UPF-Albania Celebrates 20 Years in the Service of Peace
- khwang562
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Tirana, Albania – The Tirana Regional Peace Council joined with UPF-Albania to celebrate UPF’s 20th anniversary and the UN International Day of Peace at the Peace Embassy in Tirana on September 12, 2025. The theme was “The World at a Crossroads: Principles of Peace – A Necessity.”
The Alfred Moisiu Hall in the Peace Embassy was filled to capacity with over 160 attendees from various fields. There were ambassadors for peace, representatives of institutions, special guests and friends of UPF – from Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo – making this event into a true day of reflection and inspiration.
The reception was moderated with professionalism and passion by Mr. Defrim Methasani, president of UPF-Albania. The program began with the national anthem, accompanied by violinist Ms. Gabriela Jaku from the town of Vau i Dejës.
A special guest was the former president of Albania, Mr. Alfred Moisiu, who is current president of the High Peace Council for the Balkans. In his welcoming speech, President Moisiu expressed deep appreciation for UPF’s achievements over the past twenty years, and emphasized the importance of cooperation and security in the region and beyond.
Dr. Saemira Pino, vice president of UPF-Albania, delivered a keynote speech summarizing the activities of UPF during its 20-year journey, acknowledging the work of all the organization’s leaders over the years.
Mr. Kastriot Selita, chairman of the Tirana Regional Peace Council, and UPF Secretary General Mr. Gani Rroshi, spoke about the Principles of Peace and the urgent need the world has today for their recognition and implementation in order to overcome global crises and conflicts, so that sustainable peace becomes a reality.
The event was enriched with artistic elements that touched the hearts of all those present. Well-known artists Ms. Besiana Mehmedi and Mr. Shkodran Tolaj, from Skopje, thrilled the audience with their musical interpretations. Talented student Ms. Melisa Halili gave a performance that touched everyone’s hearts, and the National Folk Dance Ensemble performed a medley of dances with motifs from Central Albania, turning the hall into a mosaic of Albanian culture and spirit.
To conclude the celebrations, UPF honored twelve special personalities with the title of Ambassador for Peace. They included: Prof. Dr. Arben Gjata; Prof. Dr. Adem Bunguri; Amb. Pandeli Pasko; Ms. Besiana Mehmedi; Mr. Gjovalin Shqalshi; Mr. Seladin Xhezairi; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Armira Kapxhiu; Mr. Ismail Varoshi; Mr. Kristo Çipa; Ms. Denisa Basha; Mr. Avdul-Selam Selami; and Mr. Genci Kastrati.
