A significant milestone was achieved with the establishment of the Regional Committee for Preventing Radicalization and Violent Extremism, signifying a proactive approach towards bolstering security measures. Ms. Lejdi Dervishi, the Director of the Coordination Center for Countering Violent Extremism, played an integral role in the forum titled “Cybersecurity and Coordinated Responses,” convened by the Institute for Activism and Social Change on March 20, 2024. Esteemed speakers including Ms. Ermonela Felaj Valikaj, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Ms. Jorida Tabaku, Chairwoman of the Committee for European Affairs, and Mr. Plarent Ndreca, rapporteur for cybersecurity legislation, offered valuable insights.

Throughout the discussions, the pivotal role of the Albanian Parliament in evaluating national strategies and fostering collaboration between public and private entities for effective crisis management was underscored. Emphasizing the imperative of strengthening human and financial resources, as well as safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms, was paramount to ensuring the well-being of all Albanian citizens.

The second panel featured distinguished figures such as Ms. Romina Kuko, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, and representatives from the Directorate at International Projects and Strategic Cybersecurity Development at AKCESK. Additionally, Ms. Lejdi Dervishi, serving as the National Coordinator and Director of the CVE Center, alongside Ms. Keti Luarasi, Deputy Mayor of Tirana, and Mr. Alban Tafa from the General Directorate of the State Police, provided invaluable contributions.

Ms. Dervishi articulated the Center’s mission to counter extremist propaganda on social media and mitigate online recruitment by promoting alternative narratives and positive messages. Stressing the importance of digitization for data collection and assessment, she reiterated the Center’s commitment to preventing various forms of terrorist activities and supporting the reintegration of radicalized individuals through comprehensive institutional approaches.

Addressing the critical role of civil society in fostering civic resilience, Ms. Dervishi underscored the significance of local, national, and international collaboration in executing effective interventions. The forum also featured discussions on the study “On Cybersecurity and Coordinated Responses” by the Institute for Activism and Social Change, highlighting the imperative for institutional awareness and proactive measures to ensure cybersecurity and mitigate societal repercussions of cyber threats.

Organized as part of the Small Grants Program by the Democracy Commission of the U.S. Embassy in Tirana, this gathering served as a platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration towards enhancing cybersecurity and countering violent extremism at both national and international levels.