Successful Launch of the First Regional Youth Policy Lab on Employment (focus on Youth Guarantee) 

The first Regional Youth Policy Lab, dedicated to exploring the Youth Guarantee initiative, was held on November 11, 2024, gathering participants from across the Western Balkans. The event, hosted via Zoom, marked the first step in a collaborative effort to strengthen youth participation in employment and policy development.

Organized under the framework of the “Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE” project, supported by the European Union, the session was facilitated by the Network of Progressive Initiative from Sarajevo, partner organisation on the RYDE project. This initiative aims to improve dialogue between youth and institutions, foster engagement, and co-create actionable recommendations for public policies.

Highlights of the Session

The session opened with remarks from Anida Šabanović, RYDE project Project Coordinator from the Network of Progressive Initiatives (BiH), who introduced the goals and vision of the RYDE project.

Participants were then welcomed by Amela Hrasnica, Communication Manager from Europe House, who also facilitated the session.

Key presentations included:

• Findings from the Comparative Analysis of Youth Policies in the Western Balkans, delivered by Hata Kujraković, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for youth in employment across the region.
• A roundtable discussion engaging participants in dynamic debates about ways to enhance youth employment opportunities, focusing on the implementation of the Youth Guarantee framework.

The session concluded with actionable recommendations and next steps, emphasizing the importance of national and regional collaboration to address youth unemployment.

Next Steps

Building on the insights from this regional session, the first National Youth Policy Lab will be held live in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo) on November 19, 2024. Participants will delve deeper into local challenges and develop targeted recommendations for institutions.

We extend our gratitude to all participants, speakers, and facilitators for their contributions to this meaningful dialogue. Together, we are fostering a platform for youth to shape policies that impact their future.

Stay tuned for updates and outcomes from the upcoming National Youth Policy Labs!