Skopje— Yesterday we wrapped up the two-day Regional Conference titled “Scoring Development: Regional Cooperation and Youth Empowerment through Sport.” Organized by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the conference aims to develop actionable recommendations to upgrade youth and sports cooperation in the Western Balkans.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Albert Hani, Secretary General of RYCO, celebrated the successes of the Sport for Development (S4D) project in the region.
“Sport brings people together,” he stated, emphasizing its role as a platform for dialogue and trust-building. “It creates a new spirit of peace and reconciliation, which is why RYCO strongly supports this initiative.”
Mr. Jan-Axel Voss, Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Skopje, highlighted the potential of the young generation in the Western Balkans.
“They are a vital resource for the future, with the capacity to lead their communities towards reconciliation,” he remarked.
He noted that GIZ has positively impacted over 1.4 million children and youth across more than 40 states, training over 8,000 coaches, teachers, and social workers in using sport as a development tool.
The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Social Policy, Demographics, and Youth, Mr. Gjoko Velkovski, underscored the need for unity and peacebuilding in the Western Balkans.
“Sports has the potential to empower youth and develop essential life skills while fostering regional cooperation,” he stated.
Mr. Velkovski emphasized that sports not only improve physical and mental health but also serve as a bridge for understanding among diverse cultures.
The conference featured two panel discussions:
- Panel Discussion I: Youth Empowerment through Sport – Success Stories
Participants shared inspiring examples of how sports initiatives have transformed lives and fostered community connections. - Panel Discussion II: Regional Cooperation through Sport
This discussion focused on strategies for enhancing collaboration among countries in the Western Balkans through sports initiatives.
Participants had the chance to collaborate in groups after the panel discussion. They shared practical examples, challenges, and new perspectives on how sport can be utilized as a powerful tool for development. This approach can help address complex issues such as peacebuilding and reconciliation, highlighting the endless possibilities for creating a greater impact.
The conference served as a vital platform for exchanging ideas and experiences, aiming to translate insights into effective youth and sports policies that promote peace and stability in the region.
