The Interreligious Council of Albania (IRCA) was established on October 22, 2007, by leaders of the country’s traditional religious communities (Muslim Sunni, Orthodox Christian, Catholic Christian, Bektashi Sufi Order and since 2018 the Evangelical Alliance of Albania) and registered at the Tirana District Court. Its mission is to promote interfaith dialogue and harmony through joint projects and activities.

The Interreligious Council of Albania (IRCA) organizes activities to promote interfaith dialogue, religious harmony, and social cohesion. These include interfaith dialogues and conferences, educational programs, and workshops on tolerance and human rights. IRCA also conducts Anti-Extremism and Anti-Radicalism Training for theologians (imams and priests) and organizes study trips on interfaith dialogue for youth. They hold cultural and commemorative events celebrating Albania’s diverse heritage and engage in social and humanitarian initiatives to support marginalized communities. IRCA runs public awareness campaigns to combat discrimination and collaborates with international organizations like Religions for Peace, UNHCR, CARITAS, NDI, GCERF, etc. They also focus on youth leadership and publish research on religious freedom, hate speech, and interfaith cooperation.

On October 22, 2009, IRCA was inaugurated in the presence of the then President of Albania, who emphasized its role in institutionalizing religious tolerance in the country.

The Chairmanship of the Presidency Council rotates annually among the member religious communities.

The most effective IRCA initiatives with the greatest impact on both local communities and broader interfaith efforts are:

• Anti-Extremism and Anti-Radicalism Training for Religious Leaders:

This flagship initiative addresses violent extremism: causes, forms, risks and counterarguments. By training imams, priests and other religious leaders, IRCA equips them with practical tools to recognise and counter extremism in their communities. The programme focuses on understanding the causes, identifying different forms of extremism, assessing risks and developing effective counter-strategies to promote peace and tolerance. This practical training helps religious leaders to promote safer and more resilient communities.

• Youth Engagement through Study Trips on Interfaith Dialogue:

By exposing young people to interfaith cooperation, this program fosters the next generation of peacebuilders. These youth gain valuable leadership skills and a deep appreciation for religious diversity, enabling them to advocate for religious tolerance in their communities. This program has long-term benefits for societal harmony and is a model for youth engagement globally.

In recognition of its efforts to promote reconciliation and interfaith dialogue, IRCA received three awards:

• The “Sergio Vieira De Mello”, Prize for Interfaith Brotherhood in Albania on October 25, 2018, in Krakow, Poland.
• Intercultural Achievement Recognition Award from the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Austria.
• The President of the Republic of Albania decorated IRCA on March 22, 2021, with the High Medal “Honor of the Nation” Interreligious Council of Albania with the motivation:

“In appreciation of the comprehensive contribution to preserving and promoting the spirit of harmony, understanding and coexistence between religions in Albania. For clear messages addressed to the believers of Albanian politics to aim the peace, unity, progress and orientation towards patriotic values for a common and optimistic life; as well as for the important role in raising the Albanian model of inter-religious dialogue in the international arena”.

Additionally, IRCA is a full member of the international multi-religious coalition “Religions for Peace.”