Efforts to localize the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda across the Western Balkans have brought together youth, civil society, and policymakers to address regional challenges through "RYCOGNISED YPS Advocacy Efforts in WB6" Project. These initiatives, led by RYCO in collaboration with youth councils and local organizations, focus on fostering inclusion, peacebuilding, and active youth participation in shaping a secure and united future. The "RYCOGNIZED - Enhancing peacebuilding and reconciliation in WB6" project contributes to the continuation of the "RYCOGNIZED" of 2023 and it serves to enhance RYCO's advocacy efforts and institutional capacities in the Youth Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda in the region. The project supports RYCO's effort to create an enabling environment in the Western Balkans for peacebuilding, regional youth cooperation, and improving the position of youth. Among the activities implemented under this project are also the local activities supporting the establishment of the local YPS architecture in WB6 through NYCs and the development of the Peace Capital methodology. "RYCOGNIZED - Enhancing peacebuilding and reconciliation in WB6" is financed by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs and WB6 Governments.

Albania

In Albania, Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) initiatives, jointly implemented by the National Youth Congress (NYC) and the United Nations Association Albania (UNAA), are empowering youth and civil society organizations (CSOs) to take an active role in peacebuilding.

NYC led two key research efforts to strengthen the YPS agenda. The first study, Mapping CSOs: Role, Challenges, and Perceptions, analyzed the capacities of CSOs to promote youth participation in peace processes, offering actionable insights aligned with UNSCR 2250. The second, Digitalization and AI in YPS: "Next-Gen Policy", explored how digital tools and AI can revolutionize youth engagement, emphasizing innovative solutions for underserved communities.

These findings were amplified through advocacy campaigns and focus groups in Tirana, Lezha, and Elbasan, engaging 30 young participants. UNAA and NYC further advanced the agenda with Peace Week 2024, a five-day event that included hybrid panel discussions and a YPS Network Meet-Up. Over 100 participants and 20+ stakeholders discussed themes such as youth-led peacebuilding, education, and digital technology's role in conflict prevention.

Participants emphasized the need for sustainable strategies and coordination, underscoring that "Peace is about building trust and creating spaces for meaningful participation."

These efforts highlight the transformative potential of collaboration in advancing the YPS agenda in Albania.

Bosnia and Herzegovina efforts were focused in a capacity-building program on equipping civil society organizations with tools to understand and promote the YPS agenda, particularly the youth participation pillar. This initiative directly engaged 27 young people from diverse regions, training them to serve as multipliers in their communities.

To make these concepts accessible, the program developed innovative tools, including a board game designed to teach young people about youth organizing. Additionally, methodological documents were created to monitor the implementation of the youth law, ensuring accountability and transparency.

To make these concepts accessible, the program developed innovative tools, including a board game designed to teach young people about youth organizing. Additionally, methodological documents were created to monitor the implementation of the youth law, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Iman Maslić, President of the Youth Council of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized, "Empowering youth through the YPS agenda is not just about shaping the future; it's about giving young people a seat at the table today"

Next steps to be planned include translating these materials into local languages, developing new tools for engaging youth, and continuing promotional activities.

Kosovo's activities underscored the importance of inclusivity and interethnic dialogue. The Student Peace and Security Conference, held in collaboration with the Kosovar Youth Council, brought together 174 students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including representatives from non-majority communities and schools operating under the Serbian system. The event fostered mutual understanding and equipped participants with advocacy skills to promote peace and security initiatives in their schools and communities.

A memorable moment occurred during a panel discussion on "Peace and Security in High Schools," Anes, a student representative from North Mitrovica, answered a question, after which a student from South Mitrovica in the audience extended an invitation, saying:

"How come we live in the same city, and we have never played football? That is a shame. Let's organize and do that."

Another initiative, "Friendship Through Photography", engaged 16 young people in capturing themes of peace and diversity through photography. Participants proposed organizing an exhibition of their work and expanding the initiative to explore daily life and challenges across communities.

In Montenegro, diverse activities were undertaken to advance the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda, tailoring efforts to Montenegro's specific context. Guided by the "Analysis of the Implementation of YPS in Montenegro", LBO MNE collaborated with partners like the Youth Network of Montenegro, the Council of Europe's School of Political Studies, and the OSCE Mission to enhance youth engagement and stakeholder cooperation.

LBO MNE will continue fostering youth-led implementation of the YPS agenda by building bridges between young people, decision-makers, and civil society. Focus areas include capacity-building for stakeholders and creating sustainable partnerships to ensure the agenda's long-term impact.

The multistakeholder event "Youth Connect: A Dialogue for Peace and Security" in Krusevo (December 11–13, 2024) gathered 25 participants to identify critical factors and relationships within the peace and security ecosystem in North Macedonia and the wider Western Balkans. Using a system-mapping approach, participants examined youth involvement in peacebuilding, analyzing barriers such as youth unemployment, ethnic tensions, and limited opportunities for decision-making.

One participant reflected,

"I consider North Macedonia to be relatively safe, but there are still real security risks that need to be addressed. Some groups, such as women, face more significant challenges."

Others noted that high youth unemployment fuels frustration and reduces optimism about the future.

The event's key outcome was a comprehensive system map, aimed at integrating peace and security initiatives into strategies and policies. The local branch office will continue engaging diverse stakeholders to promote YPS values in policymaking.

Serbia

Serbia's efforts centered on localizing UN Resolution 2250 and empowering youth as peacebuilders.Events in towns like Cicevac, Pancevo, and Nis were tailored to meet the unique needs of participants.

The workshops emphasized the five pillars of UN Resolution 2250—participation, protection, prevention, partnerships, and reintegration. Participants also contributed to the Regional Peace Capitals Initiative, which seeks to establish symbolic peace hubs across the Western Balkans.

The Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda across the Western Balkans has demonstrated the transformative power of youth-led initiatives in fostering peace, inclusion, and regional cooperation. Through research, advocacy, and creative engagement strategies, these efforts have brought together diverse stakeholders, empowering young people as key agents of change in their communities. Each initiative demonstrates the value of tailoring approaches to local needs while ensuring broader regional alignment. By addressing systemic challenges and amplifying youth voices, these programs emphasize the collective responsibility of governments, institutions, and communities to create opportunities for meaningful participation and shared progress.