June 15, 2023
The “Youth Manifesto” tour stopped on June 15 in one of the UNESCO heritage cities in South Albania, in Gjirokastër, to discuss with young people and local authorities the INTERREG IPA Programs and the opportunities they offer.
The event gathered young people and representatives of youth organizations and local institutions gathered in Gjirokastër on the premises of ‘Eqrem Çabej’ University, as well as online, to raise awareness and promote INTERREG IPA programs among local actors in an open and constructive dialogue.
During the activity, regional cooperation was discussed as an incentive in the creation of youth partnerships and the promotion of youth participation in policy-making.
The discussion on how the Recommendations of the Youth Manifesto can be reflected in Interreg programs was also important. A part of these recommendations can be addressed through various projects that are implemented under these programs, including young people not only as beneficiaries of various training or initiatives, but also as collaborators from the first stages of consulting ideas and writing projects until their implementation.
The event was organized by the Institute for Cooperation and Development (CDI), in partnership with the European Commission / DG Regio, and in collaboration with the National Youth Congress of Albania. Deputy Rector Mr. Jaho Canaj greeted the activity and among others he stated that the participation of the students in Interreg projects is crucial as it positively affects their qualifications and upgrades their skills relevant to the employment opportunities. “Such events expose the students to opportunities they can take advantage off. They can be not only included in local level projects but through INTERREG IPA programes they can participate in mobility project in the region as well.’
Participants discussed the challenges of youth engagement in Interreg projects and the lessons learned from previous programs. In particular, Mrs. Lira Dheri, Antenna Officer of Interreg IPA CBC Greece- Albania provided an overall picture of the INTERREG IPA Greece Albania programme and the opportunities that will be offered to young people or youth organizations during the next funding period 2021-2027.
Mr. Gilles Kittel, Team Leader – IPA, Enlargement Negotiations and EUSAIR, DG REGIO, European Commission, emphasized the importance of youth participation in policy-making processes. He addressed the youth, stressing: “I invite you to be active in the process of drafting policies. That’s what we’re trying to do, so I invite you to share your concerns, interests and questions with us, as talking together is the only way to find solutions that fit your needs.”
Meanwhile, Mrs. Irma Gjolleshi, Head of International Relations and Scientific Research Unit at ‘Eqrem Cabej’ University added: “It is imperative that young people are given space to be part of cross-border projects, helping them to be involved and also contribute to the development of the community where they live.”
Ms. Klerida Kalemi a student of Economy Faculty, who has been involved in Interreg projects implemented in Gjirokaster University took the opportunity to share some recommendations with the Interreg and EC representatives, regarding the inclusion of youth needs in future calls for projects: ‘These programmes should offer capacity-building programs and training sessions that focus on equipping young people with the necessary skills to participate in Interreg projects. This includes training on proposal writing, project management, and networking. In addition, it is essential to simplify application procedures and provide clear guidelines and templates that are accessible to young people. This will help reduce barriers and make the process more user-friendly.’
Mrs. Loreta Mamani, Executive Director, MKEZH “Multifunctional Association for Culture, Education and Development’ shared with the participators the perspective of her local association that works with and for youth. ‘The way programmes operate now makes it difficult for NGOs to be engaged in Interreg IPA projects. Lowering the threshold of the annual balance for local NGOs to apply for Interreg IPA funds is a must. Furthermore, local and central governments should be open to invite and collaborate closely with NGOs. Lastly, networking campaigns are important and necessary for NGOs as a way to bring them together and enable possible exchange experiences and capacity building events.’
We had the pleasure to have among us the deputy mayor of Gjirokaster Mrs. Jorida Muho. She concluded the event by saying that the Interreg programme should have a more dedicated focus on how to engage young people. ‘In order to engage we should learn ‘How?’ The involvement of youth and youth organizations should be more flexible, as not all of them have the professional capacity to respond to Interreg calls. That’s why the programs should think more about capacity building on how to define their needs, how they can reach out to the existing possibilities out there. There is a lack of information among youth about programmes they can benefit from. In addition, I would like to add that Interreg Programmes should be more in line and in direct touch with municipalities so we can make and work on custom-made projects that address the needs of youth in the community.’
Consult the event’s agenda here
PowerPoint Presentation:
More information about CDI’s engagement in “Raising awareness on the Youth Manifesto in the Western Balkans” can be found here.
