Happy Independence Day, Kosova!

Let’s celebrate with pride and joy for the achievements, history, and bright future ahead! ✨
To our friends and partners in the many wonderful projects in Kosovo, a big hug and heartfelt thanks for the incredible collaboration!

Të Reja, të Përkushtuara dhe Transformuese

✨ Mirsa, pjesë e fushatës “Të Reja, të Përkushtuara dhe Transformuese”, është pjesë e QSKN, duke kontribuar në një projekt mbi besimin në statistika dhe përdorimin e tyre në vendimmarrje, mbështetur nga Qeveria Zvicerane.
Ky projekt, i drejtuar dhe i zbatuar nga vajza, është një dëshmi e fuqisë së tyre në kërkimin shkencor dhe ndikimin që mund të kenë në shoqëri.

✨ Pjesë e fushatës “Të Reja, të Përkushtuara dhe Transformuese”, Keris ndan rrugëtimin e saj ✨

Përmes projektit të QSKN, mbështetur nga Komisioni Europian, ajo dhe shumë të rinj po punojnë për fuqizimin e pjesëmarrjes së tyre në politikëbërje, duke sjellë një ndryshim të prekshëm në Shqipëri dhe rajon.

“Të Reja, të Përkushtuara dhe Transformuese” – Fushata e re e QSKN!

✨ Për pak javë, i afrohemi 8 Marsit – një ditë që simbolizon fuqinë, përkushtimin dhe transformimin që gratë dhe vajzat sjellin në shoqërinë tonë.

Ndiqni mesazhin e Drejtorit Ekzekutiv të QSKN, Enis Sokoli, i cili sot hap këtë nismë të rëndësishme për të promovuar vajzat e stafit dhe bashkëpunëtoret tona si një dëshmi e forcës dhe ndikimit të tyre të jashtëzakonshëm.

Na ndiqni në ditët në vijim për të mësuar historitë e tyre inspiruese! ✨

Youth Voices in Action – Learning from Leaders!

As part of the Y-O MODEL: A Cross-Regional Predictive Model for Youth Policy Shaping – Youth Observers under the ERASMUS-YOUTH-2023 Capacity Building Program, our youth participants had an inspiring study visit on January 31, 2025, exploring youth engagement in policymaking and advocacy in North Macedonia.
️ At the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, our participants engaged in a dynamic discussion with young Members of Parliament from different political parties. They gained firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities of representing youth interests in policymaking and learned how young leaders are working to be the voice of their generation.
At the National Youth Council of North Macedonia they explored youth advocacy efforts and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening youth participation in decision-making processes.
At Mladi Hub Skopje, they connected with youth activists and changemakers, learning about innovative youth-led initiatives, networking opportunities, and ways to amplify their impact in their own communities.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of youth representation in politics and policymaking ️
Strategies for advocating youth issues at the national and regional level ️
Building networks and fostering collaboration for greater impact
This study visit was an eye-opening experience, reinforcing the crucial role youth play in shaping policies and driving change!
Stay tuned as our CCIS Youth Observers continue their journey toward stronger, more inclusive leadership!

Leadership in Action – Building the Next Generation of Leaders!

On January 30-31, 2025, in Skopje, young changemakers from Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Italy gathered for the “Leadership in Action” workshop under the Y-O MODEL: A Cross-Regional Predictive Model for Youth Policy Shaping – Youth Observers, part of the ERASMUS-YOUTH-2023 Capacity Building Program
What was the goal?
This training aimed to equip participants with theoretical and practical leadership skills on both a micro level (leading and managing people, organizations, and processes) and a macro level (leading and managing public policies at national and international levels, including conflict situations).
Led by experts in leadership, governance, public policy, law, and international relations, this workshop empowered youth to:
Develop strong leadership skills in a democratic environment ️
Learn how to navigate complex governance and decision-making processes ⚖️
Motivate and prepare for leadership roles in their communities
Foster collaboration for regional growth and European integration
The knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm displayed by our CCIS Youth Observers were truly inspiring! With hands-on training from experienced practitioners and researchers, they are now better prepared to lead, advocate, and create meaningful change.
Stay tuned as our Youth Observers continue their journey toward stronger, more inclusive leadership!

Kicking-off the Erasmus+ EDUFAIR Project!

We are proud that CCIS – Center for Comparative and International Studies is a key partner in this transformative project, contributing expertise in digital transformation and responsible AI!
A huge thanks to all partners and participants for supporting this groundbreaking project funded by Erasmus+!
Stay tuned for updates from CCIS on this exciting initiative!

CCIS Launches an Innovative Project on Statistics and Governance!

