Tuesday March 28th, 2023

19:00 - Pre-conference VIP dinner for sponsors & industry leaders at Equos Resort (BY INVITATION ONLY)

Wednesday March 29th 2023 -  Rogner Hotel, Tirana, Albania

8:00-9:30 - Registration

9:30-11:00 - Opening Session and Introductory Remarks

• Opening remarks by Professor Dr. Ahmet Oztas, Conference Chair, Rector of EPOKA University, Albania 
• Welcome remarks by Almira Xhembulla, Deputy Minister of Tourism and the Environment, Albania
• Welcome remarks by Anuela Ristani, Deputy Mayor of Tirana, Albania
• Welcome remarks by representative of the Albanian Academy of Sciences, Conference partner
• Welcome remarks by Mr. Enio Jaco, President, American Chamber of Commerce of Albania and CEO, Creative Business Solution
• Welcome remarks by Mr. Alessandro D'Oria, CEO, Intesa SanPaolo Bank-Albania 
• Welcome remarks by Professor Dr. Sunil Maharaj, President of GEDC and Vice-President of University of Pretoria, South Africa, Conference partner
• Welcome remarks by Dr. Hans Hoyer, Executive Secretary, IFEES and GEDC and international co-chair of the 2023 Conference
• Welcome remarks by David Lock, General Secretary, Magna Charta Observatory, Italy, Conference partner
• Welcome remarks, by Professor Dr. Nikola Jankulovski, Rector of St. Cyril & Methodius, North Macedonia, Conference partner

11:00-11:30 - Coffee Break

11:30- 13:00 - Keynote Addresses by Industry Leaders

• Keynote address by Dr. Michael Milligan, President of ABET Engineering Accreditor, USA
• Keynote address by Ardiana Sokoli, Vice-President and Board Member of Balfin Group, Albania
• Keynote address by Paul Gilbert, CEO of Quanser (Engineering Education Technology), Canada
• Keynote address by Kadri Morinaj, President of EUROSIG Insurance Company, Albania

13:00-14:00 - Lunch and Keynote Remarks

• Keynote remarks by Ledia Telhai, CEO, Real Estate and Hospitality Division, Balfin Group, Albania on "30 years of engagement in Albania"

14:00-15:30 - Academic Leaderership Roundtable Discussion: “The University’s Role in Regional Development during Challenging Times” (Moderator: Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gjana, Chairman of the Board, Western Balkans University)

• Professor Dr. Michael Murphy, President, European Universities Association, Belgium
• Professor Dr. Sunil Maharaj, Chair of GEDC and Vice-President, Universit of Pretoria, South Africa
• Professor Dr. Nikola Jankulovski, Rector of St. Cyril & Methodius University, North Macedonia
• David Lock, Secretary General, Magna Charta Observatory
• Professor Dr. Yannis Yortsos, Dean, University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering, USA

15:30-16:00 - Coffee Break

16:00-17:15 - Higher Education Perspectives: (Moderator: Prof. Dr. Sokol Dervishi, Dean, Faculty of Architecture and Engineering, EPOKA University)

• Professor Dr. Zoran Cekic, Dean, Faculty of Polytechnics, University of Donja Gorica, Montenegro
• Ada Ramaj, National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Office for Albania
• Albania Academy of Sciences
• Professor Dr. Ossama Salem, Chair, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, George Mason University, USA 
• Dr. Hans Hoyer, Executive Secretary, GEDS & IFEES

17:15-18:00 - Innovation and Development in Albania: Mr. Emanuel Salinas, Country Manager, World Bank, Albania Greetings from GEDC Corporate Partner, Mr. Xavier Fouger, Dassault Systemes, Franc

18:00-19:00 - Industry Posters & Presentations

19:00-21:00 - Gala Dinner at Piazza Restaurant Remarks by Kadri Morinaj, President, EUROSIG and sponsor of Piazza gala dinner

Thursday March 30th, 2023 - EPOKA University Campus, Tirana, Albania

8:30-9:30 - Conference activities at Epoka University

Transportation to EPOKA University (meet outside Rogner Hotel)

9:30-10:45 - Concurrent sessions

• Panel 1 - Emerging Discourses: Architecture and Urban Planning in the Western Balkans – Moderator: Prof. Dr. Sokol Dervish
• Panel 2 - Civil Engineering Perspectives and Improving Infrastructure in the Western Balkans – Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mirjam Ndin
• Workshop 1 -Magna Charta Observatory: Fundamental Values as the basis of a reliable social contract with civil society – Workshop leader: David Lock
• Workshop 2 - Modern Engineering Experience for Europe – Workshop leader: Paul Gilbert, CEO, Quanser, Canada 

10:45-11:15 - Coffee Break

11:15 -12:30 - Concurrent sessions

• Panel 3 – Emerging Computer Engineering Trends and Western Balkan Development – moderator: Prof. Dr. Betim Cic
• Panel 4 – Economics and Sustainable Development in the Western Balkans – (Moderator: Dr. Mirela Alhassani)
• Workshop 3 –ABET workshop on key issues surrounding accreditation in engineering – Workshop leader: Michael Milligan, President, ABET
   

12:30-13:45 - Conference Closing, Awards and Recognitions 

• Awards
• Closing Remarks 

13:45-14:45 - Lunch at campus

15:00-18:30 - Tour of Durres - (transportation leaves at 15:00)