The scientific conference “The Elderly Condition in the Balkans and Eastern Europe: Challenges and Opportunities” was held today at the Aula “Magna” of the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”.
The conference was organized under the auspices of the Rector of the Catholic University Prof. Leonardo Palombi and the Roman Academy of Public Health and hosted local and central authorities of the Republic of Albania, Italian public agencies, the partner University “Tor Vergata” of Rome and brought together famous local and foreign experts in the field of medicine, scientific research, social policies, demographics, as well as members of the Albanian Parliament, students, etc.
The president of the Foundation “Our Lady of Good Counsel”, fr. Ruggero Valentini, made the opening greetings od the conference stating that this international meeting held at the UKZKM is a contribution to concretely support the elderly. Fr. Ruggero Valentini said that nowadays, due to the development of our society, elderly parents feel abandoned, and this remains a challenge to overcome.
Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia said he is happy that his dream is coming true. He said that "When the first stone of this university was laid, I wanted this institution to become a point of union for Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Today this dream is becoming reality and the only perspective we must see is a united Europe.
he rector of the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel” illustrated in his scientific presentations the detailed studies with data that demonstrate that health services in the public health sector must be facilitated for the elderly, especially for those with physical disabilities. By creating a stable network of universities, it is also possible to unite research projects with the Roman Academy of Public Health.
The conference was especially welcomed by guests from many countries of the Balkans and Eastern Europe, transforming the meeting in Tirana into a joint engine of research and development.
With the delegation of the Ambassador of Italy, the Director of the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development, Mrs. Stefania Vizzaccaro made the greetings, appreciating the opportunities offered by this international conference to create spaces for communication and cooperation for the elderly.
The member of the European Parliament, Marco Tarquinio, gave the greetings during the conference.
The conference featured speeches by Deputy Minister of Health Denada Seferi, Director General of the Institute of Public Health Dr. Eugena Tomini, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Tirana Andi Seferi, who demonstrated how Albanian authorities are increasing vigilance towards the needs of elderly by creating protection mechanisms for them.
The conference analyzed in several panels the current conditions and the need for changes in the health systems of Albania, the Balkans and all Eastern Europe. The Charter on the rights of the elderly and the duties of the community to protect them from prejudice and exclusion was also presented.
The participants were welcomed for their participation also with the music of Albanian composers, performed by the talented violinist Lirza Zaloshnja.
The meeting was directed and moderated by Dr. Fabian Cenko, who coordinated the activities of this international meeting.
