Distinguished Leadership Award for Internationals

Mr. Valdrin Lluka is a rising leader in Kosovo, championing growth and opportunity for all its people. He currently serves as Kosovo’s minister of economic development.

Mr. Lluka’s ministry is responsible for the development of the energy, mining, and information and communications technology sectors, as well as the supervision of all public enterprises in Kosovo. As minister, Mr. Lluka has created an energy efficiency fund and the Kosovo Digital Economy Program. He has also advocated for creative centers in Kosovo high schools to encourage future innovation.

Before becoming minister, Mr. Lluka served as CEO of the Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency. The agency promotes Kosovo abroad with the aim of bringing foreign investors to Kosovo and advocating for Kosovo products in other countries.

Mr. Lluka also raises the profile of Kosovo by sending its young people to work and study in the United States. He has volunteered as co-chair of the Kosovo American Education Fund, which awards scholarships for Kosovo students to eearn their master’s degrees in the U.S. The fund enabled him to graduate from the Carlson School of Management with an MBA in strategic management in 2009. In addition, Mr. Lluka has developed a program for students in Kosovo to work seasonally in the U.S.

In naming Mr. Lluka as a recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Award for Internationals, the selection committee recognizes his commitment to his country and looks forward to his future work.