Majlinda Toçi, from the National Library of Albania, has been honored with the prestigious “Premio Internazionale 'Vitaliano Brancati', Edizione 2026”, one of the most important Italian awards in the fields of culture, journalism and the promotion of knowledge. The official award ceremony took place within the framework of the International Book Fair, in the city of Turin, while the decision to award this award to Ms. Toçi, as the winner of the 11th edition, was taken in March of this year.
This award constitutes an important recognition for Albanian culture and for the international affirmation of our institutions of knowledge and cultural heritage. At the same time, the award recognizes the commitment and contribution of Ms. Toçi in promoting knowledge, culture and dialogue through the National Library of Albania, as an institution of national memory and culture.
The award was presented to Ms. Toçi by Italian Senator Giorgio Merlo, the President of the “Vitaliano Brancati” Cultural Association, Giovanni Firera, and the researcher and writer Riccardo Rossotto.
The award was given to Ms. Toçi with the motivation: “For her commitment to spreading knowledge and promoting culture as a bridge for dialogue and civic development at the national and international levels.”
This year's edition brought together in Turin important figures from the world of culture and Italian and international public institutions. Among the winners of the 2026 edition were Alessandra Sardoni, Licia Mattioli, Enzo Ghigo and historian Gianni Oliva.
The “Premio Internazionale Vitaliano Brancati” promotes the values of journalism, culture and freedom of thought as instruments of knowledge, civic responsibility and democratic development. Over the years, it has honored important figures of Italian and international public life, while maintaining attention to the role of information and culture in contemporary society.
