RYCO has launched its Leadership Regional Tour, an initiative designed to strengthen the alignment between senior leadership, program implementation, and local realities across the Western Balkans. The tour combines high‑level engagement with direct learning experiences connected to RYCO‑supported programs. Albania was the first stop, hosting a series of meetings and field visits from 27 February to 6 March 2026, followed by a closing reception on 5 March.
Throughout the visit, the new RYCO leadership met with key institutional partners, diplomatic representatives, and supporting organizations. These meetings focused on reinforcing cooperation, discussing future priorities, and ensuring continued support for youth initiatives.
Engagements included meetings with Embassies of France, Norway, Sweden, Italy, the OSCE Presence, and Albania’s Ministries of Education, Tourism, Culture & Sports, as well as European and Foreign Affairs. Discussions centered on youth mobility, intercultural dialogue, and the long‑term impact of RYCO programs.
The tour also included a visit to RYCO-supported initiatives, allowing leadership to observe program implementation and interact directly with young people and local stakeholders. Notably, a visit to the Superschools partnership in Elbasan, where students and educators from Albania and Serbia shared experiences from their exchange activities.
The Albania segment concluded with an official closing reception at Villa 31 x Art Explora on 5 March hosted by the Head of Local Branch Office Ms. Evis Myftari. The event gathered institutional partners, diplomatic missions, donors, youth organizations, and artists.
Speakers included:
- RYCO Secretary General Vladimir Obradović
- Deputy Minister Lira Pipa
- Youth Representative Klajdi Priska
- MIRAI alumnus Endi Saliko
Their remarks emphasized RYCO’s renewed strategic direction, the importance of youth participation, and the impact of regional cooperation over the past decade.
The event also showcased youth creativity:
- Superschools student Franceska Kasa performed an original song inspired by friendships formed through exchange programs.
- Three artists—Jolin Matraku, Xhemali Moku, Xhenson Çela and Oktavio Kazanxhiu —shared work supported by the Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund, demonstrating how culture fosters dialogue and connection.
The reception closed with an open mingling session titled “A Decade of Youth”, providing space for guests to interact with young artists and practitioners.
The Leadership Regional Tour marks an important step in ensuring that RYCO’s strategic decisions reflect the lived experiences of youth across all areas in the Western Balkans. With Albania as the starting point, the tour will continue across the region, deepening cooperation and strengthening RYCO’s role in supporting young people and their future.
