President Bajram Begaj’s Speech At The Graduation Ceremony Of The Albanian School Of Political Studies

President Bajram Begaj’s Speech at the Graduation Ceremony of the Albanian School of Political Studies

I accepted your invitation with pleasure, as I deeply believe in education and knowledge. For each of you, this moment marks a new phase in your commitment to a stronger state and a more developed society.

Those who represent, lead, make decisions, and play a public role must have a deep understanding of the rule of law, the separation of powers, political organization, and the operation of central institutions, local self-government, and independent bodies.

They must also have the ability to integrate this knowledge for the benefit of their daily activities.

The Albanian School of Political Studies offers comprehensive and in-depth training, blending knowledge of political art with legal insights and international relations, incorporating both Albanian and international experiences, as well as professional experience with theoretical concepts and the standards we must uphold.

Since its inception in 2007, this school has demonstrated Albania’s great potential to foster and prepare leaders who not only understand democracy but are committed to defending and developing it at all levels of society and governance.

For each of you, a new chapter begins, in which the knowledge and experiences you have gained are no longer just for your personal career advancement. Your contributions and active engagement are now geared towards building a better society.

This school is a space where political culture is built—a political culture that our country needs, one that avoids harsh rhetoric and eliminates division, fostering a culture of tolerance, respect, understanding, and dialogue in the service of national interest.

Our society still has much to learn about the principles of healthy political debate. Diverse ideas and alternatives should compete, not merely to topple each other but to improve and refine.

Albania needs a new spirit, a new social and political commitment where ideas are challenged with arguments, where opponents are seen as fellow competitors.

The political culture cultivated here should be reflected everywhere: in political and public life, administration, business, and the media.

Our country needs active, informed citizens capable of debating, proposing, and working together to ensure a prosperous future.

Today, young men and women from various fields of life—civil society, media, public administration, and politics—are gathered here.

This academic year, you have shared experiences and knowledge, learning that, despite your differences, your goal must be unified: a more developed Albania.

European Albania is not just about full membership in the European Union but also about the continuous effort to consolidate democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable development.

It requires daily effort, through engagement, transparency, and accountability of the three powers, to ensure respect for individual freedoms and rights, guarantee social justice and fair competition, and encourage civic inclusion.

It directly involves the strict respect and application of the law by institutions at all levels, central or local, by every leader and public servant, by every citizen.

Albania’s path to EU membership is not merely a political issue but a profound transformation of how we govern, build institutions, and think about the future.

As Albania moves towards integration into the European family, we increasingly need leaders with sensitivity and a clear vision for Albania’s priorities.

As a state and society, we still need higher quality democratic training, a deeper legal culture, and stronger institutions.

Albania needs visionary politicians and decision-makers, not just in age but in ideas and energy, for new political models.

As a state and society, we need to refocus on knowledge for a new, competitive elite.

Albania needs skilled experts and professionals who address challenges and provide solutions for all reforms and issues within the EU negotiation framework.

Therefore, with the knowledge you’ve gained and the ambition that characterizes you, it is time for you to make a significant contribution to a prosperous present and soon, an Albania that is a worthy member of the European family.

In the face of contemporary geopolitical, economic, and technological challenges, innovation is needed in every sector, every field, every level.

In governance, education, healthcare, economic and technological development, agriculture, and culture, our policies must be inclusive.

A society does not progress and cannot be prosperous without an educated and patriotic elite, an elite that does not see power as a privilege but as a responsibility, an elite focused not only on today but also on future generations.

This school is contributing to the creation of this new elite. It is contributing to a more professional administration, a more reliable and independent media, and politics that is closer to the citizen.

I take this opportunity today to congratulate the political school on its achievements over the years and its dedicated work!

I want to thank the Council of Europe for its unwavering support in Albania’s democratic journey, in strengthening institutions, and in educating a new generation of leaders!

Above all, I want to congratulate you, the students graduating today! You have invested your time, effort, and passion in this journey.

I am convinced that you are graduating not only with more knowledge but also with a greater responsibility to build a fairer, more open, more developed, and more European Albania.