Tirana, Albania – The 12th Governing Board (GB) Meeting of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) took place via videoconference, reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-chaired by Andrea Mićanović, Youth Representative of Montenegro, and Vasilije Lalošević, Chair of the RYCO Governing Board, the meeting marked a pivotal moment in RYCO’s leadership transition and future strategic direction.
Key Decisions and Discussions
- Selection of the New Secretary General: After a thorough voting process, Mr. Albert Hani from North Macedonia was elected as the new Secretary General. His selection was confirmed in the second round of voting with a two-thirds majority.
- Employment Offer and Handover Period: The Secretariat was tasked with preparing and sharing Mr. Hani’s employment offer by 19 March 2021. The handover period from the outgoing Secretary General, Djuro Blanuša, to Mr. Hani was set for April 2021, ensuring a smooth transition.
- Recruitment Process for Deputy Secretary General: The Governing Board approved the roadmap and selection procedures for the new Deputy Secretary General, with the open call for applications to be launched immediately.
- Amendment to Selection Procedures: To enhance clarity and prevent procedural obstacles, the phrase “The Governing Board members may decide to conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates” was revised to “The Governing Board members will decide to conduct interviews with the shortlisted candidates.”
- Strategic and Financial Planning: Discussions also included RYCO’s ongoing financial management and the need for sustainable operational planning. The Secretariat was tasked with preparing the necessary documentation for the next Governing Board session.
- Next Governing Board Meeting: The 13th Governing Board meeting was tentatively scheduled to take place physically in Podgorica by mid-April 2021, depending on the COVID-19 situation.
The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude to the outgoing Secretary General, Mr. Blanuša, and Deputy Secretary General, Fatos Mustafa, for their dedication and contributions to RYCO’s growth. With a new leadership team in place, RYCO is set to build on its achievements and further strengthen youth cooperation and reconciliation efforts across the Western Balkans.