Fellows of 2024 – CDFellowship

Q: How can I apply?

In order to apply, you need to go to this link , fill out the application form, and submit the additional documents that are required.

Q: Where can I voice my questions and concerns that are not listed in the FAQ section?

You can contact us with further questions at: cdfellowship@rks-gov.net about the selection process.

Official Government website of The Republic of Kosova

Citizen Diplomacy
Fellowship

Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship

Meet the
Fellows!

Alban
Dafa

Alban Dafa is currently pursuing his DPhil in Area Studies (Middle East). His research focuses on understanding the Israeli national security threat perceptions stemming from anti-Zionism and their impact on contemporary Jewish identity. Specific strands within his research include Arab-Israeli relations, US-Israeli relations, and Israeli-Diaspora relations. More broadly, he is interested in exploring the challenges to the legitimisation and preservation of state power. Alban has also been working on EU enlargement policy in the Western Balkans and security sector reform in Albania and Kosova. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and of the University of Exeter where he completed his Master of Arts in Politics and International Relations of the Middle East as a Chevening scholar.

Anila
Rudi

Anila Rudi is a software engineer who specialized in financial technology at Northwestern Mutual, based in her hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With a Bachelor’s degree in I.T. as her educational foundation, she brings a robust understanding of software development to her role. Outside of her professional endeavors, Anila is actively involved in community initiatives aimed at promoting STEM education and empowering young women in tech, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional growth and innovation within the tech industry. Her passion for leveraging technology to enhance solutions is complemented by a proactive approach to problem-solving and a collaborative mindset. She is excited to embark on a transformative journey at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kosova, and hopes to bring innovative solutions to diplomatic challenges. She aims to deepen her understanding of international diplomacy and contribute to Kosova’s global engagement efforts, fostering meaningful connections and promoting mutual understanding on the global stage.

Ardiana
Shillova

Born in Prishtina, Ardiana resettled in Austin, Texas, in 1999 due to the war. Driven by her experiences, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Ardiana worked in various non-profits across healthcare, housing, education, and refugee resettlement, which led her to pursue social impact in for-profit settings incorporating a new, innovative perspective. Ardiana served as an inaugural board member of the Albanian Cultural Legacy Center in Austin, fostering community among the Albanian diaspora to meet community’s needs for connection. With a multicultural background spanning Europe and the US, she returned to Prishtina, committed to making an impact on the community, advancing growth and understanding, promoting intercultural exchange, and reconnecting with her homeland.

Ariana
Krasniqi

Ariana Krasniqi is a versatile professional with expertise in marketing, education, and content creation. Fluent in Albanian, Danish, German, and English, she holds a Master’s degree in Intercultural Market Studies from Copenhagen Business School and the University of Copenhagen, as well as a Bachelor’s in International Business Communication from the University of Southern Denmark. With over ten years of experience in multi-channel marketing across Danish, German, and British companies, Ariana has also worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Now based in Prishtina, Kosova, she creates impactful videos on Albanian history and politics while promoting Kosova to a global audience.

Ariana
Kukalaj

Ariana Kukalaj, born and raised in Vienna, Austria, graduated with a master’s degree in Linguistics and Education from the University of Vienna. She taught Italian and German in three high schools in Vienna, demonstrating her language expertise. Fluent in Albanian, German, English, and Italian, with passive knowledge of Spanish and Serbian, she is qualified to operate in multilingual environments. Her interest in diplomacy led her to an internship at the Austrian Embassy in Rome, where she handled political reporting, media monitoring, social media enhancement, and event representation. She prepared press reports, engaged in translation activities, and conducted research on various issues. In 2022, she worked at the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome. In this role, Ariana participated in meetings, negotiations, and committees, gaining experience in representing national positions and communicating effectively in UN bodies. Her involvement in the Committee on Forestry (COFO26) deepened her understanding of formal procedures in international organizations and coordination between EU and UN institutions. Through the CDF, she aims to bring her experience to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (MFAD), make a meaningful impact and enhance Kosova’s international image.

Belinda
Lahu

Belinda Lahu is a dedicated health science professional and researcher, poised to make a significant impact through the Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship. She earned an Honours Bachelor of Health Science in French from the University of Ottawa. In collaboration with Dr. Angel Foster, she conducted research on the experiences of women seeking abortion in the U.S. following Dobbs, focusing on Mississippi. This work contributed to the development of informed health policies. Belinda has worked as a Pharmacist Assistant and Medical Assistant, demonstrating skills in patient care, record management, and administrative support. Her efforts have ensured quality healthcare delivery and patient satisfaction. Passionate about the originAL program by Germin NGO, she participated in August 2024 and volunteered in April 2024, helping connect the Albanian diaspora to their roots. Fluent in English, Albanian, and French, Belinda is eager to engage in Kosova’s diplomatic initiatives. Through the fellowship, she aims to inspire others to embrace their culture and contribute to improving public health and healthcare policies.

