The Executive Director of the National Agency of the Diaspora, Ms. Ermonela Xhafa, participated in the event “Heart Between Here and There,” a unique project promoting an exhibition created through the eye and lens of photographer Jutta Benzenberg, in collaboration with the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD) and GIZ Albania.
At the event, representatives from GIZ Albania, the European Union Delegation, and the National Agency of the Diaspora delivered remarks, highlighting the importance of interinstitutional cooperation and the role of the diaspora in the country’s sustainable development.
Also present were the protagonists of the project themselves—successful members of the Albanian diaspora—who shared their personal experiences and stories, reflected in around 16 portraits accompanied by authentic narratives. These stories build a sensitive bridge between belonging and the experience of migration, creating a strong connection between “here” and “there,” while reflecting the reality and emotions of living between two worlds.
The photographs, accompanied by symbolic objects of sentimental value for each individual, bring the audience closer to these personal stories, giving the project a more human and deeply moving dimension.
In her remarks, Ms. Xhafa emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with the diaspora and shared key messages emerging from the 4th Diaspora Summit, placing particular focus on success stories and the extraordinary potential that the Albanian diaspora represents for the country’s development.
The event was գնահատed as a highly valuable initiative that should continue and receive further support, while such visual and narrative materials can—and should—also become part of the communication efforts on the social media platforms of diaspora-related institutions.
The exhibition was particularly engaging and is open to all interested visitors at COD – Center for Openness and Dialogue.
