Dashnim Hebibi says ‘Preserving Language, Tradition, Free Speech, and the Connection to the Homeland – Our Strength as Albanians in the Diaspora’
In this interview, the well-known Albanian journalist, researcher, and activist Ph.D. Dashnim Hebibi speaks about the challenges of freedom of expression, preserving the Albanian language and tradition in the diaspora, academic projects, and his mission to build Albanian cultural institutions in Switzerland.
Interviewed by Angela Kosta
You have had a long career in professional journalism. In your view, how has freedom of expression changed recently, especially within Albanian communities abroad?
Freedom of expression for professional journalists remains an unchanging principle that is never negotiable. However, technological developments and social media have changed the way public speech circulates. Today, information spreads much faster, and for this reason, professional responsibility is even greater. In Albanian communities abroad, free speech is more present than ever, but the challenge remains in maintaining ethics and accuracy in reporting.
How did the idea to establish the Swiss Scientific Institute for Southeastern Europe originate, and what are its main goals?
The idea originated from a shared vision with the late pioneer of Albanian journalism, Ph.D. Llukman Halili. The initial goal was to create a scientific journal and later to establish an Albanian university in Switzerland. This project aims to create a sustainable academic center for the diaspora that will contribute to preserving the language, tradition, and connection to the homeland, passing this heritage from generation to generation.
You are the author of over 30 books. Which work do you consider most representative of your cultural mission?
It is difficult to single out just one book because all of my works are part of the same cultural and spiritual mission. Each book represents a stage of my engagement and an effort to document the experience of the diaspora and national values.
You have repeatedly emphasized the importance of the Albanian language as an element of identity for the diaspora. What are the main challenges today in preserving it?
The main challenge remains institutional organization and stronger cooperation between the home countries and the diaspora. Albania and Kosovo need more structured strategies to support Albanian-language education abroad. Preserving the language and tradition requires the joint effort of families, cultural associations, and state institutions. The diaspora is the artery connecting Albanians to the homeland, and we must invest in keeping this connection alive. History has proven this through various stages.
The “Lugina e Preshevës” Humanitarian Association is very active. Which project has been the most significant?
Among the association’s most meaningful projects are the publication of its comprehensive monograph and commemorative events for martyrs, which have preserved historical memory and national identity. Lugina e Preshevës deserves greater support economically, culturally, and diplomatically.
What role did Professor Sadete Presheva play in your personal and intellectual development?
Professor Sadete Presheva has been fundamental in my intellectual and creative development, alongside my mother Xhevahire, whom I feel close to even though she is not physically present. Her inspiration and dedication to knowledge continue to guide me in every cultural and creative endeavor.
How can the connection between young Albanians abroad and their cultural roots be strengthened?
This connection is strengthened through education, cultural institutions, and youth projects. My parents, Xhelali and Xhevahire, educated me never to forget my homeland and to pass it on from generation to generation. More cultural centers, libraries, and educational programs should be created to connect young people with Albanian history and tradition. The role of parents and the community is as crucial as the support from home countries to ensure a strong national identity. In Prishtina, we need a diaspora museum, which I have proposed, but unfortunately, there is no positive news yet—but I will not stop. I am not about noise, but about work and perseverance.
On February 5, you received the title of Ambassador of Peace and Free Speech in Italy. What does this mission mean to you today?
This title represents a great honor and a moral responsibility to continue promoting peace, dialogue, and free speech internationally. It motivates me to work even more in the service of culture, the community, and connecting Albanians with their homeland.
The Diaspora Library project is very ambitious. What stage is it at, and what impact is it expected to have?
The project is in development and aims to create a cultural and academic center for Albanians in the diaspora, where Albanian publications will be preserved and academic activities conducted. We need an Albanian university in Switzerland, and we are continuously working on this within the framework of the Swiss Scientific Institute for Southeastern Europe. The library is expected to have a significant impact in preserving cultural identity and strengthening the connection of younger generations with the language, tradition, and homeland.
How can your personal experience inspire young people to engage in culture and peace?
The best example is concrete work and dedication. Young people need to understand that engagement in culture, peace, and society begins with personal and family initiative, preserving language and traditions, and respecting one’s country and homeland. This engagement forms the foundation of community strength and our national identity.
Biography of Ph.D. Dashnim Hebibi
Ph.D. Dashnim Hebibi is a political science doctor, journalist, poet, publicist, moderator, and Albanian activist from Presheva, born on June 12, 1976, in Vranje, a historic Albanian town near Presheva. He grew up in an environment where national culture and tradition were a daily part of life, shaping his passion for the Albanian language, history, and identity from an early age.
From childhood, Hebibi stood out for his cultural and social engagement. As a high school student, he organized cultural and social activities for his community, promoting national values and the connection with the traditions of Albanians from the Presheva, Medvegjë, and Bujanoc regions. After completing primary and secondary education, he pursued higher studies at the Faculty of Journalism in Tirana (1995–1999). During this period, he wrote for various Albanian and international media, gaining extensive journalistic experience and building professional connections with prominent political and cultural figures.
He later completed postgraduate studies at the Diplomatic Academy and in Crisis Management in Tirana, finishing a Master’s in Diplomacy in 2011 at UEJL, Tetova. He also attended the International Academy of Criminology under Avi Bleier in Tel Aviv, Israel, specializing in security studies, crisis management, and international risk analysis.
In journalism, Hebibi has worked as diaspora editor at “Bota Sot,” correspondent for the Macedonian Television in Albanian, director of the Albanian Media Center, and editor-in-chief of media projects such as SAM24.info, AMC Press daily newspaper, Kosova e Re weekly, Plisi magazine, Dialogplus magazine, and currently leads the media center helveticALforum.ch. He is an Ambassador of Peace, has several scientific publications, and has organized numerous diaspora events. He serves as president of the “Lugina e Preshevës” Humanitarian Association and is recognized as the diaspora ambassador for Presheva, Bujanoc, and Medvegjë. He has authored over 30 literary and scholarly works and has conducted interviews with prominent Albanian and international political and cultural figures.
Hebibi is the founder and director of the Swiss Scientific Institute for Southeastern Europe, headquartered in Switzerland, promoting research, education, and the preservation of Albanian language and traditions abroad. He initiated the first Albanian library project in Switzerland (Zurich, 2002), creating a center for Albanian literature and culture, and has supported media, cultural, and educational projects for the Albanian diaspora in Switzerland.
In April 2011, Hebibi was nominated Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) in Italy, with special status in the UN Economic and Social Council.
He has been active in humanitarian and cultural fields, contributing to the preservation of national heritage and strengthening the diaspora’s connection with the homeland. He is married to Naime and has three children: Dea, Eda, and Adi. Hebibi lives in Switzerland, dedicating his life to preserving the Albanian language, national traditions, and identity in the diaspora while maintaining his friendship with Switzerland, which he considers his second homeland.
Several reprints and manuscripts including poetry, studies, and monographs on Albanian culture and diaspora.
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Angela Kosta is the Executive Director of the Magazines: MIRIADE, NUANCES ON THE PANORAMIC CANVAS, BRIDGES OF LITERATURE, journalist, poet, essayist, publisher, literary critic, editor, translator, promoter
