15th International Youth Conference “European Values for the Future of SEE countries” 2017
RESULTS AND CONSLUSIONS
We are pleased to inform you that the 15th edition of one of the most recognized international event for young leaders from South East Europe “European values for the future of SEE region” was happening from 15th to 19th September in Krusevo, Macedonia. The jubilee edition of the conference attracted a record breaking number of applicants, (over 400 of them) and 60 of them from 16 countries (Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey) were participants on the conference.
Many honorable experts such as Mr. Stefan Tafrov – Bulgarian diplomat, Mr. Tvrtko Jakovina – professor at the University of Zagreb, Mr. Vukasin Grozdanovic – coordinator of Novi Sad European youth capital 2019, Ms. Mila Carovska – Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Macedonia, Mr. Darko Kaevski – Director of the Agency for Youth and Sports, Macedonia and Mr. Fatos Mustafa – Deputy Secretary of RYCO gave their impact as speakers during the panel sessions.
As key words of the conference used by the speakers and participants this year were: tolerance, pluralism, freedom of speech, democracy, core values. In addition some powerful recognitions were made such as “Nationalism is back”, “Nationalism is war”, and “Obsession with the past is a drawback to development as it creates unnecessary conflicts.” The young leaders, participants on the conference pointed out “We want to see innovative, respectful, peaceful, happy and unique SEE.” The discussions revealed to these youth workers and young leaders that they need to focus their youth actions and start to act locally in their communities. “Start from yourself. If all of us do that, we can actually come up to the point when we, as a society, can change things together.” The participants ambitiously set a goal to build a prepared, inclusive society for all. On that note, the issue of gender inequality was also raised with the conclusion that “Feminism is not only a struggle for emancipation of women, but a struggle of all oppressed groups.” The experts made an impression on the participants and provoked a heated debate about the education system with the statements that “University Autonomy means freedom of research” and “We need to continue the intellectual effort and invest in research”. An important solution for the young leaders also was that “We should not focus on retaining only the talents in the SEE region, but to retain the youth in SEE”.
We are glad to see the results of one of the primary objectives of the conference, which was to interconnect the participants and help them create an international network of dedicated young leaders with similar goals, giving them an opportunity to create network and partnerships as a driving force for positive social changes in the region.
To sum up for the 15th time we are confirming that the International Youth Conference is a unique place, a cultural crossroad where discussions for: rule of law, democracy, human rights, freedom of speech, free market economy, political inclusiveness and right of free sexual orientation, serve as a platform for putting together the mosaic of the future of Europe.
Finally, finding youth events as important and essential for the future of the region we are encouraging all relevant stakeholders for continuation in their support and assistance.
As representatives of Albania were chosen:
-Greta Topjana
-Mariza Nare
-Olsa Nela
-Gent Imeraj
They went firmly and exhibited the values of Albania with pride!