Durrës, the Beating Heart of Albania and Kosovo

From Here a Historic Rotary Vision Is Born

Durrës at the Center of Rotary in Albania and Kosovo

At this historic moment, Durrës stands as the beating heart of Rotary in Albania and Kosovo,
the vital center of Rotary District 2485 and a point of convergence for an international vision capable of
uniting Europe through service, friendship, and cooperation.

A Historic Event for South-Eastern Europe

It was in Durrës, on February 14, 2026, that an event took shape which is destined to enter the
history of Rotary in South-Eastern Europe: the creation of a Multiple Twinning District, a
multilateral partnership among European Rotary Districts, developed within the framework of
Rotary International Zone 21B.

An International and Strategic Dimension

This initiative brought together countries from the Balkan area, Central Europe, and the Mediterranean, with
the significant participation of Austria, giving the event an even broader and more strategic dimension.

The Vision of District Governor Arben Dushi

The idea for the event originated from the insight of District Governor Arben Dushi, an
authentic expression of an entire District that participated collectively, with enthusiasm, competence, and
a strong spirit of service. This vision did not remain individual, but became the shared heritage of
Rotary District 2485 Albania and Kosovo, transforming into a concrete international project.

Durrës as a Living Symbol of Rotary Culture

Durrës was the base of the event and today represents not only an organizational venue, but the living symbol
of a Rotary cultural movement. Here, the Rotary Club Durrës and the
Rotary E-Club Durrës 24 work in full synergy, united in a single heartbeat, embodying a modern,
inclusive, and international Rotary spirit within the territory.

District Governors Endorsing the Multilateral Twinning

The institutional significance of the initiative is evidenced by the presence of the Rotary District
Governors, who officially endorsed and celebrated the multilateral twinning agreement:

• Ralf Peters – District Governor 1910, Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Julia Molnar – District Governor 1911, Hungary
• Olha Paliychuk – District Governor 2232, Ukraine
• Jan Bilek – District Governor 2240, Czech Republic and Slovakia
• Andrei Botez – District Governor 2241, Romania and Republic of Moldova
• Fuat Yalcin – District Governor 2420, Türkiye
• Stefanos Anastasopoulos – District Governor 2475, Greece
• Plamen Tsvetkov – District Governor 2482, Bulgaria
• Velisa Stamatovic – District Governor 2483, Serbia and Montenegro
• Arben Dushi – District Governor 2485, Albania and Kosovo

The Meaning of the Certificate of Recognition

The presentation of the Certificate of Recognition formally confirmed an agreement that goes
beyond symbolic value. It represents the concrete commitment of the participating Districts to collaborate
over time, sharing ideas, resources, and service projects for the benefit of their communities.

A Bridge Between Cultures and Nations

District Governor Arben Dushi is recognized not only for the original insight, but also for his ability to
engage the entire District, transforming Durrës into the focal point of a new Rotary season for
South-Eastern Europe. This achievement, realized for the first time in the history of Rotary in this area,
positions District 2485 as a bridge between cultures, nations, and visions.

Unite for Good: The Rotary Spirit of Durrës

Today, Durrës is not merely a host city. It is the symbol of a Rotary that unites, innovates, and looks
forward. A Rotary that beats as one in the heart of Albania and Kosovo, faithful to a shared ideal:
Unite for Good.