“The world is reaching the tipping point beyond which climate change may become irreversible. If this happens, we risk denying present and future generations the right to a healthy and sustainable planet – the whole of humanity stands to lose.”
Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of UN
Helvetas Eastern Europe has been instrumental in implementing numerous development projects in the Western Balkans for over two decades. Our approach is firmly centered around people, valuing the knowledge each individual contributes. We drive systemic change by leveraging this collective knowledge through projects, initiatives, partnerships, and networks. Our goal is to be recognized as a credible knowledge broker, reliable development partner, and effective implementer of projects and initiatives.
Advocacy is a key aspect of all our interventions, including those addressing social inclusion, sustainability, good governance, and creating new perspectives. The Regional Advocacy Network, established in 2018, is a product of the knowledge and experience we have accumulated over the years.
This network brings together like-minded individuals from diverse sectors, such as the private sector, national and local governments, academia, civil society, educators, and interest groups. Through regular virtual and in-person exchanges, participants discuss successful solutions applied by various Helvetas projects and partners. The network fosters consistent knowledge sharing, allowing participants to learn from best practices and tackle challenges specific to their country and the broader region.
Join Helvetas Regional Advocacy Network and become an integral part of our transformative journey in the Western Balkans. As a member, you will become part of a passionate and dedicated community focused on promoting advocacy and effective policymaking. Engage with like-minded individuals from diverse sectors, including the private sector, governments, academia, civil society, educators, and interest groups.
Through regular exchanges, you will have the opportunity to explore successful solutions implemented in Helvetas projects, benefitting from best practices and addressing region-specific challenges. Together, we can create lasting change and foster sustainable development in the Western Balkans. Join us now and be a driving force for positive impact. Advocacy works!
Development Policy Coordinator
Bernd Steimann, PhD
bernd.steimann@helvetas.org
Regional Advisor for the Western Balkans at Helvetas and Strategic Advisor
Valbona Karakaçi, PhD
valbona.karakaci@helvetas.org
From smartphones to social media, digital tools and channels have become the primary avenue for communication and interaction in today’s world. Eighty-four percent of Europeans report having a smartphone, and most Europeans report spending more than six hours per day online and using social media as a source of information. In this rapidly evolving world, digital advocacy has become […]
RECOGNIZING THE URGENCY: POLICY AS A “PUSH AND PULL” FACTOR FOR ADVOCACY The message from the scientific community is loud and clear: The choices and actions implemented in the recent past will have impacts now and for thousands of years. In its 2023 Synthesis Report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) does not only make clear that […]
In pursuing transformative change, activists often direct their efforts toward individuals in positions of power. While these individuals may have influence, it is crucial to recognize that the true power of change lies within the communities themselves. At Helvetas, we understand and embrace the potential of bottom-up advocacy, which empowers communities, grassroots organizations and individuals […]
The rise of the gig economy has led to an explosion in the number of freelancers worldwide. There are currently an estimated 1.2 billion freelancers, which is nearly one-third of the total global workforce. Freelancers face a unique set of opportunities and obstacles, including the challenges of finding work, the benefits of being your own […]
The Western Balkans and Eastern Europe are confronted with many development challenges that require close collaboration and meaningful dialogue between government, the private sector and civil society. To promote this exchange, the Regional Advocacy Network acts as a knowledge broker. Together, we bring the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to engage in such dialogue and […]
The problem of gender-based violence in the Eastern Europe media Gender parity is not recovering. According to the Global Gender Gap Report (2022), it will take another 132 years to close the global gender gap. As crises compound, women’s workforce outcomes are suffering, and the risk of global gender parity backsliding further intensifies. Helvetas, through its Western Balkan […]
Join us on our Regional Advocacy Network Blog and be part of the movement for a brighter future. Together, let's amplify our voices, make a difference, and create a world that reflects our shared values of compassion, justice, and equality. Visit our blog today and embark on an exciting journey of advocacy and transformation!
Whether you're an advocate, community leader, policymaker, or simply someone passionate about making a difference, our webinars offer a unique learning opportunity to deepen your understanding of regional advocacy and expand your toolkit for driving positive change. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities and promote inclusive and sustainable development throughout our regions.
At Helvetas, we are committed to facilitating systemic change by leveraging knowledge through our projects, initiatives, partnerships, and networks. As knowledge brokers, we actively contribute to the regional discourse on critical and future-oriented development topics. Our actions aim to create an environment that supports and encourages meaningful transformations in how actors operate within the system.
Our collaborators bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources to the table, enabling us to build strong partnerships and amplify our collective voice. Through their unwavering commitment to regional advocacy, we are able to pool our knowledge, networks, and experiences, forging dynamic collaborations that drive meaningful action and inspire transformative solutions.
A worldwide network of development experts, policy makers, innovation enthusiasts, educators and connectors, all committed to one mission: using co-creation and hacking to make this world a better place for all.
