Building Resilient Communities, formerlyknown as the Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) Programme, was introduced in January 2015 and remains the largest and most dynamic programme of the Kosovo Center for Security Studies (KCSS). Over the past 17 years, this programme has been instrumental in serving KCSS’s goals through its strong portfolio of research and advocacy at national, regional, and international levels. KCSS has conducted numerous research reports and policy papers, alongside dozens of awarenessraising, advocacy, and capacity-building activities. These efforts have positioned KCSS as a member of important international networks of think tanks, most notably the Resolve Network established by the United States Institute for Peace (USIP), which includes some of the world’s best organizations and universities covering this topic.
The programme has achieved extensive changes in the policy and legal framework of Kosovo in the field of P/CVE, making it a flagship programme of KCSS with a broad global reach. It targets diverse audiences, including security sector professionals, policymakers, civil society organizations, and the general public, aiming to foster transparent, accountable, and inclusive security practices. Building Resilient Communities covers the entire region of Kosovo, ensuring that its initiatives and impacts are felt nationwide.
Key achievements of the programme include the development and implementation of numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the integrity and efficiency of security institutions. KCSS has successfully launched tens of publications, providing valuable insights and recommendations on security sector governance. Additionally, the programme has organized numerous events, including workshops, conferences, and seminars, fostering dialogue and collaboration between various stakeholders. Notably, the programme has reached significant advocacy goals, such as promoting the integration of minorities into security institutions and enhancing parliamentary oversight of the security sector. Moreover, it has established key platforms that continue to operate within its framework, facilitating ongoing engagement and collaboration among stakeholders.
Looking ahead, the programme will be further developed by maintaining research capacities to keep KCSS engaged in local, regional, and international projects, diversifying partnerships at regional and international levels, launching innovative projects with original ideas, and adapting project activities and themes in line with new dynamics in the field. As KCSS celebrates its 17th anniversary, Building Resilient Communities stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to driving positive change and contributing to the overall democratization and development of Kosovo’s security sector.
Email: ResilienceProgramme@qkss. org
