For the fourth consecutive year, RYCO Local Branch Office in Kosovo* and the German Embassy in Kosovo are launching the Harmony Hero Award, a recognition dedicated to young individuals and informal groups from Kosovo who contribute to peacebuilding, reconciliation, dialogue, and dealing with the past.
At a time when the world needs more people who step up, bring others together, and remind us of what connects us rather than what divides us, the Harmony Hero Award celebrates young people who are already doing this work in their own way.
Some do it through activism. Some through their profession, studies, art, music, storytelling, sport, volunteering, community work, technology, or everyday acts of courage and care. What they have in common is the effort to build bridges between communities, raise awareness, advocate for justice, and create spaces where understanding, dignity, and cooperation can grow.
The Harmony Hero Award aims to recognize these meaningful efforts and inspire others to take action for a more peaceful, inclusive, and connected society.
Who can be nominated?
We welcome a wide range of youth-led efforts that contribute to peacebuilding, reconciliation, dialogue, and dealing with the past. These can include, but are not limited to:
- community-based actions that bring people together;
- initiatives that promote dialogue between different communities;
- advocacy or awareness-raising campaigns; creative approaches through art, music, theater, film, literature, or storytelling;
- professional or educational contributions that promote understanding;
- and innovative uses of technology that help bridge divides.
The initiative does not need to be large or formal. What matters most is the intention, commitment, and impact behind it.
Eligibility Criteria
Nominations are open to:
- young individuals or informal groups aged 15–29;
- residing in Kosovo, from all backgrounds, identities, and communities living in Kosovo;
- who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to peacebuilding, reconciliation, dialogue, and/or dealing with the past;
- through community-based work, activism, professional engagement, hobbies, creative work, or other forms of social contribution.
Both self-nominations and nominations by others are welcome.
Important: Selected awardees will also be expected to implement or contribute to a small follow-up activity or initiative after receiving the award, continuing their engagement for peace, dialogue, and cooperation in their community.
Selection Process
The evaluation of nominations will be conducted by representatives of the German Embassy in Kosovo and RYCO. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to take part in an online interview as part of the selection process.
How to Apply
All nominations must be submitted via email by sending the completed nomination form, together with all supporting documents, to:
Please use the appropriate nomination form based on the type of nomination:
👉 Download the nomination form for a Young Individual
👉 Download the nomination form for a A group of young people
👉 Download the Self Nomination Form
👉 Download the nomination form for a A group you are part of
Nominations submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Also, authenticity will be valued over generic AI-generated responses.
For any questions, or if you need assistance completing the nomination forms in English, please contact us at: awards@rycowb.org. Our team will be happy to support you.
Each winner will receive:
- a €500 cash prize gross amount;
- a Harmony Hero trophy.
Important Dates
Deadline to submit nominations: 20 August 2026, 23:59
Award Ceremony: planned for second/third week of September 2026
Nominate now and help us celebrate those who make harmony possible.
*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.