• SHQIPËRI
  • KOSOVË
  • MAQEDONIA E VERIUT
  • MALI I ZI
  • Revista në PDF
6 July, 2025
Edicion Special
  • Home
  • OP/ED

    Azerbaijan dismisses claims of involvement in Israel-Iran conflict

    Elite Purges: Internal Conflict or External Design?

    Trump’s Threat of U.S. Intervention in Iran Exposes Roots of Critics’ Fears

    Crisis-Born, Purpose-Seeking: Can the EPC Define Europe’s Strategic Future?

    Serbia’s Request to the ICJ Turned Resolution 1244 into a Closed Chapter and Kosovo’s Independence into an Internationally Recognized Reality

    Unpredictable world

    Promoting Arab Culture and Language in the Framework of Cultural Diversity and Dialogue.

    ‘A Tragic Circus’: Albanian PD Figures Lash Out After LaCivita-Backed Campaign Collapses

    Erosion of Liberal Democracy in Europe Complicates Canada’s Search for Like-Minded Allies

  • Interview

    Exclusive: “Even After Tito – Tito”/ Ambassador Zlatko Kramarić on Authoritarian Legacies and Democracy’s Future in the Balkans

    The Conclusion of the Diplomatic Mission / Ambassador Dancho Markovski: Strengthening Albania-North Macedonia Relations for a Shared European Future

    A Century of Diplomatic Relations Between Albania and Russia: Exclusive Interview with the Russian Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Alexey Zaytsev

    Exclusive/ The chairman of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta: “The will of the citizens will triumph in Albania, as it did in North Macedonia”

    Exclusive/ The Russian Ambassador to Albania Mr. Mikhail Afanasiev: Russia only aims to end that war started by the West in Ukraine

    Exclusive/ Skopje’s top diplomat to Tirana, Dancho Markovski: OSCE Chairmanship a Project of National Importance for North Macedonia

    Exclusive interview of Croatian Ambassador Zlatko Kramaric: ‘There is progress in Croatian-Albanian relations, but it is still not enough’  

    The first anniversary of the appointment as Archbishop at the head of the Catholic Church/ Mons. Arjan Dodaj: Only God can be the author of our walk!

    Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Anar Huseynov: President Aliyev’s visit to Albania opened a new page in our relations through the specific accords reached

  • Realpolitik

    Summit G 6+1! The historic Summit and Trump show! Zelensky loses 0:2! Winners and losers of the 12 day war!

    Chancellor Merz passed “the exam”! Political stupidity! 5 per cent or study Russian! The Firing East!      

    A top phone call as disappointment! Exit from Brexit! Germany at the helm! End this political shame up!

    That’s it! The quartet of hope! Shame on Kosovo! The Summit of a Community without Identity!

    Only praises and prolises for Meloni! Facts versus untruths! Immediate ceasefire and genuine peace, no deal for new occupation! Back after 60 years !

    US nuclear tariff bomb!! Europa fires back! NATO ok, but with or without Article 5? Kallas urges reforms!

    Europe riarmed! Germany’s epochal shift! Spoiled soup! EU Commissioner Kos demands reforms!

    Europe tightens the ranks! The Euro-Atlantic Alliance in danger! USA-1945!! A true Peace, not new occupation!

    WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.  Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

    The law of force over the force of law! Multilateral diplomacy is the victim! Euro-Atlantism in danger! Munchen split the West!

  • Current Events

    Forum of Alumni from Saudi Universities in the Balkans

    Why Iran with Nukes is a Danger – Just Look at Cuba in 1962

    When bridges divide more than rivers…

    Skopje Growth Plan Summit: Western Balkans Six Urged to Accelerate Reforms

    Summit G 6+1! The historic Summit and Trump show! Zelensky loses 0:2! Winners and losers of the 12 day war!

    The NATO Summit in 2027 will be held in Tirana.

    Exclusive: “Even After Tito – Tito”/ Ambassador Zlatko Kramarić on Authoritarian Legacies and Democracy’s Future in the Balkans

    Geneva meeting begins in bid to halt escalating Israel-Iran conflict

    From Donetsk to Northern Kosovo: Geopolitical Games with the Kosovo Precedent

  • Top News

    The NATO Summit in 2027 will be held in Tirana.

