The Fifth Diaspora Women’s Summit is set to take place in Tirana on October 11th, bringing together leaders, innovators, and professionals from Albania and its diaspora to discuss the role of women in business, innovation, and digitalization. This highly anticipated two-day event aims to empower women and advance Albania’s integration into the European Union, offering a platform for collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing.
When and Where?
The summit will kick off on October 11th at 10:00 AM in Tirana, featuring a range of panels, B2B meetings, and business visits. The first day will be dedicated to three thematic panels and networking, while the second day will focus on business visits organized by the secretariat for women from the diaspora. These visits will be tailored based on the interests of participants, ensuring meaningful interactions with Albanian businesses.
Who Will Be There?
The event will see participation from prominent figures within the Albanian diaspora as well as leaders from various fields in Albania, including government representatives, women’s rights activists, entrepreneurs, and professionals from diverse sectors. The summit will also feature successful Albanian women living abroad, highlighting the expertise and leadership that the diaspora brings to Albania’s development.
Key Themes and Topics
This year’s summit will revolve around the theme, “Leading the Way to the European Union”, addressed through three main panels:
- Guiding Businesses Towards Integration into the European Market
This panel will focus on the role of diaspora women entrepreneurs in the successful integration of Albanian businesses into the European Union market. It will explore strategies for internationalization and the opportunities that the European market presents for Albanian companies. - Women in Innovation and Digitalization
The second panel will tackle the vital role of women in innovation and digitalization, discussing ways to advance their positions in Albania’s digital economy. This discussion will center on bridging gender gaps and promoting female leadership in the tech-driven future of Albania. - Strengthening Public-Private Dialogue: Diaspora Women’s Engagement for EU Integration
The third panel will address the importance of public-private dialogue in achieving Albania’s EU integration goals. It will highlight how diaspora women can actively engage in this process, contributing their expertise and resources to shape Albania’s path to the European Union.
New Developments and Initiatives
The summit is expected to unveil new projects aimed at supporting women in business, promoting their rights, and fostering collaboration between Albania and its diaspora. These initiatives may include networking platforms for Albanian women globally and improved mechanisms for business integration into European markets.
One of the standout features of the summit is its long-term engagement. The work does not end after the two-day event. A technical study and analysis of the panels’ conclusions will guide future actions, ensuring a measurable contribution to Albania’s economic and social development.
Challenges and Opportunities for Diaspora Engagement
One of the critical discussions will focus on the obstacles and opportunities for the Albanian diaspora’s involvement in the country’s economy. Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, the lack of transparency, and legal infrastructure issues, there is increasing interest from diaspora members in investing in Albania. The Diaspora Chamber has created www.addw.al, a registration platform aimed at connecting diaspora members with investment opportunities, tender calls, and support services.
Additionally, the diaspora’s role in innovation and return migration is crucial. Many successful Albanians who have studied and worked abroad are now returning to Albania, bringing European-standard investments and entrepreneurial initiatives that are opening up new markets.
Addressing Diaspora Voting
The issue of diaspora voting is another critical topic that will be discussed at the summit. As the Albanian diaspora seeks greater involvement in the country’s political and economic life, creating mechanisms to enable their participation in elections will be a key point of debate.
Empowering Diaspora Women
Despite the challenges they face, including a lack of representation and cultural barriers, diaspora women continue to be a driving force for change. The summit aims to offer solutions, including mentoring networks, training programs, and collaborative opportunities to enhance their social and economic empowerment. A notable proposal involves creating partnerships between women to facilitate export-readiness and international contracts, which would boost both businesses and the country’s economy.
Future Goals of the Diaspora Chamber of Commerce
The Diaspora Chamber of Commerce aims to strengthen economic ties between Albania and the diaspora over the next two to three years. Their objectives include promoting sustainable investments, organizing the WorldWide AWARDS, and expanding economic conferences, such as the “With Heart and Mind from Albania” series, to strategic partner countries. The Chamber is also focused on training a group of women experts to standardize Export Readiness services for SMEs, specifically supporting women and youth entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
The Diaspora Women’s Summit serves as a critical event in fostering collaboration, innovation, and empowerment for Albanian women at home and abroad. As Albania moves closer to European Union membership, the contributions of diaspora women in fields like business, innovation, and policy-making are vital to the country’s progress. The Fifth Diaspora Women’s Summit promises to be a landmark event, generating new ideas, fostering partnerships, and setting the stage for Albania’s future success in Europe.
