#𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐬 – 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 kicked off today, bringing together over 100 regional leaders, officials, academics, and media representatives.
Acting as host, the Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Miriam Shyti, underlined that “we have entered a moment in which diaspora has been placed at the center of strategic thinking about our European future.”
On behalf of the Montenegrin Presidency of the Western Balkans Fund for 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, H.E. Ervin Ibrahimović, delivered a recorded speech, in which he emphasized that “diaspora is the best ambassador of our culture and a crucial partner in supporting development and strengthening vital connections between our region and the wider world.”
On behalf of the Embassy of Japan in Tirana, the Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Omori, greeted the #LeadBalkans Conference, underlining his country’s deep commitment to the Western Balkans region.
The Executive Director of the Western Balkans Fund, Dr. Murra, and the Director of the International Visegrad Fund, Ms. Kapustová Helbichová, also welcomed the regional leaders gathered in Tirana.