    NATO allies agree to allocate 5% of GDP to defense by 2035

    Reza Pahlavi: “This Is Our Berlin Wall Moment” — Exiled Prince Calls for Global Support as Iran Nears Regime Collapse

    Where does Donald Trump stand on the Israel-Iran conflict?

    Russia Proposes Second Round of Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul on June 2

    International leaders congratulate Prime Minister Rama after his victory in the parliamentary elections, securing a fourth term.

    Albania’s parliamentary elections competitive and well run but lacked level playing field, international observers say

    Top Ukrainian delegation arrives in Paris for talks with Western officials

    Marta Kos: Albania Making Rapid Progress Toward EU Integration

  • YOUR VOICE
  • Shqip
No Result
View All Result
Argumentum
  • Home
  • OP/ED

    Azerbaijan dismisses claims of involvement in Israel-Iran conflict

    Elite Purges: Internal Conflict or External Design?

    Trump’s Threat of U.S. Intervention in Iran Exposes Roots of Critics’ Fears

    Crisis-Born, Purpose-Seeking: Can the EPC Define Europe’s Strategic Future?

    Serbia’s Request to the ICJ Turned Resolution 1244 into a Closed Chapter and Kosovo’s Independence into an Internationally Recognized Reality

    Unpredictable world

    Promoting Arab Culture and Language in the Framework of Cultural Diversity and Dialogue.

    ‘A Tragic Circus’: Albanian PD Figures Lash Out After LaCivita-Backed Campaign Collapses

    Erosion of Liberal Democracy in Europe Complicates Canada’s Search for Like-Minded Allies

  • Interview

    Exclusive: “Even After Tito – Tito”/ Ambassador Zlatko Kramarić on Authoritarian Legacies and Democracy’s Future in the Balkans

    The Conclusion of the Diplomatic Mission / Ambassador Dancho Markovski: Strengthening Albania-North Macedonia Relations for a Shared European Future

    A Century of Diplomatic Relations Between Albania and Russia: Exclusive Interview with the Russian Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Alexey Zaytsev

    Exclusive/ The chairman of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta: “The will of the citizens will triumph in Albania, as it did in North Macedonia”

    Exclusive/ The Russian Ambassador to Albania Mr. Mikhail Afanasiev: Russia only aims to end that war started by the West in Ukraine

    Exclusive/ Skopje’s top diplomat to Tirana, Dancho Markovski: OSCE Chairmanship a Project of National Importance for North Macedonia

    Exclusive interview of Croatian Ambassador Zlatko Kramaric: ‘There is progress in Croatian-Albanian relations, but it is still not enough’  

    The first anniversary of the appointment as Archbishop at the head of the Catholic Church/ Mons. Arjan Dodaj: Only God can be the author of our walk!

    Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Anar Huseynov: President Aliyev’s visit to Albania opened a new page in our relations through the specific accords reached

  • Realpolitik

    Summit G 6+1! The historic Summit and Trump show! Zelensky loses 0:2! Winners and losers of the 12 day war!

    Chancellor Merz passed “the exam”! Political stupidity! 5 per cent or study Russian! The Firing East!      

    A top phone call as disappointment! Exit from Brexit! Germany at the helm! End this political shame up!

    That’s it! The quartet of hope! Shame on Kosovo! The Summit of a Community without Identity!

    Only praises and prolises for Meloni! Facts versus untruths! Immediate ceasefire and genuine peace, no deal for new occupation! Back after 60 years !

    US nuclear tariff bomb!! Europa fires back! NATO ok, but with or without Article 5? Kallas urges reforms!

    Europe riarmed! Germany’s epochal shift! Spoiled soup! EU Commissioner Kos demands reforms!

    Europe tightens the ranks! The Euro-Atlantic Alliance in danger! USA-1945!! A true Peace, not new occupation!

    WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.  Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

    The law of force over the force of law! Multilateral diplomacy is the victim! Euro-Atlantism in danger! Munchen split the West!

  • Current Events

    Forum of Alumni from Saudi Universities in the Balkans

    Why Iran with Nukes is a Danger – Just Look at Cuba in 1962

    When bridges divide more than rivers…

    Skopje Growth Plan Summit: Western Balkans Six Urged to Accelerate Reforms

    Summit G 6+1! The historic Summit and Trump show! Zelensky loses 0:2! Winners and losers of the 12 day war!

