On December 20, we commemorated the triumphs of the “Engaging Diaspora Professionals” Program (EDP) at a significant event dedicated to our diaspora. The ‘Let’s Celebrate Diaspora Engagement’ gathering brought together hundreds of attendees, including representatives from local and central institutions, diaspora professionals, partners from local and international organizations, as well as allies and advocates, all contributing to the strengthening of connections between the diaspora and our homeland.

Key figures such as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Diaspora, Donika Gërvalla Stwarch, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Liza Gashi, Mayor of the Municipality of Suhareka, Bali Muharremaj, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Pristina, Alban Zogaj, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Gjilan, Leonora Morina Bunjaku, and the President of the Assembly of the Municipality of Prizren, Antigona Bytyqi, actively participated in this significant activity. They underscored the pivotal role of diaspora cooperation, emphasized its invaluable contribution, and strongly advocated for the initiation of projects fostering diaspora engagement in Kosovo’s development.

Inclusive of this event were professionals from the diaspora, participants in the EDP program, who generously shared their knowledge and skills with local institutions, organizations, and private entities. Throughout the event, they shared insights into their experiences and contributions during their engagements in Kosovo, underscoring the imperative of investing in the homeland.

Lenhard Hamza, an expert who dedicated two years to Kosovo, conveyed the message that diaspora engagement should serve as a catalyst to diminish dependence on external knowledge and skills. He emphasized the pivotal role of diaspora professionals in advancing human capital in Kosovo, asserting that their engagement should serve to stimulate innovation.

This activity was carried out within the project “Action of Municipalities for Reintegration and Diaspora” – MARDI project, financed by Caritas Switzerland in Kosovo and the USAID Activity for workforce development through the private sector.