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| The meeting of the Coordinating Council of the Albanian Diaspora and the Albanian Government in Tirana, 20 December 2022 |
The annual meeting of the Coordinating Council of the Albanian Diaspora (CCAD) with the Albanian government was held on 20 December 2022 and was not only the balance of a year's work but also a table discussion on hot issues that belong to the Diaspora. The President of CCAD, Mark Gjonaj throughout his opening speech reiterated several times the importance of the connection that the Diaspora should have with the mother country, not only in terms of economic and social development but also in order to create a better future for the incoming Albanian generations.
The guarantee of the right to vote of the Diaspora is still pending, so Gjonaj called not to delay the by-laws.
Full Gjonaj's word:
It is a privilege for me as the president of CCAD to open this meeting by congratulating Diaspora Day, a day where we should refocus our energy for a re-commitment to our identity and national values.
December 2019 was the last time we were together. At that time, no one knew that three months later, the pandemic would shut down the world and everyone's priorities would change because of it. But during this three-year period, the members of the CCAD have contributed, and made sacrifices for the needs of the Albanian people everywhere in the world, even in relation to their homeland Albania.
Indeed, the members of the CCAD have been a voice for the Diaspora, and for that, I heartily congratulate them for their work and deeds. I also want to thank the National Diaspora Agency and its leader, Mrs. Sonila Hysi for all the work and support you have given us over these three years.
The wealth of Albania is the people, not only the citizens of Albania but all Albanians who live abroad, those who live in Kosovo, North Macedonia, Chameria, Montenegro, and in the Presheva Valley, as well as the Diaspora that lives scattered in every corner of the world.
Geography may divide us, but it is the language, history, culture, and love for our nation that unites us.
Diaspora plays a big role in preserving the language, identity, and heritage we have in our homelands.
But it also makes its contribution to culture, economy, and social life. So that we can build a better future for ourselves and for future generations, in our homelands, so that future generations can enjoy it.
The diaspora does not see any difference between Albanians from the Albanian provinces and lands, nor does it see a difference with the citizens of those lands, according to Albania and Kosovo. We see the interest in being united. Something that connects us and that we gain from each other because we know that when we work together, we achieve great things.
I want to remember the sacrifice when we sent our boys and girls to fight for the liberation of Kosovo. Another example is the lobbying we do in the governments of other countries for the good and for the future of our people and for the needs of the national affairs of our states.
The role of the Diaspora must be recognized and appreciated. Diaspora is not a social experiment, nor is it a money bank, Diaspora is a great group with strength, influence, and great value.
A large percentage of Albanians live outside Albanian territory.
INSTAT data in 2020 report that 1.6 million Albanians live abroad, 37% of the population.
The day and time have come for Albania to open its doors, to "caress" us as partners and as a valuable asset.
Honor the Diaspora because we are a National treasure, Invest in us to keep the language, tradition, and culture alive.
Don't tell us how much you love us just with words. Tell us by giving us the right to vote. Give us the right for the Diaspora to fulfill its obligation and its civic responsibility.
Don't be late with bylaws, it's a right. The saying goes, 'Delayed Justice is a Denied Justice', so don't delay the bylaws.
Cooperation with the Diaspora must be done in order to have an influence in the future, for those Albanians who live in other countries, and who, in my opinion, have to be partners in building the future for Albanians. The future of Albania.
During the same day, the Coordinating Council of the Diaspora also met the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj
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| From the letf: Anila Hyka, Rosario Petta, Mark Gjonaj, Bajram Begaj and Brikena Muharremi, 20 December 2022 |
President Begaj appreciated the commitment of the CCAD for the implementation of the diaspora vote for the elections in Albania and urged it to engage continuously, significantly, and as actively as possible in the drafting of public policies, bringing the best practices as well as a different perspective and very important in the development of the nation.
"Diaspora, while being an active part of the societies in the host countries, is also an integral part of our nation, develops with us and promotes progress in many areas of life.
Empowering it, supporting and encouraging its active participation in development policies, brings not only extraordinary benefits to society but also the preservation and strengthening of organic ties between us.
Guaranteeing the vote of the diaspora is the only way to ensure its active participation in the life of the nation as well as to benefit from its perspective, experience, and point of view in the next steps aimed at the progress of the country, Diasporta Shqiptare reports.
Today I welcomed the representatives of the Diaspora Coordinating Council and discussed with them the vote of the diaspora and increasing their presence in society, but also about other issues related to the representation of the interests of Albanians who live and work abroad.
I highly value the contribution of the Albanian diaspora, wherever it is in the world, to the development of Albania, and encourage it to engage continuously, significantly, and as actively as possible in the drafting of public policies, bringing the best practices as well as a different, but very important, perspective in the development of the nation.
Supporting the learning of the Albanian language, the recognition, and spread of the national culture, as well as the support of activities that protect the national identity, are very important elements and as such deserve all our support and attention, especially from the institutions.
The effort to keep alive the native language, culture, traditions, and best values serves to preserve our national identity and should be encouraged and supported to the maximum," said Begaj.
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