Brigita
Zeneli

Brigitta Zeneli, a second-generation Albanian-Kosovar migrant born and raised in London, has always been deeply connected to her Albanian heritage. This profound connection has fueled her lifelong passion for exploring and comprehending Kosova’s rich history, culture, and politics beyond her personal experiences. Throughout her academic journey, which encompasses a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Criminology, as well as a Master’s in International Relations and Political Affairs, Brigitta has remained dedicated to challenging prevailing narratives surrounding Kosova in global discourse. She is driven by a fervent desire to learn about and amplify the rich history, culture, and untold stories of the Albanian-Kosovar people, ultimately aiming to contribute to efforts that secure Kosova’s rightful place in the international political sphere, particularly in relation to its role and history within the international sphere through a post-colonial lens. Brigitta is driven by a deep personal connection to Kosova, her homeland. Her passion to elevate Kosova’s global recognition inspires her to apply her academic and practical experience with cooperation of work experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to ensure the country’s immense potential is recognized worldwide.

Fehmi
Mehmeti

Fehmi Mehmeti, from Kosova, is currently a PhD candidate in International Relations at Ankara University, where his research focuses on the internal colonialism of Kosova during Yugoslavia’s national development. He holds a Master’s degree in Political History and International Relations from Marmara University, where he examined the construction of national identity in Kosova, and completed his bachelor’s degree at Istanbul University. Fehmi has studied and worked in multiple countries, including Turkey and Germany. As an Erasmus student at Heinrich Heine University, he gained valuable insights into media, politics, and society. His professional experience includes working as a long-term casual laborer with the FAO-UN in Istanbul and serving as the International Office Coordinator at a medical hospital. He also held the position of Vice President of the Albanian Student Union in Turkey. Fehmi is the recipient of the Turkey Scholarships and the Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund. Fluent in Albanian, English, and Turkish, with a basic understanding of Serbian, he brings strong communication, coordination, and cultural sensitivity skills to all his endeavors.

Doruntina
Aruqaj

Doruntina holds a First-Class Honours degree in Politics and International Relations from Queen Mary University of London and will begin her Master’s in European Politics at the University of Oxford in October 2025. Since 2022, she has gained versatile experience working as a researcher and editor in finance. Her professional journey includes serving as Senior Editor & Researcher at Croner-i, where she led the editorial process for Audit & Accounting content, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and providing actionable financial insights. Despite her experience in finance, Doruntina’s true passion lies in geopolitics, particularly issues concerning Kosova, reflecting her deep connection to her homeland. After completing her work with CDF, where she aims to gain invaluable insights into Kosova’s institutions, especially in the justice sector, Doruntina’s next goal is to represent Kosova at Oxford, blending her academic excellence, professional expertise, and strong commitment to her Albanian roots.

Drenusha
Hajdini

Drenusha Hajdini, born and raised in Lausanne, Switzerland, started her academic journey with a Bachelor in Political Science at the University of Lausanne. Driven by a strong interest in governance, she pursued a Master’s degree in Policy and Public Management at both the University of Lausanne and the University of Bern. She graduated in 2022 with distinction, receiving the Best Master’s Award. Fluent in French, Albanian, German, and English, Drenusha worked at the highest levels of the Swiss government. She spent two years at the Federal Chancellery, where she was responsible for preparing the Federal Council’s weekly meetings and drafting key government decisions. Her interest in Kosova grew during her Master’s thesis on public administration reforms in Kosova under the OECD/EU SIGMA programme. The quality of her research led to its publication as a book by the University of Lausanne. Drenusha is now eager to deepen her understanding of Kosova through hands-on experience with local institutions.

Drilon
Salijaj

Drilon Salijaj, 27 years old, holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public management and policy. He pursued these studies with the aim of understanding the functioning of institutions from a multidisciplinary perspective, enabling him to approach public policy through economic, legal, political, and managerial lenses. This academic background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the issues, opportunities, and interests of various stakeholders. Following a diverse career spanning culture, education, and social work, Drilon is now focused on a career in international relations. His internship at the Swiss Permanent Mission to the UN and international organizations in Geneva solidified this path, offering valuable insights into global conflicts, the causes of migration, and the mechanisms of international humanitarian aid. Driven by a strong commitment to contribute to the development of Kosova, he is eager to apply his experience and knowledge to support the country’s progress on the global stage.

