On Thursday, 13 July 2023, the University of Primorska and the InnoRenew CoE hosted Mrs. Armanda Begaj, the wife of the President of the Republic of Albania, who visited Slovenia. She was welcomed at the InnoRenew CoE by the Rector of the University of Primorska, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar and the Director of InnoRenew CoE, Prof. Dr. Andreja Kutnar.

The spouse of the President of the Republic of Albania was accompanied by representatives of both Republics – Mrs. Erjola Shia, Director of Legal Affairs, Mrs. Fatbardha Qazimi, spouse of the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Aleksej Skok, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Slovenia on Political Affairs, and Mrs. Renata Japelj Marmulaku, spouse of the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Albania.

The Director of the InnoRenew CoE gave the distinguished guest a tour of the wooden building and presented the projects and activities of the institute in the field of sustainable construction and all wood-related industries, highlighting, in particular, the newly established NEBAP Hub (New European Bauhaus Academy Pioneer Hub for Sustainable Built Environments with Renewable Materials) – the newly established university hub, focusing on sustainable built environments, which are regenerative and inclusive spaces that reduce environmental impacts through decarbonisation and have positive social and economic impacts, including on health and well-being, thus demonstrating the excellent collaboration between the university and the institute.

Ms. Amanda Begaj is an expert in the field of educational mathematics, information technology and has been working for the last two years as an Information Technology Specialist at the Financial Control Agency of the Republic of Albania. Therefore, the focus of the UP presentation was on the international involvement and cooperation between the University and the Republic of Albania – both in the field of project work and student exchange, with a particular focus on the field of mathematics. She was presented with the study programmes conducted in English and the important current projects of the UP.