PRESS RELEASE
Launching ceremony of the Money Week 2025

On 17 March 2025, the Global Money Week 2025 was launched at the Bank of Albania premises. Various raising awareness activities will take place throughout this week. This initiative is traditionally celebrated worldwide and brings together public and private institutions, national and international organizations. First and foremost, it unifies our common need and commitment to the financial education of younger generations.

Global Money Week (17-23 March 2025) would not be possible without the cooperation of public institutions, the banking sector and our national and international partners, such as the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Minister of State for Youth and Children, the Albanian Association of Banks, the World Bank, commercial banks. These partners help not only in the organization of this important campaign, but also in the implementation of the Bank of Albania's Strategy for Financial Education and Inclusion.

The Global Money Week, organized worldwide by OECD-INFE, aims to help children and young people develop a sound financial mindset. This year's slogan, "Think before you follow, wise money tomorrow!" -100 years of central banking in Albania!” conveys the necessity of making smart financial decisions for a sustainable future.

The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr Gent Sejko and the Chairman of the Albanian Association of Banks, Mr Bledar Shella, addressed the launching ceremony of the Money Week.

In his opening address, Governor Sejko stated that the Bank of Albania, in collaboration with the Albanian Association of Banks and the precious support of the Ministry of Education and Sports and other partners, has for many years organised educational and awareness-raising activities tailored for pre-university and university students.

Governor added that the year 2025 coincides with a historic moment for Albania, the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Bank of Albania, a unique moment to reflect on our economic and financial journey.

The establishment of the National Bank of Albania in 1925 marked the beginning of a new era in the Albanian financial system, laying the foundations for the national currency and providing stability in the payment process.

A correct understanding of Albania’s financial history will help young people make wise decisions in managing their finances and become active citizens in building a better national economy.

“I encourage all of you to actively participate, learn, challenge yourselves, and think about your financial future. The knowledge you gain today can be the foundation of your security and success tomorrow. The financial future of Albania begins with the decisions we make today, and you, the young people, are its main protagonists.”, - said Governor Sejko.

The first "Best Drawing" contest, targeted third graders to participate with the drawing of their imaginary banknote with the theme "100 years of the Bank of Albania, our central bank". More than 600 drawings were presented for competition, by 80 pupils of primary schools of which 10 winners were announced.

The second contest was on the "Best Project" for fourth graders with the theme "100 years of the Bank of Albania, our central bank!", where fourth graders, under the guidance of the teacher, compete by creating projects on the theme of the GMW (Global Money Week). In total, 70 projects were presented by 2300 pupils from 60 9-year schools in Albania.

The third contest was on “The best photo-montage”. Ninth graders of 9-year-schools were invited that either individually or in teams to elaborate on the message of the Money Week through images and captions. In total, 155 photo-montage were presented by pupils from 70 9-year-schools.

The fourth contest was for the "Best Video" on "Think before you follow, wise money tomorrow!" High school students were invited to transmit their messages in an original manner, on the theme, through a video no longer than 2 min. In total, 75 videos were presented by 100 students from 35 high schools in Albania.

The fifth contest was for the best essay on "-100 years of central banking: The path to stability and economic development". Students were invited to realize argumentative essays no longer than 1500 words, meeting the criteria of academic writing. In total, 8 videos were presented by students from 7 public and private high schools in Albania.

The Bank of Albania warmly congratulates and thanks all the students and teachers for their participation in the competitions organized on the occasion of Global Money Week 2025.