Berlin- RYCO Secretary General, Albert Hani, participated in Berlin Process Leaders Summit, that took place in Berlin on 14th of October. This year’s Summit marked the 10th Anniversary of Berlin Process, bringing together for the tenth time representatives of WB6 governments along with leaders of EU member states, and high-level EU representatives, with an aim to foster cooperation and implement necessary reform processes in WB6.
Speaking on this prestigious annual event, SG Hani congratulated participants for the successes achieved within Berlin Process in the past decade.
Being one of the most successful outcomes of Berlin Process, RYCO has been organizing Western Balkans Youth Forum as the side event of the Berlin Process Summit for several years. This year, back-to-back with Leaders’ meeting, RYCO organized Youth Forum on 13th and on 14th of October, thus RYCO’s SG Hani conveyed direct message from the young people, expressing the gratitude from youth for supporting and having them in the agenda of the Berlin Process during all these years.
“Agreements that you signed within Berlin Process give the hope to youth and cooperation you achieve through this platform is the only way to keep our youth in Western Balkans region,” stated SG Hani.
He referred to the existence of RYCO as a strong political statement of commitment to cooperation based on shared values – values that are aligned with European Union.
“Your presence today it is political statement that expresses your readiness for regional cooperation,” said SG.
He emphasized that RYCO’s uniqueness lies in commitment to fostering cooperation based on shared values rather than solely on interest.
“We aim to dismantle the stereotypes that often hinder genuine cooperation between communities that still, all too often, view each other as enemies. While politics may align around interests, true progress will be made when we lift the weight of these historical stereotypes. RYCO also fosters a sense of ownership in the processes you are leading and the agreements you are finalizing,” he emphasized.
SG Hani concluded his speech by presenting results of latest Systematic conflict analysis study, which acknowledges that young people are aware of the shared concerns across the region, particularly regarding good governance and the decline in democratic standards. This, as he said, clearly shows readiness of young people to share the responsibility and actively participate in social and political life in the region and contribute to stability.