From December 11 to 14, the National Youth Council of Serbia (KOMS) hosted colleagues from the umbrella youth organizations of the Western Balkans* at a regional meeting in Belgrade. The aim of this gathering was to deepen cooperation, exchange experiences, and improve the coordination of advocacy initiatives in the region.
This meeting marks a significant step forward in the operationalization of cooperation formalized several years ago through the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation and Partnership of the Western Balkans UYOs. Participants focused on defining mechanisms for achieving shared goals and strengthening regional youth connectivity.
The guests had the opportunity to attend the opening of the Youth Policy Forum and participate in a series of meetings where they discussed the integration of youth into European processes. These discussions included prominent representatives of European bodies important for youth policy development:
- Chloe Cauchi, Board Member of the European Youth Forum,
- Anja Jokić, Member of the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe.
The discussions focused on the role of youth in European integration, the need for greater youth participation in decision-making processes, and possibilities for joint initiatives at both regional and European levels.
A key part of the meeting was dedicated to establishing a mechanism for long-term cooperation between national youth councils in the region, which will cover several priority areas:
- Standardizing youth participation in decision-making processes at the national and regional levels,
- Addressing strategic and normative challenges, including issues affecting young people,
- Collaborating on regional programs and policies that improve the quality of life for youth,
- Innovating youth policy, with a focus on new tools and approaches that meet the needs of young people.
Shared Vision
We are delighted to have had the opportunity to continue working on this important initiative for networking young people in the region. The meeting confirmed the determination of the Western Balkans National Youth Councils to work together on developing youth policies that reflect the needs and potential of young people.
KOMS will continue to share best practices and methodologies for developing mechanisms for active youth participation with its regional partners. We believe this meeting will lay the foundation for even more intensive cooperation and the successful implementation of joint initiatives in the future!
*Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo**, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia
** This name is without prejudicing the status and is in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244/1999 and the Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo.