Project Summary

Young people in the Western Balkans region continue to be influenced by the negative legacies of the past, particularly youth living in segregated ethnic majority areas and learning in segregated schools and education systems. Many have no direct memory of joint peaceful coexistence. Few young people have travelled outside of the region and others have not even visited major cities in their countries and territories. The online spread of fake news, disinformation and hate speech replicates stereotypes and reinforces distrust. Bullying on social media is commonplace, with women and girls particularly affected by it. However, more and more young people are becoming media and information literate and they are responding to hate speech with positive stories and messages. Young people are also reaching out to their peers and building live or virtual relationships across ethnic lines. Most young people believe that youth exchanges could have a positive impact on regional relations. Youth in the Western Balkans is crucial for strengthening democracy and promoting positive social transformations, yet decision-makers often fail to take their needs and aspirations into account. Therefore, engagement of young people in decision-making needs to be further stimulated and improved. The project is implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia.

What we want to achieve

The project seeks to empower young people from Kosovo and the region to engage in constructive narratives, strengthen intercultural dialogue, inclusion, gender equality and creation of mutual understanding and trust in the Western Balkans. The two-year initiative will enhance the role of youth in promoting increased comprehension and respect for diversity.

Expected results:

1. Collaborative youth platforms advance dialogue, mutual understanding and gender equality across the region; 
2. Youth journalists and activists across the region create and promote constructive and gender sensitive narratives in the media and through education, culture and sport.

Key results to date in Kosovo:

o 43 young women and men from diverse communities acquiring new skills and knowledge on disinformation and misinformation;
o 10 young journalists/UNVs trained and actively engaged in 9 different media organizations and outlets to promote positive messaging and combat hate speech through youth led-story writing and promotion;
o 60 young women and men increased knowledge and awareness on how to be an Upstander against hate speech, bulling, misogyny, and violence; 
o 5 initiatives promoting constructive intergroup and gender equality;
o 60 young women and men with disabilities (intellectual and physical) benefited from project sports activities strengthening inclusion, equality and trust; 
o One joint initiative between Kosovo and North Macedonia exchanging experiences and goals on youth policy development. 


Status:
Active

Time Frame:
May 2022 – May 2024

Where:
Kosovo wide

Focus Area:
Youth, countering mis/disinformation and hate speech, gender equality

Beneficiaries:
Young people (between 15-30 years of age)

Partners: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Civil society organizations, media, academia, and youth groups

Donor(s):
United Nations Peacebuilding Fund

Budget:
$326,351

Contact: 
Marta K. Gazideda 
Governance and Peacebuilding Portfolio Manager/ Deputy Programme Coordinator
marta.gazideda@undp.org
Tel: +383 38 249 066
Mob: +383 49 785 895

Ardian Latifaj
Project Manager
ardian.latifaj@undp.org
+381 38 249 066 (ext. 307)
Mob: +383 44 222 317