All posts by : IDM Albania

In the Municipality of Fushë Kosovë, youth participants in the ToKeQark project, initiated by The Balkan Forum, organized a creative activity that doubled as an awareness campaign. Using recyclable materials, they crafted a doll, blending art and fashion to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection.

Meanwhile, in the Municipality of Ferizaj, youth concluded their initiative to promote the circular economy. Through a painting campaign, they spread the message to their peers about the importance of reusable materials and recycling.

In Graçanica, the youth finalized their initiative for environmental protection and circular economy by creating a promotional video and painting a mural in their community center. This mural, carrying a message of environmental preservation, will resonate with all young visitors. Additionally, they held two debates focused on raising awareness of the circular economy and its significance.

These activities and awareness campaigns followed a three-day training session on innovative solutions, climate change, and environmental challenges. The goal is to promote environmental protection and inspire new ideas aimed at fostering sustainable prosperity and peace.

The project aims to promote environmental sustainability and mitigate climate change in four municipalities of Kosovo: Ferizaj, Fushë Kosovë, Graçanicë and Mitrovica. Over a period of 12 months, the project aims to facilitate the development of knowledge, skills, resources and networking that will enable young people and students from different social groups to research, explore and test innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges and the transition to a circular economy.

Balkan Green Foundation hosted a panel discussion on the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). The discussion addressed policies and measures across five key dimensions: 1) decarbonization, 2) energy efficiency, 3) energy security, 4) the internal energy market, and 5) research, innovation, and competitiveness.

The meeting assessed the impact of the planned measures alongside existing policies and identified the next steps toward finalizing the document, including preliminary, public, and cross-border consultations.

The document is in its final stage and will soon be open for public consultation before being approved by the government and submitted to the Energy Community Secretariat.

The project aims to focus on the challenges faced by Kosovo in dealing with the impacts of climate change, by accelerating the decarbonization process in sectors related to security and regional stability. The project aims to provide a comprehensive approach both in drafting policies relevant to the decarbonization process and in providing discussion platforms on how this process will positively affect the reduction of the impact of climate change in Kosovo.

General goal is to reduce the impact of climate change, especially in key sectors related to security and stability across the region, through the decarbonization process.

The specific objectives are to support government institutions in drafting sectoral policies in accordance with EU standards; provide inclusive platforms for discussion among key actors in order to influence environmental and climate policies and to raise citizens’ awareness of the impact of climate change on regional security and stability.

The Core Grant provided by Smart Balkans has been instrumental in bolstering the CiviKos Platform, facilitating significant enhancements and expansions of its capabilities. This financial support has supported the comprehensive update of internal documentation, including policies and operational procedures that lead the organization. This initiative has notably increased transparency and fortified internal governance and accountability frameworks.

In relation with the documentation update, the grant has empowered CiviKos to enhance and broaden its information services. This includes delivering higher quality and more accessible information to members and partners through activities such as newsletter distribution and updates to the organization’s website to introduce advancements and changes.

A major achievement of this grant has been the successful management and operation of the Kosovo Funding Portal. This platform aims to streamline access to information for civil society organizations in Kosovo, providing a funding opportunities and facilitating connections between donors and organizations seeking financial support.

Check out the infographic below that summarizes the 2023-2024 achievements of the Civic Platform.

In recent months, the city of Mitrovica was part of a significant initiative aimed at empowering its youth against the pervasive threat of human trafficking. Organized by CBM, the project “Youth Seminar on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings” culminated after a series of insightful workshops conducted with students from classes X and XII.

The workshops brought together 25 young participants with the willingness to be more informed into the complex issue of human trafficking. These students engaged in discussions to deepen their understanding of the definition and recognition of human trafficking.

Key outcomes of the seminars included heightened awareness among participants regarding the various forms and indicators of human trafficking. Through active participation, attendees gained crucial insights into identifying potential cases within their communities, reflecting on its global prevalence, and exploring preventive measures.

The success of these workshops underscores the urgency of continued educational efforts. Recommendations emphasize the necessity of expanding such initiatives to a broader audience in Mitrovica, addressing the critical need for sustained awareness and education. Participants’ enthusiasm and initiative, including the proposal and organization of peer-to-peer workshops within schools, highlight the potential for impactful, community-driven action against human trafficking.

“Analysis of diaspora needs and identification of problems” is the latest analytical report brought to you by our cooperating partner GERMIN.

The study report draws from an exhaustive examination of current research, analysis, official data sourced from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (MPJD), minutes from the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, and interviews conducted with diaspora members.

Challenges and opportunities

Investments and economic potential: The financial contributions of the diaspora come mainly through remittances. However, there is a need for better information and guidance, political and legal stability and the rule of law to encourage more significant investment.

Education and preservation of culture: The report highlights the lack of institutionalized supplementary education in the Albanian language and the need for cultural centers to preserve the connection of the diaspora with their heritage.

The right to vote: Ensuring the diaspora’s right to vote remains a challenge due to legal and administrative barriers.

Comparative analysis: The study compares Kosovo diaspora engagement strategies with successful models from Moldova, Croatia and Israel.

The report offers a series of specific recommendations for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova to increase the engagement of the diaspora, among which the most important are:

Policy Reforms

Develop and implement policies that address diaspora needs and interests, including investments and legal infrastructure.

Better coordination

Strengthen collaboration between state institutions and diaspora CSOs to ensure a common and effective approach.

Facilitating investment conditions for investment

Foster political and legal stability, as well as information and support to potential investors from diaspora.

Read more here: Analysis of diaspora needs and identification of problems

157 students, members of the Media Clubs established by our cooperating partner, Kosova Education Center (KEC), were certified for participating in the “Media Education” training, for their commitment in carrying out activities in the 7 schools involved on the project.

KEC initially build a functional non-formal network of young people from partner schools called Media Clubs, who undertook a series of meetings in different high schools in Kosovo, such as in Mitrovica, Suharekë, Viti, etc., All schools have been innovative in developing  awareness-raising activities regarding digital transformation.

Interviewing senior citizens about technology, an art exhibition with the theme “The impact of technology on young people”, workshops and sports recreation,  were the initiatives that they undertook, to identify and address the risks arising from the internet and contribute to social digital transformation.

The goal of this project is to empower youth, families, and communities to identify and address the risks arising from the internet and contribute to social digital transformation. Specific objectives are to develop capacity building of young people from higher secondary schools through the provision of training, establishment of partnerships between schools, civic engagement, and community service piloting.