16/06/2026
Day 1 of the Fourth International Leadership Conference brought together an exceptional gathering of leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, diplomats, and civil society representatives from Kosovo, the region, and the United States for a full day of dialogue on leadership, entrepreneurship, values, justice, family business, energy, and security.
We were honored to open the conference with remarks from Dr. Ahmet Shala and A***n Zeka, together with former President Atifete Jahjaga, Turkish Ambassador Tunç Angılı, Mayor of Prishtina Perparim Rama, and Mayor of Vushtrri Ferit Idrizi, Dr. Nick Langridge from James Madison University, Richard Lukaj and Michael Riedle.
The first session, âFrom Peace to Prosperity: The Role of Leadership & Entrepreneurship,â explored leadership during political and economic change in the AI era, ethical leadership, and lessons from post-conflict societies. The discussion featured keynote speaker, , Fatmir Besimi, Enver Hoxhaj, Besnik Tahiri, and Dardan Sejdiu.
The conference then turned to Purpose-Driven Leadership, focusing on calling and vocation, values-based decision-making, integrity, and responsibility, with contributions from Ambassador Arben Ăejko, Visar Ramajli, and Erol User, moderated by Mergim Prishtina.
The session on Justice, Truth & Lasting Peace addressed one of the most fundamental questions facing societies emerging from conflict: Can there be peace without justice? The discussion featured Nevenka Tromp, Shqipe Mehmeti Selimi and Cory Ruppersberger.
In the afternoon, participants explored Family Business & Prosperity: Building Sustainable Success Across Generations, discussing family constitutions, governance structures, succession planning, and the question of whether leaders should pass the baton or step aside to make room for others. The session brought together Michael Stoltzfus, Steve Leeolou, Marshall Pattie, Betim Humolli and Hakif Gashi, moderated by A***nit Fazliu.
The day concluded with a timely discussion on Energy & Security, examining the strategic relationship between energy resilience, economic development, and national security, featuring Dr. Anrie Dupuy, Daniel Alexander, and Burim Ejupi, moderated by Ilir Ibrahimi.
Few conferences bring together such a distinguished and diverse group of speakers and participants to discuss the leadership challenges and opportunities shaping our future. As we continue our journey from Peace to Prosperity, we look forward to another day of meaningful conversations, partnerships, and inspiration.