On October 12-13, Shkodër hosted an international conference titled Empowering the Future: Exploring the Role of Religion in Youth Development, bringing together scientists, educators, and youth activists. Organized by the Center for Advanced Studies, the Albanian Institute for Islamic Thought and Civilization, the Institute for Education, Heritage and Tourism, and the Center for Intercultural Understanding ‘Horizonti”, the conference aimed to bridge tradition and modernity by highlighting the key role of faith in fostering resilience, moral integrity, and a sense of community among young people.
Supported by the International Institute of Islamic Thought, the conference featured 15 presenters who shared their work and research, along with 22 participants who engaged in meaningful discussions on the intersection of faith and youth development. The event included a series of sessions covering topics such as integrating faith-based values into education and the impact of social media on religious identity.
Moderated by Professor Ahmet Alibašić, the conference began with welcoming remarks from Professor Ramiz Zekaj, Dr. Ardian Muhaj, and Omer Kajoshaj, followed by a keynote speech on the intellectual development of Muslim youth by Professor Fathi Malkawi. During the sessions, participants addressed topics such as identity formation among young people, the role of religion in personality development, and faith-based approaches to mental health support.
Through open discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, the conference successfully provided a platform where tradition and contemporary issues converged, fostering a holistic approach to youth development rooted in faith and community.