    The NATO Summit in 2027 will be held in Tirana.

    Exclusive: “Even After Tito – Tito”/ Ambassador Zlatko Kramarić on Authoritarian Legacies and Democracy’s Future in the Balkans

    Geneva meeting begins in bid to halt escalating Israel-Iran conflict

    From Donetsk to Northern Kosovo: Geopolitical Games with the Kosovo Precedent

  • Top News

    The NATO Summit in 2027 will be held in Tirana.

    NATO allies agree to allocate 5% of GDP to defense by 2035

    Reza Pahlavi: “This Is Our Berlin Wall Moment” — Exiled Prince Calls for Global Support as Iran Nears Regime Collapse

    Where does Donald Trump stand on the Israel-Iran conflict?

    Russia Proposes Second Round of Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul on June 2

    International leaders congratulate Prime Minister Rama after his victory in the parliamentary elections, securing a fourth term.

    Albania’s parliamentary elections competitive and well run but lacked level playing field, international observers say

    Top Ukrainian delegation arrives in Paris for talks with Western officials

    Marta Kos: Albania Making Rapid Progress Toward EU Integration

  • YOUR VOICE
  • Shqip
No Result
View All Result
Argumentum
No Result
View All Result
Home ENGLISH

Secretary General Blanusa on RYCO’s achievements & challenges/ “A Better Region Starts with Youth

28 August, 2019
in ENGLISH, Interview
A A
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

“I strongly believe that RYCO can serve as an example of how sincere cooperation is possible and how it gives result when you bring together governments, civil society, and all other relevant stakeholders to one table. We want to be an inspiration while working hard on achieving new results,” says RYCO Secretary General Djuro Blanusa  

By Genc Mlloja

Senior Diplomatic Editor

“The significance of the International Youth Day is that we should all acknowledge the fact that we are having a lot in common – hopes, ideas, but also joint problems and challenges. This day is the moment to stop, look back, acknowledge and present what has been achieved so far… but also to remind those in power about their role and responsibilities towards young people.”  This was a segment extracted from an interview that Albanian Daily News had with RYCO Secretary General Djuro Blanusa  on the occasion of the International Youth Day which was marked on August 12.

The International Youth Day has been established by the United Nations General Assembly since 2000, and this year’s celebration is dedicated to young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation, as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace.

“Our message was clear and focused on the transforming power of young people in general, not only of their education. We should not dismiss their enormous and unprecedented interest to make changes in their societies. Because of that, we need our governments, educational institutions, civil society, and media to act together and in the spirit of cooperation, not competition, if we want youth voices to be heard and to ensure a better perspective for our region and its young generations,” said Mr. Blanusa.

Asked about the main achievements of RYCO its Secretary General  noted that the biggest success of RYCO so far is that it had already managed to support over two hundred secondary schools and youth organizations in the Western Balkans.

“This is not enough. We are just at the beginning. Fostering reconciliation and cooperation in the region is a long-lasting process,” Mr. Blanusa pointed out.  In the meantime he revealed that  RYCO is currently implementing several other projects supported by our partners – the European Union, United Nations Peace Building Fund, Norwegian, German and French governments. “Each of these projects is focusing on different issues related to the youth of our region, like volunteering, social innovation and youth entrepreneurship, etc.”

In a comment on the Poznan Summit held in early July this year, Mr. Blanusa said RYCO sincerely does not want to be the only “most tangible result of the Berlin Process”; we want to see more of these, in the interest and for all citizens of the region. If we want to make a success of the Berlin Process, we should have more initiatives and projects completed and functioning, not only agreed upon. “I believe that the time has come for our governments to act not only in their national interests but in the interest of the region as a whole and also in the shared interest of its citizens,” he said in the interview which follows:  

– On the 12th of August the world observed the International Youth Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly since 2000. This year’s celebration is dedicated to young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation, as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace. Which is the significance of such an event for the youth in the Western Balkans?

