“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
[email protected]
Regional Advisor for the Western Balkans at Helvetas and Strategic Advisor
Valbona Karakaçi, PhD
[email protected]
Europe enters 2026 with a paradox at its core. On paper, its democratic architecture remains among the strongest in the world. Yet the lived reality of civic actors tells a different story, one where rights feel increasingly conditional, where participation is strained by hostile narratives, and where the energy of civil society risks being suffocated […]
Policies don’t change lives—people do. And policies only work when people understand, trust, and own them. How Often Should Policies Change? Negotiating with the European Union often feels like chasing a moving target. Just as internal consensus is reached on a policy, it may need revision to comply with EU standards. This is why agility […]
The collaboration between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and progressive businesses and private sector associations is essential for developing inclusive, sustainable, and impactful public policies. By leveraging complementary expertise, resources, and networks, such partnerships can ensure that policies better reflect community needs and foster long-term societal benefits. This topic was the focus of a session at […]
In many parts of the world today, corruption doesn’t manifest as a dramatic scandal or a headline-grabbing case. It appears in subtler forms. It could be a nurse requesting a “gift” before admitting a woman in labor or a contractor winning public tenders due to personal connections rather than the quality of their work. It […]
The Crisis of Economic Instability Economic insecurity is pushing societies to the edge, transforming a crisis of inequality into one of deep economic uncertainty. Many young people today struggle to find stable housing, secure jobs, or start a family.. Competitiveness has become the ultimate priority, often at the cost of fundamental principles. In the name […]
In today’s interconnected world, the line between civil society and the private sector is blurring as both groups realize the power of collaboration. A recent advocacy webinar on fostering interactions between the private sector and civil society, hosted by the Helvetas Regional Advocacy Network in partnership with the European Training Foundation and RECONOMY, spotlighted this evolving dynamic. […]
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.
Advocacy is crucial!
The Helvetas Regional Advocacy Network harnesses collective intelligence, serving as a pivotal knowledge hub for driving advocacy and policy change.
