Faton Bislimi

Faton H. Bislimi (born 12 February 1983 in Gnjilane, Yugoslavia - in present day Kosovo[a]) is an Albanian activist.[1]

Bislimi graduated summa cum laude from Texas Lutheran University with a B.S. in computer science and a B.A. in math, while later received his Master's in Public Administration and International Development from Harvard University.[2][3] During his studies at TLU and Harvard, Bislimi wrote for the Albanian daily Bota Sot and closely cooperated with Joseph DioGuardi of the Albanian-American Civic League as well as with other American congressmen who have supported Kosovo.[4]

Bislimi is the author of two books, a compilation of math problems and a series of journalistic writings titled Në Rrugëtim me Kosovën: Tatëpjetat dhe të Përpjetat, published at Houston in 2006 by Ramiz Tafilaj's Jalifat Publishing. Critics have valued the latter as a "manifestation of two figures in a joint harmony: one is the power of Bislimi's thought, and the other is the perspicuity of his rare writings."[5]

Faton Bislimi founded The Bislimi Group with the aim of offering better education opportunities to Kosovar students. TLU awarded 13 full scholarships for undergraduate studies through The Bislimi Group.[6][7]

Faton Bislimi lost his bid as an independent candidate in the 2007 mayoral elections in Gnjilane.[8][9] Bislimi was recently shortlisted to become Kosovo's first ambassador to the United States. Kosovo's president, however, appointed Avni Spahiu, the former Charge D'Affaires in Washington to become Kosovo's ambassador to the U.S.

Bislimi taught as a adjunct professor at two local colleges in Prishtina--American University in Kosovo and Victory University College. While working for the UNDP, he co-founded the Kosovo Public Policy Center and oversaw the publication of a scholarly journal.

Recently, he acquired another master's from Dalhousie University in Canada and taught at a local school. He is working towards a PhD from Dalhousie.

Notes and references

Notes:

a.   ^ Kosovo is the subject of a territorial dispute between the Republic of Serbia and the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo. The latter declared independence on 17 February 2008, while Serbia claims it as part of its own sovereign territory. Its independence is recognised by 86 UN member states.

References:

  1. ^ Beqir Sina: "Faton Bislimi, fenomeni shqiptar nga Gjilani i Kosoves ne Capitol Hill"
  2. ^ Theresa Cook: "'05 grad heads to Harvard", TLU Torch Magazine
  3. ^ Elida Buçpapaj: "Faton H. Bislimi, shqiptari nga Gjilani, do të studiojë në shkollën postdiplomike të qeverisjes John F. Kennedy në Universitetin e Harvardit, aty ku shkollohen liderët e ardhshëm të botës"
  4. ^ Beqir Sina: "Faton Bislimi, fenomeni shqiptar nga Gjilani i Kosoves ne Capitol Hill"
  5. ^ "Rrugëtimi i Bislimit", gazeta "Express"
  6. ^ Bursat, The Bislimi Group
  7. ^ "Alum enables other Kosovars to attend TLU", Torch Magazine
  8. ^ "Është hedhur shorti për radhitjen...", RTV21
  9. ^ Komisioni Qendror Zgjedhor - Rezultatet preliminare

External links