TIRANA – The Local Branch Office of RYCO in Albania, in collaboration with SCiDEV, hosted the RYCO Youth Talk: YPS and Digital Rights on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Europe House in Tirana.

The second edition of Youth Talk explored the intersection of Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) and Digital Rights, highlighting the critical role that digital rights play in empowering youth to lead peace and security initiatives.

The event was opened by Mr. Kreshnik Loka, Head of RYCO’s Local Branch Office in Albania, and Ms. Orkidea Xhaferaj from SCiDEV. Mr. Loka emphasized the significant connection between Digital Rights and security, acknowledging the vital contribution of young people as leaders in managing and addressing security challenges. The YPS Agenda itself underscores the importance of youth engagement in peacebuilding and security processes, positioning them as central to driving these efforts forward.

Ms. Flutura Brakaj, RYCO’s Local Program Officer, provided a comprehensive overview of the YPS Agenda and its core principles. This was followed by a session on Digital Rights: Skills and Responsibilities, led by Ms. Iris Shehaj from SCiDEV and Mr. Maend Kullaj, a Young Digital Ambassador. Together, they shared practical examples and insights into the responsibilities that accompany digital rights in today's world.

The event concluded with an engaging youth-led discussion focused on the importance of collective action in creating a more peaceful and secure future for the region. A role-play exercise centered on a major cyber security breach sparked thoughtful dialogue about the critical role youth play in preventing such incidents. The discussions touched on key areas such as digital infrastructure, national security, economic and social stability, and the protection of digital rights, highlighting the proactive role young people can take in safeguarding these sectors through awareness and informed action. It also reinforced the importance of digital rights—such as access to information, freedom of expression, and privacy—as essential tools for young people to advance the YPS Agenda and become agents of change in the digital age.

This Youth Talk also served as a key moment to also introduce the upcoming YPS local initiatives, tailored to Albania’s specific context, which RYCO’s Local Branch Office in Albania will implement in collaboration with the National Youth Congress of Albania.