education. through a number of activities, educational publications, lectures, films, and applications, irrespective of their age, visitors learn about financial products and system. the history of money originates long ago and its developments are closely related to the people that have produced it. its role is not limited to the economic functions ; it is also a historic evidence of the minting or issuing country. it speaks about periods of economic crisis or downturns, of peace and prosperity, of successes and injustices. in this context, we decided to dedicate the first conference of the museum of the bank of albania to two main topics, which we think are the gist of its exhibitions and educational activities. 1. findings, researches and discussions in the area of monetary production and circulation, the history of the economy and banking activity in albania and albanian historic territories, which contribute to accurate interpretation and updating of information transmitted to the visitors 1 / 2 bis central bankers'speeches through museum collections. 2. the educational role of central bank museums in getting to know the history of money, and banking activities and enhancing financial literacy through exhibitions, education and innovation. for this purpose, we aim, therefore, to bring together foreign central bank experts to share their perspective on the management of central bank museums, collections and educational activities. this conference certainly underlines the commitment of the bank of albania to earnestly engage in both research and educational activities. we are very interested in enhancing cooperation with researchers, academia, peer museums, and specialised institutions in economic, historic and cultural heritage research. such cooperation is an excellent opportunity to bank of albania employees, who may benefit from valuable skills and expertise for our museum. it would also contribute to new networking and collaboration in research activities. in light of promoting and furthering cooperation, we are committed to turning our conference of the museum of the bank of albania into an annual event. also, in 2017, the museum of the bank of albania will organise a cycle of lectures dubbed as “ nights of the museum ”, which will address a variety of topics, such as numismatics, banking history, economic and financial education, philately, art and architecture. these projects aim at developing another aspect of our work at the museum, which would focus on social developments vis - a - vis museum objects. dear participants, the first conference of the museum of the bank of albania coincides with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the modern central bank of the republic of albania and a two -

tier banking system. in these 25 years, the bank of albania has served to the country ’ s economic and financial development, supporting successfully the development of an efficient and stable financial system. it will continue to remain an institution with ambitious objectives in the field of european integration and approximation with the european central bank. today, it is undertaking a new challenge : opening to the public, not only to communicate clearly its primary objectives, but also to contribute to helping the public learn about the history of money, art and tradition that it represents. we will work hard, so that all the interested persons, whether in albania or abroad, will be able to learn about the history of banking, money and people that have dedicated their life and work to it. i am certain that very soon the museum of the bank of albania will be a place to visit the exhibition, and exchange opinions and ideas about banking and money concluding, i would like to thank you for your participation and contribution to the conference and wish success in these two days of the conference. thank you! 2 / 2 bis central bankers'speeches