News and Opportunities

Applications Open for the Balkan International Youth Summit for Peace 2026

YSP Balkan is excited to announce that applications are now officially open for the Balkan International Youth Summit for Peace (BIYSP) 2026, taking place from 1–4 October 2026 in Mitrovica, Kosova.

Following the remarkable success of BIYSP 2025, which brought together 120 young leaders from more than 33 countries alongside presidents, mayors, academics, civil society leaders, and changemakers, this year's Summit will once again serve as a global platform for dialogue, cooperation, and youth-led peacebuilding. In 2026, the Summit aims to welcome 120 participants from over 40 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East.

Hosted in the city of Mitrovica—a place that represents both the challenges of division and the possibilities of reconciliation—the Summit offers a unique environment where young people can exchange perspectives, build meaningful connections, and collaborate on solutions to today's most pressing societal challenges.

The 2026 edition will focus on five key thematic areas:

Good Governance & Democratic Participation
Anti-Corruption & Integrity
Mental Health & Youth Wellbeing
Disinformation & Hate Speech

Peacebuilding, Reconciliation & Social Cohesion

Participants will engage in High-Level Panel Discussions, Working Sessions, Action Labs, World Cafe, and Regional Discussions, working alongside policymakers, academics, civil society organizations, and community leaders. Together, they will develop practical ideas and initiatives that promote democratic participation, social cohesion, and sustainable peace.

BIYSP 2026 is more than an international conference—it is an opportunity to become part of a growing network of young leaders committed to building a more peaceful, resilient, and inclusive future for their communities and beyond.

We invite passionate young changemakers from around the world to apply and join us in Mitrovica this October.

Apply Now!!!

Balkan Leadership Conference 2026: Advancing Democracy, Media Freedom, and Regional Cooperation

Tiranë, Albania – YSP Balkan proudly participated as one of the organizing partners of the Balkan Leadership Conference 2026 (BLC 2026), organized by Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP). Hosted at the Parliament of Albania under the theme "Media Freedom, Democracy, and Digital Governance in the Western Balkans," the conference convened more than 80 parliamentarians, policymakers, media professionals, academics, and civil society representatives from across the Balkans and Europe.

The conference provided a valuable platform for meaningful dialogue on strengthening democratic governance, safeguarding media freedom, addressing the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation, and promoting regional cooperation. Through engaging discussions and the exchange of diverse perspectives, participants explored collaborative approaches to building more resilient, transparent, and inclusive democratic institutions throughout the region.

Representing YSP Balkan, Executive Director Ms. Ejona Icka actively contributed to the conference discussions and was honored with a Recognition Award for her outstanding contribution to advancing peace, youth engagement, and regional cooperation. This recognition reflects both her personal dedication and YSP Balkan's ongoing commitment to empowering young people as active contributors to democratic processes and sustainable peacebuilding.

As an organizing partner, YSP Balkan remains committed to creating opportunities that bring together leaders, institutions, and young people to foster dialogue, strengthen democratic values, and promote cooperation across the Balkans. We sincerely thank the organizers, partners, and all participants for their shared commitment to shaping a more peaceful, democratic, and connected region.

YSP Balkan at the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Week in Vienna

During this week, the Director of YSP Balkan and UN Coordinator for IAYSP Europe and the Middle East (IAYSP EUME), Prof. Ejona Icka, participated in the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Week, contributing to a series of high-level side events dedicated to youth empowerment, crime prevention, and anti-corruption education.

As part of the official program, she served as moderator and panelist in the side event organized by IAYSP EUME on:
“Empowering Youth through Education for Crime Prevention and Anti-Corruption.”
The session emphasized the essential role of education in preventing corruption and empowering young people to become active contributors to transparent, accountable, and peaceful societies.

She also participated as a panelist in the side event hosted by UPF Europe and the Middle East titled:
“The Relevance of Interreligious Cooperation for Crime Prevention.”
This discussion highlighted the importance of interfaith and intercultural cooperation in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening crime prevention efforts globally.

In addition, she presented a peace project focused on anti-corruption education, showcasing practical approaches to integrating integrity, ethics, and civic responsibility into youth education initiatives.

During this week she was accompanied by the Programs Coordinator of YSP Balkan in North Macedonia, Ms. Amra Azizi, who also served as a panelist in the IAYSP EUME side event, contributing to stronger regional youth representation and collaboration.

This participation at the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) Week reflects YSP Balkan’s continued commitment to empowering youth, promoting integrity through education, and contributing to global peacebuilding and crime prevention efforts.

Youth of Pogradec in Action

The youth-led project “Education on Mental Health”, designed and developed by youth and students of Pogradec during the Peace Designer Training, Awarded "Best Youth-Led Initiative" at the Balkan International Youth Summit for Peace 2025, has successfully completed its implementation phase in Pogradec, Albania.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness about mental health among young people, promote open discussions on emotional well-being, and encourage healthier approaches to managing stress and anxiety. Through interactive workshops, group discussions, and peer-learning activities, the project reached dozens of young participants from local schools.

Participants reported increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues and expressed greater confidence in discussing emotional challenges and seeking support when needed. Many shared personal experiences during the sessions, contributing to a more open and supportive environment. Parents highlighted positive changes in communication and emotional awareness among their children, while schools recognized the project's contribution to promoting well-being and fostering a more supportive educational environment.

The successful completion of the project demonstrates the power of youth-led initiatives to address important community challenges and create meaningful social impact.

Three-Year Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Tetova

YSP Balkan is pleased to announce the signing of a three-year Memorandum of Cooperation with University of Tetova, North Macedonia.

The partnership aims to promote academic cooperation, youth engagement, intercultural dialogue, leadership development, and regional collaboration between young people across the Balkans. Through joint activities, educational initiatives, conferences, trainings, and youth programs, the cooperation will contribute to strengthening connections between students, institutions, and future leaders across the region.

This memorandum reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to fostering peace, education, and international cooperation.

Four-Year Memorandum of Agreement with the Municipality of South Mitrovica

YSP Balkan has officially signed a three-year Memorandum of Cooperation with the Municipality of South Mitrovica.

This partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the fields of youth empowerment, peacebuilding, education, intercultural dialogue, and community engagement. Through this cooperation, both parties will work together to create new opportunities for young people and support initiatives that contribute to social development and regional cooperation.

The agreement represents an important step toward building sustainable partnerships that promote active youth participation and positive social impact in Kosova and across the Balkans.

From Screens to Real Connection: Kosova's Project Heads to S!NERGY Assembly

The youth-led project “Disconnect to Reconnect” was selected as a winning initiative during the Peace Designer Training in Kosova, and will proudly represent Kosovo at the S!NERGY Assembly.

The project addresses the growing issue of excessive smartphone use among students aged 12–15 and its impact on concentration, academic performance, mental well-being, and social interaction. Through outdoor sports, creative workshops, social games, and phone-free activities, the initiative encourages healthier digital habits and stronger face-to-face communication among young people. By promoting balanced technology use and active participation in educational and social activities, the project also contributes to SDG 4 – Quality Education.

“Disconnect to Reconnect” reflects the creativity and commitment of youth in Kosovo to building healthier, more connected, and socially engaged communities

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