Bridging Borders: My Journey to Tirana Digital Nomad Festival 2024
From November 18 to 22, 2024, the heart of Tirana pulsed with creativity, innovation, and connection as the Digital Nomad Festival 2024 unfolded at the iconic Pyramid of Tirana. Organized by the Municipality of Tirana, this transformative event brought together an eclectic mix of digital nomads, tech enthusiasts, and creative professionals to explore the future of work and innovation in a rapidly globalizing world.
With its mission to foster collaboration and empower individuals to embrace the digital frontier, the festival has become a vital platform in Tirana. It was attended by distinguished figures like Arbjan Mazniku, Minister of State for Local Government; Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate; Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation; and Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana. Their presence underscored the importance of this gathering, not only for Albania but for the region’s vision of a digitally inclusive and economically vibrant future.
What made the festival remarkable was its ability to bring together speakers and attendees from across the EU and beyond. Ideas flowed freely, fueled by a shared commitment to reimagining the digital workplace and exploring how technology can connect us, no matter where we are in the world.
Returning to the Balkans: A Personal Journey
For me, the Tirana Digital Nomad Festival was not just a speaking engagement; it was a homecoming of sorts. Born and raised in North-Macedonia, I moved to Oslo, Norway, eight years ago to study Universal Design of ICT. Since then, my journey has taken me across borders, scaling disability innovations or helping businesses create digital experiences that are accessible to all. Yet, coming back to Albania as a speaker at an event of this magnitude felt profoundly meaningful.
My invitation came through the diaspora network, a bridge that connects professionals like me who live abroad with opportunities to contribute back to our homelands and keep the ties alive. This connection added a deeper layer of purpose to my trip. It wasn’t just about sharing knowledge; it was about giving back to a region that shaped who I am.
Walking through Tirana’s streets, adorned with Albanian flags and festive decorations in anticipation of Independence Day, I felt a profound sense of connection. The vibrant atmosphere was further amplified by the buzz of Albania’s football matches taking place during those days, uniting the city in celebration. Seeing the Pyramid transformed into a symbol of creativity amidst this energy, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and responsibility.
My Presentation: Universal Design for a Better Digital Future
Standing before a diverse audience in the Pyramid, I had the chance to share my thoughts on universal design — a philosophy that has guided much of my work. I began by confessing something: when I first started studying universal design in Norway, I didn’t fully grasp its scope. My early lectures were filled with discussions about accessibility challenges — visual, motoric, cognitive. It wasn’t until later that I realized universal design is about much more than addressing disabilities. It’s about designing for everyone by embracing human diversity.
To drive this point home, I shared some statistics. Globally, 1 billion people live with some form of disability, and businesses that prioritize accessibility see a significant increase in revenue and profits. These figures aren’t just numbers; they’re a call to action. Universal design isn’t just good ethics; it’s good business.
My presentation was a journey through stories and examples. I spoke about the 1950s U.S. Air Force cockpit design, where engineers discovered that designing for the “average pilot” didn’t work—because the average didn’t exist. The solution? Adjustable cockpits that accommodated everyone, a principle that mirrors the essence of universal design.
I also showcased real-world examples, like accessible building entrances and structured website headings, and explained why these seemingly small changes make a big difference. From video captions to responsive design, I emphasized that universal design isn’t a checklist — it’s a mindset. It’s about starting with inclusivity in mind and involving the most extreme users from the beginning. If a solution works for someone with significant challenges, it will undoubtedly work for everyone else.
Given the festival’s focus on digital nomads, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to highlight tools like Squarespace, which empower remote workers to create accessible, visually stunning websites. For anyone considering a career as a digital nomad, mastering such tools can be a game-changer.
A Festival of Connections and Possibilities
The Tirana Digital Nomad Festival wasn’t just a platform to share ideas; it was a space to build connections. I met entrepreneurs eager to explore how universal design could transform their businesses, public officials interested in bringing these principles to Albania’s infrastructure, and creative professionals looking for ways to make their work more accessible and usable.
As I wrapped up my time in Tirana, I felt optimistic about the conversations we started and the potential they hold for the region. Universal design isn’t just about creating accessible websites or spaces; it’s about fostering a mindset that values equity, innovation, and inclusivity. The festival provided the perfect stage to amplify this message, and I’m excited to see how these ideas take root and grow.
Looking Ahead
Returning to Albania for this event was more than a professional milestone; it was a deeply personal experience. The Tirana Digital Nomad Festival 2024 showcased the region’s potential as a hub for innovation and inclusivity.
For me, it was a reminder that universal design isn’t just a concept, it’s a commitment to making the world a better place for everyone. And it starts with events like these, where ideas meet action and communities come together to create something extraordinary.
Day 3 - Creative Technologies
