Tirana, Albania—On the occasion of World Book Day, UPF-Albania, in cooperation with PEN Albania, organized an event at the Peace Embassy in Tirana.
Around 40 national-level academics, writers, poets and Ambassadors for Peace attended the event to mark the day that was declared by UNESCO to promote reading and publishing. The opening address was given by Mrs. Entela Kasi, president of PEN Albania, a branch of the writers’ organization PEN International.
Four eminent figures in the field of academia gave their remarks on the occasion of this important day. Professor Dr. Xhevat Lloshi, one of the most important Albanian figures in the field of linguistics, spoke about the history of Albanian books from the 15th century until today. Other respected speakers who gave their contribution to this important day were Mr. Ndue Gjika, a former member of Parliament and writer; Dr. Sadik Bejko, also a former member of Parliament and a professor at Tirana University; and Mr. Hysen Sinani, chair of the Albanian League of Writers.
Afterward, a 10-minute video about the autobiography of UPF Co-Founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon was shown, followed by the emotional recitation by Mrs. Kozeta Zavalani of the poem written by Rev. Dr. Moon at the age of 16, “The Crown of Glory.”
The closing address was given by Mr. Gaqo Apostoli, chair of UPF-Albania, who thanked everybody for their participation and contribution to this day and sang a famous song about the book.
It was a very warm atmosphere and everybody felt at home. At the end of the event, seven persons were awarded the certificate of Ambassador for Peace, thus joining the big family of thousands of Ambassadors for Peace around the world. Mr. Apostoli; Mrs. Lavdie Ruci, chair of the Tirana Peace Council; and Mrs. Entela Kasi, president of PEN Albania, presented the Ambassador for Peace certificates to the following writers.
- Professor Dr. Xheval Lloshi
- Professor Dr. Emil Lafe
- Mr. Ndue Gjika
- Mr. Sadik Bejko
- Mr. Servet Tartari
- Mrs. Jolanda Trebicka
- Mrs. Anila Veizi
We welcome the new Ambassadors for Peace to our family and wish that many other peace-loving people will soon join us.