Konferenca do të mbledhë profesionistë të diasporës, inovatorë, sipërmarrës, akademikë, institucione dhe partnerë për të shkëmbyer ide, për të krijuar lidhje dhe për të eksploruar mënyra të reja për ta kthyer ekspertizën globale shqiptare në ndikim lokal. Si konferenca përmbyllëse e projektit Diaspora4Innovation, ajo do të shërbejë edhe për të reflektuar mbi arritjet, mësimet e nxjerra dhe mundësitë e ardhshme për bashkëpunim të vazhdueshëm.

Bashkohuni me ne për dy ditë diskutimesh, rrjetëzimi dhe mundësish të reja që mbështesin inovacionin, arsimin, sipërmarrjen dhe bashkëpunimin përtej kufijve.

Në emër të Bashkimit Evropian, Gjermanisë dhe Suedisë, EU4Innovation po mbështet GERMIN për të lehtësuar qarkullimin e njohurive globale shqiptare në nivel lokal.

Regjistrohu ketu

The post Diaspora4Innovation Conference | May 28-29, Tirana appeared first on Germin.

në Këln të Gjermanisë, e mbajtur më 7-9 nëntor 2025, kemi përgatitur një dokument politikash (policy brief) me mesazhe të qarta dhe veprime prioritare për institucionet në Shqipëri dhe Kosovë.

Read the Policy Brief in English

Lexo Dokumentin e Politikave ne Shqip

The post From dialogue to action: read our policy brief on diaspora engagement for the institutions in Albania and Kosova appeared first on Germin.

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.

The post Diaspora Expertise in Action: Dr Dorina Pojani and Dr Irina Branko’s Teaching Collaboration appeared first on Germin.

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.

Lexo raportin e plotë KËTU. 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.

Lexo raportin e plotë KËTU. HERE.

The post Diaspora Flet 2025 – Conference Report appeared first on Germin.

Misioni i OriginAL është të sjellë çdo vit të rinjtë shqiptarë në një udhëtim dyjavor falas në vendet e tyre të origjinës, i cili do të: 

• Thellojë kuptimin e identitetit shqiptar dhe ndjenjën e përkatësisë
• Nxisë miqësi afatgjata dhe rrjete ndërkufitare
• Frymëzojë lidership dhe angazhim të ardhshëm me vendlindjen

Për vitin 2026, aplikantët mund të zgjedhin periudhën e preferuar të pjesëmarrjes, gjë që e bën më të lehtë përfshirjen në program në një kohë që u përshtatet.

Kush mund të aplikojë

Aplikantët duhet:

• Të kenë prejardhje shqiptare
• Të jenë nga 18 deri në 24 vjeç
• Të shprehin interes për kulturën, historinë, komunitetin dhe të mësuarit

Si te aplikoni

Për të mësuar më shumë rreth programit dhe për të dorëzuar aplikimin, klikoni linkun më poshtë.

APLIKO KËTU!

The post OriginAL 2026 Applications Are Now Open appeared first on Germin.

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.

The post OriginAL Report appeared first on Germin.

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.

The post Co-Teaching Across Borders, Bringing R Studio into Albanian Classrooms appeared first on Germin.

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!

The post Diaspora4Innovation Meet the Scholar Series: appeared first on Germin.

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 post Call for Interns appeared first on Germin.

Konferenën e hapi Arieta Dragusha, përgjegjëse për komunikim në GERMIN, e cila theksoi rolin e grave në politikë, me fokus të veçantë në nivelin lokal, ku përfaqësueset janë më afër qytetarëve dhe nevojave të tyre të përditshme. Ajo nënvizoi se pjesëmarrja e grave në vendimmarrje lokale përkthehet në politika më të ndjeshme dhe zgjidhje më reale për komunitetin.

Më pas, Era Ahmeti, koordinatore e projekteve në GERMIN, shpalosi të arriturat kryesore të projektit, i cili kishte për qëllim të promovojë pjesëmarrje dhe përfaqësim më të madh politik të grave në Kosovë. Projekti u zbatua në shtatë komuna dhe përfshiu gjithsej 54 gra që ishin asambleiste ose kandidate për asamble komunale. Gjatë zbatimit u angazhuan shtatë mentore nga diaspora dhe shtatë eksperte, u organizuan tre trajnime tematike dhe u realizuan shtatë iniciativa komunitare që adresuan nevoja konkrete në nivel lokal.

Në kuadër të konferencës, iniciativat e zbatuara u prezantuan nga Hyrije Uka Hoxha nga Komuna e Vushtrrisë, Sanie Kuqi Rexhepaj nga Komuna e Suharekës dhe Besiana Syla nga Komuna e Lipjanit, duke sjellë shembuj praktikë të ndikimit të grave në politika dhe nisma lokale.

Gjatë raundeve të diskutimit u ngritën disa problematika kyçe. U theksua mungesa e bashkëpunimit të mjaftueshëm mes grave që i përkasin partive të ndryshme politike, ndërsa Suhareka u përmend si shembull pozitiv i bashkëpunimit ndërpartiak mes grave. Pjesëmarrëset theksuan mungesën e debatit publik mbi faktin se të 38 komunat në Kosovë udhëhiqen nga burra, si dhe adresuan dhunën online ndaj grave në politikë, e cila në shumicën e rasteve vjen nga burra. U diskutua gjithashtu për përfaqësimin e ulët të grave në media dhe barrën e punëve të papaguara që vazhdojnë të bien kryesisht mbi gratë.

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.

Konferenca u mbajt në Ditën Ndërkombëtare të Migracionit, duke riafirmuar rolin e diasporës si partnere e rëndësishme në mbështetjen afatgjatë të grave në politikë dhe në forcimin e demokracisë lokale.

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.

The post Closing Conference of the “Diaspora for Women in Politics” Project appeared first on Germin.