RYCO is excited to announce the opening of registrations for the Western Balkans Youth Forum, an opportunity for young leaders from the entire region.
This year the forum will gather young people and key regional partners from the region in Pristina, from September 16 to 19.
In 2025, with the support of the UK Government and in the context of heightened political dynamics and social transformation, the Youth Forum will strengthen youth agency in addressing the region’s most pressing challenges – this time with even broader outreach, deeper policy relevance, and more inclusive participation.
Building on the momentum of the Berlin Process, this Forum offers a unique and structured platform for youth to engage in substantive dialogue, peer-to-peer learning, and policy advocacy.
Main topics and ways for young leaders to contribute
The Western Balkans Youth Forum 2025 will be shaped around three interconnected thematic pillars:
- Migration – Young participants will explore how phenomena such as brain drain, student mobility, displacement, and asylum affect the region, and how they can offer innovative solutions for integration, local engagement, and cross-border mobility;
- Security – Security will focus on the role of youth in peacebuilding and community resilience, tackling key issues like disinformation, radicalization, and the risks of social fragmentation;
- Economic growth – discussions will delve into youth economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and green initiatives, with a view toward building a more inclusive and sustainable regional economy and addressing socioeconomic disparities.
The selected participants will be united by a central question: What is the role of youth in ensuring a peaceful, secure, and economically viable Western Balkans?
Profile of participants
Are you interested in one or more key topics that will be discussed at the Forum? Then this is the right opportunity for you!
This call is open for young changemakers aged 18-30 residing in the Western Balkans Contracting Parties (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia), with the record of participation in various programs, activities and projects that bring positive change to the region.
How to apply?
In order to apply, please visit the link with the application form and make sure you fill all required information. This simple application form will allow you to highlight key experiences and ways how you can contribute to the Forum.
The deadline to apply is August 17th 23h59 CET Time. Only selected participants will be notified.
RYCO will cover travel and accommodation expenses to selected participants.
*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.