MJAFT is recognized with the UN International Award for Civil Society

MJAFT , the movement of the Albanian youth, has been honored on Wednesday (24 November) with the annual United Nations International Award for Civil Society. The ceremony was held during noontime in Vienna and with the participation of over 200 ambassadors and dignitaires of various countries, members of UN.

The MJAFT Movement was one of the candidates to receive this award, among many other organizations, associations, movements and NGO networks from all over the world. The selection took place in the last two months and until 2 weeks ago, the name of the organization which had won this award had not been made known.

The award was handed to the representatives of MJAFT by the Under-Secretary General of the UN Mr. Antonio Maria Costa, the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ursula Plassnik, as well as by the Mayor and Governor of Vienna Mr. Michael Häupl.

The UN Civil Society Award was given for the first time in 1997. Its laureates are well-known organizations from all over the world, which have played an important role in stimulating positive developments in the respective countries where they operate and where they have helped in establishing an image of hope for the nations which they represent.

One of MJAFT's strongest points - which made it the winner of the very competitive contest for the UN Award - was the accuracy by which the movement has criticized the destructive phenomena that today burden the conscience of the Albanian society such as corruption, illegal trafficking, the integrity of ruling authorities, etc.

Even this year the motivation of the award has been the same, and was given to the Albanians of MJAFT, as a sign of encouragement and recognition for all the efforts made by the Albanian people in building an active society, accompanied by constructive public debates and by active citizens who are willing to take over responsibilities.

On this unique occasion, the MJAFT Movement would like to thank and to consider as partakers of its merits in receiving this prestigious international award, all Albanians, its youth and students, volunteers and members, media and the Diaspora - all those who have supported through their efforts in accomplishing our common dream of a dignified Albania.

During the salutatory speech to the UN ambassadors, Mr. Arbjan Mazniku, representing MJAFT in Vienna, stated that: "today is a beautiful day to be an Albanian and I feel honored to receive this award on behalf of the MJAFT movement and on behalf of all the honest citizens of Albania - who are patiently fighting each day for more dignity, honesty and for chances to a better life. We promise to you and to them, that MJAFT will never cease seeking for justice and better opportunities for the lives of the Albanians. There are thousands of young people who wished to have been in my place here today, because it is their vision and energy that makes MJAFT a factor for change at home and a source of inspiration to other nations. Thus, do except all of our gratitude for recognizing a different face of Albania".

Under-Secretary General of the UN, Mr. Antonio Maria Costa stated that: " MJAFT! (meaning ENOUGH) is now the most understandable Albanian word at the international level, as a vivid sample of the fact that changes are possible".

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria, Mrs. Plassnik representing the country hosting the ceremony stated in referring to MJAFT that: " this young people should not only be
congratulated but further more they should be encouraged and supported continuously ahead of any obstacle".

The MJAFT Movement was founded in Tirana on March 15, 2003, initially as a campaign to raise awareness against the negative phenomena stifling the conscience of Albania such as corruption, poor public services, illegal trafficking, blood feuds and the malfunctioning of democracy.

MJAFT grew rapidly, turning into an important factor, subsequent to many successful actions that the movement undertook such as seeking raise of the education budget, a lowering of tariffs for telephone and electrical power services, more dignity and respect from state executives toward the dignity and the feelings of the citizens, protection of rights and interests of Albanian immigrants abroad, a better image of Albania in the world, etc.

For a while now MJAFT has encouraged sharp debates throughout the country and has generated discussions on a variety of topics, touching the interests of citizens, thus becoming all often the promoter of change to the status quo in many sectors of society, as acting as a positive role-model for change to the Albanian civil society itself.