A teaching fellowship was proposed by Associate Professor Dorina Pojani from the diaspora (The University of Queensland, Australia) and implemented in collaboration with a resident academic (Dr Irina Branko, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania) over the course of one year. A combination of in-person visits and online activities took place in 2025–2026. The fellowship focused on refreshing a landscape planning course led by the resident lecturer. Normally, the course is delivered through a combination of theoretical lectures and studio-based work. Historically, the planning program at PUT has placed a strong emphasis on design rather than theory or policy. In this fellowship, the key innovation was a series of guest lectures by domestic and international practitioners from the public, private, non-profit, and international assistance sectors. These lectures, complemented by visits to the lecturers’ workplaces, introduced students to a range of career opportunities for planning graduates beyond the more typical employment in design studios.

Student feedback on this initiative was very positive. In an anonymous survey completed by more than half of the students (20 out of 37), the course—and particularly the new elements—received an average score of 4.75 out of 5. Beyond the quantitative results, qualitative feedback gathered through a focus group attended by 15 students was especially illuminating. Students clearly expressed a desire for more than technical training. They sought greater exposure to real-world practice, including experiences outside the capital city in coastal and mountainous regions; insight into non-traditional career pathways; and stronger links between urban planning, architecture, and communities. Students highlighted the importance of learning about non-design aspects of professional practice, including coordination with institutions, financial management, budgeting, and project governance—areas they felt were largely absent from their formal training but central to real-world work. They also valued the interdisciplinary nature of several guest organisations. Importantly, students welcomed the territorial breadth of the course, which deepened their understanding of landscape, tourism, and regional challenges, and strengthened their appreciation of planning at multiple scales.

Below is a summary of the factors that, in Pojani’s and Branko’s experience, contributed to the success of this program.

Funding. While the fellowship is competitively awarded, it is low-cost. This is a positive feature, as it enables broader participation. The administrative burden is also limited, with short application forms and minimal reporting requirements. With planning being a social science discipline, course expenses were relatively low.

Presence. Pojani’s physical presence in Albania was essential for the fellowship to succeed, as teaching activities are generally less effective online than through in-person engagement. Being present allowed the diaspora scholar to guide activities and provide mentorship, in line with Albania’s relational culture. During her visit, Pojani also undertook additional activities, such as media appearances and workshops, which also helped Branko expand professional networks. This networking support aligned closely with one of the program’s key objectives.

Collaboration. While the team members were acquainted prior to participating in the program, they had not collaborated professionally before. Nevertheless, the program was successful, driven by a strong motivation to work together. Much of the success can be attributed to Branko being well liked and to the positive rapport that already existed between her and the students. This created a welcoming environment into which Pojani could be effectively integrated. GERMIN and EU4Innovation have actively supported ongoing connections through formal and informal networking opportunities, including a study visit in Venice and a workshop in Tirana.

Dates: 7–9 November 2025 | Location: Cologne, Germany
Organized by: GERMIN, with support through GIZ – MEG, and in partnership with the diaspora organizations: URACult e.V. Köln, ODA e.V. Hamburg, OASA e.V. Berlin, Dija e.V. Munich, HorizontAL e.V. Frankfurt
Website: https://diasporaflet.germin.org/germany

Diaspora Flet 2025 in Germany marked a major step forward in diaspora engagement for Albanian-speaking communities and partner diasporas in Europe. As the first edition hosted in Germany, home to one of the largest Albanian-speaking diaspora communities in Europe, the conference created a structured space for intercultural learning, knowledge exchange, and practical cooperation across diaspora organizations, professionals, and institutions.

Read the full report HERE.

Conference at a Glance

• 159 participants across three days
• 39 speakers and moderators
• 5 thematic panels + 1 institutional session
• Diaspora organizations in Germany: 20
• MEG and partner diaspora organizations: 7 (including Nepal, Ethiopia, Germany–Ecuador, Ukraine, Ghana, Afghanistan)

Feedback survey responses: 71

• Overall satisfaction: 83.1% “very satisfied”
• Networking rated “good/very good”: 92.96%
• New connections likely to lead to cooperation: 73.24%

Why Diaspora Flet 2025 in Germany mattered

Germany is a key hub for Albanian-speaking diaspora communities, with strong local organizations, cultural initiatives, and professional networks. Hosting the Diaspora Flet in Cologne strengthened national-level connectivity among diaspora actors in Germany and broadened the conference into a multi-diaspora, GIZ/MEG-integrated platform.

