The Faculty of Educational Sciences at the University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani” in Albania hosted the 4^th International Conference on Globalisation and Integration in Contemporary Education. Supported by the Council of Europe’s project Strengthening Democratic Citizenship Education in Albania, the conference gathered a wide range of stakeholders committed to advancing democratic and high-quality education.

The opening ceremony, moderated by Elisabeta Osmanaj, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences, featured welcome addresses from Villano Qiriazi, Head of the Council of Europe Education Department, Orjana Osmani, Deputy Minister of Education, and Skënder Topi, Vice-Rector of the University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”.

In his remarks, Mr Qiriazi underlined the essential link between education and democracy, noting that as social polarisation grows, schools must serve as primary defenders of democratic culture. He emphasised that the future of Europe is shaped every day in classrooms rather than solely in political institutions and reaffirmed the Council of Europe’s dedication to strengthening education systems grounded in human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The conference brought together academics, researchers, and education practitioners to discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by globalisation, but also opportunities for collaboration on evidence-based solutions to contemporary educational issues.

Key themes of the conference included ongoing transformations in education, with particular attention to the quality of education in Albania and the region; the digitalisation of teaching and learning; psycho-social services in schools; and the modernization of teacher training programmes and curricula in Albanian faculties of education. These topics were explored through panel discussions and keynote presentations aimed at fostering critical reflection and collaboration.

The conference benefited also from significant online engagement from school principals, teachers, and partners involved in the Council of Europe project Strengthening Democratic Citizenship Education in Albania, further expanding the reach and impact of the event.

Now an established annual gathering, the conference continues to serve as a major platform for research, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation in the field of education.

The project “Strengthening Democratic Citizenship Education in Albania” is implemented by the Council of Europe and financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).