TiNE Summer Camp 2017

The camp brought together young people from the Balkans, giving them the opportunity to discuss social democratic values, overcome stereotypes and explore new ways of political activism and regional cooperation. The program consisted of interactive lectures by external experts, group exercises and presentations as well as political educational games. One of the main aims of the event was to engage youth in discussions and encourage them to come up with their own ideas for a functioning and socially just society.

After a welcome speech of Prof. Dr. Wulf Lapins, Director of FES office Tirana, Frank Morawietz, representative of the France-German Youth Office (OFAJ/DFJW) held a presentation about Intercultural communication in the Western Balkans. Further, Genci Kojdheli, member of Socialist Party of Albania, spoke about the vision of social democrats. Ardian Haçkaj, Director of “Cooperation and Development” discussed a Balkan-centered view on Neoliberalism in 2017 and its challenges to a social democratic society. Joleza Koka from the Young European Socialists gave an insight into the Party Youth Forums and Intergenerational Relationships, speaking about differences and convergences based on age and gender. Frank Hantke, Director of FES office Pristina and Skopje refereed on the question if social democracy is possible without democracy. Amarildo Topi, a journalist of Citizens Channel gave a workshop on effective public speaking and political communication.

Additionally, participants discussed current challenges and opportunities, similarities between country contexts, as well as cooperation with the European Union and support for young people in the Balkans.

Projects similar to the Youth Summer Camp are considered to be crucial for the international exchange and cooperation of young people in the Balkans, as they can identify common problems, work on them together and collectively find solutions.