Four Days of Ideas, Innovation, and Cooperation for a Shared Future
The Western Balkans Youth Forum 2025 has come to a close – four days in which ideas were not only exchanged but paved the way to transform them from vision to action. The journey started on September 16th, with an energetic kick-off that set the tone for what was to come: discussions alive with ambition, cultural encounters full of spirit, and a shared belief that the Western Balkans cannot be understood apart from its youth – their access to opportunities, their ability to build skills, and their power to foster peace and cooperation.
With migration, security and economic growth and development at the heart of the agenda, the Youth Forum quickly turned into a stage where young voices reminded everyone of their central role in shaping the region’s present and future. On the second day, young innovator Kaon Krasniqi, opened with words that resonated deeply: “The strength of our societies lies in our ability to innovate locally while thinking globally. Youth do not lack ideas; what they need is the space, support, and confidence to turn them into reality.”
That spirit carried into the panel “Roots and Routes: Youth, Skills & Stability” where regional experts and practitioners, including Ognjen Marković, Team Leader of the RCC’s Western Balkans Youth Lab 2, Blerina Hoxha, Founder of BLOconomy, Prof. Dr. Silvana Mojsovska, Institute of Economics, Skopje, and Mirza Mulešković, Economic Analyst and Executive Director of Inteligencija MNE joined forces under the moderation of Berina Bukva Alibasic, UNICEF BiH Specialist on Adolescent Development and Participation. Together they stressed that employability and entrepreneurship are not just economic issues – they are the keys to reducing brain drain and unlocking the region’s potential. The message was clear: migration should not be a one-way road out, but a bridge of knowledge and cooperation.
From there, participants joined Peer-to-Peer Skill Labs that offered interactive spaces for practical exchanges on topics such as skills development, led by the Young Professionals Network, security by the National Youth Congress of Albania, “Youth Climate Diplomacy Café” hosted by the UNESCO Chair on Climate Diplomacy and Gen Z in the Labour Market by KYC, reflecting together the diversity of youth interests and highlighting new solutions to regional challenges. The day wrapped up with cultural activities, including a visit to the museum and movie screening, and a dedicated session on empowering young innovators hosted by Innovation Centre Kosovo.
On the third day, the focus shifted to security. Opening the day, Mila Mihajlović, young activist, framed the conversation with a powerful reminder: “Security is not only the absence of conflict, but also the presence of trust, inclusion, and opportunities for all.”
Guided by moderator Ms. Donika Emini, University of Graz and Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group, voices such as Igor Bandović, Director of the Belgrade Center for Security Policy, Jeton Zulfaj, Political Advisor at the Office of the Prime Minister, Klajdi Priska, RYCO GB Youth Representative, and Kristian Lazarev, President of the Association for Accessibility and Inclusion engaged panelists in a dialogue about the role of youth as peacebuilders – actors who can counter polarization and transform division into dialogue.
The day evolved into a collaborative exercise, where participants took ownership of the thematic areas of migration, security, and economic growth and development, proving that young people are not bystanders but architects of change. Adding to the momentum, in cooperation with Westminster Foundation, members of parliament from across the region joined the Forum, engaging directly with participants and reaffirming the importance of youth perspectives in policymaking. That evening, the Astronomy Club hosted the participants to look “Under One Sky”, sharing same stars, horizons, and aspirations.
The final day, September 19th carried the theme “Shaping Tomorrow, Starting Today,” opened with RYCO’s Nikola Kandić and Dardana Fetahu, highlighting the need to turn dialogue into tangible outcomes.
Closing panel “From Dialogue to Action: Youth Recommendations for the Western Balkans” moderated by Marija Bulat, Head of LBO Serbia, featured young participants who presented the proposals developed during the Forum, with a strong emphasis on skills development, youth mobility, digital transformation, and inclusive peacebuilding.
As one participant reflected: “What we take from Pristina is not just a list of demands, but a collective responsibility to work with institutions and ensure youth priorities are part of the region’s future.”
In closing, Kreshnik Loka, RYCO Deputy Secretary General, reminded everyone why gatherings like this matter: “The work you have done here is proof that the future of the Western Balkans is already in the making. Your energy, creativity, and persistence are our strongest guarantees of peace and prosperity.”
Organized by RYCO and the UK Government within the Berlin Process framework, the Western Balkans Youth Forum 2025 proved once again that when youth are given space, they create cooperation, and when ideas are nurtured, they become action. The proposals born in Pristina will now be carried forward within the Berlin Process – ensuring that youth voices remain central in shaping a secure, prosperous, and cooperative Western Balkan.