Diaspora Flet 2025 demonstrated that diaspora engagement is most effective when it is structured, partnership-based, and oriented toward concrete collaboration—supporting both social cohesion and integration in Germany and development contributions in Kosovo and Albania.

Programme Highlights

Day 1: Culture, Identity, and Intercultural Exchange

The conference opened with a strong focus on culture as a driver of identity, belonging, and community cohesion. Discussions and performances emphasized cultural continuity across generations and the role of arts in strengthening diaspora connection and integration.

Day 2: Knowledge Exchange, Innovation, and Education

Four thematic panels explored:

• diaspora networks, skills and cooperation models;
• comparative experiences from MEG partner countries;
• technology and innovation ecosystems;
• education and the importance of origin-language learning.

The day concluded with a networking reception and the screening of the OriginAL Program documentary, supporting relationship-building across generations.

Day 3: Institutional Session (Funding and Engagement Pathways)

A dedicated institutional session featured presentations by Kosova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (MFAD) and Albania’s National Diaspora Agency, focusing on funding schemes, application procedures, and opportunities for diaspora engagement. Participants welcomed the practical information shared and expressed interest in clearer follow-up mechanisms and continued institutional outreach.

Results and Impact: What the conference achieved

• Stronger diaspora networks in Germany: Participants reported meaningful connections across cities and organizations, reinforcing the need for a more connected diaspora ecosystem and more structured collaboration formats.
• Cross-diaspora learning through engagement with multi-cultural diasporas: The presence of diaspora organizations from MEG partner countries created tangible value through comparative dialogue—highlighting shared challenges (capacity, sustainability, integration, youth engagement) and practical solutions that can be adapted across contexts.
• Increased awareness of institutional support and funding opportunities: The institutional session increased visibility of existing funding mechanisms and engagement opportunities offered by Kosovo and Albania. Many participants noted they were previously unaware of these schemes and expressed interest in improved access to guidance for successful applications.

What participants said: Key themes from feedback

Survey feedback and qualitative inputs highlighted that participants valued:

• the quality and diversity of speakers and perspectives;
• the international and intercultural dimension;
• the balance between culture, innovation, education, and institutional dialogue;
• professional organization and a clear conference narrative.

Participants also recommended improvements for future editions, including:

• more interactive formats (workshops, fishbowl discussions, breakout groups);
• structured side events and thematic networking spaces;
• a “Diaspora Organizations Fair” to showcase initiatives;
• more hybrid and livestreaming options to broaden access.

Priority Recommendations (Next Steps)

Based on conference discussions and participant feedback, the full report proposes a roadmap for future action. Key priorities include:

1. Pilot a multi-generational cultural engagement program for Albanian diaspora youth in Germany, combining arts, storytelling, heritage learning, and intergenerational exchange.
2. Conduct a comprehensive landscape study on Albanian-speaking diaspora organizations in Germany to better understand their profiles, capacities, funding models, and needs—supporting improved programming and evidence-based policy development.
3. Create a structured cross-diaspora exchange model (peer-learning cohorts, short exchange visits, and communities of practice) between diaspora organizations in Germany and those from MEG partner countries and Europe.
4. Develop an interactive digital platform for diaspora organizations in Germany, including a verified directory, shared calendar, and collaboration tools to improve visibility and coordination.
5. Strengthen supplementary origin-language learning, supporting diaspora teacher associations, developing modern digital materials, and enabling easier access for families (including a “class locator” tool).
6. Improve institutional outreach and coordination, including clearer and more consolidated information about funding opportunities, application guidance, and follow-up support—ideally through coordinated Kosovo–Albania mechanisms reflecting the unified nature of diaspora communities in Germany.

Read the Full Report

The complete Post-Conference Report includes full session summaries, survey analysis, lessons learned, and detailed recommendations for future programming.

Read the full report HERE.

OriginAL’s mission is to bring the Albanian youth on a free two-week trip to their homeland countries every year that will: 

• Deepen Albanian identity understanding and belonging
• Foster lifelong friendships and cross-border networks
• Inspire leadership and future engagement with the homeland

For 2026, applicants can select their preferred participation period, making it easier to join the program at a time that fits their schedule.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

• Be of Albanian heritage
• Be between 18 and 24 years old
• Express interest in culture, history, community, and learning

How to Apply

To learn more about the program and submit your application, click the link below.

