Capital, platform for peace, security and cooperation

Tirana is today the host of one of the most important regional events of the year, Alforum 2025, which takes place from June 18-20 in the Albanian capital. The forum is organized by the Anna Line Foundation, in cooperation with the Municipality of Tirana and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania.

During the three days of the Forum, about 1,000 participants from 43 countries in the Euro-Mediterranean region, representatives of civil society, academics, media, young leaders, institutions and influential figures will discuss and share ideas for strengthening cooperation, intercultural dialogue and sustainable development in the region.

In her greeting speech, the commanding mayor of Tirana, Anuela Ristani, praised the role Tirana has taken in recent years in promoting dialogue and intercultural cooperation:

« Tirana proudly holds the title of ‘the Mediterranean capital of culture and dialogue’, but not only proudly, it holds it with a purpose, because this title is not just the last chapter of city history, but a step beyond it, a step that orients it towards Europe. We are a city that is not based on the pain of the past.

Ristan further recalled some of the titles Tirana has held in recent years, describing them as moments that have strengthened its role as a center of dialogue and international involvement.

« Tirana has been the ‘European capital of young people’, setting their energy and voice in the heart of the city. We have been the ‘European Sports City’, where the movement brought unity at all levels and communities. In 2024, we received the B40 network presidency, which unites the cities of the Balkans, raising the regional cooperation at a new level.

At the end of her speech, Ristani emphasized that these achievements are not only formal titles, but concrete evidence of Tirana’s transformation into an active center engaged in peace and security in the region and beyond.
« All these achievements are not just guides, they are signals for the region, for Europe and the world, which Tirana has passed from the outskirts of intercultural dialogue.