Tirana Hosts the Launch of the International Economics Olympiad: A Platform for Youth Education and Leadership
In a dynamic atmosphere with broad participation from representatives of academic institutions, the banking sector, and partner organizations, University Metropolitan Tirana organized the official launch ceremony of the International Economics Olympiad (IEO), an initiative that, for the first time, brings Albania onto the global stage of economic education for youth.
This activity marks an important step in efforts to improve the quality of economic education in the country and to build bridges of cooperation with international institutions. The Olympiad aims to identify, develop, and promote new talent in economics, finance, and business through an international competition with high academic standards. The event was opened by Dr. Blerina Dhrami, who emphasized the importance of involving young people in challenging and developmental activities like this Olympiad. Following her, Prof. Dr. Nikolla Civici, Rector of Metropolitan University of Tirana, in his welcoming speech stated:
“It is time for Albania to become part of international networks of economic education. The Olympiad is a golden opportunity for young people to challenge themselves on a global stage.”
He added that this initiative goes beyond a competition: it is an invitation for critical thinking, for deep engagement in global economic issues, and for creating a new generation of responsible leaders.
Academia and the Banking Sector: A Long-Term Development Partnership
During the panel discussions, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pjetër Ndreca, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics at UMT, offered an in-depth academic perspective on the impact of such platforms:
“International Olympiads are not just competitions. They are platforms for knowledge sharing, cultural interaction, and the creation of young economic thinkers. They strengthen young people’s analytical capacity and interdisciplinary skills.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Spiro Brumbulli, Secretary General of the Albanian Association of Banks, emphasized the role of the financial sector in this process:
“As the banking sector, we have a responsibility to invest in the education of the next generation. This Olympiad is an excellent opportunity to identify and support talents who may one day lead economic institutions.”
He added that a deep financial education from a young age is key to a more sustainable economy and more conscious citizens.
The importance of inter-institutional cooperation was also emphasized by representatives of other key partners. Ms. Matilda Andoni from the VIRTUS Training Center stated:
“Training and mentoring are essential for creating new leaders in the field of economics. Cooperation between the private sector and academia is the key to developing real and applicable market skills.”
The Olympiad Structure and International Participation
In the closing session, the organizers presented the structure of the Olympiad, which will be conducted in several stages: theoretical testing, problem-solving tasks, and creative presentations on the most current economic topics. Teams from high schools across the country are expected to participate, with the winners representing Albania in the international phase of the Olympiad. This project will serve as a new model for the development of educational policies that support critical thinking, real-world problem solving, and engagement with the labor market.