Dua
Mati

Dua Mati, born and raised in London, holds a degree in Religion, Politics, and Society from the University of Leeds, where she developed a deep understanding of the socio-political dynamics that shape global perceptions, particularly regarding Kosova. Fluent in English, Albanian, Spanish, and French, and with experience teaching English in Spain, Dua is well-equipped to navigate multilingual environments and engage with diverse cultural contexts. Her internship at the Leadership and Growth Council of Kosova provided her with valuable hands-on experience, where she worked on strategic initiatives aimed at addressing the country’s developmental challenges and enhancing its global image. During this time, she gained firsthand insights into the importance of diplomacy, international collaboration, and media strategies in reshaping perceptions. Having spent every summer and winter in Kosova since childhood, Dua’s personal connection to the country fuels her passion for shifting the negative narratives surrounding Kosova. Through the Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship, she aims to leverage her academic background, language skills, and professional experience to advocate for Kosova on the international stage, promote its successes in areas such as cultural heritage, economic growth, and political stability, and ensure that Kosova’s true potential is recognised and respected in global discourse.

Erza
Gashi

Erza Gashi is a first-generation Albanian-American woman, born in Prishtina, Kosova, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where her family relocated in July 1999 following the war. She holds concurrent degrees in Biology and Global Health from Arizona State University and earned her Master of Public Health in Global Health from Brown University. During her graduate research, Erza worked closely with Action for Mothers and Children to examine the systemic and socio-cultural factors in Kosova that affect the provision of sexual and reproductive health services in both urban and rural public health clinics. Now serving as the Director of Health Education and Advocacy for F’Oda, an organization she co-founded alongside a group of Albanian women from the diaspora, she is dedicated to making concrete and meaningful contributions to the well-being and empowerment of young girls throughout Kosova. Inspired by her parents, Erza hopes to pursue a career in medicine and dedicate her life to the service of others.

Laurant
Osmani

Parisian in spirit and European at heart, Laurant Osmani embodies an insatiable curiosity for the world and its intricacies. Shaped by a rich dual heritage, he has lived in multiple cities, cultivating a cosmopolitan outlook nurtured by his travels and his deep-seated fascination for the Balkans. A polyglot, he is fluent in French and Albanian, speaks English and Italian with ease, and is presently acquainting himself with Serbo-Croatian. A graduate in political science from the University of Lille, he further enriched his academic journey through an exchange in international relations at the University of Naples Federico II and will be pursuing a master’s degree in the field next year. His commitment is rooted in the pressing causes of ecology and social justice, which he champions with both rigour and conviction. His professional path has led him through the institutions of France—from the Senat to the City of Lille—where he has honed a keen understanding of political dynamics and the nuances of public affairs. As President of the Kosovo Cultural Centre in Paris, he is devoted to fostering artistic and intellectual exchanges, firmly believing that culture serves as an invaluable bridge between nations. A violinist and a devoted patron of the arts, he cherishes elegance and refinement in artistic expression, seeing in them a testament to humanity’s depth and a conduit for dialogue between civilisations.

Naomi
Lamothe Berisha

Naomi Lamothe Berisha is a journalist with the Swedish Public Service Television (SVT), specializing in political news and foreign affairs. Born and raised in Sweden to an Albanian father and a French mother, she has also worked as a freelance journalist in France and Italy, covering a wide range of topics, from presidential elections to the energy crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Fluent in four languages—and steadily improving her Albanian—Naomi has embraced the journey of reconnecting with her father’s homeland. This experience has been both transformative and deeply meaningful, as it has allowed her to discover a profound sense of belonging. She is committed to contributing to the development of Kosova, a country she cherishes and holds close to her heart.

Nedime
Sinanaj

Nedime Sinanaj is a distinguished expert in psychology, politics, and educational training, with profound insight into the structural conditions of political power and participation. Her expertise has been particularly enriched through her work at UN Women and various political institutions in Germany. Born and raised in the multicultural city of Berlin, Nedime developed a deep desire to explore her heritage and better understand her Albanian roots. Kosova soon became a place where she not only nurtured her passion for writing but also deepened her Islamic faith. Through her impactful public performances as an author and speaker across Germany, Switzerland, England, and Kosova—encompassing spoken word presentations, readings, and workshops—Nedime inspires audiences to reflect on their identity, belonging and power. Holding a master’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Social Thought, along with extensive experience in international diplomacy and cultural collaboration, Nedime is dedicated to advancing cultural diplomacy. As a consultant and therapist, she empowers both individuals and institutions on their transformative journeys. In her role as a citizen diplomat, Nedime uses her writing to deepen her roots and illuminate the cultural tapestry of Kosova, offering profound perspectives on the interconnectedness and beauty of individuals, society, and culture.

