Thursday, January 16, 2020

The Diploma Ceremony of the 13-th generation of the Albanian School of Political Studies was held today at Hotel Rogner, attended by numerous personalities as Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ms. Vasilika Hysi, Swiss Ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Adrian Maître and the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana Ms.Jutta Gützkow. The 27 graduates successfully completed a one-year study cycle, which includes lectures, study visits and research papers focused on good governance and important reforms in the country. 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, civic activists and opinion makers aiming the experience exchanging, dialogue facilitation and generation of new ideas.

Ms. Vasilika Hysi, invited the participants to offer their expertise to the parliamentary committees and the integration agenda of Albania. "It is in the interest of the country and of the Albanian Parliament, that all of you participants and alumni of the School, contribute with your expertise in the structures of the Albanian Parliament regarding negotiation of chapters of European integration  and other consultative processes," said Ms. Hysi.
 
The Swiss Ambassador Maître underlined in his speech: “Positive change comes from agents of change and these are individuals and groups with values, new ideas and visions. Also, with the courage and boldness to bring these values, ideas and visions forward and implement them. I see here today 27 agents of change”.

Ms. Jutta Gützkow emphasized the important role played by the School and its alumni network in transmitting the values of the Council of Europe in Albania. “Nowadays European democracies are exposed to many threats and it is more than ever important to reinforce democratic societies based on a political culture marked by pluralism, tolerance and dialogue. The Council of Europe counts on the School of Political Studies to engage young political and civic leaders in reflection and action to address these problems”, she said.

Mr. Erjon Tase, Director of the Academy of Political Studies, thanked both Council of Europe and Swiss government for their support. “Albanian society needs political dialogue and confidence for a better future. The graduates of the School are a positive example and provide hope for those disappointed young people who want to leave Albania”.

Two graduates, Mr. Florian Tahiri, deputy Mayor of Durres and Ms. Bjorka Duka, assistant to the minister of Justice, addressed on behalf of their generation.
 
Part of the ceremony was also the presentation of the success story of alumni Admir Malaj, for his four-year civic activism together with the students of the Department of Pharmacy in the ratification by Albania of the Council of Europe convention on pharmaceutical safety "Pharmacopeia".

The ceremony continued with the annual celebration meeting of the school's alumni network. The school takes proud of over 300 alumni who are involved in various national and regional initiatives.