Durrës – From October 28th to 31st, the city of Durrës hosted a four-day training on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and Project Cycle Management (PCM), gathering 14 young professionals and representatives of civil society organizations from across Albania.
The training was jointly organized by the RYCO Local Branch Office in Albania and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Tirana. It was facilitated by the expert and trainer, Irena Topalli, with the aim to strengthen the capacities of young people and youth organizations to design, implement, and monitor projects that promote peacebuilding, reconciliation, and youth participation in decision-making processes.
The event was opened by Ms. Jonida Smaja, Program Manager at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tirana, and Ms. Ensara Reçi, Local Program Officer at RYCO Local Branch Office in Albania, who welcomed participants and underlined the importance of investing in youth capacities for sustainable peace and regional cooperation.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Reçi emphasized RYCO’s commitment to empowering young people to become active agents of change, particularly through initiatives that align with the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda. She highlighted that “young people’s meaningful engagement is essential for building inclusive and peaceful societies in the Western Balkans.”
Ms. Smaja shared insights into FES’s continuous efforts to support young professionals’ empowerment and peacebuilding, emphasizing the importance of data-driven policymaking and evidence-based youth initiatives. She noted that “FES has been working extensively on youth studies and research in the Western Balkans, which serve as a valuable foundation for developing targeted programs and policies that reflect young people’s real needs and aspirations.” She further underlined that the partnership with RYCO contributes to fostering dialogue and collaboration among young people, enhancing their capacities to design impactful projects that promote peace and social cohesion.
Throughout the four days, participants explored the key pillars of the YPS Agenda and learned how to apply a youth-sensitive and peace-oriented approach throughout the project cycle, from needs assessment and planning to implementation and evaluation.
The sessions were facilitated through interactive and non-formal education methods, combining theoretical input, practical exercises, and group work. Participants worked on developing project ideas focusing on the Youth Peace and Security agenda, which they presented at the end of the training.
On the final day, the participants were joined online by Mr. Kreshnik Loka, Deputy Secretary General of RYCO, and Ms. Katharina Hofmann, Head of Office at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tirana. Both congratulated the participants on their achievements and shared closing remarks.
Mr. Loka highlighted that “building the capacities of young peacebuilders is central to RYCO’s mission. Through such collaborations, we not only strengthen the role of youth organizations but also ensure that young people have the tools and confidence to contribute meaningfully to peace and reconciliation processes in their communities.”
Ms. Hofmann emphasized the value of continued cooperation between regional and local partners, stating that “investing in young people’s skills and leadership is investing in the future stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans. In Albania, FES continues to work closely with youth, civil society, and institutions to promote democratic participation, social justice, and peace-oriented dialogue. Together with RYCO, we are proud to create spaces where youth voices are empowered and equipped to shape sustainable peace.”
This activity represents a continued effort of RYCO and FES Tirana to build the capacities of youth organizations and young peacebuilders in Albania, strengthening their role in advancing the YPS Agenda at the local and regional levels.
