A National Congress on "Challenges of quality and inclusive education towards European integration" took place in Tirana during 11-13 September and was attended by some 2000 educators from Albania and abroad. The Congress was addressed by Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama and the Minister of Education and Sports Evis Kushi who underlined the importance of delivering quality education in the rapidly changing world. Various panellists discussed on the challenges that education systems are facing, focusing on jobs security, quality teacher training, importance of language and communication and further digitalization of education.

The Head of Education Department of the Council of Europe, Villano Qiriazi, in his address outlined the Council of Europe’s activities and most recent innovations in order to secure the right to quality education, also from the perspective of Competencies for Democratic Citizenship. Mr Qiriazi highlighted the importance of co-ordination of all state institutions and educators in order to successfully implement the newly adopted national education strategy. He also emphasised the on-going successful co-operation between the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Education and Sports within the frame of the project “Strengthening Democratic Citizenship Education in Albania” funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Representatives from the Council of Europe’s Education Department’s Co-operation and Capacity Building Division attended the event and further fostered the existing partnerships while creating new ties with the Albanian educators and educational stakeholders.