Irena Xhafa is an Advisor to the Minister in Albania’s Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Business Climate. She is dedicated to shaping policies and strategies that cultivate an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation in Albania. She previously served as an Advisor to the Minister in Albania’s Ministry of Finance and Economy, where she ensured effective communication, coordination, and negotiation between Albania and international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Irena also previously served as Chief of Staff in the General Taxation Directorate of Albania. She leverages her analytical prowess and international experience to facilitate impactful partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders across both public and private sectors. Irena is fluent in both English and Italian and is proficient in negotiation and business planning.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Integrity Chronicles – Empowering Albanian Institutions and Society against Corruption through Storytelling

The project raises awareness about the impact of corruption on society and advocates for anti-corruption measures through compelling storytelling narratives. Animated short films will engage diverse audiences and deliver potent messages on corruption consequences.

Irena launched her project in September with her workshop titled "Corruption in the Current Context and Effective Mechanisms for its prevention," which gathered over 30 government officials to discuss the factors driving corruption and share national and international best practices for combating it. She established connections with Albania’s Ministry of Ministry of Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, the Anti-Corruption General Directorate, and the Coordinators of the Anti-Corruption Network in Albania. She plans to leverage these relationships to enhance efforts to address corruption at both institutional and grassroots levels. In October, Irena will begin producing animated short films on anti-corruption topics for public sharing. She believes the project “continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the dialogue around transparency and integrity in Albania, contributing to the broader fight against corruption both nationally and globally.”

"I am dedicated to combating corruption and fostering a climate of transparency, integrity, and sustainable growth for Albania and beyond." – Irena Xhafa

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Irena participated in the IVLP Project Global Economic Cooperation, organized by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning, in partnership with International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles, Global Ties Iowa, Global Ties KC, Global Ties Detroit, and Global Minnesota.

Irena’s exchange experience led to the development of her project: “Through my IVLP experience, I forged meaningful relationships with experts in the field, gaining insights into innovative strategies and best practices. I discovered that anti-corruption is a prerequisite in any country’s future economic development.”

U.S. Communities Visited

Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; Iowa City, IA; Kansas City, KS; Detroit, MI; Minneapolis, MN

Country: Albania

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