On March 5, One Connect Hub in Tirana opened its doors for the inaugural meeting of the “Bytes & Books” Book Club, an event that brought together technology enthusiasts, readers, and field experts. Held yesterday afternoon, this gathering marked the first step of an initiative aimed at intertwining reading with discussions about the impact of technology on our society. The focus of this debut event was Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari, a work that explores the connections between history, technology, and the power of information. In a warm and energetic atmosphere, attendees engaged in a deep discussion about the themes raised by Harari.
The purpose of “Bytes & Books” became clear from the outset: reading opens windows to the world, but through this club, the organizers sought to create a space where knowledge could transform into conversations and concrete actions. From students passionate about technology to entrepreneurs and publishers, the event gathered a diverse group of people who reflected on the ideas in Nexus and connected them to today’s reality.
The club is led by a three-member board of prominent individuals who set the tone for the meeting with their speeches. Mr. Geron Kamberi, an expert and researcher with extensive experience in scientific research and innovation policies, said: “Technology has confronted us with big questions, and this club is an attempt to answer them together. Nexus reminds us that information is power, but how we use it depends on us.” His words sparked a lively discussion about the role of technology in controlling society.
Dr. Albert Gjoka, a researcher and long-time advocate for promoting reading, as well as the Executive Director of the “Institute of Culture and Education for Development,” added: “There is nothing more powerful than a book that is read and discussed. Nexus urges us to think about how technology can be a bridge or a wall.”
Mr. Gerti Boshnjaku, an expert in entrepreneurship and innovation, director of Business Mag and Albania Tech, concluded with a call to action: “Reading is the first step, but implementation is the key. Nexus shows us how information networks shape the world; now it’s up to us to act.” His words resonated particularly with young entrepreneurs, who linked the book’s ideas to applications of Artificial Intelligence in business.
Also present was Aulona Ormëni, the translator of Nexus into Albanian, who shared her experience during the translation process with the attendees. “It was challenging because it’s not my field—I’m a psychologist, not a technology expert—but also very interesting,” she said. Aulona added, “Harari has an extraordinary ability to connect the past and the future, and translating him made me reflect on what we’re living through today.” Her words brought a fresh perspective, showing how the book can resonate even with those from different fields.
The meeting lasted about two hours and unfolded in an open format, with attendees sharing their thoughts on Nexus. The book, which analyzes the evolution of information networks and their impact on power and society, served as a springboard for a wide-ranging discussion. One of the highlights was a conversation about how Artificial Intelligence and new technologies are creating new “nexuses” in our daily lives—from how we communicate to how we make decisions. Some participants raised critical questions: Are we in control of these networks, or are they controlling us?
The organizers had set up a table with copies of Nexus and other works by Harari, drawing the attention of attendees, who broke into small groups after the board’s presentations. The event concluded with a casual discussion session among participants, during which it was decided that the next meeting would focus on another book to be read by all club members.
The first meeting of “Bytes & Books” left behind a sense of optimism and curiosity. With Nexus as a starting point, the club demonstrated that it can create a space where reading and technology converge to make us more aware and engaged. With a dedicated board and a group of eager participants ready to contribute, yesterday’s event at One Connect Hub was proof that discussions about books and innovation can have a real impact in our ever-changing world.
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