Prishtina, June 15, 2026 – The fourth edition of the International Leadership Conference, organized by the Kosovo Leadership Foundation in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, James Madison University, KIVO, Trepharm, Albi Mall, and Kutia, brought together leaders from Kosovo, the region, and the United States to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, faith, family business, justice, and prosperity.
The conference was officially opened by Dr. Ahmet Shala, Founder of the Kosovo Leadership Foundation, and Arian Zeka, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo. In their remarks, they emphasized the importance of values-based leadership, international cooperation, and the role of entrepreneurship in advancing sustainable prosperity.
Keynote remarks were delivered by former President of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga, Mayor of Prishtina Përparim Rama, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kosovo Tunç Angılı, and Mayor of Vushtrri Ferit Idrizi. The opening session also featured Dr. Nick Langridge, Vice President of James Madison University, as keynote speaker on leadership in times of political, economic, and technological transformation.
The first session, “From Peace to Prosperity: The Role of Leadership & Entrepreneurship,” explored leadership during political and economic change in the AI era, ethical leadership, and lessons from post-conflict societies. The discussion featured keynote speaker Fatmir Besimi, alongside Enver Hoxhaj, Besnik Tahiri, and Dardan Sejdiu.
The conference then turned to Purpose-Driven Leadership, focusing on calling and vocation, values-based decision-making, integrity, and responsibility, with contributions from Ambassador Arben Çejko, Visar Ramajli, and Erol User, moderated by Mergim Prishtina.
The session on Justice, Truth & Lasting Peace addressed one of the most fundamental questions facing societies emerging from conflict: Can there be peace without justice? The discussion featured Nevenka Tromp, Shqipe Mehmeti Selimi and Cory Ruppersberger.
In the afternoon, participants explored Family Business & Prosperity: Building Sustainable Success Across Generations, discussing family constitutions, governance structures, succession planning, and the question of whether leaders should pass the baton or step aside to make room for others. The session brought together Michael Stoltzfus, Steve Leeolou, Marshall Pattie, Betim Humolli and Hakif Gashi, moderated by Arianit Fazliu.
The day concluded with a timely discussion on Energy & Security, examining the strategic relationship between energy resilience, economic development, and national security, featuring Dr. Anrie Dupuy, Daniel Alexander, and Burim Ejupi, moderated by Ilir Ibrahimi.
The Kosovo Leadership Foundation Conference demonstrated its role as a unique platform for fostering dialogue, strengthening international partnerships, and promoting leadership grounded in integrity, purpose, and service.