The Kosovar Youth Council (KYC) held a transformative Student Council Conference on Peace and Security, a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering dialogue among diverse student groups, empowering young leaders, and addressing the pressing challenges in schools across Kosovo* . This conference brought together 150 student representatives, including participants from Serbian schools and other marginalized communities, aligning with the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS ) agenda.

Ensuring peace and security in schools is a global challenge that requires immediate attention and collaborative solutions. According to a 2023 UNESCO report, approximately 32% of student’s worldwide experience bullying at least once a month, significantly affecting their mental health and academic performance. In Europe, a 2022 Eurostat survey highlighted that 1 in 5 students reported feeling unsafe in their school environment, citing issues such as violence, harassment, and inadequate infrastructure.

In Kosovo, the situation mirrors global trends. A 2024 study by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation revealed that over 40% of students in secondary schools identified bullying as a major concern. Additionally, inter-ethnic tensions remain a persistent challenge, exacerbated by the parallel education system. The same study reported that only 25% of schools have access to psychological support services, leaving a significant gap in addressing mental health issues among students.

Safety concerns extend beyond interpersonal conflicts. Reports indicate that incidents involving narcotics, weapons, and vandalism are on the rise in schools across Kosovo. A 2023 survey conducted by the Kosovar Youth Council found that 35% of students had witnessed or been aware of violent incidents in their school premises.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive policies and interventions to create safe and inclusive learning environments. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving students, educators, parents, and policymakers.

The event opened with an acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced by schools across Kosovo. Participants were organized into working groups to discuss three thematic areas: Challenges, Policies, and Interventions. Discussions highlighted significant concerns, including:

Bullying and Harassment: Both peer-to-peer and teacher-related incidents were reported as widespread issues.

A student from Mitrovica captured the spirit of the discussions: “Safe and peaceful schools are the key to a bright future. We must work together to build environments where everyone feels secure and respected.”

Through collaborative dialogue, students proposed innovative solutions to improve peace and security in schools. Key recommendations included:

A participant from Gjilan suggested, “Awareness-raising campaigns and Peace Clubs can help us overcome divisions and build stronger, safer communities.”

Working groups also outlined practical interventions to address these challenges:

A student from Peja highlighted the need for comprehensive efforts, stating: “Together with parents, teachers, and local authorities, we can create a framework that ensures safety and supports learning for all students.”

The conference’s immediate outcomes included the drafting of the Student Council Peace and Security Policy Recommendations and a collaborative Action Plan. These documents outline strategic steps to:

The Student Council Conference demonstrated the power of youth-led initiatives in addressing systemic challenges. By providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration, KYC empowered young leaders to take proactive roles in fostering peace and security in schools. The insights and recommendations from this conference will serve as a foundation for ongoing efforts to create safer, more inclusive educational environments across Kosovo.

A participant summarized the spirit of the event, saying, “Let’s practice motivation and love, not discrimination and hate.”

KYC remains committed to supporting these initiatives and ensuring that the voices of students continue to shape the future of education in Kosovo.