APPLY HERE!

Expanding across Kosova, Albania, and North Macedonia, participants explored 14 cities and over 70 sites, combining cultural heritage with civic learning. With strong satisfaction (88/100), increased alumni engagement, and hundreds of volunteer hours contributed, OriginAL continues to grow in both scale and impact—while preparing to expand access and strengthen its global community in 2026.

Through Diaspora4Innovation, GERMIN and EU4Innovation create space for meaningful academic exchange between diaspora scholars and resident faculty in Albania. The Meet the Scholar Series documents these collaborations and shows how shared teaching experiences translate into stronger universities, more relevant curricula, and empowered students.

One such collaboration brought together Dr Adelajda Matuka, diaspora scholar from the University of Bologna, and Dr Edmira Cakrani, from the European University of Tirana in Albania. Together, they co-designed and co-taught the course Applied Economics with R Studio at the European University of Tirana, introducing students to modern, applied approaches in economics education.

From the early planning stages, the collaboration focused on aligning international academic practices with the realities of Albanian higher education. The scholars worked closely to structure the syllabus, define learning outcomes, and design assessments that encouraged active participation and problem solving.

The course integrated applied quantitative analysis, programming, and economic reasoning through the use of R Studio. Students analyzed, modeled, and visualized real world datasets, linking empirical results to economic and policy questions relevant to Albania and beyond. Rather than relying on abstract theory, the course emphasized learning by doing.

Classroom delivery centered on live coding sessions, guided exercises, and step by step examples. Students worked directly with data and learned how to interpret findings in a policy context. This approach helped them build confidence in computational thinking and understand how applied economics supports evidence based decision making.

Student response played a key role in shaping the experience. Curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to experiment defined the classroom dynamic. Many students expressed pride in completing their first data analysis projects, seeing their skills grow in real time.

What made this collaboration stand out for the diaspora scholar was the opportunity to engage in an academic environment that felt both evolving and familiar, as someone who had once studied in the Albanian education system. The partnership with the European University of Tirana and with Prof. Edmira Cakrani created a meaningful bridge between past academic roots and current international experience. Beyond teaching, the collaboration also extended into research. The joint research article developed through this partnership is now near completion, with the aim of submitting it to a top ranking academic journal. The scholars also presented their work at the READ International Scientific Conference 2025, where around 300 research papers from researchers worldwide were shared. This experience strengthened not only academic cooperation but also personal commitment to contributing to higher education in Albania.

For the resident scholar, the collaboration introduced new pedagogical approaches, digital tools, and applied teaching methods. Exposure to international academic practices inspired curriculum innovation beyond this single course and encouraged broader integration of technology driven learning.

Both scholars see strong potential in continuing this model of collaboration. Future plans include co teaching, joint research, curriculum development workshops, and stronger links between Albanian universities and international academic networks. These partnerships help bridge gaps between diaspora and resident scholars while preparing students for competitive job markets in Albania and abroad.

The Meet the Scholar Series captures what Diaspora4Innovation makes possible when engagement moves beyond short visits and into sustained academic partnership. It shows how shared responsibility, adaptability, and mutual learning can strengthen higher education and build lasting connections between global knowledge and local institutions.

On behalf of the European Union, Germany, and Sweden, EU4INNOVATION is supporting GERMIN to facilitate the circulation of Albania’s global knowledge locally.

Diaspora4Innovation showed how sustained collaboration between diaspora scholars and resident academics can strengthen higher education in Albania through shared responsibility and long term impact.

Through the Diaspora4Education component, the programme supported a close academic partnership between Dr. Ernil Sabaj, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Warwick, and Dr. Ledjon Shahini, Professor of Economic Sciences at the Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana. Together, they co designed and co taught the Environmental Economics course for third year undergraduate students, creating a joint teaching model based on equality, exchange, and practical learning.

The collaboration began with a thorough review of the existing curriculum and its alignment with international academic standards. Dr. Sabaj and Dr. Shahini updated the course content to include contemporary themes such as carbon pricing, emissions trading systems, circular economy models, and green and blue economy approaches. EU environmental policy frameworks, including the EU Emissions Trading System and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, became core reference points, directly linking the course to Albania’s European integration agenda.

