History

Ms. Lejdi Dervishi was reappointed on February 1, 2024, as the Director of the Coordination Center for Countering Violent Extremism, concurrently serving as the National Coordinator against Violent Extremism (ref. Prime Minister’s Order No.185, 31.10.2023). Prior to assuming this role, she held a series of important positions as Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Government of Albania. In her last governmental duty, she has held the position of Head of Cabinet of the State Minister and Chief-Negotiator for the integration of Albania to the European Union close to the Prime Minister’s Office in Albania (2023). In her previous capacities, she has contributed as advisor to the Minister of Interior (2022).

Mr. Denion Meidani served as the Director of the Coordination Center for Countering Violent Extremism at the Ministry of Interior, Tirana, during the period 22.06.2022 – 31.01.2024.Denion Meidani finished his higher education at Clark University in two majors subjects: Computer Science and Governance and International Relations. He holds a Master’s degree in Diplomacy with a focus on International Economics from the University of Malta, as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Italy.

Mrs. Dervishi has a vast professional knowledge of international and security affairs and speaks fluently four languages. She has attained three second-level Master’s degrees in the field of international and diplomatic relations, security and intelligence studies and European studies.Furthermore, her expertise is focused on issues related to Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization that leads to Terrorism (P/CVERLT) as well as the effect of geopolitical changes that violent extremism phenomenon may have, in particular with focus in the Western Balkans, NATO and MENA region (as well the rehabilitation of Former Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) and returnees from the conflict areas of Syria and Iraq.