Events Across Albania Celebrate Peacemakers and Culture
- Oct 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Tirana, Albania – The final week of October was a busy time for UPF-Albania, with four events in four different cities, honoring local peacemakers and celebrating the nation’s annual Month of Literature.
Dimal – A Cooperation Agreement was signed between the Municipality of Dimal and UPF-Albania on October 27, marking a new chapter of collaboration toward a culture of peace and civic harmony. The meeting brought together UPF’s leadership, including Mr. Ymer Hoxha and Mr. Syrja Ormenaj, chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the Berat Regional Peace Council; Mr. Petraq Toli, chairman of the Dimal Peace Council; and Mr. Gani Rroshi, secretary general of UPF-Albania, all of whom were warmly welcomed by the mayor, Ms. Juliana Memaj.
The signing was followed by a program entitled, “Positive Models that Inspire Peace,” at the Poshnje Cultural Centre, attended by over 100 guests. The event included a ceremony honoring Mr. Ledian Goga – hailed as a national hero for his act of bravery in saving two children in Greece – with the title of Honorary Citizen by the Municipality of Dimal, as well as Ambassador for Peace by UPF. Several community figures were also recognized as Ambassadors for Peace for their civic contributions.
Durrës – In celebration of the Month of Literature, UPF-Albania and the Durrës Peace Council organized an artistic and cultural event, “Words that Build Peace,” at the Jan Kukuzeli Concert Hall on October 29. The program united over 120 participants from the fields of art, education, and public life, combining music, poetry, and inspiring messages.
Greetings were delivered by UPF-Albania President Mr. Dëfrim Methasani, Durrës Peace Council Chair Mr. Shpendi Topollaj, and other distinguished speakers, highlighting the power of literature in building understanding and harmony. The evening featured performances by noted local artists, student recitations, and international guests from South Korea, who joined in a traditional Albanian dance. Several cultural and educational figures were awarded the title Ambassador for Peace, underscoring the unifying role of art in fostering peace.
Tirana – A grand ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of UPF’s founding was held at the Alfred Moisiu Hall of the Peace Embassy in Tirana on October 30, 2025. The event gathered about 160 ambassadors for peace, dignitaries, and longtime collaborators to honor two decades of UPF’s mission since the visit of its founders, Dr. Hak Ja Han and the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, in 2005.
Distinguished guests included former Albanian President Rexhep Meidani, who reflected on the organization’s contribution to dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Founding members and contributors – including President Meidani; the Hon. Gaqo Apostoli, coordinator of Albanian Peace Councils in the Diaspora and first chairman of UPF-Albania; Mr. Ali Laçej, co-founder of UPF-Albania and coordinator of the Albanian Peace Councils; Dr. Saemira Pino, chairwoman of IAAP Albania; and Mr. Gani Rroshi, secretary general of UPF-Albania – were recognized for their pioneering roles with awards of gratitude.
Musical interludes by soprano Ms. Olta Juba and international youth performers enriched the evening. The ceremony concluded with the appointment of ten new Ambassadors for Peace, celebrating UPF’s enduring commitment to love, solidarity, and cooperation.
Malësi e Madhe – The Peace Council of Malësi e Madhe, in cooperation with the literary magazine Fjala, organized a cultural event, “Poetry, the Soul of Peace,” at the Delux Complex in Koplik, on October 31, in celebration of the Month of Literature. Around seventy participants – including ambassadors for peace, local leaders, and youth – joined the gathering, emphasizing art as an expression of harmony and peace.
The event featured poetry recitations by students of Shefki Hoxha High School, a musical performance by singer Ms. Lulka Merkulaj, and messages from UPF representatives, including Mr. Gaqo Apostoli and Mr. Gani Rroshi. Ten local personalities were honored with the title Ambassador for Peace for their contributions to the community. The program reflected Malësi e Madhe’s cultural vitality and the power of poetry to inspire unity and compassion.
