Tirana, March 7-8, 2024 – At a time when Europe is facing rapid changes and new challenges, young voices are stepping up to shape the conversation. The NextGEN Voices for Europe: An Intergenerational Dialogue on the Future conference brought together young leaders and high-level officials in Tirana to discuss the future of Europe, the role of youth in democracy, and Albania’s path toward EU accession.
The event, organized by the Minister of State for Public Administration and Anticorruption, the Minister of State for Youth and Children, the Karlspreis Foundation, and the Albanian National Youth Agency, welcomed young European changemakers, including RYCO representatives who played a key role in the discussions.
RYCO Secretary General Albert Hani took part in the panel discussion “From Fragmentation to Strength: Complementing Europe’s Economic and Security Puzzle”, where he underscored the crucial role of regional cooperation in advancing the Western Balkans toward EU integration.
“Our region’s future depends on collaboration, responsibility, and giving young people the space to lead. Youth cooperation is not just an investment, it is a necessity for a peaceful and integrated Europe,” Hani stated.
He stressed the role of RYCO in implementing the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda, highlighting the organization’s work in fostering reconciliation, leadership, and active participation in policymaking.
Alongside Albert Hani, the panel, moderated by Kreshnik Loka, Head of RYCO’s Local Branch Office in Albania, who ensured that youth perspectives remained central throughout the discussion, also featured distinguished speakers, including representatives from the Minister of State for Public Administration and Anticorruption, EU Integration Support Albania, a Lecturer of International Relations at the European University of Tirana, and a Research Associate from IDM Vienna who is also a Charlemagne Prize Fellow.
In another key discussion, Teodora Stolevska, RYCO’s Head of Programs, took the stage in the panel “Youth & Democracy: How Europe Can Protect Institutions and Combat Disinformation”. She spoke about the critical need to empower young people with media literacy skills, particularly in an era where disinformation threatens democratic institutions.
“We assume young people naturally understand digital platforms, but the truth is that they need the right tools to critically analyze information. Media literacy is essential for a strong democracy,” she emphasized.
Stolevska underlined RYCO’s efforts in promoting youth education, resilience against disinformation, and active participation in democratic processes across the Western Balkans.
As the conference wrapped up, one message stood out, youth are not just beneficiaries of policies, but active contributors to shaping Europe’s future. The discussions in Tirana reinforced the idea that regional cooperation, youth-led initiatives, and strong democratic values are the foundation of a united Europe.
With RYCO at the forefront of these conversations, the organization continues to empower young leaders, foster collaboration, and build a future where youth engagement is not an option but a necessity.
