Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – The 6th Governing Board (GB) Meeting of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) took place in the Parliamentary Assembly building in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Chaired by Adnan Husic, Assistant Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the meeting gathered governmental and youth representatives from the Western Balkans Six (WB6) to review RYCO’s progress in 2017 and set the course for 2018.
Key Outcomes and Decisions
- Adoption of the 2017 Annual Report: RYCO Secretary General, Djuro Blanusa, presented the 2017 Annual Report, outlining RYCO’s establishment phase, participation in regional events, and operational challenges. The GB praised RYCO’s progress but stressed the need for improved internal communication and a clearer legal framework for staff and offices.
- Budget and Financial Discussions: Deputy Secretary General, Fatos Mustafa, presented the 2017 Budget Report, which detailed operational costs and expenditures. The GB approved the 2018 budget, allocating funds for staff salaries and program activities, ensuring financial stability for the year ahead.
- Review of RYCO’s Statute: Recognizing challenges faced in its first operational year, the GB initiated discussions on possible amendments to the RYCO Statute. A working group was proposed to analyze necessary changes related to staff regulations and financial procedures. The Secretariat was tasked with preparing an in-depth analysis for the next GB meeting.
- Approval of RYCO Logo and Visibility Guidelines: The GB formally adopted RYCO’s official logo and visibility guidelines, reinforcing the organization’s brand and transparency efforts. Official documents would also be published on RYCO’s website for stakeholder engagement.
- Formation of RYCO Advisory Board: The GB appointed Advisory Board members, including representatives from the European Commission, Council of Europe, and Franco-German Youth Office, among others, to provide strategic guidance to RYCO.
- Host Country Agreement with Albania: The GB discussed finalizing the Host Country Agreement, essential for formalizing RYCO’s legal status and securing privileges such as tax exemptions for staff. The Secretariat was tasked with expediting this process.
The meeting reaffirmed the GB’s commitment to strengthening RYCO’s mission of fostering youth cooperation and reconciliation in the Western Balkans. Future priorities include refining governance structures, expanding outreach, and enhancing program impact. The next GB meeting will continue these discussions and oversee further developments.