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Author: WeBalkans

Cengic Benjamin

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Interests: Arts and design, Film and photography, Music, Youth activism, Environment

Being an active citizen in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina is sometimes quite difficult, but being an activist often seems like fighting with windmills. Working in the field of culture seems like pushing the rock uphill, but working on every new project is like building a tower of cards. In spite of the system being corrupt, complicated and rotten, we must work it. Every time we hit a wall on our way, we will paint it and find our way to move past it. Life is beautiful when you control it.

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Adi Softic

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA, YEA of the month.

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Interests: Media, arts and culture, Business and Entrepreneurship

I bring a wealth of experience as a chairperson, with a proven track record in the entertainment industry, cultural and event management, public speaking, organizational leadership, and public relations. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations with minor in International Business from the University of Buckingham.

I proudly represented Bosnia as the sole participant included in Madonna’s ‘Art for Freedom’ project and engaged in cultural endeavors alongside distinguished figures such as Professor Ivo Josipović, the former president of Croatia. Over 10,000 individuals in my local community have been captivated by my performances, events, plays, and exhibitions.

I was the only young Bosnian interviewed by Newsweek magazine, discussing arts, youth activism, and the potential of Balkan youth in shaping culture. Moreover, the project ‘Ex Files Maglaj,’ which I co-founded, played a pivotal role in archiving photographs and artifacts following the Bosnian floods of 2014. Our exhibition not only showcases the city’s landmarks and forgotten sites, garnering regional recognition, but has also attracted over 7000 visitors and generated more than 1,000,000 online engagements.

Furthermore, as the chairman of the organization ‘Dictum Factum,’ I’ve facilitated numerous regional projects, providing youth interested in culture, education, entrepreneurship and social cohesion with invaluable opportunities. Notably, through our YEA Network, we successfully launched the Maglaj Spirit Weekend, a unique platform intertwining film, music, and discourse, fostering regional cooperation and preserving cultural heritage.

My entrepreneurial drive led me to secure the role of Members Relations Manager at ABSL, where I collaborate with the Bosnian and Herzegovinian business services sector, helping catalyse positive change and presenting my country and business opportunities on various scales.

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Armin Poljak

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Interests: International Relations, Media, arts and culture

My name is Armin, I’m 25 and I’m from Sanski Most, a small town in the north-western region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Currently, I am a postgraduate student of European Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

I always say that both peace and youth activism are my key interests, and while I was volunteering, I managed to obtain a basic education in both types of activism. This had a major influence on my decision to begin studying International Relations and Diplomacy and European Studies.

Besides youth and peace activism, my biggest interests are related to tourism, sports and local community development.

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Faris Delic

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Interests: Arts and design, Film and photography, Youth activism, Environment

I like to be with people who loves change
I attended to some seminars before 2 3 years which i showed in video.
I attend at schhol for young people at theatar of scenics art “Mladi Tuzle” and i finish first step to become theatre actor.
I like positive change in nature(clean actions,grow new trees and etc)

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Tarik Bičo

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Interests: Arts and design, Film and photography, Music, Youth activism, Environment, Sport

Tarik Bičo, producent, video autor, Young european ambassador

I am a producer, video author, and young European ambassador from Sarajevo. I am a graduate student in the Department of Production and Management at the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo. For several years, I have been engaged in the production of digital content, focusing on videos, short films, and music videos. Through my videos, I creatively promote new positive local trends, blending with the popular scene, thus creating various mixed media activations for all individuals aiming to promote significant matters through their digital space.

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Cecilia Gàzulli

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: Arts and design, Film and photography, Music, Youth activism,Environment

As 2020 goes by, we are getting aware of how important diversity of all kind is, how important the Human Rights are, as they are more then ever being threatened by all these recent events happening all around the world. I always saw myself as a citizen of the world, not only Shkoder, not even only Albania. As a free thinker and visual artist, my art will forever serve the topics of Human Rights and Feminism.
I wanna be a pioneer of diversity to all my generation, as change begins from self.

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Erisa Zemzadja

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: Human Rights, International Relations

“I am currently serving as a Fellow at the Parliament of Albania, where I focus extensively on gender equality issues and women’s empowerment, while actively contributing to fighting gender-based violence.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences & International Relations from Bahçeşehir University and a Master’s in Political Science from the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

After my studies, I worked in the non-profit sector in Brussels advocating for the rights of different groups facing inequalities and striving for a more inclusive society and women empowerment. Subsequently, I briefly engaged in academia and as a political research contributor.

Since my return to Albania, my primary focus has been on political research and activism. My work has been directed toward advancing human rights, fighting inequalities, and contributing to enhancing democracy.
“

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Loreta Gjoni

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: Youth activism

I am a young doctor in Albania. I like to believe I stand out for my communication skills and style of conduct. An idealist and highly empathetic, I am invested in the improvement of the health policy. I strongly believe in equal treatment for everyone. I completed my studies in general medicine between 2010 and 2016. I worked as a general practitioner in Kavaja for several years, before going on to specialise in Paediatrics. While attending the school of specialisation at the Medical University of Tirana, I also worked as a volunteer doctor for a few days every month in the city of Saranda, helping the community which lacked doctors. I am dedicated to the issues faced by children and young people, fighting for their rights and emancipation.

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Klajdi Kaziu

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania Interests: International Relations, Human Rights

Hi there! I’m Klajdi, a young professional engaged in peacebuilding and democratization in the Western Balkans. Over the years i have been leading youth-lensed initiatives strengthening their role in policymaking and regional cooperation. The idea of a “united Europe” remains my conviction, and lifelong struggle.

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Benard Babaj

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania Interests: Human Rights, Environment

“An articulate, self-motivated, and committed individual with strong leadership and communication skills. I was selected as a Young European Ambassador (YEA) for the Western Balkans in 2020, which provided me essential international experience. Over the past six years, I have been working with local youth as well as the Roma community on advocacy, lobbying, and activism, all while studying full-time in an MSc program at the University of Tirana. I have facilitated key meetings between youth groups based in different cities and YEAs. Recently, I completed a year-long internship at the National Democratic Institute as an assistant to a prominent Member of Parliament in Albania. Additionally, I served as the Local Coordinator for a project led by the Institute for Democracy and Mediation, engaging high-school students in their communities within the framework of the School as a Community Centre Project. I was honored to receive the “”YEA of the Month 2021″” award. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2021 with an ‘Excellence’ grade level.”

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