The former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has honoured in New York the Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama with the award of "Honoured Global Innovator" on behalf of "Vital Voices Global". 

In her speech, Clinton emphasized the impression made by the Albanian Prime Minister's readiness to say "yes" and to open the doors safely to the Afghan citizens in our country. 

"Prime Minister Rama understood almost instinctively how important it was to extend his hand, to say "yes". Thus, together with Vital Voices, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, Women for Women, Nina's List and many others, Prime Minister Rama opened the doors of Albania to people from Afghanistan and, mainly, women in need and, thanks to the leadership and the efforts of the Albanian government, more than 1,000 evacuated Afghans are safe in Albania. 

When I called the Prime Minister to thank him for this extraordinary commitment, he answered very naturally "what else should we have done". I would like to have more leaders with this kind of approach," she said. 

Clinton also highlighted the role of the Rama government in the priorities and opportunities for women. 

"At a time when women's rights and security around our globe are in difficult times, Prime Minister Rama's commitment to advancing well-being, opportunities in Albania and for Afghans and others should inspire us all to act", said Clinton.