2024-09-16

Generations United Initiative

Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE

Informal group “Generations United Initiative” is one of five regional informal groups whose project “Promotion of dialogue between generations in the Western Balkans” has received financial support through the “Active Achievement Fund”, a sub-granting activity of the “Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE” project funded by the European Union.

The “Active Achievement Fund” aims to empower youth in the Western Balkans to participate in a structured dialogue on public policies relevant to youth, to advocate for the adoption of European values and strengthening of democratic and responsible institutions, and to promote regional cooperation and political, economic and social benefits of the EU integration for the Western Balkans societies.

This informal group is composed of five young people from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo*. Support is provided through the direct payments by RYDE partner organization Kosovar Stability Initiative, Pristina, Kosovo, which serve as intermediary organizations for their project.

Project description: Since the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the subsequent conflicts in the 1990s, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo* have faced significant challenges in bridging intergenerational divides. The fragmentation and lack of understanding between older and younger generations have been exacerbated by economic hardships, political instability, and limited opportunities for meaningful dialogue. This has resulted in a significant gap in communication and cooperation between different age groups.

The project seeks to facilitate structured dialogue through workshops, community forums, and cultural exchanges. By creating spaces for interaction and mutual learning, it aims to promote mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration among generations.

This initiative holds particular significance for youth in the region, who represent the future leaders and agents of change. Empowering youth to engage constructively with older generations not only fosters inclusivity but also ensures that diverse perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes. By promoting intergenerational dialogue, this project endeavors to contribute to a more harmonious and prosperous future for the Western Balkans, grounded in shared values and a collective vision for sustainable development and peace.

Activities:

Activities included an online kick-off meeting to establish project goals, an awareness campaign to engage youth in political initiatives, and an awareness-raising video featuring youth activists and a member of Albanian parliament. These efforts provided young people with motivational insights and a deeper understanding of political participation.

The Kick-off Meeting was successfully held online on November 15 with the participation of all group members. The purpose of the activity was to formally initiate the project or group initiative by gathering all team members virtually. This meeting aimed to set the tone for the project, define the goals, clarify team roles, and establish expectations for collaboration moving forward.
The meeting named “Awareness Campaign” took place on December 20, 2024, in Tirana, Albania, with the participation of 30 young activists from across Albania. At the meeting it was discussed how do young people influence the policy-making process, and how can they be supported in this process by older generations.

This meeting served as a platform for the young participants to voice their thoughts and concerns. The discussion was dynamic and provided a space for the exchange of ideas and inspired participants to reflect on their potential role in shaping the political landscape. It also highlighted the potential of youth-driven initiatives to contribute meaningfully to the democratic process. Information of this event, as well as of initiative in general, were distributed through two newsletters in the groups’ database, informing them about the campaign’s goals and the project’s progress.

The awareness video for young people who aspire to politics was produced with youth activists from Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, prof. dr Arbi Agalliu, Deputy in the Parliament of Albania, as well as with a representatives of the informal groups who spoke about the challenges and results of this initiative. This video was distributed to all young people in the region who want to engage in political processes but often encounter difficulties.

“The involvement of young people in decision-making, particularly their engagement in politics has unfortunately been a nearly impossible mission in Albania over the past 30 years. This is not only due to the various barriers and obstacles imposed by the older political class, but also because of the unified efforts of this entrenched class regardless of political differences to block young individuals or those seeking to approach politics in a different way than what has been practiced so far”, said Agalliu.

The purpose of the awareness-raising video was to inspire and encourage young people interested in politics by showcasing diverse voices, including young MPs, experienced political figures, and participants in political forums. It aimed to highlight the challenges and successes of the initiative, providing motivational insights for youth who wish to engage in politics but face obstacles. Young people interested in politics, especially those who have faced difficulties or barriers in engaging with the political process.

The video provides them with guidance, encouragement, and examples of overcoming challenges. It has created a platform for young people to see others who have overcome similar challenges in their political journey. The campaign has also facilitated a broader conversation about the importance of overcoming barriers to political engagement, particularly for young people from underrepresented backgrounds.