At the Anna Lindh Foundation Forum 2025, ESN Tirana stood out as a key voice advocating for youth inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and deeper regional cooperation across the Euro-Mediterranean. Participating in the session “Youth Mobility as a Driver for Intercultural Dialogue and Regional Cohesion,” the organization highlighted Albania’s unique position as a cultural and geographic bridge between the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the European Union.

Moderated by Marcello Scalisi, Director of UNIMED, the session brought together a diverse panel of experts and youth leaders. Among them, Lutjona Lula, representing ESN Tirana, member of the Anna Lindh Foundation Network in Albania, delivered a compelling message on the importance of empowering young people to actively shape the region’s future.

“Albania is not on the periphery of the Mediterranean—it is at its heart,” Lutjona stated. “Through mobility and intercultural exchange, we can build a generation that understands, respects, and collaborates across borders.”

As a long-standing member of the Anna Lindh Foundation Network, ESN Tirana has consistently championed youth engagement and regional dialogue. In 2023 and 2024, the organization co-implemented the ALF in Motion V project in partnership with Lebanese NGO Spotlight, fostering cross-cultural collaboration between Albanian and Lebanese youth. More recently, in May 2025, Lutjona Lula was selected by the Head of Network to contribute as an expert in assessing the Network Engagement Scheme, further solidifying ESN Tirana’s leadership role within the ALF community.

During the session, Lutjona shared her experiences supporting international students in Albania and emphasized the importance of inclusive mobility programs that reach beyond traditional EU destinations. Her insights reflected ESN Tirana’s mission to make Albania not just a recipient of mobility, but an active contributor to the Mediterranean dialogue.

Other panelists included:

• Abduljalil Abraheem (Libya), who reflected on his experience at the Mediterranean Students Summit and shared a powerful message on youth resilience in conflict-affected regions.
• Germana Giombini (Italy), Professor at the University of Urbino Carlo Bo, who advocated for expanding mobility to third countries and fostering academic cooperation beyond EU borders.
• Mohamed Zarouk (Morocco), Head of Programmes at OCEANS Network, who shared his journey as a Moroccan researcher in Portugal through an ALF initiative.
• Alessia Chiriatti (Italy), Head of Educational Programmes at IAI, who offered a geopolitical perspective on the role of youth in navigating regional challenges.

The session concluded with a shared understanding: youth mobility is not just a tool for personal development—it is a strategic investment in peace, cooperation, and regional cohesion. ESN Tirana’s contributions exemplify how local organizations can drive systemic change and ensure that young people are not only included in the conversation but are leading it.