Ferdinand Hoxha, speaking at the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana, emphasized the central role of the Albanian diaspora and the importance of preserving the Albanian language as a core element of national identity.
He described the language as the “DNA of our identity,” highlighting it as memory, continuity, and the foundation of Albanian nationhood.
“The Albanian language is our DNA, it is memory, identity and continuity. Efforts for the language are efforts to remain ourselves.”
Hoxha stressed that responsibility for protecting and strengthening the language lies with Albanians themselves, especially at a time when communities are more educated and globally connected than ever.
He also referenced the demands of Albanian students in North Macedonia for greater rights in their mother tongue, describing them as legitimate.
A significant part of his speech was dedicated to teachers, volunteers, and diaspora organizations that work to preserve the language abroad, calling for stronger institutional support from the Albanian government.
He further stated that Albania aims to ensure the Albanian language, as part of the Indo-European family, receives its rightful place within the European space.
The summit gathered representatives from 38 countries, turning Tirana into a shared “home” for Albanians worldwide.
