About this learning event

Young Voices from the Region: Values, Policy, and Change

The panel will showcase the work of eight young public officials from the Western Balkans who have spent the past year developing policy papers under expert mentorship. Each paper reflects a personal and professional motivation and addresses an area where progress is needed, whether related to institutional performance, social inclusion, or policy alignment. The proposals are grounded in firsthand experience and are driven by a shared aspiration to contribute meaningfully to the EU accession process.

The contributions cover a variety of areas: from strengthening women’s participation in STEM and advancing gender equality in the security sector, to improving efforts against human trafficking and reforming asylum policy. The papers also feature proposals focused on enhancing regional cooperation mechanisms, increasing citizen engagement at the local level, fostering employment opportunities for young talent, and boosting absorption capacity for EU funds.

By examining these contributions, we will gain a better understanding of the changes their authors wish to see, the challenges they face, and the support they need to overcome the hurdles. This will in turn give us some much needed insight into what happens when personal and professional values meet the complex challenges of creating change.

None of these are abstract policy questions, but the lived experiences of a new generation working with determination and hope to shape a better future for their countries. By giving voice to real challenges and practical proposals, this panel contributes to the Forum’s exploration of the gap between ideals and reality in politics and the resilience it takes to act despite obstacles.

During this event, a shared purpose will be channeled into a collective vision for improving the future of countries in the Western Balkans.

The participants will:

- Gain insight into policy challenges facing young professionals who work in the public sector of EU accession countries.
- Hear how personal values drive and are tested by real-world policymaking in complex environments.
- Be inspired by the courage, motivation, and perseverance of young practitioners who are not just waiting for change, but working to create it.


This event will highlight the key messages of the featured contributors:

Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs, Montenegro
Jana Repanšek, Director, CEF
Vlado Dimovski, Slovenia, Lead Mentor of WeWrite
Stela Haxhi, Albania
Djordje Papak, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ilirjana Tolaj, Kosovo*
Meliza Qorraj, Kosovo*
Maja Boshnjakovska, North Macedonia
Tatjana Zdraveska, North Macedonia
Milena Popović Glavatović, Montenegro
Stela Bobot, Montenegro

The moderator of the session will be Laura Katarina Jularić from the CEF.

Who should attend

This workshop is by invitation only,  intended for participants from the second generation of WeWrite component under the WeLead project.

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence

Partners

This event is delivered as part of the EU-funded multi-beneficiary project “EU Scheme for Young Professionals in the Western Balkans” (WeLead) implemented by the CEF.