Besnik Aliaj

Besnik Aliaj is an architect-urban planner with a university degree (UT Tirana). He later pursued postgraduate studies in: real estate evaluation (Albania); cultural issues of architecture and territory (Denmark/Norway); as well as planning and environmental issues (USA). He obtained a Master’s degree in urban planning and management (Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands), as well as a PhD (UPT Tirana). At the latter institution, he also earned the academic title of “Professor” after 15 years of work experience there.

Besnik Aliaj has extensive professional experience in both local and central administration, especially in the non-governmental sector. He is a co-founder of the architecture and urban planning studio Metropolis shpk; the non-governmental professional institute Co-Plan, and Polis University in Tirana. His field of interest is inclusive planning and sustainable territorial development, but he also has a more holistic engagement beyond this field.

Aliaj has nearly two decades of experience in teaching, including in the non-public sector. He is also well-versed in the higher education sector and the transformation of scientific research in Albania. Currently, he serves as the rector of Polis University. Aliaj is actively engaged in public and civic matters related to urban and societal development, including involvement in print and electronic media, and has been elected three times as a member of the Tirana City Council. He has won several national and international awards and recognitions.