On April 15, 2026, at the “Rozafa” Library of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, University of Tirana, an academic and cultural event dedicated to intercultural dialogue through Confucius’ philosophy and the role of translation was held. The event brought together academics, researchers, and students, creating a valuable space for discussion on cultural exchanges between China and Albania, the challenges and importance of translating classical Chinese philosophical texts, as well as the relevance of Confucian thought in the contemporary world.
🎤 The event was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Prof. Dr. Esmeralda Kromidha, who emphasized the importance of intercultural dialogue and its role in strengthening communication and mutual understanding between cultures.
🎤 A special honor was the participation of Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Albania, Ms. Pang Chunxue, who highlighted the values of Confucian philosophy and its relevance in the contemporary world, presenting it as a bridging force between civilizations and a driver of intercultural understanding.
Furthermore, the valuable contributions of the invited speakers Mr. Benet Koleka, Mr. Iljaz Spahiu, and Prof. Dr. Gjergj Sinani enriched the discussion with their academic and cultural perspectives.
The presentations addressed the following topics:
- Mr. Benet Koleka – “Beyond the Written Word: Challenges in Translating Chinese Philosophical Classics into Albanian”;
- Mr. Ilir Spahiu – “Reading Confucius Today: Key Concepts and Contemporary Interpretations”;
- Prof. Dr. Gjergj Sinani – “Confucius and the Philosophy of Dialogue: A Comparative East–West Perspective”.
✨ The event served as a true bridge of communication between East and West, highlighting the role of translation as an essential tool for bringing cultures closer and fostering intercultural understanding.
The event concluded with the reading of selected passages from The Analects of Confucius by our students.
