Author: WeBalkans

Country: Albania

Interests: International relations, digitalisation

Amy Kokalari is a researcher and policy analyst specializing in European integration, digital governance, and the Western Balkans. She is currently working at the Italian Senate within the 4th Standing Committee on European Union Policies. She holds a Master’s in European Transformation and Integration at the College of Europe in Tirana, where she researched cybersecurity resilience in the Western Balkans. She previously earned a Master’s in Transnational Governance with a specialization in digitalization from the European University Institute in Florence. Amy has contributed to research at leading institutions, including the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels and the European University Institute. Her work has focused on EU enlargement policies, digital transformation, and geopolitical strategies. Beyond her academic and research engagements, Amy is fluent in multiple languages and passionate about tech policy and southeastern European studies.

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Country: Albania

Interests: Business and entrepreneurship, international relations

Endi Saliko is a finance-oriented young professional and member of the United Nations Youth Council in Albania, engaged in policy dialogue on economic reform, competitiveness, and European integration. His work centers on strengthening institutional capacity, advancing evidence-based policymaking, and promoting sustainable growth models aligned with EU standards. 

He has represented Albania in international economics competitions, ranking among the world’s top performers, and has led award-winning teams in EU-level innovation initiatives. His interests focus on economic modernization, innovation-driven development, and the strategic structuring of public–private partnerships to improve infrastructure, investment efficiency, and long-term fiscal sustainability in emerging economies.

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Country: Albania

Interests: Climate and environment, communications and social media

Redon Katroshi works at the British Embassy in Tirana as a Compliance Officer. He has a background in Hydrotechnical Engineering specializing in the water sector. His work focuses on sustainable water management, environmental protection, and practical solutions for community needs. 

He serves as the Chair of the Youth Climate Diplomacy Forum in Albania, leading initiatives that empower young people to engage in climate action and policy dialogue. Redon is also an active member of the Young Water Professionals Network, contributing to professional collaboration, knowledge‑sharing, and youth-driven advancements in the water field.

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Country: Albania

Interests: International relations, human rights

I was born on June 6, 2004, in Fier, Albania, and I am currently based in Tirana. I am a well-developed young professional with a forward-looking vision, strongly committed to continuous personal and professional growth. 

I have extensive involvement in national and international activities through active participation in forums, conferences, and advanced training programs. Over the years, I have successfully completed numerous trainings in areas such as leadership, human rights, governance, youth diplomacy, institutional development, and civic engagement. 

My experience in international environments has helped me develop a global perspective, strong analytical skills, and structured communication, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to collaborative initiatives and impact-driven projects. 

I am committed to excellence, integrity, and intercultural cooperation, and I aim to continue contributing to platforms that promote development, dialogue, and youth empowerment at both national and international levels.

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Country: Albania

Interests: Communications and social media, international relations

Meet Marina, she is a young communication professional and youth activist. She has gained valuable academic and professional experience across Europe and the United States, including studying in Minnesota and completing an internship at The Christian Science Monitor in Boston. Through various volunteering programs, academic exchanges, and fieldwork, she has built a solid foundation in journalism, public relations, and media literacy. A member of the fifth Youth Advisory Group (YAG) of OSCE presence in Albania generation and a U.S. Embassy alumni, she has been actively involved in youth engagement, media education, and community initiatives. Marina holds a Master of Science in Public Relations and has previously served as a professor’s assistant and as part of the PR Department at her alma mater.

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Country: Albania

Interests: Health and sustainability, communications and social media

Anduena Ibro is a medical student from Albania with a strong dedication to youth engagement, civic participation, and social impact. Beyond her academic pursuits, she has represented Albanian youth in international Erasmus+ programmes, European conferences, and council-level meetings, tackling issues like peacebuilding, sustainability, and intercultural dialogue. Her collaborations span Finland, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Spain, fostering transnational cooperation and youth-led projects. 

Since 2019, Anduena has volunteered and advocated for initiatives on climate awareness, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion. A standout moment in her journey was receiving a mini-grant to combat stigma toward women cancer survivors. Passionate about empowering young voices, she works to build a generation that not only talks about change, but actively drives it.

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Country: Albania

Interests: Climate and environment, agriculture and farming

Luena Mullaj is an energy and climate expert with an academic background in Environmental Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Her work sits at the intersection of climate policy, sustainable energy systems, and circular economy solutions, combining strategic policy engagement with technical environmental expertise across national and international levels. She has contributed to multiple IFI-funded infrastructure and environmental projects in Albania, supporting EIA and ESIA assessments, national climate and energy strategy development, and alignment with EU decarbonization frameworks. 

Luena has been recognized through highly selective international programs, including as the only Western Balkans fellow of the BeVisioneers Fellowship by the Mercedes-Benz Foundation, a Youth Delegate within the Union for the Mediterranean Energy and Climate Cohort, selected from over 450 applicants, and a contributor to the YOUNGO Energy Working Group, shaping international youth-driven climate policy. She is also the founder of a circular economy platform helping Albanian businesses align with EU environmental standards, creating scalable and regionally replicable systems. Luena continues to advance climate policy and regulatory innovation across the Western Balkans, driving sustainable energy and environmental transitions that can serve as models for broader European efforts.

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Country: Albania

Interests: Health and sustainability, communications and social media

My name is Edit Babameto, a Young European Ambassador with the WeBalkans, passionate about integrating the Western Balkans within the European Union step by step, and making EU topics a little less intimidating for young people. Having graduated summa cum laude, I hold a Master of Science in “Policies and Governance in Europe”. I have previously completed two traineeships at the European Parliament in Brussels, working with the Western Balkans Delegation. This experience gave me a close look at how European policy, diplomacy, and regional cooperation actually happen behind the scenes. Along the way, I became quite fluent in Brussels bureaucracy, although I have yet to learn how to navigate when a “final draft” is actually final, and how many cups of coffee it takes to get us there. Through my work and engagement, I am particularly interested in strengthening dialogue between the European Union and the Western Balkans and encouraging greater youth participation in European affairs. 

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Country: Albania

Interests: Health and sustainability, communications and social media

Ritvana Hajdari is a Clinical Psychology student at the University of Tirana and a youth policy analyst committed to strengthening democratic participation, social inclusion, and youth empowerment in Albania and the Western Balkans. Originally from Tropoja, she works to bridge local communities with national and European opportunities. 

As a Policy Analyst at Civic Resistance (Qëndresa Qytetare), she contributes to research and evidence-based recommendations focused on youth development, education, and mental health policy. She is a member of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council and serves as Senior Advisor at GLOW Club Tropoja, supporting leadership development and civic engagement among young people. Ritvana has represented Albania in international youth forums, including the British Council’s study visit program, and is a member of the United Nations Youth Advisory Group (UNYAG) in Albania. Through her work, she promotes European values, youth participation, and inclusive policymaking, with a strong focus on mental health advocacy and community resilience. 

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Country: Albania

Interests: Business and entrepreneurship, international relations

I am Dea, an engineering student at the Polytechnic University of Tirana driven by the belief that innovation must be guided by both logic and responsibility. My academic path has not only shaped my analytical thinking and discipline, but it has also strengthened my commitment to using knowledge in ways that serve society and create lasting impact. 

I thrive in collaborative environments where ideas develop through dialogue and shared effort. I am committed to amplifying youth voices by creating spaces where they are heard, valued and empowered. I see myself as a leader in service grounded in integrity and action. I believe meaningful change happens when young people work together with courage intention and a sense of collective responsibility 

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