The Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), in cooperation with the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI), brought together young people, anti-corruption experts, and practitioners in Sarajevo for the workshop “Western Balkans Next Gen: Leading the Fight Against Corruption.”
The event focused on strengthening awareness of anti-corruption mechanisms through interactive discussions, case studies, group work, and practical tools aimed at empowering young people to actively contribute to more transparent and accountable societies.
Opening remarks were delivered by representatives of the RAI and RYCO, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and youth engagement in addressing corruption challenges in the Western Balkans.
Mr. Nikola Kandić, Head of the RYCO Local Branch Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, underlined the importance of creating spaces where young people can openly discuss challenges affecting their communities and jointly develop solutions.
“Events like this are not important only because of the programme itself, but because of the people in this room. I hope you will leave Sarajevo with new ideas, new connections, and conversations that will continue long after today. Young people are exactly the ones who have the power to change our societies, through courage, integrity, and active participation.”
Mr. Nikola Naumovski, Senior Anti-Corruption Advisor at RAI, emphasized that initiatives of this kind are valuable not only because of the knowledge they provide, but because of the people they bring together.
“Young people across the Western Balkans share similar challenges, but also enormous potential. By connecting, exchanging experiences, and working together, they become an important force for positive change and stronger democratic values in the region.”
Throughout the workshop, participants explored topics related to integrity in education, anti-corruption tools and mechanisms, best practices, and innovative approaches to combating corruption through teamwork and practical exercises. Sessions were facilitated by experts from RAI, RYCO, and partner institutions, including representatives of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption and Coordination of the Fight against Corruption (APIK).
The workshop concluded with an interactive quiz and networking session, encouraging participants to continue building regional cooperation and youth-driven initiatives beyond the event itself.
Implemented within the framework of the SEE-TAC II regional project, in partnership with the UNODC – United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime supported by International Partnerships Austria, these activities contribute to strengthening transparency, accountability, and the resilience of public institutions across Southeast Europe.
We would like to acknowledge Austria as a longstanding and trusted partner, whose continuous support, particularly through Austrian Development Agency – ADA, has been instrumental in advancing RAI’s work.
The workshop was organized in cooperation with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), reaffirming the shared commitment to empowering young people as active contributors to integrity, regional cooperation, and democratic development across the Western Balkans.
