GERMIN organized a discussion roundtable on “Advocacy and Public Diplomacy of the Diaspora.” Panelists shared how their efforts have elevated Kosovo's international profile, improved diplomatic relations, and contributed to the development of social and economic initiatives. The discussion explored contributions to digital diplomacy, grassroots advocacy, and cultural promotion, highlighting the vital role of diaspora professionals in creating connections and strengthening global ties.  Behar Xharra, Co-Founder of GERMIN, began his opening remarks by sharing the inspiration behind GERMIN's creation. He described it as a seedling that initially leveraged the internet as a platform for digital diplomacy.  Blerinë Ukshini, Project Manager at GERMIN, presented the achievements and outcomes of the “Diaspora for Policy Development” project, supported by the regional Smart Balkans project. She emphasized that all activities aimed primarily to influence the improvement of policymaking processes in Kosovo by optimizing the contributions of the diaspora.  Elvira Dushku, Secretary General of the Basketball Federation of Kosovo, shared her experiences within the Federation, focusing on international competitions, the development of sports diplomacy, and gender balance within the Federation.  Vartan Marashlyan, Executive Director of Repat Armenia, shared examples from the Armenian diaspora, addressing the various challenges faced by countries like Armenia and Kosovo. He highlighted the importance of having ambitious goals with practical objectives.  Ariana Krasniqi, from the Civil Diplomacy Program in Denmark, a young woman born in Germany and raised in Denmark, shared her experience and her goal to return to her country of origin and contribute to civil diplomacy.  Bahri Cani, Moderator from Deutsche Welle, Germany, shared his perspective on categorizing the diaspora into three aspects: the first wave, which migrated for economic reasons; the second wave, which migrated for political reasons; and the third wave, which migrated for educational purposes.  Avni Mustafaj, Co-Chair of GERMIN’s Board, USA, underlined the importance of civil diplomacy, starting at the individual level and extending to larger communities to achieve common goals. He shared various advocacy examples, including efforts to meet leaders and convey clear messages about objectives. He emphasized the skill of capturing attention and making others listen to our demands. The roundtable highlighted the significance of organized advocacy efforts, digital engagement, and cultural initiatives in strengthening Kosovo’s relationships and global impact. This roundtable was conducted with the support of the regional project “SMART Balkans – Civil Society for Shared Values in the Western Balkans,” implemented by the Center for Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD) in cooperation with the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM) and the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM), and financially supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA). The discussions during this roundtable are the sole responsibility of GERMIN as the project implementer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA).

👉 Germin is pleased to invite you to join a virtual discussion on the topic "National Identity in the Diaspora – Where Do We Stand?"   🟩 What will we discuss? This discussion will focus on maintaining national identity and its impact within the Albanian diaspora. Topics will include: The role of younger generations in preserving language and culture. The influence of globalization on identity formation. Challenges of maintaining identity in different social and cultural contexts.   🔍 Why should you participate? This discussion aims to provide a space for reflection and exchange of ideas about diaspora identity, offering concrete ideas on how to preserve and strengthen our connection to our roots.   🖇 To be part of this discussion, register via the following link: https://bit.ly/49EODpP Date: December 23, 2024 - Time: 18:00 - Platform: Zoom This event is organized by Germin as part of the regional project “SMART Balkans – Civil Society for Shared Values in the Western Balkans.” The project is implemented by the Center for Promoting Civil Society (CPCD), in collaboration with the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM) and the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM), with financial support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA). The topic of this meeting is solely the responsibility of Germin and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA). Join us for a fruitful discussion!

On August 2nd, GERMIN hosted a Diaspora Networking Breakfast in Prishtina to celebrate Diaspora Day. The event brought together diaspora professionals from Europe and the United States dedicated to Kosova's growth and development. Bringing Together Kosova’s Diaspora We had a diverse group of diaspora professionals at our gathering. They have been key players in various projects by GERMIN and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora's Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship Program. These individuals have been making a real difference in their homeland by sharing their expertise and knowledge across many sectors, including policy-making, policy development, project writing, technology, fundraising, media, and public relations. Inspiring Stories and Fresh Ideas During the breakfast event, we were presented with compelling narratives showcasing the contributions of professionals to Kosova. The stories emphasized the positive impact made by the diaspora in various areas, including technological advancements, healthcare enhancements, and educational improvements. The event also served as a brainstorming session, where participants shared new ideas to further enhance their contributions from the diaspora to the local communities. There was a lot of excitement as people discussed innovative ways to strengthen the connection between the global diaspora and our homelands. Acknowledging the Power of Community This event was more than just a celebration; it was a heartfelt thank you to our diaspora for their ongoing support and contributions over the years. Their commitment has been crucial to Kosovo’s success, and this gathering was a way to acknowledge and honor their efforts. Building a Stronger Future Together At GERMIN, we believe that the diaspora is a key asset to Kosova’s future. We aim to co-create by working together to drive positive change and innovation. We’re committed to strengthening these important connections and creating more opportunities for collaboration. Over the past five years, through the Engaging Diaspora Professionals Platform, we have facilitated the engagement of over 120 global professionals in Kosova and Albania. As we look ahead, we’re excited to build on this momentum and continue fostering partnerships that will benefit Kosova. With the support of our global community, we are confident in our ability to create a brighter future for everyone. Join us in celebrating Diaspora Day and stay connected with GERMIN as we work together to empower our communities and build a better future for Kosovo.