Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers

High level conference concludes Albanian Chairmanship

Strasbourg, 08.11.2012 - "Diversity in Europe: a Strength for the Future" – the title of the high level conference in Tirana on 9 November – summarises the concept that has guided Council of Europe activities since Albania took over the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers in May. The conference will focus on dialogue with Mediterranean neighbours and the promotion of intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, through education to democratic citizenship values.

Following a welcome speech by Edmond Panariti, Albanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, Bujar Nishani, President of the Republic of Albania, Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe and Jorge Sampaio, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilisations will address the inaugural session of the Conference.

The Conference will be followed by a meeting for the handover of the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers to Andorra.

Albanian Foreign Minister Edmond Panariti, Andorran Foreign Minister and incoming Chairman of the Committee of Ministers Gilbert Saboya, and Deputy Secretary General Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni will hold a press conference at 19:15, at the Hotel Sheraton Tirana. (more...)

Back 19.09.2012 - Regional Youth Peace Camp Albania 2012

The Albanian chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, in the spirit of promoting peace, stability and prosperity among young people, especially among those who have experienced inter-ethnic conflict situations, hosted the first ever Regional Peace Camp in South-East Europe , from 9-17 September, in Llogara, Albania.

Some 25 young people from Serbia, Kosovo*, "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" and Albania, as well as other youth organisations from Albania and the neighbouring countries gathered at this important event to engage into a dialogue and activities to overcome conflict situations, based on human rights education and intercultural learning.

As part of the programme, the young participants from various ethnical backgrounds also visited a church and a mosque, to learn more about the peaceful coexistence and harmony of communities with different beliefs in Albania.

The Regional Youth Peace Camp aimed at motivating the participants to act as multipliers and peer leaders for positive change in their communities and organisations.

The Regional Peace Camp was organised in Albania under the auspices of the Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports, Mr. Aldo Bumçi.

----------
* All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo