Tirana, 26 May 2026 – RYCO held the first meeting of its 3rd Advisory Board cohort, in Tirana, marking an important step in strengthening the organization’s advisory mechanisms and strategic dialogue with experts and partners across the region and beyond.
The meeting brought together Advisory Board members to discuss RYCO’s structure, governance, programmatic work, and future priorities. It also served as an opportunity to reflect on RYCO’s achievements over the past decade. During the meeting, RYCO Secretariat presented its governance structure, programme framework, and key instruments, including grant-making, mobility and exchanges, capacity building, advocacy and policy engagement, internships, volunteering, and research. Special attention was given to RYCO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen evidence-based programming through the development of a Research, Evaluation and Learning function, as well as to new initiatives aimed at supporting youth mobility and preparing young people for the region’s European integration path.
The Advisory Board also discussed its role and functioning, including its advisory mandate, annual consultation cycle, possible working groups, and contribution to RYCO’s strategic and operational planning. As an advisory body, the Board will provide expert guidance on issues related to RYCO’s mandate, programmes, operations, fundraising, and strategic development.
A key outcome of the meeting was the election of the two Chairpersons of the Advisory Board. Following the voting process, Rozafa Kelmendi and Tobias Bütow were selected to serve as Chairpersons, supporting the coordination of the Board’s work and its engagement with RYCO’s governing and operational structures.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the next steps, including priority areas of engagement, communication modalities, and the frequency of future consultations. Through the revitalization of the Advisory Board, RYCO aims to further strengthen expert input, regional ownership, and complementarity with existing initiatives supporting youth cooperation in the Western Balkans.
