Tuesday, December 05, 2017

10th anniversary of the Albanian School of Political Studies was celebrated today through a ceremony, attended by numerous personalities as the President of the Republic Ilir Meta, Vice-Prime Minister, Senida Mesi, the Head of Council of Europe office in Tirana, Claus Neukirch, Swiss Ambassador in Tirana, Christoph Graf, who praised the role played by this school founded by CoE with Swiss support, eyeing the education of new leaders. The school’s program remains unique, on view of the fact that it brings together representatives of different political forces but also main decision-makers, local authorities representatives, civic activists and opinion makers aiming the experience exchanging, dialogue facilitation and generation of new ideas.

•    The President of the Republic, Ilir Meta cordially saluted the Albanian School of Political Studies activity in his address, while defining it as an excellent opportunity for the youths to unveil their individuality as leaders of the future by taking over major responsibilities.“Bring a change to Albania through your actions, and what’s more important take over major responsibilities for the country’s future,” said President Meta addressing to the participants.

•    Vice-Prime Minister Mesi proudly declared the fact that she is one among the numerous alumnus of this school while adding that the tradition generated through this school’s values system has served and continues to serve as a solid and visionary basis in promoting the future leaders.

•    Mr Claus Neukirch, from the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, appraised the school's alumni as a network that could bring the expected change. "We are happy to see the achievements of this School in strengthening the democratic values in Albania and creating a fertile ground for dialogue and cooperation among young people coming from different political convictions." Mr. Neukirch stressed the Council of Europe's devotion to the School Network and pledged further support to this program.

•    Swiss Ambassador Mr. Christoph Graf underlined: "you are the front runners of democratic values in Albania. You have the responsibility to strengthen democracy, to nourish dialogue and consensus, to promote independent views, and to improve the image of the political leadership" said Swiss Ambassador.

•    The director of the Academy of Political Studies, Erjon Tase expressed gratitude to the partners for their support and also to the engagement of the participants: "Democracy and good governance can never be taken for good without a committed society without young people prepared and active to be guards of democratic values. All of you School participants have proven that you want to be the protector of these values."

The ceremony continued with the certificates issuing for 24 participants of the 2017 academic year, who completed a one-year study, which included lectures, discussions, group work, simulation games, and research works on important reforms undertaken in Albania. They will join the network of over 290 alumni graduated over the past ten years.
The event was honored by the presence of two former Presidents Rexhep Meidani and Alfred Moisiu as well as other well-known politicians and professionals who have served as lecturers at the School's courses.