Skopje, November 12, 2025 — RYCO hosted the closing event of the Research and Mentorship Program titled “From Research to Action: Youth Policy Briefs on Brain Drain & Youth Unemployment in the Western Balkans Six” at the “Iustinianus Primus” Faculty of Law in Skopje.
Supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the program empowered young researchers from across the Western Balkans to produce policy-oriented research addressing some of the region’s most pressing challenges — youth unemployment and brain drain.
The event gathered representatives from ministries, academia, civil society organizations, international partners, and students, providing a platform for dialogue between youth and policymakers.
In his opening remarks,
Mr. Timcho Mucunski, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Republic of North Macedonia, emphasized that policies must include young people meaningfully, with their voices heard from the start in decision-making, reforms, and institutional processes—not as an afterthought.
Mr. Kreshnik Loka, Deputy Secretary General of RYCO, through this qualitative work, RYCO is proud to have established a pool of young researchers—trained and prepared to continue supplying reliable information and ensuring that our national and regional policies reflect young people’s needs.
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Mr. Wolfgang Wagner, Head of Unit for the Western Balkans at the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, recognizing the vital importance of connecting young people at the regional level, affirmed that Austria will continue to support RYCO in its future endeavors aimed at strengthening this cooperation.
Following the opening speeches, Ms. Anja Bebekovska, RYCO Program Officer, introduced the Research and Mentorship Program, explaining how it strengthens young researchers’ analytical and advocacy skills through mentorship, peer learning, and regional collaboration.
Two research teams presented their final policy briefs developed throughout the program:
- “Reversing the Tide: Policy Challenges and Responses to Youth Brain Drain in the Western Balkans”
Authors: Anja Kalezić, Darko Miloshevski, Filip Micić, Filip Novaković, Arjon Taipi, and Tringë Shkodra
Mentor: Ms. Dženeta Karabegović
- “From Misalignment to Regional Coordination: Aligning Youth Guarantee Implementation in the Western Balkans”
Authors: Alesia Makaj, Amila Husić, Andrijana Milojević, Eris Hasanaj , Filip Vicković, and Zorana Antovska
Mentor: Mr. Ivan Nikolovski
Both teams presented their findings and policy recommendations, followed by interactive Q&A sessions that encouraged reflection and feedback from attendees.
The event concluded with remarks by Ms. Dardana Fetahu, Acting Head of the RYCO Local Branch Office, who noted: “In this exchange of ideas, questions, and even disagreements – lies the real power of research: connection”.
The ceremony closed with a networking cocktail, providing space for further exchange and collaboration among researchers, academia and civil society representatives.
The Research and Mentorship Program once again demonstrated the power of youth-led research in shaping policies that advance cooperation, employment opportunities, and inclusive development across the Western Balkans.
