On October 3, 2025, the Albanian community in Switzerland gathered at SOHO Zürich for an evening that will long be remembered — “Roots that Connect Us.”

Organized by GERMIN, this special event celebrated the success of the OriginAL program, which offers young members of the Albanian diaspora a fully funded two-week journey to discover their roots in their ancestral homeland.

During the evening, attendees had the opportunity to hear remarks and presentations from Anila Hyka Smørgrav, Lirim Krasniqi, and Avni Mustafaj from GERMIN, as well as inspiring speeches by the Albanian author based in Switzerland Shqipe Sylejmani and the event’s keynote speaker, football legend Lorik Cana. They shared powerful reflections on identity, belonging, and the role of the diaspora in shaping our shared future.

The evening culminated with the screening of a short documentary about one of the OriginAL cohorts, followed by stories from program alumni from Switzerland — Djellza Lahu, Elira Neziraj, and Trim Zejnullahu — as well as Paola Gjergjo, an alumna of the 6th cohort, who traveled all the way from Sweden to attend. The event concluded with a live musical performance by Arjeta Zuta & Leutrim Aliji.

From the heart, a special thank-you goes to all sponsors and partners who made this evening possible: Global Albanians Foundation, Swiss Albanian Network, SOHO Zürich, Diaspora Economic Forum, the eksperts, Think B, Vali Ranch, Avni Gallopeni, and Mark Kosmo.

OriginAL will continue its presence in Zürich and across Switzerland with more inspiring stories, special gatherings, and opportunities to get involved.