Miami, FL / Tirana, Albania – September 21, 2026
Best Buddies International, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), proudly announces the launch of Best Buddies in Albania. This exciting expansion further strengthens Best Buddies' growing global network and brings its mission of friendship, inclusion, and opportunity to communities across Albania.
The launch is made possible through a partnership with Special Needs Albania (SNA), a Tirana-based organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities through vocational training, community engagement, and employment opportunities. Through its SNAP Atelier & Café initiative, Special Needs Albania has become a recognized advocate for inclusion and a champion of creating meaningful pathways to independence and participation for individuals with disabilities.
The initial phase of Best Buddies Albania will focus on implementing the Best Buddies Friendship and Jobs programs. These initiatives will create opportunities for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to build meaningful one-to-one friendships while also promoting workforce inclusion and employment opportunities. Together, Best Buddies International and Special Needs Albania aim to foster a more inclusive society where all people are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
“At Best Buddies, we believe friendship is the foundation of inclusion,” said Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “Launching in Albania is an exciting and meaningful step forward for our global movement. Through our partnership with Special Needs Albania, we are building a powerful platform for connection, dignity, and opportunity—and moving closer to a world where people of all abilities are valued and included everywhere.”
“We are thrilled to join forces with Best Buddies International to create new opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Albania”, shared Eljona Llangozi, Executive Director for Special Needs Albania. Together, we look forward to fostering friendships, expanding pathways to employment, and empowering individuals to live with greater independence, dignity, confidence, and belonging.”
Best Buddies International continues to expand its global movement by partnering with local leaders who share a commitment to inclusion and belonging. The launch of Best Buddies Albania represents an important step forward in advancing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the Western Balkans and beyond.
For more information about Best Buddies International and its global programs, please visit www.bestbuddies.org.
About Best Buddies
Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ 12 formal programs — Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living and Eunie’s Buddies— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 45 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly one million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
