Date: 18 june 2018, Tirana
Conference Topic: Youth Participation: The European Perspective of the Western Balkans in the view of the Berlin Process
On 18th of June the Foundation “Qemal Stafa” held its 6th Panel Discussion.
Moderated by the Executive Director of the “Foundation Qemal Stafa”, ms.Teuta Vodo, the discussion was conducted under the topic “Youth participation and the European perspective of the Western Balkan in the view of the Berlin process”.
The panelists who offered their approach to the topic were Mr. Shpat Kolgega, Deputy. Minister of Education, Sports and Youth; Mr. Kreshnik Loka, representative of the Local Branch Office in Albania for RYCO; Mrs. Lutjona Luta, Representative of the Western Balkans Alumni, under the moderation of Mrs. Teuta Vodo, Executive Director of `Qemal Stafa` Foundation.
The discussion panel focused on mobilizing and supporting young people, to improve co-operation, exchange experiences and the economic situation in the context of labour market and reducing employment as one of the most important aspects, which emphasizes the improvement of the position of young people.
There can be no European integration without education, qualification and preparation of young people. These are essential elements of the integration of young people, citizens and future employees of society and the economy of Europe of knowledge and technology. As it was by Mr. Shpat Kolgega “The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports based on the Berlin Process has undertaken initiatives for engaging and involving young people in various programs at home and abroad, motivating young people towards the spirit of regional cooperation and European integration.”
At the same time, youth organizations are actively working to increase their participation.
Mr. Kreshnik Loka, Representative of the Local Branch Office in Albania for RYCO, indicated that this office has been and is promoter of regional round tables on youth empowerment.
RYCO’s office consists of ideas regarding reconciliation, cooperation, trust and dialogue between the Western Balkan countries and works through funding, as well as organizing youth exchange programs.
Also, the Western Balkans Association Alumni is a regional association of graduates who have spent part of their studies abroad, funded by EU education programs, like Erasmus +, but not only.
Today, this association brings together all relevant actors in the Western Balkans to ensure that voices of young people in the region are heard loud and clear.
The representative of the Western Balkan Association Alumni, Mrs. Lutjona Luta said the “Education, and qualification of young people is seen as an integral part of the European community and is the center of attention of the European Union, its organisms and programs.Such opportunities bring many positive effects and more opportunities for training. “
The young people themselves have channeled ideas and are encouraged to innovate, starting from the educational institutions they come from or the organizations they represent.
But ultimately, it is important to use this knowledge and experience in order to improve the position of young people and only then their ideas and actions can be more widely known and impacted.
