Tirana, 17 November 2025 – The Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), in partnership with Yunus Social Business Balkans and with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union, hosted the RISE Local Forum in Tirana at Europe House. The event brought together representatives from public institutions, international organizations, academia, and the private sector, alongside young social entrepreneurs from across Albania.
The forum provided an engaging platform for dialogue on the role of social entrepreneurship in advancing sustainable development, youth employment, and regional cooperation in the Western Balkans. Through high-level welcoming remarks, a dynamic advocacy panel, and inspiring testimonials from RISE alumni, participants explored how youth-led social enterprises are contributing to more resilient and inclusive communities.
Opening the Forum, Kreshnik Loka, Deputy Secretary General, highlighted the organization’s dedication to strengthening youth engagement and creating opportunities for meaningful cross-border cooperation:
“RISE is more than a program, it is a bridge that connects young people, strengthens regional cooperation, and encourages them to transform their creativity into concrete actions. Today’s forum is proof that when youth are empowered, entire societies move forward.”
Rémy Privat, Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy in Albania, underscored France’s continuous support for initiatives that foster regional cooperation, solidarity, and socially responsible economic models. Miha Pezelj, Team Leader for Human Capital at the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to empowering young people as key drivers of innovation and social transformation.
The event continued with the Advocacy Panel on Social Entrepreneurship in Albania, moderated by Shkelzen Marku, Director of Yunus Social Business Balkans. The panel brought together:
- Marcel Thomkins, Head of Private Sector Engagement, EU4CircularEconomy
- Klotilda Kosta, Director of Programs, Partners Albania
Panelists discussed the current state of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Albania, highlighting the need for stronger institutional support, improved networking opportunities, and enhanced visibility for social enterprises as engines of sustainable development and community impact.
One of the most inspiring moments of the Forum was the sharing of success stories from RISE alumni. Gjyljana Bakalli, founder of Almanart and winner of the RISE Alumni Award, reflected on her journey as a young social entrepreneur and the role of RISE in transforming her idea into a meaningful initiative.
The Forum also celebrated, Ardit Gabili, winner of the Regional Mobility Award and alumnus of RISE Journey 3. His team’s project, Melody, reconnects people with agricultural traditions and local heritage:
“Through this initiative, the team encourages visitors to rediscover the richness of Thumanë, its gastronomy, history, and traditional crafts, through immersive rural experiences.”
Moderated by Ensara Reçi, RYCO Program Officer, the session highlighted the broader mission of RISE to equip young people with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to bring their ideas to life and to create positive, lasting impact in their communities.
The RISE Local Forum in Tirana once again demonstrated how youth-led social entrepreneurship can foster cooperation, inclusion, and resilience across the Western Balkans. By bringing together innovators, institutional partners, and community leaders, the Forum reaffirmed the vital role of young people in shaping a more sustainable, connected, and forward-looking future for the region.