Five personalities are honored with the title "Doctor Honoris Causa"!
On 6–7 May 2026, Tirana was selected to host the opening session of the World Law Congress, one of the most important global forums in the field of law and democratic institutions. In this context, a joint solemn ceremony was held, during which four Albanian universities, the University of Tirana, the Polytechnic University of Tirana, the University of Arts and the Mediterranean University, awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to five distinguished international personalities.
This joint institutional act represents an important moment of reflection on the role of higher education in society. As emphasized by the Rector of the University of Tirana, Prof. Dr. Artan Hoxha, also President of the Rectors' Conference, this initiative expresses a clear academic responsibility: the recognition and promotion of intellectual models that contribute to the strengthening of institutions and the consolidation of democratic values. Universities, in this sense, are not only bearers of knowledge, but also guarantors of the principles on which a modern state is built.
The honored personalities, Javier Cremades, Ricardo Hausmann, José Luis Manzano, Andi Hoxhaj and José Manuel Ciria, represent diverse fields such as justice, economics, public policy, academia and the arts. However, what unites them is their enduring contribution to the promotion of scientific, legal and human values, which constitute the foundation of contemporary democratic societies.
In particular, the University of Tirana honored with this title two prominent figures: the Spanish jurist Javier Cremades García, President of the World Jurist Association, known for his commitment to the defense of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, and Prof. Dr. Ricardo Hausmann, an economist with international reputation and Director of the Harvard Growth Lab at Harvard's Kennedy School. His contribution to the drafting of economic development strategies in over 30 countries, including Albania, constitutes an important reference in modern development policies.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, praised Hausmann not only as an outstanding academic, but also as a mentor and visionary, who has contributed to fostering a new culture of thought on development and the future. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of believing in Albania's potential and in the ability to build the future through ideas, vision and shared commitment.
This activity marks not only a ceremonial moment, but also an affirmation of the role of Albanian universities as active actors in international academic and institutional dialogue.
