Academics Propose Pathways to Peace at Albania Conference
- khwang562
- Nov 15, 2025
- 2 min read
Shkodër, Albania – For the third consecutive year, UPF-Albania participated as a partner and active contributor in the 20th International and Interdisciplinary Conference entitled “Development in Troubled Times,” organized by several Albanian and foreign scientific institutions. The scientific conference was held at Luigj Gurakuqi University of Shkodër on November 14-15, 2025, and it brought together researchers, lecturers, professionals, and institutional representatives from 26 countries, presenting over 180 scientific papers by 275 authors and contributors.
In the plenary session, attended by around 150 academics – researchers, lecturers, and students – speeches were delivered by the rector of Luigj Gurakuqi University of Shkodër, Prof. Dr. Tonin Gjuraj; the ambassador of Kosovo to Albania, Mr. Skënder Durmishi; the chairman of the Albanian Institute of Sociology, Prof. Dr. Lekë Sokoli, who was also the conference coordinator; representatives from partner universities; representatives from the School of Directors; and others. On behalf of UPF, greetings were presented by the coordinator of the All-Albanian Peace Council, Mr. Ali Laçej, and UPF-Balkans executive director, Mr. Gani Rroshi.
In a formal ceremony, five distinguished lecturers, who were nominated by the Albanian Institute of Sociology, were honored with UPF’s Ambassador for Peace Award. The recipients were:
Dr. Romina Gurashi – Vice President of the Albanian Institute of Sociology
Prof. Dr. Fatmir Vadohej – Luigj Gurakuqi University of Shkodër
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ledia Kashahu – Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës
Dr. Rudina Alimerko – Ismail Qemali University of Vlora
Dr. Entela Runa – Albanian Institute of Sociology & Associazione Nazionale Sociologi (ANS), Italy
Afterwards, UPF and the Albanian Institute of Sociology organized a scientific session entitled “Peace and Development in the Balkans,” dedicated to issues such as peace education, coexistence, and inter-Balkan cooperation. In the session – professionally moderated by well-known professor and sociologist Dr. Saemira Pino, vice chair of UPF-Albania – several talks were presented that reflected academic, historical, and institutional perspectives on peace and development. The talks were given by the following:
Dr. Romina Gurashi – “The Connection Between Sustainable Development and Peace”
Prof. Dr. Lekë Sokoli – “Peace Indicators for Albania and the Balkans According to the Global Peace Index 2025”
Mr. Ali Laçej – “Regional Cooperation Practices and the Integrative Role of UPF in the Balkans”
Ms. Majlinda Laçaj – “The Historical Lessons of Shkodër and the Difficult Path Toward Sustainable Peace”
Dr. Rudina Alimerko – “The Impact of the Education System on Building a Culture of Peace”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Genti Kruja & Mr. Oltion Kola M.Sc. – “Interfaith Dialogue as a Mechanism for Coexistence and Social Cohesion”
UPF-Albania thanks the Albanian Institute of Sociology and Luigj Gurakuqi University for their cooperation and contribution to this 20th scientific conference. This event has become a stable bridge of academic partnership on the national, regional, and international level, representing a common commitment to promoting peace, dialogue, and shared values that build the future of the region.
