This year we celebrated the 22nd edition of the International Youth Conference "EUROPEAN VALUES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE SEE REGION", that took place from 26th to 30th September 2024, traditionally in Krusevo, North Macedonia – a picturesque town where our event has been a cornerstone of meaningful dialogue and cross-cultural exchange for over 21 years. For over two decades, this annual event has engaged more than 1500 active young leaders from 24 countries, as well as convened more than 250 distinguished, influential guest speakers among which presidents of countries and institutions, prime ministers, politicians, ambassadors, diverse experts, academics, journalists and of course youth leaders and activists. They have passed on their admirable professional backgrounds and expertise on the newest generations of active young leaders, inspiring many future actions and initiatives. For the 22nd edition of the conference we convened more than 80 of the most active young people from 16 countries of the SEE region [North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey] to work together for the European future of the region, as well as guests from youth organizations partners from Germany, France and Poland in the role of mentors that provided their valuable insights due to the successful endeavors in their reconciliation processes. Our aim this year was to showcase good case studies and over 22 years of active youth work, creating meaningful dialogue with and for young people. We also strived to promote the understanding of how to create youth-inclusive, decision-making, and civic participation processes for regional transformation, by engaging the young people using a variety of innovative methodologies and attractive approaches such as: real talk sessions, chitchats, fireside chats, hackathon and many other inventive formats inspiring them into working together towards a better European future of the region. The Conference team, together with the International Preparatory Group [IPG], consisted of conference alumni from previous editions, actively worked on this year`s program that featured plenty of captivating, hot topics such as political currents and elections, radical tensions and movements, digital transformation and innovation, artificial intelligence, economic stability, empowerment and entrepreneurship, youth employability, as well as regional connectivity and infrastructure. The Conference stage welcomed numerous speakers whose presence brought a significant wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the event. Their perspectives and enthusiasm resonated deeply with the young leaders, sparking reflections and conversations throughout the entire conference and after. The insights of our distinguished guest speakers have given our attendees a deeper understanding of the topics and motivated them to become more actively engaged in the future towards positive changes in the region.

PRODUCTS

We are pleased to announce the "Youth’s Declaration for Unlocking the Youth Vision of the SEE Region 2050", created by the young leaders during the International Youth Conference "European Values for the Future of SEE Countries," on September 29th, 2024. This milestone document captures the voices of young people from across the region, presenting a shared vision for the future of South-East Europe. The declaration offers a clear framework for addressing key challenges and opportunities that will shape the region’s development in the coming decades. The declaration emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and regional cooperation as cornerstones for peace and stability. It identifies the risks posed by rising radicalization and nationalism, calling for enhanced dialogue, peacebuilding initiatives, and educational reforms to foster tolerance and critical thinking. With data revealing that 47% of the population believes nationalistic policies hinder regional cooperation, the declaration stresses the urgency of a collective commitment to overcome divisive narratives. Youth unemployment remains a major challenge across South-East Europe, with many young people lacking access to quality jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. The declaration calls for strategic reforms to align education systems with labor market demands and encourages the development of entrepreneurship programs that offer funding, mentorship, and networking. It also underscores the importance of promoting digital literacy and remote work, especially for youth in rural areas, to bridge the gap in employment opportunities. Environmental sustainability is highlighted as a priority, reflecting the growing concern among youth about pollution and ecological degradation. The declaration urges governments and institutions to adopt greener policies, involve young people in environmental decision-making processes, and take immediate action to ensure a healthier and safer environment for future generations. Finally, the declaration calls for the expansion of youth activism by creating accessible platforms, integrating civic education into school curricula, and fostering meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes at the local, national, and regional levels. Participants advocate for the co-management of political and social initiatives, empowering young people to be drivers of change and ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future. The Youth’s Declaration for Unlocking the Youth Vision of the SEE Region 2050 stands as a testament to the commitment of young people to build a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable region. It serves as a call to action for governments, institutions, decision-makers and stakeholders to collaborate and take decisive steps towards realizing this shared vision, ensuring a prosperous South-East Europe for generations to come!