January 7th, 2025 – Prof. Genti Kruja has been unanimously elected as the new President of Religions for Peace (RfP) Europe. The election took place during an online meeting of the RfP Europe Board, which included representatives from four key co-committees: the European National Interreligious Bodies (ENIB), the European Council of Religious Leaders (ECRL), the European Women of Faith Network (EWFN), and the European Interfaith Youth Network (EIYN).

Prof. Kruja, currently serving as President of ENIB, was the sole candidate nominated for the role. In line with procedural requirements, the Board conducted a vote, and Prof. Kruja was elected unanimously to lead the organization.

About Prof. Genti Kruja

Prof. Genti Kruja is a distinguished academic and leader in the field of interfaith dialogue and religious studies. He is a lecturer at Bedër University College in Albania, where he teaches Sociology of Religion, Intercultural Communication, and Interreligious Dialogue. He also serves as the Secretary General of the Inter-Religious Council of Albania.

Prof. Kruja has contributed to numerous international conferences on topics related to religious freedom, education, and interfaith dialogue. He is the author of several research papers and books, including Albanians Facing the Challenges of Interfaith Understanding and History of Interfaith Dialogue.

Throughout his career, Prof. Kruja has held various prestigious roles, including serving as a member of the European Union External Action Service (GERIS) and as an expert on Religious Freedom at the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). In 2021, he participated in a U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange program at Seattle University. Prof. Kruja was elected Vice President of ENIB in 2022 and President of ENIB in February 2024.

Looking Ahead

As the new President of RfP Europe, Prof. Kruja brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering peace and understanding among diverse religious communities. Under his leadership, RfP Europe will continue its mission to promote interfaith cooperation, strengthen national interreligious councils, and establish new Interreligious Councils (IRCs). Religions for Peace Europe will also focus on engagement of religious leadership, increasing the role of women and youth in peace-building efforts and enhancing institutional collaboration to address pressing global challenges and to build a more peaceful and inclusive Europe.