Every year, International Youth Day shines a spotlight on the creativity, resilience, and determination of young people around the globe. This August, YEAs across the Western Balkans marked the day in their own communities, each in a unique way that reflected both local spirit and shared European values. From open dialogues to dance events and vibrant youth festivals, the region came alive with initiatives that carried one powerful message: youth are shaping the future.
In Albania, YEA Erid Rama gathered young leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs at the Youth Centre in Durrës for an open dialogue titled “Future Leaders.” The event provided a space for meaningful conversation about leadership, environmental responsibility, and the role of youth in driving change. In an informal but purposeful setting, participants shared personal experiences, posed questions, and explored practical ways to contribute to their communities. The dialogue strengthened connections among young people and encouraged them to step confidently into roles where their voices can make a lasting difference.
Meanwhile, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, YEAs Emina and Naida Odobašić brought the city of Zenica to life with the first-ever Zenica Youth Fest (ZYF). What began as an idea just ten days before International Youth Day turned into a celebration of energy, creativity, and community. The festival gathered local organizations, informal youth groups, and small businesses, alongside partners such as the Red Cross and KK Jumper sport club, creating a space where music, art, and activism came together. With the strong support of the City of Zenica, ZYF became more than a festival – it was a statement of what’s possible when a community stands behind its young people.
In North Macedonia, YEA Teodora Jolakoska chose dance as a universal language to send a strong message. Under the banner “Back to School, Forward Together”, she organized a Dance Day against bullying and discrimination. The event not only celebrated the joy of movement but also encouraged solidarity among young people, reminding them that schools and communities must be spaces of acceptance and mutual support.
Beyond these local initiatives, YEAs in Bosnia and Herzegovina also joined broader celebrations. Some took part in the official International Youth Day event organized by the City of Sarajevo and the Mayor, while others participated in the EU House Sarajevo online campaign “What If EU”, sharing their visions for the future of Europe, rooted in inclusivity, innovation, and hope.
Together, these initiatives painted a vivid picture of what International Youth Day means in the Western Balkans: young people creating, leading, and inspiring change. Whether through dialogue, festivals, or dance, the YEAs reminded their communities, and themselves, that the future is not something to wait for, but something to build, step by step, hand in hand.
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