Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, along with his Italian counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Angelino Alfano and the UN Women organization took part in the side-event "Mediterranean Women Mediators Network - From Paper to Practice". Ministers took advantage of the UN General Assembly's session in New York to organize this meeting, which anticipated the launching of the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network in Rome, at the end of October 2017.

Italian Foreign Minister, UN Women Deputy President as well as Secretary-General's Senior Advisor stressed the importance of women's participation in mediation processes with the conviction that peace efforts need everyone's contribution, especially of women, given their central role in the family and society. They noted that the partnership for peace through various mediation networks is indispensable to overcoming the challenges the world and in particular the Mediterranean regions are facing today. The speakers outlined concrete ways on how women mediator networks will contribute to peace and security at national, regional and international level.

Minister Bushati highlighted Albania's support for creating the network. He praised the important role of these mediation networks especially in those regions where women are protagonists. In compliance with UNSC resolutions on strengthening the role of women in society in resolving conflicts, the Albanian Minister underlined the irreplaceable role of women in overcoming a series of challenges that the Mediterranean region faces today. Referring to the position of women in the Albanian society, Bushati voiced that their participation in leadership levels has been increasing and today they are represented by about 30% in parliament, 50% in the Government cabinet, 45% in the public administration, 25% in leading positions in diplomacy, etc. Minister Bushati confirmed that women from Albania will be part of the network and will be committed to the success of the initiative.

In New York, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati also held a meeting with the Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), David Harris and members of the organization.

Minister Bushati briefed on the priorities of the new government, on the latest developments in the relations between Albania and Israel and stressed the need to use all ways and means to further strengthen them. “The expansion of economic relations to encourage the presence of Israeli business in Albania is of paramount importance”, Bushati underscored. He also made an overview of the progress of the European integration process and relations with the United States of America.

Minister Bushati responded to the interest of the participants on the reform process in Albania, on plans to strengthen education and mentioned the continuous efforts work and care carried out to maintain harmony and strengthen respect among religions in the country. Minister Bushati also informed on Government projects for a closer cooperation with the Albanian Diaspora communities and exchanged views on Israel's experience in this regard.

Representatives of the AJC once again highly valued the important role of the Albanian people in protecting the Jews in Albania during the Second World War.