– This kind of events should serve not only youth but also governments, media, and educational institutions to remind and inspire them to take concrete and efficient actions especially having in mind the worrying, even alarming statistics on youth regarding their perception of “others”, political views, brain-drain, socio-economic prospects of the region, education, etc.

Image preview

The significance of the International Youth Day is that we should all acknowledge the fact that we are having a lot in common – hopes, ideas, but also joint problems and challenges. This day is the moment to stop, look back, acknowledge and present what has been achieved so far… but also to remind those in power about their role and responsibilities towards young people.

– As a follow up, Mr. Secretary, which is the message conveyed by RYCO on that occasion?

This year’s theme of the International Youth Day was “Transforming education”. RYCO is actively working with the educational institutions from the Western Balkans on fostering cooperation and reconciliation in the region, and promoting intercultural learning, civic education and non-formal education. And this work is done every day, not just on this occasion.

Our message was clear and focused on the transforming power of young people in general, not only of their education. We should not dismiss their enormous and unprecedented interest to make changes in their societies. Because of that, we need our governments, educational institutions, civil society, and media to act together and in the spirit of cooperation, not competition, if we want youth voices to be heard and to ensure a better perspective for our region and its young generations.

– Prejudice and stereotyping continue to shape attitudes in the Western Balkans. Which are some of the key objectives of RYCO to overcome this culture of separation which is still prevalent in the region?

– RYCO is predominantly working on delivering high quality, high impact programs with and for young people, focusing on their access to mobility, exchange, and regional cooperation. But let me highlight here that prejudice and stereotyping is just the tip of the iceberg. Problems in our region have deeper roots – a never-changing culture of separation does not serve the interests of youth, the region or European integration. On top of this, we have a strong legacy of an absence of support for change and finally, potential partnerships are not being sufficiently leveraged in the region.

RYCO is focusing on tackling these issues in its everyday work not only through youth exchanges but also through advocacy campaigns, support to young people, organizations and institutions working with and for them, through raising awareness about the youth issues among the governments and international actors and finally, offering solutions for solving them.

– Which are some of the major projects carried by RYCO and I would appreciate your assessment – have they delivered? 

– The biggest success of RYCO so far is that we have already managed to support over two hundred secondary schools and youth organizations in the region which will directly exchange over three thousand young people from the region in the upcoming period. The number of indirect beneficiaries goes beyond 50,000.

This is not enough. We are just at the beginning. Fostering reconciliation and cooperation in the region is a long-lasting process. We can speak about the concrete results when we manage to exchange hundreds of thousands of young people in the region and when we manage to influence our decision-makers in such a way that they are convinced that a new rhetoric is being used and a new spirit of cooperation is spread not just among youth, but also among all the people in the Western Balkans.

On the other hand, RYCO is currently implementing several other projects supported by our partners – the European Union, United Nations Peace Building Fund, Norwegian, German and French governments. Each of these projects is focusing on different issues related to the youth of our region, like volunteering, social innovation and youth entrepreneurship, etc.

– To be more concrete which are some of the messages and impressions of youth participating in various activities organized by you? Could you please quote some of the most significant youth exchange testimonials? 

– Experiences of our colleagues who are visiting the projects supported by RYCO but also the testimonials we are getting from the young people taking part in RYCO youth exchanges are by default very positive and sometimes very emotional. Young people are always surprised how similar they are to their peers from the region as well as how identical problems youth are facing in their communities back home.

I can give you a concrete example from a project organized for young people from northern Albania and southern Serbia where one of the participants said: “We built a friendship with them in such a natural way, something that we really didn’t expect to do.” I challenge you to guess if this was a young person from Albania or Serbia.

– Mr. Blanusa you are an experienced politician being aware of the ordeals through which the Western Balkans has gone through, and there are still animosities between some regional countries. A frank answer to a straightforward question: Do you believe the effort for reconciliation in WB will become a reality and how can youth contribute to fostering it?

– If I and my colleagues would not believe that the change is achievable we would not do this job. I am absolutely convinced that there is no other way for our region than to reconcile and deepen cooperation among our societies if we want to progress. Otherwise, I am afraid we can only see our region further decaying.

