Over 100 young people from the Western Balkans gathered at the Western Balkans Youth Forum 2025, a flagship initiative organized by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and supported by the UK Government, under the umbrella of the Berlin Process. This year’s Forum marked a decisive step toward embedding youth leadership in addressing some of the region’s most pressing challenges—security, migration, and economic development.
Building Resilient Societies through Youth Inclusion
Against a backdrop of global instability, economic uncertainty, and social fragmentation, the Forum explored how resilience can only be built by placing youth at the core of policy and practice. Participants from across the region engaged with high-level representatives from governments, international organizations, and civil society in a series of interactive sessions that underscored one clear message: youth are not just beneficiaries of peace and prosperity—they are essential drivers of it.
In the opening plenary, RYCO Secretary General Vladimir Obradović called for a “reimagining of mobility” as an opportunity, rather than a loss. He emphasized that preventing brain drain in the Western Balkans requires a deeper commitment to creating meaningful jobs, investing in digital and green skills, and ensuring that young people see a future for themselves within the region.
Youth as Peacebuilders and Innovators
The Forum featured a dedicated Security Day, which reframed the concept of security beyond the absence of violence to include social cohesion, inclusive governance, and digital resilience. Discussions ranged from countering disinformation to building trust across communities—highlighting the unique role of youth in peacebuilding processes.
Interactive Peer-to-Peer Skill Labs empowered participants to take ownership of topics such as climate diplomacy, entrepreneurship, intercultural exchange, and digital transformation. These sessions created space for knowledge-sharing and co-creation, strengthening the social fabric and amplifying youth agency across the region.
From Dialogue to Policy: Regional Youth Recommendations
A central outcome of the Forum was the presentation of the Western Balkans Youth Forum 2025 Recommendations. Developed through collaborative working groups, these proposals address key priorities:
- Enhancing mobility schemes for students and professionals
- Expanding access to digital and green economy jobs
- Promoting inclusive narratives that foster interethnic trust and collaboration
- Strengthening youth participation in decision-making structures at all levels
These recommendations will inform discussions at the upcoming Berlin Process Summit, ensuring that youth voices remain central to the region’s European integration and reform agenda.
A Platform for the Future
The Western Balkans Youth Forum continues to serve as a crucial bridge between grassroots youth engagement and high-level political dialogue. Past editions have contributed directly to the Regional Youth Agenda and the 2022 Berlin Declaration, demonstrating the tangible impact of youth-led initiatives on regional cooperation.
As the Berlin Process advances, initiatives like the Youth Forum reaffirm a shared commitment: to build a peaceful, connected, and resilient Western Balkans where young people are empowered to shape their own future.
You may find more information on the website of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office: Opening Ceremony and Youth Forum