TIRANA, September 30 – Baku, Azerbaijan hosted the Second International Conference on Balkan Studies. Scholars from around the world attended.

The Academy of Sciences of Albania was represented by academician Gëzim Hoxha. He leads the Section of Social Sciences and Albanology.

Hoxha delivered a speech on cooperation between the Academy of Sciences of Albania and the Slavic University of Baku. He stressed the commitment to build lasting and fruitful scientific and educational partnerships. He highlighted the promotion of Albanian language studies in the Balkans’ rich linguistic context.

“Our region has linguistic, cultural, and historical diversity. It is a rich laboratory for research. Ancient traditions meet modern challenges here,” Hoxha said.

He added that social sciences research in the Balkans has a dual mission. First, it must study historical and cultural processes that shaped the region. Second, it must address new social dynamics such as migration, urban change, and intercultural dialogue.

The Academy works with Albanian language departments in Naples, Munich, Belgrade, and Beijing. It also collaborates with scholars of Indo-European languages.

Hoxha announced that the Academy is finalizing a major project: the “Great Dictionary of the Albanian Language.”

He said the conference will serve as a space for debate, reflection, and cooperation. It will help launch new projects for the international academic community.

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