We are excited to announce the start of our latest initiative, “Fostering Trust and Utilization in Albania’s Data Landscape,” supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Albania. This project focuses on strengthening trust in and the use of statistical data by non-state actors, including businesses, media, civil society, and academia.
Key goals include bridging the gap between statistical data and its users, fostering collaboration with national institutions like INSTAT, and promoting data-driven decision-making.
The kick-off meeting set the stage for:
Surveying key societal actors;
Drafting policy recommendations;
Organizing regional consultations;
Preparing for a final event to present findings.
Stay tuned as CCIS works to empower Albania’s stakeholders with trusted data for impactful governance!

Kick-Off for CORE-ED Academy!

The CCIS team is proud to attend the Kick-off Meeting of the Erasmus+ CBHE-funded CORE-ED Academy project, hosted by Universiteti Luarasi in Tirana, Albania.
This transformative initiative, funded by the EU, focuses on fostering inclusion and shared values in juvenile justice through innovative correctional pedagogy and the professional development of specialists. At its core is the groundbreaking “Liberate Skills” Correctional
Excellence Pact, equipping professionals to create impactful, inclusive pathways for young individuals in correctional systems.
As part of the human rights strategic pillar of CCIS, this project represents a significant milestone in our work to promote justice, inclusion, and professional excellence.
We’re excited to collaborate with our international partners to shape the future of juvenile justice education and make a lasting difference.
A heartfelt thank you to our hosts for their warm welcome and insightful discussions!
Together, we aim to deliver real change.
Let’s get to work!
Partners:
Luarasi University | CEPS-Centar za poslovne studije | Univerzitet Crne Gore | AAB College | Internacionalni Univerzitet Sarajevo | Mediterranean University of Albania | UBT College Prishtina | West University of Timisoara | University of the Aegean | CPIP Romania | Internal Control Services in Prison System | READLAB | Centre for Comparative and International Studies

Empowering Albanian Youth: Digital Rights in the AI Era

From: Mr. Alis Ahmetaj

Alis Ahmetaj is a Software Engineering senior student with a strong background in social media strategy and digital communication. Certified in Digital Marketing and an active participant in initiatives such as the Youth European Parliament and Balkan Hacking Initiative, Alis is deeply committed to advancing digital rights and international collaboration.

 CCIS YOUTH OBSERVERS

 January,2025

In a rapidly digitalizing world, the concept of digital rights has emerged as a cornerstone for empowering young people. In Albania, where a significant portion of the population comprises youth, ensuring equitable access to digital tools, safeguarding data privacy, and fostering active participation in digital democracy are critical. Addressing these issues is not merely a technological challenge; it is a vital step in shaping an inclusive and progressive society.

Albania’s National Youth Action Plan (2023–2025) underscores the importance of bridging the digital divide, but disparities persist, particularly in rural areas. Many young people in these regions face limited access to high-speed internet and digital tools, leaving them at a disadvantage in both educational and professional opportunities. Expanding affordable internet access through public-private partnerships and providing devices to students in underserved areas are practical steps to address this gap. Such measures will not only enhance digital literacy but also contribute to creating a more equitable society.

Despite Albania’s adoption of GDPR-aligned legislation, awareness of data privacy among young people remains alarmingly low. Social media platforms, widely popular among Albanian youth, often exploit user data without transparent consent. This calls for integrating digital literacy programs into school curricula to teach privacy rights and cybersecurity fundamentals. NGOs can also play a pivotal role in launching nationwide campaigns to educate youth on responsible data sharing and the implications of their digital footprints.

Youth engagement in digital democracy is another pressing issue. Platforms like E-Albania and Open Data Albania offer tools for citizen participation, yet many young people find them inaccessible or unappealing. Simplifying these platforms to make them more youth-friendly and incorporating interactive tools like gamified participatory budgeting can foster greater involvement. Such innovations would enable young Albanians to contribute meaningfully to policymaking and hold governmental actions accountable.

Young people in Albania hold immense potential to shape their digital future. They are not just passive consumers of technology but can be powerful advocates for stronger digital rights policies. By developing skills in AI, coding, and cybersecurity through local workshops and online platforms, they can actively contribute to a more inclusive digital landscape. Furthermore, collaborating with policymakers to address issues like digital inclusion and data privacy can ensure that their voices are heard and acted upon.

As Albania continues its digital transformation, significant challenges remain. Bridging the digital divide, strengthening data privacy, and promoting ethical AI practices are essential steps toward creating an inclusive digital environment. However, the journey doesn’t end there. Youth, policymakers, and civil society must work together to build a digital ecosystem where technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.

Investing in digital rights and AI education, Albania can nurture a generation of informed and active digital citizens. These young leaders will not only shape the nation’s digital future but also contribute to a brighter and more equitable tomorrow.

Citations

Keywords: Digital Rights, Youth Empowerment, AI

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*This article is produced in the framework of the ERASMUS-YOUTH-2023-CB:  A cross regional predictive model for youth policy shaping – Youth Observers. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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