H.E. Edi Rama is Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and an artist. His diverse career path includes being Professor of Painting at the Albanian Academy of Fine Arts, playing for the national basketball team, and authoring books on his life and art. Edi Rama’s involvement in politics started when he was a key leader of the democratic students’ movement at the Academy of Fine Arts prior to the dismantling of the communist regime. Following a hiatus of several years in which he left Albania to dedicate himself to his art, Edi Rama re-entered politics in the capacity of the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports in 1998. In 2000, Edi Rama was elected Mayor of Tirana Municipality. During his time in office from 2000 to 2011, he transformed and regenerated the capital city. His work found international recognition, including awards such as World Mayor Award (2004) and European Hero Award by Timemagazine (2005). In 2005, Edi Rama was elected Chair of the Socialist Party of Albania, and he became Prime Minister in 2013 following his parliamentary victory with a center-left coalition. He was re-elected in 2017. Rama remains an active artist and has exhibited his work around the world.