Teaching methods shifted toward applied and interactive learning. Students worked with real data from EU institutions, the World Bank, IMF, and EUROSTAT, and engaged with policy documents used in real decision making processes. Case studies focused on Albania’s environmental and economic realities, including air pollution, waste management, hydropower reliance, and institutional capacity challenges. This approach strengthened analytical thinking, policy evaluation skills, and confidence in applied economics.

Student engagement increased significantly. Discussions often extended beyond class time, with students actively debating how global policy tools could function within Albania’s specific context. The co teaching model helped students connect international knowledge with local challenges and see themselves as future contributors to policy, research, and sustainable development.

For the resident scholar, the collaboration also enabled professional exchange and exposure to international academic practices. A reciprocal visit to the University of Warwick allowed Dr. Shahini observe course design, assessment methods, student engagement approaches, and research culture, insights that are now informing his teaching practices at the University of Tirana.

The partnership extended beyond a single course. Dr. Sabaj and Dr. Shahini are laying the groundwork for continued co-teaching, joint research in environmental and development economics, and preparation of a Jean Monnet Action module under Erasmus Plus. This initiative aims to institutionalise cooperation between the two universities, expand faculty involvement, and further modernise economics curricula in Albania.

This experience confirms that diaspora engagement creates meaningful impact when it is structured, reciprocal, and embedded in institutions. Diaspora4Innovation demonstrated how knowledge exchange can strengthen universities, empower students, and contribute to Albania’s path toward a more sustainable and informed future.

On behalf of the European Union, Germany, and Sweden, @eu_4_innovation is supporting Germin to facilitate the circulation of Albania’s global knowledge, locally!

If you are young and motivated, we invite you to apply through Kosovogenu.com for the following positions:

1. Graphic Design Intern
   Application link: https://www.kosovogenu.com/jobs/695fc0042ab3ca03b5a1327a?page=1
2. Video Editing Intern
   Application link: https://www.kosovogenu.com/jobs/695fc17b2ab3ca03b5a134b2?page=1
3. Finance Intern
   Application link: https://www.kosovogenu.com/jobs/6960fadd2ab3ca03b5a1ab39?page=3

To be eligible for evaluation, applicants must be between 16 and 24 years old, log in if they already have an account on the platform, and apply by submitting the required documents listed in each job post.

If you are not registered on the platform, visit the homepage and click the Register button, choose the Intern option, and complete all required registration details. Make sure to agree to the Terms and Conditions, otherwise you will not be able to complete the registration process.

The application deadline is January 26, 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the platform:
https://kosovogenu.com

The event was opened by Arieta Dragusha, Communication Officer at GERMIN, who highlighted the role of women in politics, with a special focus on the local level, where representatives are closer to citizens and their daily needs. She emphasized that women’s participation in local decision-making translates into more responsive policies and practical solutions for communities.

Era Ahmeti, Project Coordinator at GERMIN, presented the main achievements of the project, which aimed to promote greater political participation and representation of women in Kosovo. The project was implemented in seven municipalities and involved a total of 54 women, either serving as municipal assembly members or having been candidates for local assemblies. Seven mentors from the diaspora and seven experts participated throughout the project. The initiative included three training sessions and seven community initiatives addressing concrete local needs.

During the conference, the implemented initiatives were presented by Hyrije Uka Hoxha from Vushtrri, Sanie Kuqi Rexhepaj from Suhareka, and Besiana Syla from Lipjan, providing practical examples of women’s impact in politics and local community initiatives.

The discussion rounds highlighted key challenges, including insufficient cooperation among women from different political parties, while Suhareka was recognized as a positive example of cross-party collaboration. Participants also addressed the lack of public debate about the fact that 38 municipalities in Kosovë are led by men, online harassment of women in politics (mostly perpetrated by men), low media representation, and the burden of unpaid work that continues to fall primarily on women.

Concrete recommendations emerged from the discussions, including the continuation of professional training for women, especially in public procurement, strengthening cooperation with organizations like GERMIN, which were deemed highly necessary and productive, and initiating actions at the central level. Participants proposed more systematic work to enhance the role of female assembly members, changes in voting procedures in municipal assemblies, allowing citizens to vote up to three candidates instead of one, and the need for monitoring and transparency regarding the Democratization Fund.

The conference was held on International Migrants Day, reaffirming the diaspora’s role as an important partner in supporting women in politics and strengthening local democracy.

The event concluded with the clear message that women do not seek privileges in decision-making; they seek the positions they deserve because democracy only has meaning when decisions are made by all. This conference marked the conclusion of the “Women in Politics” project, funded by the National Endowment for Democracy and implemented by GERMIN in seven municipalities across Kosova.