Youth are the key actors in this change because it is about their own future. This generation in the Western Balkans is the most educated generation that our region has ever seen. But at the same time they are very impatient in the face of environmental disasters, social injustice, and discrimination. Moreover, they are impatient with the European Union as well as with public institutions because of a strong feeling of disconnection. Therefore, this is a generation that has a full right to expect and ask for more, while politicians should listen and act accordingly.

– For RYCO to be more effective and efficient in its noble ambition it needs the help of regional governments, political forces and other relevant institutions. What can you tell us in this respect? 

– RYCO is thankful for the constructiveness and support provided to our organization by all the six governments from the region. But supporting only financially our work is just not enough. Political elites from the region should take care of their rhetoric but also the governments should keep promises given to the region’s young people. Moreover, it is not only about governments, politicians, and institutions. We always say that we need educational institutions, civil society, and media to act together and in the spirit of cooperation, if we want to ensure a better perspective for our region.

– In the meantime RYCO has the support of EU and other international organizations.  Are you satisfied by their current support and encouragement, and what do you expect more from them?

Indeed, RYCO is thankful for the support provided by numerous international partners – the EU, OSCE, CoE, GIZ, SIDA… but also from non-Western Balkans governments who are unequivocally supporting our work – governments of France and Germany at the first place.

We are constantly working on scaling up this support for joint endeavors and what we are expecting is that these partnerships should be long-lasting ones.

– The Poznan Summit held on 3-5 July this year in the frame of the Berlin Process was a firm pledge of the Leaders of the participant countries towards the importance of young people for the future of the Western Balkans.  In your address, Mr Blanusa, you pointed out that RYCO is still one of the most concrete results of the Berlin Process.  After Poznan Summit what can you say on challenges and perspectives of RYCO’s work to cope with youth’s worries in the WB many of which were articulated there?

– RYCO sincerely does not want to be the only “most tangible result of the Berlin Process”; we want to see more of these, in the interest and for all citizens of the region. If we want to make a success of the Berlin Process, we should have more initiatives and projects completed and functioning, not only agreed upon. I believe that the time has come for our governments to act not only in their national interests but in the interest of the region as a whole and also in the shared interest of its citizens.

When it comes to the articulated issues you are mentioning, I want to underline that time has come to deliver altogether. We do not have time to waste if we want to make some progress. Young people are impatient to see this change and if we do not make it now they will look for a better future elsewhere as they are already doing.

-“A better region starts with youth,” was the catchy slogan echoed by you, Mr. Secretary, in Poznan which was welcomed by the participants. Do you think, Sir that it will get strength to turn from a slogan into a motto for action in the WB?  

– We are working on this every day – pushing for more cooperation in the region and strengthening young people to take an active role in their societies. If you ask me, I think that a better region already started changing with youth. But it has just started. We need to work way more.

I strongly believe that RYCO can serve as an example of how sincere cooperation is possible and how it gives result when you bring together governments, civil society, and all other relevant stakeholders to one table. We want to be an inspiration while working hard on achieving new results. /ADN

© Argumentum. 

Related Posts

Current Events

Forum of Alumni from Saudi Universities in the Balkans

6 July, 2025
Current Events

Why Iran with Nukes is a Danger – Just Look at Cuba in 1962

5 July, 2025
Balkan Overview

When bridges divide more than rivers…

3 July, 2025

Follow US

Subscribe

Receive Argumentum Magazine by Email

Last Posts

Forum of Alumni from Saudi Universities in the Balkans

6 July, 2025

Why Iran with Nukes is a Danger – Just Look at Cuba in 1962

5 July, 2025

When bridges divide more than rivers…

3 July, 2025

Skopje Growth Plan Summit: Western Balkans Six Urged to Accelerate Reforms

1 July, 2025

Summit G 6+1! The historic Summit and Trump show! Zelensky loses 0:2! Winners and losers of the 12 day war!

30 June, 2025
Argumentum

“Argumentum”, një proces intelektual …

Contact Us

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Follow Us

Media Partner

Register

Receive Argumentum Magazine by Email
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact

© 2022 Argumentum. All Rights Reserved. | NUIS: L91415033Q

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • OP/ED
  • Interview
  • Realpolitik
  • Current Events
  • Top News
  • YOUR VOICE
  • Shqip

© 2022 Argumentum. All Rights Reserved. | NUIS: L91415033Q

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.