OSCE Mission in Kosovo concludes first Youth Forum Academy

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo’s four-day Youth Forum Academy, held at Hotel International Prishtinë/Priština, concluded on 26 September 2019.

The Youth Forum Academy, gathered more than 90 students of law and other faculties and young activists from different ethnic and religious communities. It aimed to promote youth leadership and activism on human rights issues in Kosovo and expand awareness on issues facing youth, including barriers to their political participation.

The Forum hosted three plenary sessions and numerous workshops and training events, including Training of Trainers on human rights education, and included talks from regional experts and team-building activities. Speakers came from international organizations, the Ombudsperson Institution, NGOs, local political structures and judges and reflected on how youth organizations and youth work can empower young people to create and maintain stable democratic societies, where diverse identities and cultures and equal opportunities are fostered. 

Over the Forum’s four days, there were sessions and lectures on a variety of youth-related issues in Kosovo, from gender equality, which raised important questions on women and property rights, to youth participation in political processes and how institutions can act as facilitators. Under the guidance of experts, participants engaged in productive discussions on these topics in interactive workshops designed to spark debate and inspiration. A variety of team-building activities were held in the evenings which included visits to cultural sites, a bowling session and a live music concert. On Wednesday, participants visited Novo Brdo/Novoberdë and learnt about its historical significance and the need to preserve sites of cultural heritage.

In the final session, the Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jan Braathu, emphasized the need for youth in Kosovo to be leaders of progress. “For a sustainable change, a new mind-set is needed. This mind-set is brought to us by you. Our job is to listen to you and try to facilitate the implementation of your ideas and to be here for you while trying to make things easier for all of us in Kosovo,” he said.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with the protection and promotion of human and community rights, democratization and public safety sector development. It remains committed to working alongside young people to help them become leaders of positive change within their environment.