About Us
Guided by the principle of Besa, the Foundation supports cultural heritage through research, education, and collaboration in art and culture. At the center of this mission is the support and promotion of the project "Design, Restoration, and Musealization of the Former Residence of the Toptanas/Libohoviti Family – Besa Museum. Through this initiative, the Foundation is committed to the development of a permanent cultural institution that preserves a historic building and transforms it into a space for exhibitions, learning, and public dialogue. The concept of Besa is rooted in four fundamental pillars: Tradition, Protection, Hospitality, and Honor, that define its spirit and purpose. These principles guide the Foundation's engagement with communities, partners, and the public, shaping both its cultural approach and institutional conduct.
Hospitality
Hospitality under Besa is an obligation, not courtesy. To welcome someone is to assume responsibility for their well-being. The guest is placed under personal care, treated with respect, and shielded from harm. Through hospitality, Besa transforms generosity into moral accountability. To us, hospitality shapes how spaces, programs, and encounters are designed to remain open, accessible, and welcoming to all.
Protection
Protection lies at the core of Besa as an active moral duty. It requires standing between danger and another person, regardless of personal cost. This commitment extends beyond physical safety to include dignity, security, and trust. It is a responsibility assumed through one's word. We reflect this principle by safeguarding historical memory and supporting initiatives that defend human dignity and ethical responsibility.
Honor
Honor in Besa is measured by action, not status or recognition. It reflects consistency between one's word and one's conduct. Personal integrity is tested in moments of difficulty, choice, and sacrifice. Through honor, Besa defines character as something proven, not declared. For the Foundation, honor guides institutional integrity, transparency, and accountability in all its work.
Tradition
Within Besa, tradition is the transmission of responsibility rather than ritual alone. It carries shared knowledge, social codes, and ethical expectations from one generation to the next. Through continuity, communities maintain identity and coherence even in times of change. Values are learned through examples and preserved through action. Our Foundation upholds this continuity by connecting historical knowledge with contemporary cultural and educational practice.
Leadership & Governance
Andrew Robinson - Chairman
Prof. Dr. Iris Pojani - Vice Chair
Prof. Dr. Artan Hoxha - Board Member
Prof. Dr. Shaban Sinani - Board Member
Av. Juljan Puna - Board Member
Albi Greva - Executive Director
Rovena Duçkallari - Secretary General
Nereida Fidhi - Admin & Finance Manager