On May 18, 19, and 20, 2023, GERMIN organized the third edition of the largest Albanian Diaspora Conference, "Diaspora Flet", in Prishtina. Themed "How can we co-create?" – the conference's third edition aimed to explore and foster cooperation in various fields, empowering the diaspora communities and influencing significant changes in the countries of origin. During the three days of the conference, hundreds of professionals and policymakers came together to discuss, present and exchange information, experiences, and ideas for co-creation. In this newsletter, you can find the main moments of the three-day conference.

The conference started with a surprise performance by the Children's Choir "Okarina", who performed songs devoted to life in "mërgim" (abroad).

President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu held a keynote address, followed by welcoming remarks of the GERMIN Board Co-Chairs, Anila Hyka-Smøgrav, Avni Mustafaj. Joshua Mike from USAID Kosovo endorsed the conference and its mission.

Mike Bailey, the opening day keynote speaker, came from Israel to give an extraordinary presentation, showcasing Israel's history and experience of co-creation with the diaspora - as a global example for any country/nation.

The opening day concluded with the presentation of the OriginAL program, and a video message from Mark Kosmo, Chair of the Global Albanians Foundation, who pledged 1 million dollars to support the program.

Prime Minister of Kosova, Albin Kurti, keynote speaker on the 2nd day

After the prime minister's speech, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Liza Gashi, presented the new government approach for the engagement of the diaspora, highlighting the upcoming Diaspora Impact Fund, the new diaspora strategy, and the new law on the diaspora, all three initiatives which are expected to be finalized in the months of next within the year 2023.

Eight thematic sessions with 56 panelists/presenters/moderators

The following topics and themes were discussed and addressed:

1. Diaspora Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Investments;
2. Integration of a gender perspective in the Diaspora Debate;
3. Know-how and skills exchanges: opportunities and challenges;
4. Youth emigration and brain drain: how to tackle this phenomenon?;
5. Workshop: From Diaspora Philanthropy to Sustainable Development;
6. Engaging Diaspora for the Development of Our Cities;
7. Diaspora Voting Rights and Representation: What's going on?;
8. Identity and Cultural Life among Diaspora Communities;

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, joined the conference virtually from Germany. She briefly presented her diaspora journey, the challenges she has gone through during her over 20 years of living abroad, and her return to Kosova in 2021 to serve as Minister. Gërvalla-Schwarz said that she understands diaspora life very well and the desire to connect with the homeland. She added that the government is doing great work to channel and transfer the diaspora's human and financial capital.

Lightning Talks: Inspirational stories from diaspora personalities

Diaspora Speaks in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo

A unique session of the Assembly of Kosova was held on May 20, the last day of "Diaspora Flet'. The Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca opened the session, pointing out that the Albanian diaspora has contributed to every achievement of Kosovo and Albania. In his speech, he emphasized the importance that the homeland countries should give to preserving and protecting Albanian identity, language, and culture - prerequisites before any engagement and contribution afterwards.

The head of the Parliamentary Group of "Vetevendosje", Mimoza Kusari-Lila, greeted the attendees and thanked the diaspora for the work done in the past and the present. Diaspora representatives from different countries hold speeches, highlighting the current state of relations with the homeland and the dynamics of diaspora communities. Rosario Petta, Mayor of the Piana Degli Albanesi in Italy - the oldest Albanian diaspora community forwarded the greetings of the Arbëresh community to Kosova, and their desire to obtain Kosova's passports; He was followed by the speeches of Bora Zukali from the Albanian Community "Vatra" in Istanbul, Turkey; Hilmi Gashi, Germin Board Member and Diaspora Activist from Switzerland; Vjollca Robelli-Mripa, singer/songwriter from the United Kingdom; Anita Gjidoda, Experienced IT and e-services professional at Atlassian from the Netherlands; Muhamet Idrizi from Germany, Activist, a teacher in Hamburg, and President of the ODA association; Nestor Dede, chairman of the network of Albanian Diaspora Businesses in Greece.

Closing ceremony at the premises of the Museum of Kosova

After 72 hours from the beginning, the "Diaspora Flet" Conference - was concluded on the afternoon of Saturday, May 20, at the Lapidarium (premises) of the Kosova's Museum, in a reception hosted by the Municipality of Prishtina. The Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Prishtina, Alban Zogaj, greeted all those present, adding that such events with a focus on the diaspora are very important in intensifying exchanges between people here and abroad for the development of the home countries and diaspora communities.

Three days program, 400+ participants, 74 speakers, 13 sessions, and 21 partner organizations and institutions made the third edition of the "Diaspora Flet' a great success. GERMIN will follow up on all the discussions and activities and publish a detailed conference report soon.

'Diaspora Flet' 2023 would not be possible without the support of our donors.