Tirana, December 7, 2024 – The Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Academy successfully concluded its third and final module at the Hotel Tirana International, uniting representatives from governmental institutions, regional organizations, and national youth councils from across the Western Balkans. Hosted by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), the two-day module provided a platform to strengthen knowledge, foster dialogue, and advance regional cooperation on the YPS agenda. Evis Myftari, YPS Academy Project Manager reflected in her opening remarks on the program's journey: "The YPS Academy started just last year, and while we are still a small group, we’ve laid the groundwork for something transformative. This initiative has the potential to grow, enabling us to support youth-driven actions first at the local level and, eventually, across the region. Through these efforts, RYCO aims to empower young people to take the lead in shaping the future of peace and security." Kreshnik Loka, Head of RYCO’s Local Branch Office in Albania, highlighted the Academy’s significance: "The YPS Academy is an important step in linking our roles and the work we do with our communities, making the invisible visible. Policies must evolve to reflect the dynamic needs of our generation, especially youth. It is crucial that those shaping policies ensure they are adaptable, inclusive, and responsive to young people’s realities." The first day of the program featured interactive workshops and discussions. Participants revisited mutual values and lessons learned from previous modules, followed by sessions focused on mapping regional YPS priorities and exploring implementation strategies. These activities created a space for collaboration and exchange, enabling participants to align on a shared vision for advancing the YPS agenda. On the final day, discussions centered on RYCO’s informal YPS network of focal points, with participants strategizing the next steps for strengthening the network’s capacity and outreach. RYCO Secretary General Albert Hani, joined by Head of Programs Teodora Stolevska, emphasized the critical role of shared values and youth-led initiatives in building sustainable peace. In his closing remarks, Mr. Hani commended the participants for their dedication and awarded certificates of completion, officially marking the conclusion of the Academy’s inaugural edition. "Your energy and ideas are the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, we are building a generation that places peace and collaboration at the center of their work," he stated. RYCO extended its gratitude for their engagement and reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth as key drivers of peace and security in the Western Balkans.