Sabria
Grajcevci

Vergulla
Shqevi

Vergulla Shqevi, born and raised in Athens, completed her Bachelor’s in International Relations with a specialization in Security at the European University of Tirana. During her studies, she became actively involved in civil society initiatives in Kosovo, an experience that profoundly shaped her sense of belonging and inspired her to honor the stories of the people she encountered. Currently pursuing an MSc in the Politics of Conflicts, Rights, and Justice at SOAS, University of London, Vergulla’s research uses a mixed-methods approach to explore gaps in the literature on war crimes prosecution in Kosova, with a particular focus on the challenges Kosova faces in achieving justice and how these affect its foreign policy. Her academic interests are deeply intertwined with her passion for defense and intelligence, fields she is committed to understanding in order to contribute to more effective national and international security strategies. Vergulla’s deep connection to Kosova has been a consistent part of her life since childhood. She admires the country’s past, present, and future, and remains committed to advancing Kosova’s global recognition. Her goal is to highlight Kosova’s resilience, bravery, and compassion as a model of democratic values, while advocating for its success on the international stage.

Vesa
Sahatçiu

Vesa Sahatçiu was born and raised in Kosova until the age of 10 before moving to the United States. She holds a Master’s degree in Criminology from KU Leuven in Belgium and dual Bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and Criminology from the University of South Florida in the USA. Her passion for social justice and human rights advocacy was ignited by the 1999 conflict in Kosova, leading her to focus her academic research on atrocity prevention. Vesa co-founded an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking through education, reflecting her commitment to social entrepreneurship. She also interned at the Kosova Embassy in Brussels, contributing to diplomatic efforts with NATO. Through the Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship, Vesa aims to advance Kosova’s transitional justice initiatives, promote international cooperation, and address critical issues such as femicide. Her diverse experiences and unwavering dedication position her to make meaningful contributions to Kosova’s development on the global stage.

Violeta
Blakçori

Violeta Blakçori, born in Prishtina and originally from Podujeva, is 25 years old and currently lives in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” and earned a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from UNI-Universum International College, powered by Arizona State University. During her Master’s studies, she participated in an Erasmus exchange program at the University of Matej Bel in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, where she focused on International Relations and Diplomacy, and has been living there ever since. In Kosova, she worked for various NGOs, including YIHR-KS, Kosova Democratic Institute, and the Municipality of Podujevo, while in Slovakia, she has gained experience working for international companies and GLOBSEC.

Ylli
Kodza

Ylli Kodza was born and raised in France, driven by curiosity and a passion for discovering new things. With a strong interest in international policies and relations, he chose to pursue law despite an early fascination with design and automotive fields. He earned a Master’s degree in European and International Law (Master 2 European Legal Careers) from the University of Grenoble-Alpes, where he explored various EU policies and international issues throughout his academic journey. Ylli actively participated in a student association providing legal aid and gained professional experience working for a start-up focused on personal data, which captured his attention due to the growing challenges in data processing. Through the Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship Program, he aims to contribute positively to Kosovë’s influence and play an active role in its European integration. The program also offers an opportunity for him to enhance his skills and knowledge while deepening his connection to his parents’ homeland.

GET TO KNOW

Our Fellows

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Sed auctor turpis eu arcu sagittis, id sagittis justo suscipit.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed auctor turpis eu arcu sagittis, id sagittis justo suscipit.

apply HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions, please reach out through our email.

How can I apply?

In order to apply, you need to go to this link, fill out the application form, and submit the additional documents that are required.

Who can apply?

Be a member of the diaspora or of the Republic of Kosova, currently living outside the Republic of Kosova. Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience, supported by references, and motivation letters.

Do you provide financial aid?

Yes, each fellow receives a stipend to cover their expenses while living in Kosova.

Who selects the fellows?

The fellows will be selected by the selection committee, consisting of academics, representatives from MFAD, and members of civil society from Kosova and abroad/diaspora.

How are interviews conducted?

If you pass the first phase of the application process, you will be invited for an online interview, which will be conducted virtually through the online platform Zoom.

Is there a GPA requirement?

There are no GPA requirements to submit the application form, only a university degree and at least two years professional experience.

What languages do I need to know in order to apply?

It is required that the applicant be fluent in English. Preference will be given to applicants who are also fluent in other languages such as German, French, Spanish, Italian, etc.

Where can I voice my questions and concerns that are not listed in the FAQ section?

You can contact us with further questions at: [email protected] about the selection process.

Can I Appeal The Decision If I Have Been Rejected?

There is a period of five days after you have received a decision when you are allowed to appeal. All inquiries and appeals can be emailed at: [email protected]

What type of work does the fellowship consist of?

The fellows, upon commencement, will work on multiple outputs, with a focus on research and project deployment, in line with the objectives of the fellowship, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, and other line Ministries.

Will the fellowship consist of teamwork?

Yes, based on the scale of the project that you will focus on, and based on the profiles of the fellows, there will be team based projects where each fellow will have a specific role to it.

CONTACT

[email protected]

Rr. Luan Haradinaj, 1000
Prishtinë, Republika e Kosovës