Event
GERMIN Concludes the MARDI Project with Informative Roundtables
Date: 29/02/2024
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On February 29, GERMIN concluded the ‘Municipal Action for Reintegration and Diaspora’ (MARDI) project, supported by Caritas Switzerland in Kosova. GERMIN organized two round tables marking the closure.

A Snapshot from the MARDI Project’s Final Event.
Conversations Around the Round Table.

The roundtable, titled “International Partnerships and Diaspora Investments at the Local Level“, brought together key institutional stakeholders, investors, and experts from Kosova and the diaspora to evaluate Kosova’s current investment landscape.

The discussion explored opportunities and obstacles, with experts from the diaspora emphasizing factors conducive to investment in Kosova. These included the importance of a supportive business environment and centralized access to relevant information for foreign investment.

Discussions identified agriculture, construction, education, energy, information technology, and tourism as the most promising sectors for diaspora investment. Additionally, the roundtable highlighted the significant contributions of the diaspora to Kosova. Moreover, it emphasized the role of remittances in this regard. Furthermore, it discussed strategies for enhancing diaspora integration into Kosova.

During the event, attendees connected and explored diverse topics, fostering meaningful discussions.
Engaging Online Discussions and Active Participation at the Round Tables.

The event also addressed deficiencies and critical challenges requiring attention from institutions and municipalities.

The second roundtable focused on “Catalyzing Local Development through Diaspora Engagement and International Partnerships“. Participants included representatives from municipalities, institutional bodies, and civil society.

Discussions revolved around the potential of twinning municipalities to enhance collaboration between Kosova and municipalities abroad. We explored the advantages and impacts on economic development and cultural exchange. However, we also highlighted challenges such as insufficient diaspora statistics, project scarcity, and the need for innovative approaches to connect municipalities with Kosova’s diaspora.

Other key points included emphasizing interdepartmental coordination, establishing diaspora clubs in municipalities, investing in ICT and tourism, and addressing mutual unfamiliarity between municipalities and diaspora potential. Participants also raised concerns about investment attraction strategies and the availability of economic zone spaces.

Representatives from municipal levels shared insights, outlining steps, challenges, and requirements for establishing channels linking these institutions with the diaspora.

GERMIN will compile a report with recommendations for central and local level institutions, based on discussions held at these tables.

Discussion Roundtable – Empowering the Workforce in Kosovo: Human Capital and Mentorship
This roundtable highlighted the role of the diaspora's human capital in shaping Kosova’s workforce. Diaspora mentors and local beneficiaries mentees engaged in the Peer-to-peer Diaspora Mentorship Programme” showcased some of the achievements and feedback on the program’s impact over the years. In his welcoming remarks, our GERMIN Board Co-Chair Mr. Avni Mustafaj emphasized that these events celebrate the unwavering commitment of all involved in connecting the Albanian diaspora and fostering impactful mentorship and professional engagement to empower Kosovo’s workforce and communities.” Our dedicated moderator, Ms. Fatlume Halili, Senior Ecosystem Relationship Manager under the USAID Private-Led Workforce Development Activity, skillfully guided the discussion, ensuring diverse perspectives were shared. Mr. Xhelal Derguti, Coordinator of the Migration and Diaspora GIZ Project, underscored the importance of inclusivity in diaspora knowledge and skills exchanges. He highlighted that tailoring programs to address the unique challenges of women and non-majority groups, while creating equitable opportunities, significantly amplifies the broader social and economic impact of these initiatives. Diaspora mentors shared compelling stories about their mentorship experiences: Agnesa Belegu, Senior Game Designer, and Darsej Rizaj Co-founder and CEO of Digital School detailed their work on enhancing the gamified learning system, Houses 2.0. Focusing on narrative development and player engagement has helped the school create a dynamic learning environment that effectively balances educational content with gamification elements like goals, interaction, and feedback. R&D is important and this is a step in that direction. Shkelqim Sina, Senior Software Developer, discussed his guidance for teachers at Lutfi Musiqi High School in creating a student absence tracking app. The app not only improved administrative efficiency but also boosted teachers’ confidence in integrating technology into their daily routines, reports Adil Jusufi, a teacher of the school. Erblin Gashi, Executive Director of Eurofruti Company, shared insights on how mentorship around organic certification, packaging, and branding has positioned his company to compete more effectively in local and European markets. While unable to attend, Ilda Bruzja shared her reflections, noting, “Diaspora mentors are deeply motivated by the opportunity to give back, and their impact is enhanced when local counterparts are open to implementing innovative ideas and strategies.” Panelists concluded by highlighting the value of mentorship in bridging global expertise with local needs and the importance of adapting approaches to Kosovo’s unique context. Opportunities to come together, engage in discussions, and collaborate were highlighted as crucial for fostering agility and adaptability in addressing workforce challenges and driving impactful solutions. This roundtable discussion and the Peer-to-Peer Diaspora Mentorship Program are supported by the USAID Private-Led Workforce Development Activity, implemented by IREX, in partnership with GERMIN.
Date: 24/12/2024
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Discussion Roundtable – Advocacy and Public Diplomacy of the Diaspora
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).
Date: 24/12/2024
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Invitation to Discussion – National Identity in the Diaspora – Where Do We Stand?
👉 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!
Date: 24/12/2024
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Celebrating Diaspora Day in Kosova: Networking Event with Global Professionals
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.
Date: 02/08/2024
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