LEAPin 2025: A Landmark Moment for Youth in Albania
On May 10, 2025, the iconic Pyramid of Tirana became a vibrant epicenter of innovation, dialogue, and leadership as it hosted Albania Dreamin’ & LEAPin’ 2025—a unique twin-conference that brought together over 250 participants and more than 55 speakers from 22 countries. Organized by LDA Europe, the event offered a dynamic fusion of youth leadership and tech innovation, with LEAPin focusing on civic empowerment and policy dialogue, and Dreamin’ championing technology and community-driven solutions.
While both conferences unfolded simultaneously under one roof, LEAPin Albania 2025, supported by the Swedish Institute (SI) and the Swedish Alumni Network Western Balkans (SAN WB), stood out with its guiding theme: LEARN, ENGAGE, ACT for Progress.
Five Panels. One Purpose.
This year’s LEAPin edition featured five high-impact panels:
- Emotional Intelligence & Mental Health
- Business & Leadership
- NURTURE: Youth Engagement
- Civic Education & Human Rights
- Environment & Sustainability
Among these, two panels—Civic Education & Human Rights and Environment & Sustainability—were directly supported through the collaboration with the Swedish Institute and SAN WB, bringing powerful regional and local alumni voices to the stage.
Panel Highlights: Civic Education & Human Rights
This panel addressed how democratic institutions and human rights are being reshaped by artificial intelligence, misinformation, and global political shifts. Swedish Institute alumni played a vital role in framing the conversation around responsible civic engagement and policy reform.
Key themes included:
- The role of civic education in combating polarization and AI-generated misinformation
- Legal implications of AI and its influence on international trade, sanctions, and human rights
- Strategies to promote critical thinking among youth in politically divided environments
- The importance of AI literacy in shaping inclusive public policy
Featured speakers included:
- Ana Jovanovska, Chair of SAN WB and expert on sustainable development
- Alba Brojka, Digital Policy Analyst
- Prof. Assoc. Dr. Enida Bozheku, International Law Expert
- Michaela Jamelska, AI Researcher and PhD Candidate
- Toshe Zafirov, Political Educator and Civic Youth Advocate
Moderated by: Silva Bashllari
Panel Highlights: Environment & Sustainability
With sustainability at the core of regional development, this panel explored the intersection of environmental policy, energy transformation, and AI-driven innovation. The panel brought together local experts and Swedish Institute alumni to exchange solutions tailored to the Western Balkans.
Key discussion points:
- The regional energy transition and the role of public-private investment
- How recent conflicts are disrupting energy trading and what resilience looks like in Albania
- The impact of AI on optimizing renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Environmental risks and ethical challenges in powering digital infrastructure
Featured speakers included:
- Adrijana Maric, Sustainable Development & Green Economy Expert
- Darko Dachevski, PhD Student, University of South Africa
- Netjona Koprencka, Energy Market Analyst
- Bujar Bakiu, AI & Energy Innovation Specialist
- Xhemal Xherri, Environmental NGO Leader
Moderated by: Silva Bashllari
Thank You to the Swedish Institute and SAN WB
We sincerely thank the Swedish Institute and the Swedish Alumni Network Western Balkans for their support in enabling such timely and relevant conversations. Their commitment to active civic engagement, knowledge sharing, and sustainability is vital, especially in a world navigating rapid AI advancement and global political realignment.
By creating space for diverse voices and informed dialogue, LEAPin 2025 took a bold step forward in empowering the next generation of leaders in the Western Balkans.
