Tirana, Albania —RISE 5th Anniversary caravan continued its journey today in Tirana, highlighting achievements of this powerful initiative that has inspired and supported young social entrepreneurs across the Western Balkans. Held at Europe House, this final meeting was more than just an event, it was a heartfelt celebration of the challenges, and accomplishments of RISErs who are reshaping their communities through innovation and creativity.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from SG Mr. Albert Hani, who emphasized the forward-thinking energy that RISErs bring to the world of social entrepreneurship.
“RISErs bring a future driven by youth,” he stated, underlining how young innovators “trigger companies to explore directions they had never considered before. This new wave of ideas and energy is transforming traditional business thinking.” Mr. Hani’s words set the tone for a day filled with inspiration, showcasing the essential role of youth in reshaping economic landscapes.
Mrs. Remy Privat, Attache for Cooperation from the Embassy of France, and Mr. Jan Maibom, Attaché for Culture and Media from the German Embassy in Albania, echoed this sentiment. Both highlighted the importance of cooperation and the potential of youth as catalysts for unity and development. Mr. Geroni Ibrahimi, Director of the National Youth Agency, highlighted NYA’s commitment to fostering an environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive. Meanwhile, Ms. Chloe Lepage from PULSE Group and Mr. Shkëlzen Marku, Yunus Social Business’s local incubator, expressed their ongoing support for youth initiatives in Albania.
Mrs. Ardita Bonatti, Project Manager at RYCO, took the audience on a journey through RISE’s evolution. Joined by Mr. Shkëlzen Marku and Ms. Chloe Lepage, she shared milestones, heartfelt moments, and the transformation of RISE into a thriving community of social entrepreneurs. Each story revealed the resilience and passion that have defined the program, making it a powerful force for change.
The event shifted to the highlight of the day: the panel discussion “From Idea to Action: A RISEr’s Journey,” moderated by Mr. Kreshnik Loka, Head of Local Branch Office in Tirana. The panel featured five remarkable RISErs, Mr. Ornold Bazaj from Reality Escapers Albania, Mr. Ajvi Bajrami of Digispark, Ms. Ina Kerciku from “Personazhi je Ti,” Ms. Gjyljana Bakalli of Almanart, and Mr.Orven Bregu from Things Lab. Each panelist discussed their unique challenges, breakthroughs, and aspirations, reflecting the diversity and resilience of the RISE community. During the Q&A session, participants eagerly asked about the panelists’ journeys, keen to learn from their insights as RISErs navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
The event concluded with a RISE Exhibition and networking session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the RISErs, explore their projects, and discuss future opportunities for collaboration. The atmosphere was filled with optimism as participants connected, shared ideas, and celebrated the success stories emerging from the RISE program.
The RISE program’s journey has also reached recent milestones acrLibrary
oss the Western Balkans, with impactful events held in Sarajevo, Belgrade, Pristina, and Podgorica, where the respective Acting Head of LBO Bosnja and Herzegovina Nikola Kandic, Head of LBO Serbia Marija Bulat and Head of LBO Montenegro Edin Koljenovic took part in the events. Each event celebrated the dedication and achievements of RISErs in their local communities, reinforcing the program’s commitment to fostering social entrepreneurship throughout the region. The journey continues, as another gathering is set to take place soon in Skopje, where the RISE community will once again come together to reflect, share, and look forward to future initiatives that will drive social impact across the Western Balkans.
