Tirana Event Celebrates UN Day of Peace and UPF-Albania Anniversary
Tirana, Albania – A double celebration marked UPF-Albania’s 21st anniversary and the UN International Day of Peace at the Peace Embassy in Tirana on September 15, 2026. UPF-Albania organized the event together with the Tirana Regional Peace Council.
Present were more than120 ambassadors for peace, distinguished personalities from various fields, and special guests from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These celebrations were also in recognition of UPF-Albania’s many achievements over the 21 years since its founding, as well as highlighting the importance of living in line with UPF’s Principles of Peace, especially at a time characterized by global challenges and crises.
Mr. Jacques Marion, vice president of UPF-International and regional president of UPF-Europe and the Middle East, greeted the guests before Mr. Defrim Methasani, chairman of UPF-Albania, welcomed participants to this event, which marked the resumption of UPF’s activities following the summer break.
A welcoming address was also delivered by the chairman of the Assembly of UPF-Albania, Dr. Astrit Memia. He reminded the ambassadors for peace and all present of the importance of the basic principles of peace: interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values.
Towards the end famous and talented artistes gave creative and musical performances that touched everyone and left a distinctive positive atmosphere. Mr. Bardh Spahja, a popular folk singer and cultural artist from Shkodër, rendered some of his well-known pieces. There was also a performance by 11-year-old Gabriela Berberi, the young folk singer who competed in several nationwide festivals.
UPF-Albania presented its achievements during its 21-year journey, as well as UPF’s work and mission on an international level. Twenty-one years of dedication, cooperation and promotion of the values of peace highlighted the idea that peace is not only an ideal, it is a shared responsibility.
The event concluded with the presentation of the Ambassador for Peace Award to ten recipients, citizens from Albania, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They were honored for their work in society and within their communities.
