Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Ervin Ibrahimović delivered an opening remarks on the #LeadBalkans Conference, a Platform Gathering Over 100 Regional Le

The Regional Leaders of the Diaspora Forum was held from February 25 to 27, 2026, in Tirana, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the International Visegrad Fund (IVF). Over the course of its three-day program, the Forum served as a platform to initiate discussions on migration, diaspora, and demographic challenges in the Western Balkans.

The event brought together representatives of governments, academia, diaspora communities, and civil society to jointly explore ways to develop a network of young leaders and enhance regional cooperation through innovative, ethical, and inclusive approaches.

In his capacity as Chair of the Western Balkans Fund, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović officially opened the Forum, emphasizing that the diaspora represents one of the strongest bridges between the countries of the region, as well as an exceptional human, economic, and cultural potential. As he noted, the diaspora is not only a community living abroad, but also an ambassador of our cultures, an important partner in supporting development, and a key link between the region and the rest of the world.

A representative of the Ministry of Diaspora of Montenegro also took part in the working segment, noting that the diaspora is a key factor in economic resilience, demographic stability, and the country’s international visibility. In this context, he emphasized the need to shift from the concept of permanent return to a model of knowledge circulation, systematic mapping of the diaspora, and the inclusion of diaspora experts in innovation, science, and development policies. As it was outlined, cooperation with the diaspora remains at the top of Montenegro’s foreign policy agenda.