On May 7th, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) had the pleasure of welcoming a group of 21 students from Berlin to its Head Office in Tirana. The visit was part of a project organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, under the theme: “A city worth living in – a society worth living in? Europe’s youth culture capital Tirana between innovation, growth, and migration pressure.”
The purpose of the visit was to offer the students a deeper insight into RYCO’s mission and its efforts to foster youth cooperation, mobility, peacebuilding, and reconciliation throughout the Western Balkans.
The session was led by Mariza Rama, Program Assistant at RYCO, Flutura Brakaj, Local Program Officer in Tirana, and Arlind Cara, Project Officer of the Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund. They introduced the students to RYCO’s key programs, ongoing initiatives, and achievements aimed at building bridges among youth across the region.
Mariza Rama opened the discussion by highlighting the importance of engaging young people in political platforms and decision-making processes. “Creating space for youth engagement is essential if we want inclusive and sustainable policies,” she noted.
Flutura Brakaj emphasized the value of regional youth exchanges, pointing out that despite cultural differences, young people in the region often face similar challenges.
“We’ve noticed that whether we’re working with youth, teachers, or CSOs, they might come from different realities, but the core issues are often the same. That’s why collaboration is key,” she said.
Adding to the discussion, Arlind Cara shared insights into the work of the Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund, underlining the role of culture in promoting dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. He illustrated how cultural initiatives can serve as powerful tools for bridging divides and fostering mutual respect.
The visit concluded with an open and engaging conversation about the challenges and opportunities young people face in Albania and across the Western Balkans, including brain drain and migration. Both the students and RYCO representatives reflected on the significance of regional collaboration in building a peaceful and connected future.
