On the anniversary of the League of Lezhë, a new statue of Gjergj Kastrioti-Skënderbeu was unveiled today in front of his burial site in Lezhë.

Today marks the commemoration of the historic moment when Albanians united in agreement 581 years ago. Present at the ceremony were the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, and the leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) in North Macedonia, Ali Ahmeti.

“Today, more than five centuries later, history teaches us that national unity is not just a concept of the past but a necessity for our present and future. Just as in 1444, today we need a common approach, a long-term vision, and unwavering will to strengthen the role of Albanians in the region and the world,” said Kosovo’s President, Vjosa Osmani.

“Let both Lezhë and Krujë serve as examples to us. Krujë for resistance, Lezhë for unity and diplomacy. Skanderbeg was not only a man of the sword but also of politics and diplomacy—one of the most advanced of his time,” added Ali Ahmeti, the leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI).

The League of Lezhë was held on March 2, 1444, in the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Lezhë.

The aims of the assembly were to unite as many noblemen and principalities as possible from lands that were previously known in the Christian world as territories of the Byzantine Empire, as well as to restore the Kingdom of Arbër. The assembly was also supported by the Pope, as it aimed to halt or at least slow the expansion of the Ottoman Empire into the Balkans, which also brought with it the spread of Islam.

This alliance resulted in several key decisions. The resolutions of the assembly included the formation of an Albanian League under the leadership of Skanderbeg, the establishment of a joint army commanded by Skanderbeg as the supreme captain, and the creation of a shared treasury to fund the war efforts.