Erion Veliaj serves as the mayor of Tirana, Albania since June 2015. He was previously the minister of Youth and Social Welfare in Albania, where he reformed the entire Social Security system, introduced the National Youth Action Plan and revamped social services and vocational training. He joined the Socialist Party of Albania in the capacity of Youth and Emigration Secretary and was elected member of the Assembly for Gjirokastra Constituency in 2013. He also joined the European Stability Initiative, a central body for the promotion of EU enlargement. His involvement in politics followed a long term of engagement in civil society, international organizations and media. In 2003, Mr. Veliaj founded Mjaft (Enough) Movement, an organization that streamlined the activist and protest spirit of the Albanian youth, which was recognized with the UN Civil Society Award in 2004. He headed the movement until November 2007. He earned a B.A. in political studies from Grand Valley State University of Michigan and an M.A. in European integration from Sussex University.