In the course of this year, RISE reached the milestone of five years since its establishment in the region for building social entrepreneurship and empowered youth in the Western Balkans. Celebrations marking this anniversary took place in Tirana, Sarajevo, Pristina, Podgorica, Belgrade, and Skopje. Organized by RYCO in partnership with the French Development Agency, the European Union, the Franco-German Youth Office, Groupe SOS Pulse, and Pulse Balkans, these events demonstrated the successes of the program and the exceptional individuals moving it forward.
Since 2019, RISE has supported entrepreneurs, NGOs, and changemakers with innovative ideas aimed at improving their communities. Over the past five years, the program has become a beacon for social entrepreneurship, nurturing a generation of young leaders committed to building stronger, more inclusive societies.
Throughout the events, RISE Project Manager at RYCO, Ms. Ardita Bonatti, presented an in-depth overview of the RISE journey. She highlighted its significant milestones, the impact on social entrepreneurship in the Western Balkans, and the meaningful outcomes achieved over the years.
In Sarajevo, RISE Assistant Manager Ms.Lorette Cambianica and Mr. Adem Lisičić from UG Nestovise opened the event with a presentation reflecting on the program’s journey. His Excellency Mr. François Delmas, French Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, also delivered a heartfelt address. Attendees enjoyed a special networking event organized by Mingling, creating opportunities for collaboration and exchange.
In Belgrade, the celebration began with an overview of the program’s activities presented by RISE Program Manager Mr. Goran Radlovački. French Ambassador to Serbia Mr. Pierre Cochard and AFD Director in Serbia Mr. Arnaud Dauphin emphasized the importance of partnerships in fostering regional growth. The event also featured inspiring stories from former RISE participants, including Mr. Mitrovački Soko and Women on the Way, who shared the challenges and triumphs of their social businesses.
Pristina’s event brought together changemakers and collaborators. Communication Manager Ms. Chloé Lepage introduced the program’s vision, followed by a presentation from Mr. François Deshayes, Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy in Kosovo*. The Balkan Green Foundation team, represented by Ms. Egzona Aruqaj and Ms. Rinora Gojani, showcased their initiatives promoting social entrepreneurship. A panel featuring RISE participants, such as 35 Shkallë, Hay Atelier, Urban Hub, Kimi’s Artelier, and Panacea, illustrated the transformative power of the program, offering insights into their journeys.
In Podgorica, speakers like Mr. Laurence Levaudel-Clauss, Director of the French Institute in Montenegro, and Mr. Edin Koljenović, Head of RYCO’s Local Branch Office, highlighted the importance of deepening ties across the region. A presentation by Ms. Anđela Nikčević of IEC Tehnopolis and a discussion with participants, including Ms. Jovana Đokić of Ekobomba, underscored the critical need to support social entrepreneurship in Montenegro.
Tirana’s event celebrated RISE’s contribution to fostering reconciliation in the Western Balkans. Mr. Albert Hani, Secretary General of RYCO, and representatives from the French and German embassies, Mr. Remy Privat and Mr.Jan Maibom, praised the program’s efforts. Ms. Ardita Bonatti’s presentation framed the program’s mission, highlighting its contributions to empowering youth and strengthening communities. Contributions from Mr. Gerond Ibrahimi, Director of Albania’s National Youth Agency, and Mr. Shkëlzen Marku of YSB Balkans reinforced the importance of empowering young changemakers.
A panel discussion led by Mr. Kreshnik Loka, Head of RYCO’s Tirana office, featured inspiring voices such as Ms. Gjyljana Bakalli of Almanart, Mr. Ajvi Bajrami of DigiSpark, Mr. Ornold Bazaj of Reality Escapers Albania, Mr. Orven Bregu of Things Lab Tirana, and Ms. Ina Kerciku of Personazhi Je Ti. Their stories provided a glimpse into the creativity and determination driving social entrepreneurship in the region.
The RISE anniversary event in North Macedonia showcased the collaborative spirit driving social entrepreneurship and youth empowerment across the Western Balkans. Held in Skopje, the event brought together distinguished representatives, including State Secretary Mr. Fatmir Sabriu from the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth, and Mr. Philippe Marcheteau, Deputy Head of the French Embassy in North Macedonia, who emphasized the importance of cross-border partnerships in fostering innovation. Contributions from Mr. Vladimir Gjorgevski and Ms. Ardita Bonatti, highlighted the transformative impact of regional cooperation. Mr. Marko Gjorgievski, Director of the National Agency for Erasmus+, and Ms. Chloé Lepage from Pulse Balkans, also shared insights into initiatives supporting young changemakers. Together, these key stakeholders celebrated RISE’s achievements and reaffirmed their commitment to empowering youth through innovative solutions.
At this milestone, Rise proudly looks forward toward continuing to empower these changemakers for even more innovative work across the Western Balkans, staying true to fostering collaboration, supporting bold ideas, and creating a better future for all.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
