Day 3

The Kosova Philharmonic Choir will conclude its activities for 2024 with a concert scheduled for December 11, 2024, at 19:30 at the Atelier of the Palace of Youth and Sports in Prishtina. This concert will precede the Choir’s performance for the Slovenian audience on December 15, 2024, at the “Marjan Kozina” Hall of the Slovenian Philharmonic.

This panel explores strategies for fostering political engagement, remote collaboration, and cultural continuity among diaspora youth while strengthening intergenerational ties. By bridging the gap between heritage and action, the discussion will focus on empowering diasporic communities to drive social impact, enhance cross-border connections, and sustain cultural identity across generations.

Opening Remarks
Mrs. Hella Ben Youssef Ouardani, Vice-President of Democratic Forum for Labour and Liberties and Vice-President of Socialist International Women, Republic of Tunisia

Panelists:
Mr. Shiva Adhikari, President of Nepali Samaj, Federal Republic of Germany
Mrs. Ermina Lekaj Perlaskaj, Special Advisor of the Croatian MFA, Republic of Croatia
Mr. Ing. Roman Klepetko, Vice Director of Czech National Agency For International Education and Research, Czech Republic
Mrs. Nadine Loza, Founding Director, The Egypt Diaspora Initiative, Arab Republic of Egypt
Dr. Ilir Gedeshi, Director of Center for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Republic of Albania

Moderated by:
Mr. Lirim Krasniqi, Co-Executive of Germin

Diaspora communities play a crucial role in combating misinformation and promoting accurate narratives. This panel will discuss initiatives that harness digital tools, including AI, to empower diaspora voices, creating a resilient knowledge ecosystem. Through collaboration with local experts, the session aims to address misinformation while enriching global discourse.

Opening Remarks
Mr. Peter Kwok, Chair at Global Diaspora Confederation, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (video message)

Panelist:
Mrs. Andrianina Irina Randrianarivelo, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of MadaLiving, Republic of Madagascar
Mr. Elian Carsenat, Founder of NamSour, The French Republic
Dr. Alan Gamlen, Director of the ANU Migration Hub and a Professor in the School of Regulation and Global Governance at ANU, Commonwealth of Australia
Mrs. Andra-Lucia Martinescu, Co-Founder, The Diaspora Initiative, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Mr. David Selassie Opoku, Senior Technical Instructor of dbt Labs, Republic of Ghana

Moderated by:
Ms. Jeta Xharra, Editor of Kallxo & Anchor of Kallxo Përnime & ‘Jeta në Kosovë’

Examining the role of diaspora communities in supporting national diplomacy and homeland security, this session will focus on programs that involve diaspora resources in building stability and resilience. Panelists will share best practices for fostering partnerships that enhance national image and security, including initiatives that tap into diaspora expertise for cybersecurity and diplomatic efforts.

Opening Remarks
Mrs. Liesl Riddle, Associate Professor of International Business and International Affairs, The United States of America

Panelists:
Dr. Christine A. Walwyn, Diaspora Ambassador Prime Minister’s Office, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis
Mr. Tolga Sakman, Chairman of Center for Diplomatic Affairs and Political Studies, Republic of Türkiye
Ms. Monique Sochaczewski Goldfeld, Senior Researcher – Brazilian Center for International Relations, Czech Republic
Mr. Martin Russell, Chairman of Global Diaspora Insights, Republic of Ireland
Ms. Mimoza Kusari-Lila, Member of the Parliament, the Republic of Kosova
Moderated by:
Dr. Alina Nychyk, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland

Cities are increasingly at the forefront of global diplomacy, driving cooperation and sustainable development through innovative partnerships. This high-level panel will explore the growing importance of city diplomacy in international relations, focusing on the potential of twinning programs and collaborative initiatives to promote mutual growth and shared solutions. By exchanging insights and forging connections, city leaders can play a transformative role in shaping the future of diplomacy and global cooperation.

Opening Remarks
Mr. Elbert Krasniqi, Minister of Local Government Administration, the Republic of Kosova

Panelists
Ms. Paula Dierenfeld, Mayor of Johnston, Iowa, the United States of America
Mr. Qemajl Aliu, Mayor of Shtime, Republic of Kosova
Mr. Pjerin Ndreu, Mayor of Lezha, Republic of Albania
Prof. Dr. Bilall Kasami, Mayor of Tetovo, Republic of North Macedonia
Mr. Lek Hakani, Director of Directorate of Strategic Partnerships, Diaspora, and Migration, Municipality of Tirana

Moderated by:

Ms. Anila Hyka Smørgrav, Member of Coordination Council of Albanian Diaspora