The main purpose of this conference organized by Albanian Catholic Education (KKEKSH) was to address the challenges education faces in Albania from a European perspective. The country has a need to develop legislative tools and a political culture that encourages greater openness and transparency in order to achieve a more inclusive education system. The conference sought to vindicate educational pluralism not only for Catholic schools but also for diverse religious, philosophical and educational options present in Albania.

The event was opened by the Archbishop of Tirana-Durres, Monsignor Arjan Dodaj, followed by interventions by the President of the Albanian Parliament, Mrs. Lindita Nikolla, and the National Coordinator of Albanian Catholic Education, Sister Teuta Buka.

As a speaker at the event, Ignasi Grau, director of OIDEL, compared educational pluralism in Albania with that of other European Union countries. Grau stressed that constitutional recognition of freedom of education and public financial support for parents to choose their children’s education are common practices in the EU. The presentation emphasized that providing spaces of trust for citizens, including in the field of education, is essential feature of democracy

Other prominent speakers included Albania’s Deputy Minister of Education, Mrs. Nina Guga; Professor Jan de Groof; UNICEF Albania’s Director of Education, Mrs. Ermelinda Gjocaj; and Soft Tulip’s Director, Mr. Eric Bloemkolk.

OIDEL took this opportunity to exchange challenges and opportunities at the international level with various leaders in Albanian education.