What a start! Tirana launches its European Youth Capital year for 2022
It’s only February, but Tirana is already showing us what we can expect from the European Youth Capital 2022. The capital of Albania is a vibrant city and its young people are putting a lot of energy towards a better future. This enthusiasm and energy were very much reflected during a breathtaking opening ceremony.
In case you missed it, here are the highlights!
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On Friday 4 February, more than 3000 young people and international guests gathered to kick off and celebrate the exciting journey of Tirana, the European Youth Capital 2022.
The audience enjoyed youthful performances, from traditional Albanian dance to modern music, and listened to guests making their wishes for the year ahead.
After the warm welcome by the Executive Director of the National Youth Congress of Albania (NYC), Dafina Peci, and CEO of Tirana EYC 2022 at NYC Albania Aspasjana Kongo, many distinguished guests came to the stage, including the EU’s Ambassador to Albania Luigi Soreca, Albanian Minister for Youth and Children, Bora Muzhaqi, and our Board Member Tom Matthew, who shared his wishes for the title:
"I hope that the activities that will unfold over the coming years will demonstrate to the rest of Albania and to the rest of Europe that this city, is an exemplary, gold standard, world-leading example of young people getting involved, taking part and being the change that they want to see in the world."
We also heard an encouraging message from Dua Lipa! She sent her full support to the European Youth Capital 2022, expressed her excitement about joining the initiative and highlighted the huge potential of young people in Albania.
Congratulations to Tirana's team for delivering such an amazing opening ceremony focused on inspiring young people and highlighting their role in the city!
Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana said:
"Each one of you has the opportunity to change the world. This is our moment, our time, this is our day and this is our year as a European Youth Capital. We have worked hard for this day and I am humbled, I have all love and respect and am very thankful to all of you who worked hard during the last three years in achieving this amazing title. Thank you from my heart!”
So what's next for Tirana? The packed programme features over 1000 activities aimed at promoting volunteering, empowering young people and youth organisations, and creating networks among young people from all over Europe! As the Mayor of Tirana said, “Tirana wishes warm hospitality to all those coming from different countries of the world…. Welcome to Tirana!"
Stay tuned for more updates from Tirana's journey!
Do you want to know more about the European Youth Capital? It is a title awarded by the European Youth Forum to cities in Europe annually. Since 2009, over 10,000 events have been held, cities have secured tens of millions in additional funding and over 12,000 volunteers have helped to deliver the projects. Find out more about the initiative here.
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