After two years of operation Western Balkans Fund is reality, a growing, sustainable and visible organization, implementing its core objectives: created by the region and for the region
TIRANA – “Two years of our Fund, have been full of exiting moments, activities and actions that have confirmed Western Balkans Fund (WBF) as a leading actor in strengthening regional cooperation and good neighborly relations,” has said Dr. Gjergj Murra, the Executive Director General of WBF,.
Mr. Murra made that comment on Thursday in a reception which was organized on the occasion of the second anniversary of the creation of this organization as the 5th of September is the official anniversary of its establishment.
The Fund’s main objective is to boost cooperation between its members, to strengthen relations and regional cohesion, to advance integration into the European Union.
The second anniversary was celebrated in the presence of representatives from diplomatic missions, friends and close collaborators of the Fund who attended the reception.
“The Fund has managed to launch two Regional Calls for Projects, amounting around half million Euros, with 42 projects implemented, or in progress, and most important, has helped the creation of networks of cooperation between 2300 Civil Society Organizations, education and research institutions, cultural and sports associations, business and local elected bodies, etc. from all over the region. This means that, the WBF is contributing in supporting a new cooperation spirit between the people of our region, confident that it will grow stronger in the future,” said Mr. Murra in his greeting remarks.
Speaking of the challenges and expectations he noted that the path to regional cooperation had never been easy, especially in that beautiful region.
“We see regional cooperation as central to a stable and prosperous future for the Western Balkans – and we will do everything we can, to facilitate this long journey and at the same time stay positive and determined in our work. We have made huge progress. We will continue driving forward,” said Dr. Murra.
He said that he was proud to confirm that Western Balkans Fund today after two years of operation is reality, a growing, sustainable and visible organization, implementing its core objectives: created by the region and for the region. “Such commitment makes us all honored! And… we also practice what we preach!”
Further on, Dr. Murra extended thanks to the support and partnership in their effort to make the region a better place. “Special thanks go to the Visegrad Group and International Visegrad Fund, our direct partners and Godparents, great supporters of our establishment, small initial steps and today’s concrete operations,” he said. In addition he was grateful to the Peacenexus Foundation. “You believed in Western Balkans Fund right from the beginning, and have been great partners and mentors ever since.”
On the other hand, he thanked all the government’s and foreign mission’s representatives for all the shown interest and support towards the Fund. “Thank you partners from the civil society and to all the colleagues being here today. Thank you for being a significant part of this great adventure,” said Dr. Murra.
The WBF Executive Secretary, Gjergj Murra closed his greeting speech with the following pledge: “The path to regional cooperation has never been easy, especially in our beautiful region. We see regional cooperation as central to a stable and prosperous future for the Western Balkans- and we will do everything we can to facilitate this long journey and at the same time stay positive and determined to our work.”
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