Albania Hosts the European Youth Card International Conference for the First Time

For the inaugural time, Albania hosted the European Youth Card International Conference in Tirana, where institutions, organizations, and partners from across Europe convened to deliberate on the opportunities offered by the European Youth Card, mobility, and education regarding youth empowerment.
The capital was transformed into a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of experiences on youth policies and the opportunities that Europe offers to younger generations, as the conference attracted over 100 participants from over 30 European countries.
Blendi Gonxhja was present at the event, and he attributed the conference’s organization in Albania to the country’s increasing involvement in European youth-focused initiatives and an opportunity to fortify collaboration with European youth networks.
Minister Gonxhja underscored the significance of investing in young people and the creation of additional opportunities for their engagement in public, educational, cultural, and professional life during his address. He also underscored the significance of establishing spaces that allow young people to participate in public life and decision-making processes, emphasizing the role of youth in confronting future challenges. In this context, the European Youth Card was acknowledged as an instrument that enhances the personal and professional development of young people by increasing their access to services, activities, and experiences.
Minister Gonxhja further stated that Albania is becoming a more popular destination for international events, which is fostering the exchange of experiences, cooperation, and dialogue among participants from various countries. Additionally, it is promoting the values of Albanian hospitality and culture.
Participants deliberated on the European Youth Card’s function in fostering mobility, social inclusion, active citizenship, and intercultural exchange, thereby enabling young individuals to establish connections across borders and capitalize on the European space. The conference was considered a significant step in the direction of fostering international cooperation to support the development of young people and bringing them closer to European opportunities.