The 9th edition of the Francophone Parliament in Tirana, Veliaj: It is the year of connections between young people from all over the world

In his speech, in the Parliament of Albania, the Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, addressed the Francophone youth in French and stated that the European Youth Capital, which turned into the epicenter of over 1000 youth activities, culminated with the opening of negotiations that marked another milestone in the history of the new generation.

“Tirana has really become the epicenter of European values, a platform to display innovative ideas, projects and activities, as an opportunity to raise the voice of young people at every level of decision-making. It is the year of connections between young people from all over the world: countless visitors, groups or youth delegations are becoming part of our rich calendar of over 1000 activities in just one year. It is the year when youthful energy, it seems, has no intention of running out. It’s the European year of young people, finally, and the capital, Tirana, belongs entirely to them. But there is also an identifying element that makes 2022 even more special, which I can’t dwell on! This crown that sits beautifully on Tirana’s head and that weaves youth on one side and Europe on the other, seems to me to be a good omen for even bigger things, much bigger than a city or a capital: Albania was opened to officially the negotiations with the European Union! I am talking about a milestone in the history of a country, above all in the history of the new generation,” he said.

Veliaj added that this year’s edition of the Francophone Youth Parliament is a unique opportunity for many boys and girls to exchange ideas on issues related to current politics, but also technology, innovation and environmental challenges.

“I cannot hide the enthusiasm of welcoming the Francophone Youth Parliament, precisely because it is a unique, extraordinary opportunity for many boys and girls to exchange views, thoughts, ideas on issues related to the advancement of democracy, good neighborliness , the EU enlargement policy, the regional integration of the Western Balkans, the role of technology, innovation, art, culture and environmental protection. I can’t wait for the young people of Tirana to share with the young people of the francophone parliament their projects that have helped to increase the quality of life in Tirana. This Parliament is also a fantastic opportunity for us adults: It is a bridge of communication between us and young people, in other words between today’s world and tomorrow’s world,” underlined Veliaj.

The Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Ermonela Felaj, during her speech stated that the organization of this edition in Tirana testifies to the concrete commitment of Albania to be part of the development of Francophonie policies.

“The fact that this activity, organized in Tirana a few months after the organization of the European Regional Assembly, is an expression of Albania’s concrete commitment to be part of the development of Francophonie policies, so I am very happy that the participation and geographical distribution of the delegations in this The Youth Parliament of Francophonie is truly admirable. Youth parliaments are intercultural meetings and very important platforms that build bridges of friendship across borders, where you young people, potentially future politicians of your countries, exchange ideas on issues such as education, intercultural relations, geopolitics, the environment, etc. They are exercises of living together in solidarity, with common humanist values ​​and respecting diversity, a principle that is at the foundation of this organization and is a source of peace and prosperity for the entire globe,” said Felaj.

The session was also greeted by the President of the APF (Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie), Francis Drouin, and the Head of the Mission for Europe, Jean-Charles Luperto.