TIRANA, February 26 – An international summit on inclusion and diversity took place in Pogradec under the INTERFRAME initiative, funded by the European Union.

The project promotes stronger citizen participation at the local level. It focuses on youth, women, migrants, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities. It also supports intercultural dialogue and structured civic engagement.

The summit gathered representatives from the Municipality of Pogradec, the Municipality of Ferizaj and the Municipality of Bijelo Polje in Montenegro. Partners from Bulgaria, Croatia and Greece also joined the discussions.

Participants exchanged experience on social policies and interinstitutional cooperation. They also reviewed European Union practices in the field of inclusion.

Summit coordinator Marsida Harremi said the initiative aims to co create inclusive tools and policies. She stated that partners seek to institutionalize active citizen participation in local institutions.

Deputy Mayor Entela Gusho said the municipality wants to ensure that every voice in the city is heard and valued.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chair of the Korca Regional Council Mimoza Shuli said cultural diversity must serve as a bridge of cooperation. She added that respect for civic rights, gender equality and minority protection demonstrate institutional maturity.

The two-year project, led by the Municipality of Pogradec, aims to establish formal mechanisms for citizen inclusion and equality at the local level.

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