Albanian ambassador wins Global Fred Award in Beijing

H.E. Riza Poda, Albania’s ambassador plenipotentiary to China, received the Global Fred Award for Public Service Excellence at a Beijing forum on Sept. 15, 2026. The event brought together more than 100 diplomats, experts and business leaders to push cross-border cooperation in economy, trade and culture.

Why it matters: - The award puts a spotlight on Albania’s diplomatic role in China and its push to expand economic, cultural and policy ties with Asia. - The forum was designed to turn recognition into practical cooperation, with participants agreeing to several preliminary letters of intent. - The gathering brought together diplomats, academics, entrepreneurs and artists from multiple regions, underscoring the event’s cross-border reach.

What happened: - The Global Fred Award Ceremony & High-Level Forum on International Economy, Trade and Culture Cooperation was held on the afternoon of Sept. 15, 2026, at the Beijing Capital Club. - H.E. Riza Poda, Ambassador Plenipotentiary of Albania to China, received the Global Fred Award for Public Service Excellence from Canada Global Fred Award & Certification. - Poda also delivered a keynote speech titled “Opportunities for Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation with Albania.” - More than 100 diplomatic envoys, association leaders, experts, scholars, entrepreneurs and artists attended.

The details: - The award recognized Poda’s work in global public diplomacy and transnational collaboration. - The ceremony included a certificate, trophy and medal presentation. - Poda outlined Albania’s opportunities in energy transition, cultural tourism, infrastructure construction, agricultural processing and digital innovation. - He highlighted Albania’s geographical advantages, industrial foundation, investment potential and cultural features. - The forum focused on international economy, trade and culture cooperation. - Participants discussed cooperation opportunities and practical experience from their fields. - Several preliminary letters of intent for cooperation were reached during the forum. - The event was presented as a platform for multilateral cooperation and deeper integration across economy, trade and culture. - Other award recipients included H.E. Ahmed Mustafa Fahmy Hafez, Zoran Poposki, Professor Marcus Vinícius De Freitas, Wu Jianjun, Wu Zhuohao, and Mr. Qi Chong. - Dr. Ranko Škrbić and Paul Kallee-Grover sent video acceptance remarks. - Video congratulatory messages also came from Mr. Ernie Klassen and H.E. Sashko Nasev. - Additional attendees included diplomats from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Panama and the League of Arab States, along with representatives from Chinese organizations and businesses.

Between the lines: - The award functions as both a diplomatic honor and a networking mechanism for policymakers, educators and business leaders. - Poda’s speech framed Albania as a gateway for Chinese engagement in sectors that can attract investment and long-term collaboration. - The mix of attendees suggests the forum is meant to convert ceremonial recognition into a broader cooperation pipeline.

What's next: - Poda said he will continue expanding friendly cooperation between Albania and China. - Future efforts will target deeper links in economy, trade and culture, along with broader Eurasian multilateral collaboration. - The preliminary cooperation letters of intent point to follow-up discussions after the forum.