Belgrade, Serbia – The 17th Governing Board (GB) Meeting of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) was held in a hybrid format at the Hotel Hyatt Regency in Belgrade, Serbia. Chaired by Vanja Udovičić, Minister of Youth and Sports of Serbia, and co-chaired by Marko Kostić, Youth Representative of Serbia, the meeting focused on addressing institutional challenges and setting the course for RYCO’s future strategic direction.
Key Discussions and Decisions
- Adoption of the Agenda: After deliberation and amendments, the final agenda was adopted with 11 votes in favor.
- Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings: The minutes from the 15th and 16th GB meetings were reviewed and adopted with 11 votes in favor.
- Advocacy Role of GB Youth Representatives: The internal procedure document outlining the advocacy role of youth representatives was adopted unanimously.
- Selection Committee for Communication and Visibility Manager: The establishment of the selection committee was approved with full support from the board.
- Final Narrative Annual Report 2021: The board reviewed and adopted the report, which outlined key achievements and activities undertaken by RYCO throughout the year.
- Amendment of RYCO Budget 2022: The revised budget was adopted by a majority vote, ensuring alignment with organizational needs and priorities.
Institutional Challenges and Future Directions
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing ongoing internal challenges within RYCO, including staff turnover, governance concerns, and operational difficulties. The board addressed these issues with a commitment to improving internal communication, strengthening institutional structures, and ensuring stability within the organization.
The meeting also covered updates on upcoming projects and collaborations with international partners, reinforcing RYCO’s mission to expand opportunities for youth engagement and regional cooperation.
Looking Ahead
In his closing remarks, Mr. Kostić expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Co-Chair and wished the board continued success. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to advancing RYCO’s strategic goals and ensuring a stronger, more resilient organization for the youth of the Western Balkans.