Building on its strong regional legacy, Diaspora Flet now rises to the international stage, connecting diaspora organizations, institutions, and development partners from both home and host countries. The conference serves as a space for collaboration, dialogue, and knowledge exchange, strengthening the diaspora’s role in economic, social, and cultural development.

Supported by GIZ – MEG Program, the 2025 edition focuses on how diaspora networks drive integration, innovation, and sustainable development across borders. It highlights the Albanian diaspora, together with other participating communities, as a bridge of cooperation between societies, cultures, and economies.

Over three days, participants will engage in keynote speeches, thematic panels, international exchanges, cultural performances, and networking events, culminating in a strategic session dedicated to Albanian diaspora organizations.

The exchange of experiences and the acquisition of new knowledge from some of the most advanced models in Europe and beyond is one of the core objectives of the project “Diaspora4Innovation.”

The goal of knowledge exchange was at the heart of the study visit to Venice, carried out by a group of 12 academics from both Albania and the diaspora, along with representatives from GERMIN, EU4Innovation, and the media. The visit included the innovation hub H-FARM, a platform and campus built around developing innovative enterprises and innovation ecosystems, aiming to create impactful change and empower new generations to lead with purpose, all supported by artificial intelligence (AI). The group also visited Future Farming, a technology transfer center developed in partnership between Zero and H-FARM.

The first day of the study visit took place at QTT Future Farming, one of Europe’s most advanced technological infrastructures, developed through strong public-private partnerships between businesses and research institutions. The company Zero, which holds a 49% share in Future Farming, is a leading European player in vertical agriculture, offering modular, AI-driven solutions for agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and eco-rehabilitation.

The academics learned about the methods and models applied at Future Farming, focusing on the use of technology in agriculture through the “Nature Co-design” paradigm, which studies how life forms in nature to replicate it in ways that produce new solutions for business and social needs through scientific research, laboratories, and technology.

The next visit took place at H-FARM, a space where education, entrepreneurship, and technology come together. The academics toured the modern campus, a space designed to foster creativity, new ideas, and student well-being. They visited the startup center, explored its programs for startup development, and learned about H-FARM College’s educational approach, which emphasizes its international learning offer.

The academics who took part in the visit highlighted how valuable this experience will be for implementing similar practices in Albanian universities in the near future. They also emphasized the importance of such study visits for expanding cooperation between academics based in Albania and those from the diaspora who have achieved great success at leading universities across Europe and the world.

Assoc. Prof. Valentina Ndou, who conceptualized and facilitated the visit, stated:
“Some of the initiatives we saw in Venice are already known to our academics. Many of them have already started applying these concepts in their university courses. However, in Albania, it is still difficult to fully implement such initiatives because the infrastructure is lacking, and broader collaboration is needed, both at the university and inter-ministerial levels, as well as with the business sector.”

Valbona Koçi, Advisor at EU4Innovation, described the study visit as an opportunity to bring diaspora academics closer to those working in Albania.
“Our goal is for diaspora academics to bring their knowledge back to Albania, not necessarily by returning physically. Knowledge is mobile, and in this way, it becomes even more valuable for our country, where the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem is rapidly growing,” she emphasized.

Lirim Krasniqi, Co-Director of GERMIN, the organization implementing the Diaspora4Innovation project in partnership with GIZ, described diaspora academics as a valuable national asset.
“Thanks to them, Albania is getting closer to the innovative developments taking place across Europe and beyond, helping to strengthen capacities and raise our standards. So far, we have had the engagement of 10 diaspora academics in 8 Albanian universities, across 12 faculties and departments. For over a year, they have been involved in numerous activities, including designing syllabuses, lecturing, joint research projects, and study visits such as this one to Future Farming and H-FARM, which link innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems with education. We are proud to see this project producing remarkable results,” he concluded.

The Diaspora4Innovation project, supported by EU4Innovation and funded by the European Union, the German Government, and the Swedish Government, demonstrates how institutions can play a key role in connecting academia in Albania, the diaspora, and policymaking. It ensures that Albanian universities are not isolated but integrated into Europe’s innovation trends.

All the initiatives carried out under this project show that learning knows no boundaries. Knowledge may grow abroad, but innovation always finds its way home, positioning Albania as an important contributor to the regional and European innovation ecosystem.