Albania has been selected to host the international International Girls in ICT Day 2026, a global initiative of the International Telecommunication Union aimed at promoting the inclusion of girls and women in information and communication technologies.
In this context, the National Cyber Security Authority, in cooperation with ITU, is organizing in Tirana an event under the theme “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” with the participation of representatives from national and international institutions, partner organizations, and the academic community.
During the opening ceremony, the Director General of the National Cyber Security Authority, Bledar Kazia, emphasized the fundamental role of human capital in the digital era, underlining that security is not merely a function of technology, but the result of the people who lead it. He highlighted that an ecosystem that does not fully include girls and young women remains inherently incomplete and, consequently, less secure, while inclusion is a prerequisite for sustainability, innovation, and real security.
In the same vein, Albania’s Deputy Prime Minister, Albana Koçiu, stressed that true progress in the digital age is not solely a matter of algorithms, but above all a matter of access and equal opportunities. She noted that Albania is advancing rapidly in its digital transformation and, through the Albania 2030 vision and the implementation of the Digital Agenda 2022–2026, is placing girls at the center of this transformation by ensuring equal access and benefits, increasing participation in STEM, and investing in digital skills.
She further added that the success of this progress is also reflected in the achievements of Albanian girls and women on the international stage, mentioning prominent figures such as Mira Murati, and reaffirmed the commitment to create more opportunities for every girl aspiring to lead the industries of the future.
For his part, the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at ITU, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, highlighted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is already a reality, and that the choice lies between being passive participants or active contributors in shaping it. He underscored the importance of empowering girls to actively engage in this transformation, noting that when girls shape the digital future, their impact goes beyond technology and transforms society itself.
The event is being held as part of this year’s international celebrations, co-organized by Albania in collaboration with Brazil, reflecting the global dimension of this initiative and the importance of international cooperation.
The program includes high-level discussions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and gender inclusion in technology, as well as a hybrid international session between Albania and Brazil.
