For Ms. Haxhi, WeLead became a platform where ideas could turn into concrete contributions. As part of the WeWrite component, she worked alongside peers from across the region to develop a policy paper under expert mentorship. “This experience not only strengthened my research and writing skills but also showed me the power of young voices from the region coming together to create meaningful change,” she noted. Seeing these papers published collectively in WeWrite: Shaping the Future was deeply satisfying for her and confirmed that cross-border collaboration is not abstract—it produces real, tangible outcomes. For Ms. Haxhi, WeLead embodies regional cooperation, cultural understanding, and shared purpose, and stands as a project that future generations deserve to experience.

Similarly, Ms. Davkova describes her participation in the WeLead project as one of the most transformative experiences of her life, both professionally and personally. Entering the program with doubts about her abilities, language skills, and sense of belonging, she gradually found something transformative: her voice. “Through the program, I became more confident, more communicative, and more in touch with who I truly am as a person and a leader. It didn't just teach me about leadership. It showed me that leadership starts from within, the moment you decide to step up and believe in yourself.” Through mentorship, training, and peer exchange, she developed the confidence and skills that later helped her reach one of the highest leadership positions in her office—an achievement she strongly links to WeLead. For her, the project’s greatest strength lies in how it brings diverse people together and gives them the tools to grow, not only as professionals, but also as individuals.

Building on this theme of personal growth turning into concrete career progress, Mr. Pozder points to WeLead as the catalyst for a decisive professional step. Through coaching and guidance, he found the courage to transfer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is now preparing for his first diplomatic mission. Alongside this career move, he discovered the value of being part of a regional network of young leaders who motivate and support one another. He sees the Alumni community as a living extension of the project’s mission, one that continues to share knowledge, inspire ambition, and shape future leaders long after the formal program ends.

Ms. Abazi’s experience reflects yet another dimension of WeLead’s impact. Its ability to build lasting perspectives and connections. For her, the project was an inspiring journey that opened new horizons, strengthened her confidence, and connected her with peers from across the region. It reinforced the idea that strong institutions are built through cooperation and mutual support, and that lasting change is driven by people who believe in collective progress. What makes WeLead unique in her eyes is precisely this sense of community, a network that continues to motivate participants and sustain their engagement even after the program concludes.

Together, these four stories form a single narrative: WeLead delivers impact because it invests in people. It deepens young professionals’ understanding of the EU accession process, strengthens their skills and confidence, and connects them through a regional network that goes beyond borders. In doing so, it directly advances its broader objective, fostering good neighborly relations and supporting the Western Balkans on their path toward European integration through stronger regional cooperation of young professionals.