Meet our Ambassadors – Aureliano Ulndreaj

Aureliano comes from Tropoja, a region in Northern Albania which at first sight creates within you this overwhelming sense due to its imposing mountains and unforgettable, natural beauty. However, he spent most of his childhood in another country, Greece, where he completed his secondary studies. Nevertheless, Aureliano had decided from a young age that one day he will return permanently to Albania. This desire was inspired by the various stories that his parents would tell at home about this unique place where people are renowned for their bravery, hospitality and welcoming smile. So, immediately after reaching the age of 18, he came to Albania where he chose to start his undergraduate studies at the University of New York Tirana, in the field of Political Science.
Being a young student then, his initial expectation was that the professors would be extremely strict and probably distant. But, to his surprise, after he got to know them he realized that this was not the case. They were people with whom he could discuss about anything and not only about subjects related to the classes. Each and everyone of the professors at University of New York Tirana, current and former ones, were unique and likeable in their own distinctive way. Like, professor Kalemaj who would always surprise him and other students with his, admirable for his young age, knowledge on many different fields of studies, to such a degree that Aureliano and other students would say among each other that Prof. Ilir is like the human form of Wikipedia and none of them should ever challenge him on a debate because it would end in a total defeat for them. Or like professor Aida Hasanpapa who was well-known among the students for her informal, always friendly and enthusiastic approach to everyone of them. The fact that Aureliano was very pleased with his first experience at UNYT, contributed to his decision to continue his studies at this university, this time at a graduate level in the field of International Relations.
Apart from his academic studies, he was always interested in participating in different, external projects and competitions which would challenge and enrich his theoretical knowledge and skills. Therefore, he had the privilege to conduct several internships in public institutions and NGOs in Albania. Aureliano also had the opportunity to take part in various domestic and international competitions which he won, like the Youth Essay Competition held by the EU Commission in 2019, something that gives him great satisfaction due to the fact that the time and hard work invested during his studies are acknowledged and awarded. In addition, he participates in long-term projects which fight for and promote causes that are vital to the current and future generations. In 2019, he was appointed by UNITE 2030, an international youth organization, as the Delegate for the Sustainable Development Goal of Climate Action. This is a two years-long project that will culminate with his participation at the UN General Assembly in 2021 where with other international delegates they are going to present before the world leaders their ideas on how we can make sure that the Agenda 2030 Goals are going to be met.
However, life is not only about work. Thus, Aureliano spends most of his free time in various leisure activities, such as sports, books and exploring different parts of Albania through hiking. And finally, a quite recent hobby, which is drawing. An activity which started as a challenge from some friends and is probably going to be a life long engagement.