Global Money Week 2025 kicks off with the awards ceremony
On March 17, 2025, the opening ceremony of Global Money Week 2025 was held to raise awareness about financial education and personal finance management skills among young people. During the ceremony, speeches were delivered by representatives of the Bank of Albania and the Albanian Association of Banks, highlighting the importance of this initiative.
Global Money Week will continue with a series of educational and awareness-raising activities, including lectures, visits, competitions, and events for children and young people across the country.
In his welcoming speech, Governor Gent Sejko stated that the Bank of Albania, in collaboration with the Albanian Association of Banks and with the support of the Ministry of Education and Sports, as well as other partners, has organized educational and awareness-raising activities over the years for students in both pre-university and university education. He added that 2025 marks a historic milestone for Albania, the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Bank of Albani, an extraordinary moment to reflect on the country’s economic and financial journey.
The AAB Chairman, Mr. Bledar Shella, emphasized the importance of continuing this initiative, which has now entered its eleventh year. Financial education, as a crucial matter, has brought together the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Minister of State for Youth and Children, and an increasing number of institutions that are interested and actively collaborating in financial education efforts.
As part of this week, five competitions were organized with the participation of students from across Albania. Contestants had the opportunity to express their creativity and financial knowledge through various formats:
- Best Drawing Contest – Supported by Banka Kombëtare Tregtare (BKT), this contest invited third-grade students to design an imaginary banknote themed “100 Years of the Bank of Albania, Our Central Bank.” Over 600 drawings from 80 elementary schools were submitted, and 10 winners were announced.
- Best Project Contest – Sponsored by Credins Bank, this competition involved fourth-grade students who, under the guidance of their teachers, developed projects related to the theme of Global Money Week. Around 2,300 students from 60 schools submitted 70 projects.
- Best Photomontage Contest – Supported by Raiffeisen Bank, eighth-grade students created photomontages based on the theme of Global Money Week. A total of 155 works from 70 schools were submitted.
- Best Video Contest – Sponsored by Union Bank, this competition engaged high school students in producing videos of up to two minutes on the theme “Follow Wisely, Prosper in the Future!” A total of 75 videos from 100 students across 35 schools were submitted.
- Best Essay Contest – Supported by Tirana Bank, this competition was open to university students who presented argumentative essays on the topic “100 Years of the Central Bank in Albania: The Path to Stability and Economic Development.” A total of 8 essays were submitted by students from 7 public and private universities.
Participants and contest winners were awarded certificates and symbolic prizes. Union Bank also provided all contest participants with a free Junior Card, reinforcing its commitment to youth financial education.
AAB extends its gratitude to all participants and institutions involved in organizing Global Money Week 2025 and remains committed to supporting future initiatives that promote financial education.
