We are the Albanian Institute for Activism and Social Change—a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded on the conviction that inclusive, empathetic, and resilient societies are essential in combating social polarization and fostering human dignity. We believe in the fundamental right of individuals to make decisions about their lives, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Our vision is to cultivate a society that is open, informed, engaged, and responsible in addressing local and regional challenges. We actively strive to create a community where cultural, ethnic, racial, and other differences enrich our collective experience rather than sow discord.

We carefully determine our areas of focus based on the urgency of social issues and our capacity to effect meaningful change. While we recognize that we cannot be everywhere, we are committed to ensuring that our efforts yield tangible results.

Our work responds to the real needs of local communities, empowering individuals who face barriers to truth and justice, while also monitoring institutions for accountability and transparency. We are dedicated to helping people overcome social exclusion.

Our organization draws upon the lessons of our nation’s 20th-century experiences, aiming to provide support during times of totalitarianism and transition. Just as the free world once aided the struggle for liberation in former communist states, we stand in solidarity with those who engage in dialogue and critique of power, advocating for the observance of fundamental human rights and the pursuit of more open societies. We firmly believe that a vibrant civil society is crucial for effective governance in emerging democracies.

Through dedicated social work grounded in mutual respect and responsibility, we assist individuals living in social exclusion in Albania. We collaborate with them to address their challenges, with a particular emphasis on empowering youth to enhance their prospects and build resilience against societal issues. We also confront structural challenges, including social neglect, discrimination, trans generational trauma, violence, labor market exclusion, and disparities in health and education.

Our efforts aim to nurture free and responsible individuals who navigate the complexities of contemporary life with openness and critical thinking, actively shaping the social landscape. We engage deeply with the experiences of those we serve, addressing structural themes such as sustainable development, the pursuit of freedom and human rights, social inequality, and the status of marginalized groups, while integrating considerations of gender and climate change.

We believe that in achieving our freedom after decades of oppression and isolation, we embraced a shared responsibility. Ignoring distant injustices is as shortsighted as forgetting our own past. Thus, we are committed to building our profile, engaging in meaningful work, and inspiring both the public and institutions to take collective action

IANS comes with a team of well known experts in the field of human rights that has been able to articulate its priority strategic pillars:

  • Advocacy and Research:
    • Develop pro-active approach to embed intercultural dialogue policies at the local and national levels based on gathering of empirical data and platform for media dialogue.
  • Youth Voice and Exchange:
    • Create opportunities for youth-led dialogue that generates alternative narratives, and provides next generations with the skills to build together more open, resilient communities.
  • Intercultural Learning and local powers:
    • Enhance, embed and multiply intercultural dialogue capabilities of the different actors at local, national and cross-national level, with strategic focus on broadening intercultural learning
  • Networking and Cooperation:
    • Facilitate collaborations and partnerships, map priority areas of intervention and synergies among dialogue actors, and support collective visible actions.
    • Since our founding, IANS has evolved into a dynamic national organization focused on achieving results and making a tangible impact. We are willing to take risks and are grounded in values that have remained fundamentally unchanged since our inception. We strive to remain close to those with whom and for whom we work, ensuring we are useful and respectful while confidently overcoming challenges and perceiving issues holistically to approach solutions effectively. We wish to retain the energy and idealism of our early days and existing professional backgrounds, along with the creativity, common sense, and integrity of our efforts, all while building professional capacities through collaboration with individuals of profound expertise and experience.