Country of Publication:

• Albania

– The actual and potential migration of students from Albania: a putative Brain Drain?, Russell King and Ilir Gëdeshi, Published by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Office Tirana.

Project Title: Interfaith Dialogue and Migration

Project Aims & Objectives:

The “Interfaith Dialogue and Migration” project by the Interreligious Council of Albania (KNF) has several key aims and objectives focused on promoting understanding, cooperation, and integration in the context of migration and religious diversity. These include:

Aims:
Foster Interfaith Dialogue: The primary aim of the project is to strengthen interfaith dialogue between religious communities, migrants, and local authorities, facilitating mutual understanding and cooperation.
Support Migrant Integration: The project seeks to support the social, cultural, and religious integration of migrants and returnee migrants into Albanian society, with a particular focus on promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse religious groups.
Promote Social Cohesion: By addressing the intersection of migration and religion, the project aims to enhance social cohesion and harmony within communities affected by migration, reducing potential tensions and fostering inclusivity.
Influence Policy: Another key aim is to develop practical policy recommendations that can inform local and national strategies for managing migration and fostering religious tolerance and inclusion.
Objectives:
Facilitate Dialogue Between Religious Leaders and Migrants: Organize roundtable discussions and meetings between religious leaders from various faiths, migrants, and returnee migrants to discuss challenges and opportunities for social integration and religious coexistence.
Raise Awareness on Religious Diversity and Migration: Increase awareness among local communities and stakeholders about the importance of respecting religious diversity in the context of migration, particularly in areas where migrants settle.
Build Capacity for Religious and Community Leaders: Provide training and capacity-building initiatives for religious leaders and community representatives to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to engage in constructive dialogue and support migrant integration.
Develop Policy Recommendations: Based on the research and dialogue outcomes, the project aims to develop actionable policy recommendations for government and local institutions to create more inclusive policies that address the needs of migrants while promoting interfaith harmony.
Conduct Research on Migration and Religious Practices: Explore the religious practices of migrants and returnees and how these impact their integration into Albanian society, with the goal of using the findings to inform practical interventions and policies.

Scholars/Institutions: Genti Kruja, Interreligious Council of Albania, Caritas & Beder University

Start Date: January 1, 2023

End Date: September 30, 2023

Research Methods: In the "Interfaith Dialogue and Migration" project by the Interreligious Council of Albania (KNFSH), several key research methods and approaches were applied to address the intersection of migration and religious diversity. These methods aim to foster understanding, dialogue, and practical solutions for the integration of migrants.

Findings/Outcomes:

The “Interfaith Dialogue and Migration” project by the Interreligious Council of Albania (KNF) has led to several significant findings and outcomes that contribute to the understanding of migration and religious diversity in Albania. Here are some key findings and outcomes of the project:

Significant Findings:
Role of Religion in Integration: The project highlighted that religious identity plays a crucial role in the integration process of migrants. Many returnee migrants rely on their religious communities for social support, which helps them navigate the challenges of reintegration into Albanian society.

Positive Interfaith Interactions: The research found that interfaith dialogue initiatives facilitated positive interactions among different religious communities, fostering mutual respect and understanding. These dialogues have contributed to reducing tensions and building a sense of community among diverse groups.

Challenges of Religious Diversity: The project identified specific challenges related to religious diversity, such as misunderstandings and prejudices among different faith groups. These issues can hinder integration efforts and necessitate targeted interventions to promote inclusivity.

Need for Policy Support: The findings emphasized the importance of developing inclusive policies that address the unique needs of migrants while promoting interfaith harmony. Recommendations for policy adjustments were based on the insights gathered from the research.

Project Webpage: https://knfsh.al/knfsh-organizon-nje-vizite-studimore-ne-gjirokaster/

Funding Institution: he "Interfaith Dialogue and Migration" project by the Interreligious Council of Albania (KNF) was funded by the UNHCR/Caritas.

Keywords: Interfaith Dialogue Migration Religious Diversity Social Cohesion Integration Community Engagement Policy Recommendations

Country of Publication:

• Albania

Website: http://kmsh.al

Mission:

Muslim Community of Albania (KMSH) – Plays a significant role in promoting interfaith dialogue and supporting Muslim communities, especially regarding migration and the reintegration of returning migrants.

Country of Publication:

• Albania

Website: http://knfsh.al

Mission:

The Interreligious Council of Albania was established in 2007 by the four leaders of the traditional religious communities in Albania (Muslim, Orthodox, Catholic and Bektashi). From 2018 we included the Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania and now we are 5 religious community of IRCA.
In the Council’s promotional activity, clerics from all religious faiths praised the Council as an organ that will coordinate activities on problems of coexistence between religious faiths at regional level.
During these years, in addition to participation in several international conferences, the Interreligious Council of Albania has often released press statements on common issues in the interest of society and in defence of universal values as well for the promotion of interfaith dialogue.
The highest decision-making body of the IRCA is the Board of Presidency, which consists of the leaders of religious communities, participants of the Centre; meanwhile, the Executive Council consists of two representative members from each community.
The Chairman of the Board of Presidency has a one-year term. Chairmanship of the Board of Presidency rotates among the heads of religious communities, which was determined for a five-year period (2019-2024) in the October 2018 meeting. Secretary General was elected Dr. Genti Kruja.
Under the statute, in the event of change of the chairman of a religious community, the new chairman is automatically a member of the Council of Presidency. The mission of the Interreligious Council of Albania is to promote interfaith dialogue and harmony through joint projects and activities.
On October 25, 2018, the Interreligious Council of Albania was awarded the “Sergio Vieira De Mello” prize in Krakow, Poland. In the prize-giving ceremony, the prize was awarded to the five heads of the religious communities in Albania for “Interfaith Brotherhood in Albania”. The prize “Sergio Vieira De Mello” is awarded annually to individuals or personalities who represent causes for the good of the society.
IRCA is a full member of the international organisation “Religions for Peace” based in New York, USA.The Interreligious Council of Albania

Country of Publication:

• Albania