The regional United Nations initiative ‘Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust’ empowers young people to engage in constructive narratives, strengthen intercultural dialogue, inclusion, gender equality, and create mutual understanding and trust in the Western Balkans. Collaboratively, UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO, UN Women, relevant local ministries, municipal and youth councils, youth political parties, media, academic and cultural institutions, and civil society organizations are working on fulfilling the above-mentioned goals, financially supported by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund.
Within the initiative, UNFPA Serbia CO and its partners created a Youth media literacy program. Workshops covered digital media, critical thinking, fake news, deconstructing manipulative narratives, reporting violence against women, creating gender-sensitive narratives, and minority representation in media. A special workshop highlighted the UNFPA bodyright campaign and recognized gender-based violence through technology.
Meanwhile, North Macedonia CO organized a series of workshops for young people on various topics, including youth participation, equality, trust, culture, intercultural dialogue, combating stereotypes and prejudices, new knowledge, and opportunities for young people.
Through interactive activities, team exercises, and discussions, the young people also talked about out-of-school education and raising awareness of identities, explored barriers to intercultural dialogue, the different opportunities for different groups in communities, and the opportunities for young people to create community changes.
Under the auspices of the Youth 4 Inclusion project in Kosovo¹, multi-community all-girl football teams recently participated in the highly anticipated KOMM MIT tournament in Croatia.
The girls displayed outstanding sportsmanship, resilience, and remarkable teamwork throughout the tournament. Their dedication and passion for the game were evident in every match, captivating audiences and earning them well-deserved recognition. Their exceptional performance has proven themselves to be a formidable force on the football field.
Bosnia and Herzegovina CO held a Fusion Fiesta of Italy and BiH in Dom omladine in Banja Luka to raise awareness of the importance of peace, coexistence, and tolerance for a healthy and prosperous society. Visitors could enjoy Italian music and Sevdalinka featuring local talents as part of the festival. Young people and citizens played the educational game Ciklus and competed in different sports. On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, young people from Respekt Football Club are uniting us in the fight against hate speech.
[1] All references to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).
