Category: <span>News & Events</span>

On December 13, 2024, CCIS hosted an engaging info session at its offices with a select group of young individuals actively involved in public life in Albania. Together with Scidev, we introduced the EYDR Youth Digital Democracy Accelerator Programme, now open for applications for youth from Albania and Montenegro!

This 9-month capacity-building and advocacy programme is at the heart of the EYDR Erasmus+ project, aiming to equip 20 motivated participants with practical skills to foster a more inclusive and safer online environment while empowering them to engage in impactful digital and in-person activism.

Participants will benefit from:
Customized training and mentoring with experts in cybersecurity, digital activism, and social media.
Exciting mobility opportunities in Oviedo (Spain) or Belgrade (Serbia).
Collaborative preparation of policy papers on topics like internet freedom and digital activism.
Designing and launching social media awareness campaigns with partner organizations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the digital world.
Read the full open call and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gvEMthPE
Deadline: December 20, 2024

EYDR is led by SCiDEV in partnership with:

Belgrade Center For Human Rights
YOUROPÍA
Center for Comparative and International Studies
Erasmus Student Network AL
Agjencia Kombetare e Rinise
UZOR Association for Responsible and Sustainable Development
Share Foundation

EYDR is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the Europian Union

Stay tuned for updates!

This Friday, December 13, 2024, the CCIS team held an inspiring meeting with our selected Youth Policy Observers (Y-Os) as part of the Erasmus+ Youth Observers Project lead by Mesdheu Center. These remarkable youngsters from academia, civil society, media, business, and political forums bring diverse perspectives to the table, representing Albania’s vibrant youth voice.
Discussions focused on youth engagement in key issues:
Political participation and dialogue with decision-makers
Democracy, rule of law, and values ️
Regional and cross-border cooperation for shared growth
The project aims to empower young minds with skills in policy dialogue, leadership, and advocacy, fostering innovation and collaboration across Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Italy. Through both physical and digital mobility, we’re enabling meaningful engagement and encouraging youth to take active roles in shaping and evaluating policies.
Stay tuned as these young leaders connect, learn, and drive impactful change!

A vital platform for thought and discussion on the socio-economic development of the northern Albanian region!
Hosted by the Universiteti Shkodrës Luigj Gurakuqi and Bashkia Shkodër, this international seminar brought together over 80 researchers and experts from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Europe to present studies on Shkodra’s rich cultural heritage and the region’s sustainable development needs.

CCIS was proud to actively participate as part of the Erasmus + U2SID Project, highlighting university-to-society collaborations for inclusive digital transformation.

Prof. Dr. Nevila Xhindi, CCIS Program Director, in collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Holta Heba from UMSH, presented research on “The Role of Universities in Regional Development Strategies” emphasizing the importance of higher education in fostering societal and economic progress in the north Region of Albania.

Higher education plays a pivotal role in driving pro-European development, engaging young academics, researchers, and innovators to co-produce knowledge that serves both academic excellence and local priorities.

U2SID project consortium with partners from Albania, Italy, Serbia, and Montenegro, are committed to shaping an enabling environment that bridges universities and society for sustainable impact!

Today, we celebrate National Youth Day in Albania, a moment to honor the immense potential of Albanian youth and reflect on the challenges they face in building a brighter future. The Center for Comparative and International Studies (CCIS) takes pride in placing youth at the heart of its mission.

Our youth-focused projects include: #EYDR (Youth Participation in Digital Democracy): Advancing digital skills and rights for a more inclusive democracy. U2SID Project and DigitCRESHE: Harnessing innovation and digital transformation for youth inclusion in creative and academic sectors. EDUFAIR & CORE-ED Academy: Enhancing digital education and youth activism. YOM: Promoting youth engagement in public and political life. Projects focused on social inclusion, including our partnerships with ANAD-SHKSHNJND, empowering youth with different abilities and fostering their employment.

These initiatives, supported by the European Union under the ERASMUS+ program, aim to empower Albanian youth and give them the tools to become key actors in society.

Challenges and Realities:
The 2024 Youth Survey highlights pressing issues:

1. Low-quality education.
2. A “migration rush,” viewed as the primary option for employment and the future.
3. Limited engagement in local politics due to disillusionment and labor market constraints.

The Way Forward:
Investing in quality education and practical skills to address the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” is crucial. Equally important is fostering youth participation in politics and governance, essential pillars of democracy.

At CCIS, we remain committed to developing sustainable policies and creating collaborative spaces where youth are at the center. Together, we can build a fairer, more inclusive, and prosperous Albania!

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