Year in Review - Diasporizing in 2023

As we reflect on the past year, it brings us immense pride to share the highlights of our tireless efforts in fostering meaningful connections between the Diaspora and our homelands. Through several initiatives and events, we have worked hard towards strengthening the bonds that unite our vibrant diasporic community with our roots in the homeland. From engaging cultural and professional exchanges to forging valuable partnerships, we have endeavored to create a space where the rich tapestry of the Albanian Diaspora flourishes. This '2023 in review' encapsulates the spirit of unity, collaboration, and shared aspirations that continue to define our collective 'diasporizing' journey.

Know-how and Skills' Transfer / Exchanges

Know-how for Kosova's Municipalities and CSOs - 21 Diaspora Professionals have been linked with Kosova's municipalities and Civil Society Organizations to contribute in a variety of development and capacity-building projects. From digital educational platforms to development strategies, diaspora's know-how has been leveraged by local stakeholders. Read about P?llumb ?ollaku's contribution.

Diaspora Mentorship for Women in Politics - 52 elected and prospective elective women from municipalities of Shtime, Istog, Vushtrri, Suhareka, Lipjan, Rahovec, and Podujev? were mentored by 26 diaspora experts in key areas of interest, connecting and fostering mutual learning relationships. A final conference gathered all of them, as well as institutional stakeholders. Read more.

Advocacy & Diplomacy

Diaspora Flet 2023 conference gathers over 500 attendees from 16 countries. 72 hours program, 500+ participants, 74 speakers, 13 sessions, 21 partner organizations and institutions. On May 18, 19, and 20, 2023, GERMIN organized the third edition of the largest Albanian Diaspora Conference, “Diaspora Flet”, in Prishtina. The conference was titled “How can we co-create?” and aimed to explore and foster cooperation in various fields, positively affecting diaspora communities and making significant changes in the countries of origin. Read more.

The scaling up of OriginAL Program

Two cohorts in one year: increased demand for the program - Sixty participants from 17 different countries experienced our homeland in a unique way through the OriginAL program. By visiting 15 cities, over 60 sites, and meeting hundreds of local peers, their OriginAL homeland experience was one of a lifetime. The OriginAL 2023 was one of great impact and increased demand. We are currently fundraising for the 2024 cohorts, and your support is highly appreciated.

A successful Fundraising Concert in New York - An incredible show by our renowned Inva Mula together with pianist Genc Tuki?i and the band, was organized in New York on May 24. This event, facilitated by Fadil Berisha, gathered over 800 of the Albanian-Americans in Town Hall Theatre to support OriginAL Program and its noble mission to connect young Albanians worldwide. Mark Kosmo of the Global Albanians Foundation pledged $1 million from now to his 100th birthday to support the program.

Facilitating Export Promotion & Diaspora Market Linkages

40 Kosovo Women Entrepreneurs access the Swiss / German market - through the Diaspora for Women Entrepreneurs Project, women entrepreneurs from Kosovo went to Düsseldorf, where they had the opportunity to meet with dozens of diaspora businesses of relevant sectors. In collaboration with Albanian-German Business Uninon in Germany, and supported by USAID Kosovo Compete, they also visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) of the city of Essen. Read more.

Twenty local businesses exhibited at the Diaspora Business Fair in Vienna - Through the MARDI Project of CARITAS Swiss in Kosovo, GERMIN supported 20 local producers from Kosova to participate at the Diaspora Business Fair, organized by the Albanian Diaspora Business Network in Austria. The fair was held in Vienna on October 21, 2023. Over a hundred B2B meetings took place from companies in IT, Wood-processing, Food Processing and Textile industries. Read more.

Diaspora Philanthropy

Kor?ar?t Ndihmojm? Kor?ar?t campaign supports three projects in Kor?a - Dr. Yvonne Naum from Seattle, originally from Kor?a, inspired by the Global Albanians Foundation, started a campaign to support local projects in Kor??, Albania, by pledging? $22,500 as a start. Three projects have been initially supported: (1) Helping Vulnerable Children at Naim Frasheri School; (2) Supporting Roma Children at Day Care Centers, and (3) Supporting Children with Disabilities in Kor?a. Watch Yvonne's message for you.

Diaspora helping flood-affected areas in Kosova - In response to the January 2023 floods in Kosova, organizations, five diaspora-based organizations from the US and Germany initiated the "Diaspora for Kosova" fundraising campaign to support affected families and buildings. The Technical High Schools of Skenderaj and Mitrovica were supported to renovate their facilities damaged by the floods.

This initiative seeks to channel the collective influence of the Albanian Diaspora into a force for positive change. Our objectives consist of supporting the Advocacy efforts of different organizations, supporting Cultural Preservation and Anti-Defamation, and empowering youth to actively engage in community-driven initiatives. This initiative of GERMIN and GAF is currently fundraising - with the goal of comprising an advisory board to set up a structure and objectives.