Albania has been designated a safe country of origin. But despite this, migration trend continues, and it represents a great concern for Albanian society and its future. Therefore, it is fundamental to act continuously by means of awareness raising and information sharing, to stop unrealistic expectations and debunk myths created by smugglers, as well as some diaspora and other community members. 

As such, in the framework of UN Week Albania 2022, we organized in Durres, an open dialogue between students at University Aleksander Moisiu, representatives of the main countries of destinations of Albanian migrants and partner ministries, about youth migration, and related dynamics and impact. More than 50 students shared their needs and aspirations for the future, how they see migration and socio-economic opportunities in Albania, in a youth-led dialogue. 

Present in the meeting, Mr. James Roger, Acting Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy to Albania; Mrs. Sien Van den Hoof, Seconded diplomat at Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania; Mr. Luigi Mattirolo, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Italy in Albania; Ms. Shanley Pinchotti, Acting Senior Development Advisor at USAID in Albania; Mrs. Elfrida Cuku, Advisor of the State Minister and Chief Negotiator, got to know better the reality of young people in Albania. They were also informed about “Albania is YOU” campaign, promoting regular migration methods while exploring and emphasizing local alternatives that allow for personal, professional, and economic development in Albania. 

On the way from Tirana to Durres with the “Albania is YOU” branded minivan, representatives were also part of a guided tour about Albanian migration history, IOM work throughout the years and future cooperation.

In addition, throughout the UN Week Albania 2022, IOM was represented by the “Albania is YOU” campaign, aiming to influence the change of behavior of groups with high potential to migrate irregularly and for demystification of false narratives on migration.

This activity was organized in the frame of the ARISE ALL project, is funded by the European Union’s Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund, Migration Office of the Belgian Federal Office for Home Affairs, and the Repatriation and Deportation Service of the Netherlands.