4/09/2024
Last week, young people from Kosovo, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina came together in the vibrant city of Belgrade for an unforgettable four-day program from 29 August to 01 September 2024. This initiative, focused on using cultural exchange as a tool for building bridges between communities, fostered an atmosphere of openness, creativity, and collaboration. The experience was a journey not only through art, music, and film but also through the minds and hearts of the next generation of leaders from across the Balkans.
The first day set the tone for the program, starting with the screening of "First Time in Serbia". The film captured personal and sometimes emotional accounts of young Kosovars experiencing Serbia for the very first time. The candid portrayals sparked deep and meaningful discussions among participants, where they shared their own perspectives and reflections. The conversation allowed everyone to break down barriers and challenge preconceptions, creating an early sense of unity and understanding.
On the second day, participants had the opportunity to dive into the powerful documentary "ReGeneration", which explores the efforts of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina to heal from the scars of conflict. The film stirred many emotions, opening up another round of heartfelt conversations. The day continued with a visit to the renowned Museum of Contemporary Art, where the group explored Michelangelo Pistoletto’s thought-provoking exhibition. It was a reminder of how art can transcend boundaries and serve as a universal language, bringing people together in ways that words sometimes can’t.
Day three was full of inspiration and energy. Participants engaged with two highly respected journalists, Idro Seferi and Petar Janjatović, who shared their personal stories and insights on the role of media in shaping public perception. Their unique experiences working in the Balkans shed light on the complexities of the region, while also providing a hopeful message of unity through storytelling and journalism. The evening was capped off by a live performance from the Sarajevo-based band Helem Nejse, whose socially conscious lyrics and beats left everyone buzzing with excitement. The band’s music, a fusion of humor, politics, and culture, was a highlight of the program, showing how art and activism can intertwine.
The fourth and final day was a time for reflection and looking ahead. Participants spent the day brainstorming innovative youth-led initiatives that could be implemented in their own communities. It was a moment to cement the bonds that had been formed and discuss how to carry forward the spirit of collaboration into the future. The energy and optimism in the room were palpable, with everyone eager to take what they had learned and use it to create positive change.
By the end of the four days, the group wasn’t just a collection of individuals from different countries—they had become a connected community, united by shared experiences and common goals. The relationships forged during this program will no doubt lead to future collaborations, reinforcing the belief that the youth of the Balkans can be a driving force for peace, progress, and unity in the region.
This impactful program was made possible thanks to the support of USAID Kosovo, IRI, Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, Fondacija Ana i Vlade Divac, PEN, PRONI, and Kosovar Center for Security Studies (KCSS). Their commitment to empowering youth and fostering regional cooperation is truly commendable.
#CulturalExchange #RegionalCollaboration #YouthEmpowerment #BalkansUnited #ArtForChange
