Category: <span>News & Events</span>

This Friday, December 13, 2024, the CCIS team held an inspiring meeting with our selected Youth Policy Observers (Y-Os) as part of the Erasmus+ Youth Observers Project lead by Mesdheu Center. These remarkable youngsters from academia, civil society, media, business, and political forums bring diverse perspectives to the table, representing Albania’s vibrant youth voice.
Discussions focused on youth engagement in key issues:
Political participation and dialogue with decision-makers
Democracy, rule of law, and values ️
Regional and cross-border cooperation for shared growth
The project aims to empower young minds with skills in policy dialogue, leadership, and advocacy, fostering innovation and collaboration across Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Italy. Through both physical and digital mobility, we’re enabling meaningful engagement and encouraging youth to take active roles in shaping and evaluating policies.
Stay tuned as these young leaders connect, learn, and drive impactful change!

A vital platform for thought and discussion on the socio-economic development of the northern Albanian region!
Hosted by the Universiteti Shkodrës Luigj Gurakuqi and Bashkia Shkodër, this international seminar brought together over 80 researchers and experts from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Europe to present studies on Shkodra’s rich cultural heritage and the region’s sustainable development needs.

CCIS was proud to actively participate as part of the Erasmus + U2SID Project, highlighting university-to-society collaborations for inclusive digital transformation.

Prof. Dr. Nevila Xhindi, CCIS Program Director, in collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Holta Heba from UMSH, presented research on “The Role of Universities in Regional Development Strategies” emphasizing the importance of higher education in fostering societal and economic progress in the north Region of Albania.

Higher education plays a pivotal role in driving pro-European development, engaging young academics, researchers, and innovators to co-produce knowledge that serves both academic excellence and local priorities.

U2SID project consortium with partners from Albania, Italy, Serbia, and Montenegro, are committed to shaping an enabling environment that bridges universities and society for sustainable impact!

Today, we celebrate National Youth Day in Albania, a moment to honor the immense potential of Albanian youth and reflect on the challenges they face in building a brighter future. The Center for Comparative and International Studies (CCIS) takes pride in placing youth at the heart of its mission.

Our youth-focused projects include: #EYDR (Youth Participation in Digital Democracy): Advancing digital skills and rights for a more inclusive democracy. U2SID Project and DigitCRESHE: Harnessing innovation and digital transformation for youth inclusion in creative and academic sectors. EDUFAIR & CORE-ED Academy: Enhancing digital education and youth activism. YOM: Promoting youth engagement in public and political life. Projects focused on social inclusion, including our partnerships with ANAD-SHKSHNJND, empowering youth with different abilities and fostering their employment.

These initiatives, supported by the European Union under the ERASMUS+ program, aim to empower Albanian youth and give them the tools to become key actors in society.

Challenges and Realities:
The 2024 Youth Survey highlights pressing issues:

1. Low-quality education.
2. A “migration rush,” viewed as the primary option for employment and the future.
3. Limited engagement in local politics due to disillusionment and labor market constraints.

The Way Forward:
Investing in quality education and practical skills to address the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” is crucial. Equally important is fostering youth participation in politics and governance, essential pillars of democracy.

At CCIS, we remain committed to developing sustainable policies and creating collaborative spaces where youth are at the center. Together, we can build a fairer, more inclusive, and prosperous Albania!

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In the framework of the Digitcreshe project, CCIS and Universiteti Barleti hosted on November 19-20 an inspiring masterclass focused on innovation and the creative industries. Over two intensive days, participants explored groundbreaking topics, tools, and methodologies shaping the future of this sector.

Highlights of the Masterclass:

• Creative Space in Virtual Reality – with PhD. Joan Ikonomi
• AI and Machine Learning in Creative Industries – with PhD. Gerdi Papa
• Creative Entrepreneurship & Digital Marketing – with PhD. Kejda Nuhu
• Design Thinking for Innovation – with MSc. Kostantinos Katsimentes
• Agile Project Management for Digital Creatives – with Prof. Nevila Xhindi (CCIS expert)
• Intellectual Property and Digital Rights in Creative Industries – with Albana Laknori (CCIS expert)

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible speakers and enthusiastic participants who made these sessions impactful and engaging.

Together, we are paving the way for a digitally transformed and innovative creative sector!
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On November 21-22, the CCIS team participated in the managers’ meeting of the Erasmus+ project DIGITCRESHE, hosted at the University Mediterranean in Podgorica. This important gathering not only focused on the implementation of upcoming activities until the project’s conclusion in 2025 but also on ensuring the sustainability and future collaboration of the consortium in similar projects.
As part of this important initiative led by the Polytechnic University of Porto and funded by the European Commission, DIGITCRESHE addresses the skills gap in the Cultural and Creative Sectors (CCS) across Albania and the Western Balkans by aligning educational programs with market needs. The project aims to empower the CCS through digital transformation, active learning, and innovation, helping bridge the divide between education and industry requirements.
Together, we are building a brighter, more sustainable future for the creative and cultural industries! ✨
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Upcoming Event from the Digitcreshe Project Team at CCIS & Universiteti Barleti!
We’re pleased to announce an exciting Masterclass on “Enhancing Digitalization Techniques in Academia and the Creative Industries.”
Dates: December 19-20
Location: Barleti University
This event will host a lineup of expert guest speakers and external professionals who will lead insightful discussions and practical sessions. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on digital advancements that are reshaping both academia and the creative sector.
The masterclass aims to promote knowledge-sharing and inspire innovation by exploring digital tools and methods that support teaching, research, and creative outputs. Master’s students interested in developing these transformative skills are invited to register.
To register, please send an email [email protected] or [email protected]
Join us as we explore the future of digitalization in education and the creative industries!
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