opportunities and challenges of today’s global and digital entrepreneurial ecosystem. The aim was […]
Bridging Innovation and Education: A Diaspora Scholar’s Impact in Albania
Through the Diaspora4Innovation initiative, a strong connection has emerged between global expertise and local potential. One recent collaboration shows how diaspora scholars can help transform higher education by bringing practical innovation into the classroom while learning from the local context. This collaboration brought together Dr. Klodian Gradeci, Diaspora Scholar, Senior Business Developer at SINTEF and […]