Albania is hosting the PISA Governing Board meeting for the first time. Representatives from 91 countries are attending the three-day event in Tirana. The programme includes meetings, panels and roundtable discussions on PISA priorities and development.

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro addressed the opening ceremony alongside Andreas Schleicher, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Director for Education and Skills. She said rapid technological change, especially artificial intelligence, makes preparing students for an uncertain future increasingly important. Kumbaro highlighted reading, mathematical thinking, scientific reasoning, curiosity and perseverance as essential skills. She said the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) shows how students apply knowledge in real-life situations and solve problems.

Referring to recent tensions in Tirana, Kumbaro stressed the role of quality education in helping young people express their views and respect different opinions. She said education should also help them resolve disagreements through dialogue. Students’ safety, well-being and right to learn must remain priorities. The minister also cited curriculum modernisation, training on technology and artificial intelligence, the “After School” programme and the national Reading 2.0 initiative.

According to OECD data, Albania improved its PISA results in 2025 compared with 2022. The country gained 65 points in mathematics, 59 in science and 50 in reading.

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