Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – The 7th Governing Board (GB) Meeting of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) took place in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, bringing together governmental and youth representatives from the Western Balkans Six (WB6) to assess progress and discuss strategic priorities. Chaired by Adnan Husic, Assistant Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the meeting highlighted RYCO’s role in fostering youth cooperation, reconciliation, and regional stability.
Key Outcomes and Decisions
- Adoption of the Biannual Report (January – June 2018): RYCO Secretary General, Djuro Blanusa, presented the report, detailing the organization’s operational developments, participation in regional initiatives, and ongoing projects. The GB commended RYCO’s progress while emphasizing the need for clearer financial reporting and streamlined internal communication.
- Approval of RYCO Strategic Plan 2019 – 2021: The draft strategic plan was discussed, with GB members suggesting amendments. The revised version will be circulated electronically for final approval, ensuring alignment with RYCO’s long-term objectives.
- Financial Management and Budget Adjustments: The GB reviewed financial updates from January to May 2018. Due to operational constraints, the Board approved a proposal to temporarily borrow funds from grant allocations to cover monthly operational costs. This decision underscores the need for sustainable financial planning moving forward.
- RYCO Statute Review: The GB acknowledged the necessity of amending the RYCO Statute to address governance and operational challenges. A roadmap for the amendment process was recommended, with a working group to be established for further analysis.
- Updates to RYCO GB Provisional Rules of Procedure: Proposed amendments aimed at enhancing procedural efficiency were discussed and recommended for electronic approval.
- Strengthening Partnerships and Visibility: The presence of Genoveva Ruiz Calavera, Director for Western Balkans at the European Commission, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to RYCO. The GB emphasized the importance of fostering strategic partnerships and increasing visibility to enhance RYCO’s regional impact.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to RYCO’s mission of empowering youth and strengthening regional cooperation. Moving forward, the organization will focus on refining its operational framework, expanding engagement opportunities for youth, and ensuring financial sustainability.