EMA
ALBANIA
20 YEARS
"My hope for the
Western Balkans is
that we have a future
based on the values of coexistence, tolerance, respect for diversity
and reconciliation."
Ema could be an archetypal 20-year-old woman pursuing her ambitious career and dreams alongside her studies at the Medical University in Tirana. Instead, she does all of that and has also been working as a youth activist for nearly a decade. Ema consistently raises her voice to make not only her own dreams and hopes for her future in Albania come true, but also those of others, who may have already given up.
Ema‘s extensive advocacy began with a project by “Save the children” called “Underadio.” It was the first web radio platform for and by children, where young participants were encouraged to speak out on issues that affect them in schools, families, and communities. Looking back, her realization at that time of having a strong voice that is truly heard by authority figures marked the beginning of Ema‘s commitment to human rights as it is today.
Her further accomplishment led her to her latest achievement; Ema was selected from over 4600 young people from all around the world as a Leading Minds Climate Fellow, to support UNICEF Innocenti - Global Office of Research and Foresight in developing thought-provoking research projects on climate breakthroughs and co-organizing this years Leading Minds Conference on Climate Action.
In addition to her activism, Ema is pursuing a degree in general medicine. This is where her political and her personal life meet. To receive their diploma, aspiring doctors must stay in Albania for a couple of years after graduation. It is one of several strategies Albania is pursuing in response to the major challenge facing the region: The migration of the youth.
Three quarters of Albania‘s population is under 35, so the future of the region lies in the hands of the current generation. At the same time, many aspiring professionals are migrating to higher-income societies where they hope to find better education systems, better opportunities in their professional field and a better future for their families.
That is why the Berlin Process represents hope. Not only for Ema, but for many people in Albania. Becoming part of the European family has been a long-held dream in society, as changes within the system are intricately linked to adapting towards European values and vision. Over the years, Albania has already gone through many developmental improvements in the areas of infrastructure, education, legislation, but also in the mindset of the people. Yet the core value of local culture will always remain this: Respect.
Albania is one of the few societies where religious harmony is truly lived. Ema quotes the famous Albanian poet Pashko Vasa who once said: “Albania‘s religion is Albania.” Which means nothing short but Christians, Muslims, Orthodox and Catholics living here together safely and respectfully. Looking back on her childhood Ema states that her activism is based on the lessons her parents gave her as role models and on the unity of Albania in the diversity of thoughts, religions and beliefs Ema was exposed to from a young age.
When asked what message she would like to give to her peers, it's this: „Always speak up. Actively engage in conversations about the issues that affect you, change the status quo and develop solutions that benefit everyone. Not only so that we can secure a better future for ourselves, but more importantly to ensure that future generations live in a more resilient, safer, and greener society. In a better world where civic equality is not just a word, but a thriving reality. We have the power to change the narrative."
