On 30–31 October 2026, the National Consultations of the Interreligious Council of Albania took place in Berat, bringing together members of the Executive Board, the Women’s Department and the Youth Department, as well as representatives of local religious communities. The event was organised with the support of Religions for Peace in cooperation with the Interreligious Council of Albania.
The consultations focused on strengthening interreligious cooperation in addressing social challenges and on the “Shared Sacred Flourishing” approach. Through reflections drawn from religious traditions, discussions and mixed-group work, participants explored the values of human dignity, compassion, responsibility and care for life, considering ways to translate these values into joint action.
The first day was devoted to exploring Berat’s religious and cultural heritage through visits to places of worship and religious communities, as well as the first training session and activities to help participants get to know one another. The city’s tradition of coexistence provided a starting point for reflection on interreligious relations and the responsibility to pass this heritage on to younger generations.
The second day opened with the Berat Interfaith Forum, which brought together religious leaders and representatives with representatives of public institutions and local civic life. The programme continued with national consultation sessions held throughout the day.
The thematic sessions explored the sacred worldviews of religious traditions and the concept of a “Shared Sacred Worldview”, while respecting the identity and distinctive characteristics of each faith. Particular attention was given to relationships with the Sacred, with other people, with society and with the Earth, and to how these relate to the mission and responsibilities of the Interreligious Council of Albania.
Sonila Rembeci, Mehmet Disha, Ana Bërbati, Ada Lushi and Sheldiana Jano Agaraj supported the moderation and facilitation of the sessions. The session on joint action in the Albanian context was led by Prof. Genti Kruja, President of Religions for Peace Europe and Secretary General of the Interreligious Council of Albania. Discussions focused on identifying challenges, analysing their causes and exploring opportunities to mobilise the resources of religious communities in service of the common good.
The group work highlighted issues concerning religious properties and places of worship, access to legal information for religious communities, education about religion in schools, and the understanding of secularism in relation to freedom of religion or belief. Participants proposed joint training with local institutions on matters concerning religious properties and places of worship, broader cooperation between the Interreligious Council of Albania and local communities, and joint human rights initiatives. They also emphasised respect for the traditions and practices of each faith, care for families and older people, solidarity with those in need, ethical communication and environmental protection.
The consultations built on the work initiated through the Training of Trainers on “Shared Sacred Flourishing”, held in Tirana in July 2026. They provided space for women and young people to engage in interreligious reflection and develop proposals for further cooperation.
The event concluded with participants’ reflections and the collection of recommendations, with the aim of translating interreligious dialogue into concrete initiatives for peace, education, social cohesion and care for the environment. All participants received certificates of participation at the close of the event.
