Written by Kristina Perović, Young European Ambassador from Montenegro

Attending the Adria Future Summit 2026 for the first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found instead was a dynamic and welcoming environment, bringing together ambitious people, from experienced professionals to young individuals who are still shaping their paths and exploring where they fit in a rapidly changing world.

Being there with other Young European Ambassadors from across the region, including Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo, made the experience even more meaningful. It created a strong sense of connection and shared purpose, and it felt less like simply attending an event and more like being part of an ongoing regional conversation.

One of the sessions that stood out to me was the Youth Policy Lab on disinformation and media literacy. In today’s digital environment, where information is constantly available but not always reliable, the discussion emphasized how important it is for young people to think critically, question sources, and understand the impact of the content they consume and share.

Another important part of the experience was the roundtable “Democratising Data Access and Accountability for a Just Transition”, where we had the opportunity to actively participate and exchange ideas with speakers such as Catherine Atkin and Goran Svilanović. The conversation explored how different regions approach innovation and development, and how the Western Balkans has the potential to design solutions that reflect its own context rather than simply replicating global models. A brief reference to the idea of “not yet” ,in the sense that timing in life is not always linear, added a simple but thought-provoking perspective on how progress and achievement can unfold at different stages.

On the final day, the panel “The Borderless Workforce: Responsibility, Compliance and the Future of Labour”, featuring Young European Ambassador from Serbia, Andrea Darabašić, addressed the challenges young people face when navigating labour rights, opportunities, and expectations in today’s labour market. It also highlighted the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and understanding the systems we are entering.

Overall, the Adria Future Summit was not just about innovation, investment, or policy discussions. It was about perspective, exchange, and the realization that young people are not just participants in these conversations, but active contributors to them. It was a valuable reminder that staying engaged, asking questions, and being part of such spaces truly matters.