EVENTS

For over two decades, we have been leading the way in implementing impactful development projects in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership. Our events, ranging from engaging webinars and interactive workshops to thought-provoking conferences and networking sessions, cover a diverse array of topics, including community organizing, policy advocacy, sustainable development, and more. 

Whether you are an advocate, policymaker, community leader, or simply someone passionate about making a difference, our events provide a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with like-minded individuals, and be part of a powerful movement for regional advocacy. Explore highlights from our previous events and stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to join our transformative network. Advocacy works!

Unused Potential of the Private Sector in Civil Society Development Efforts

Unused Potential of the Private Sector in Civil Society Development Efforts

The Center for Civic Initiatives (CCI), the Institute for Youth Development KULT, and our Proactive Citizen Project (PRAGG) from Bosnia and Herzegovina convened a #DevPolHack Problem Identification Session focused on the “Unused Potential of the Private Sector in Civil Society…

RAN participates in the Western Balkans SPARKS FORUM

RAN participates in the Western Balkans SPARKS FORUM

The SPARKS Forum brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including business representatives, successful female entrepreneurs, and youth, recognizing them as pivotal agents of peace within the region. It aims to bridge the gap between political agendas and the interests…

Advocating for a world where peace encompasses more than the mere absence of war!

Advocating for a world where peace encompasses more than the mere absence of war!

In a world grappling with conflicts and divisions, the pursuit of lasting peace has never been more crucial. Recently, the Helvetas Eastern Europe Regional Advocacy Network had the privilege of participating in the thought-provoking International Cooperation Forum for Peace held in Basel,…

RAN: A transformative journey

RAN: A transformative journey

Regional Advocacy Networks (RAN) recently shared the outcomes of a transformative journey spanning over five years with colleagues at Helvetas.  In today’s intricate landscape, it is imperative to collaboratively design strategies leveraging collective intelligence. Effectively influencing decision-making processes and engaging…

DevPolHack 2024 conducted entirely online

DevPolHack 2024 conducted entirely online

Our #DevPolHack was conducted entirely online, featuring two competing teams comprised of members from Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova, Kosovo, and Switzerland. These teams tackled a challenge presented by students of the University of Lucerne, focusing on the creation…

Climate Change Advocacy – Mainstreaming Webinar

Climate Change Advocacy – Mainstreaming Webinar

Today, the Regional Advocacy Network and Helvetas Climate Change Community of Practice showcased ways of integrating climate change into daily organizational activities and development projects. This includes private sector, skills for job, good governance, and civil society projects. We believe…

A process that delivers: enhancing Berlin Process through Accountability Mechanisms

A process that delivers: enhancing Berlin Process through Accountability Mechanisms

If you see Tirana today, it is full of flags and looks beautiful. People enjoy themselves, but don’t really understand what’s going on?, – says Adelheid Feilcke (Director of Programs for Europe, Deutsche Welle). All the keywords come from Latin in today’s…

Embrace change through communication for development

Embrace change through communication for development

Managing communication for development is crucial for advocacy work. The ability to communicate evidence in a compelling way creates an environment that enables change. Helvetas communication experts gathered on October 2023 to discuss the latest trends in using the power…

Regional Advocacy Network Planning Workshop 2024

Regional Advocacy Network Planning Workshop 2024

September 7, Kosovo The Regional Advocacy Network In 2018, Helvetas established the Regional Advocacy Network (RAN), a platform that brings together project representatives, experts, and stakeholders from various sectors. Over the years, RAN has played a pivotal role in addressing…

Valbona Karakaçi discusses urgent climate actions on National Television in Kosovo

Valbona Karakaçi discusses urgent climate actions on National Television in Kosovo

We are pleased to share that Valbona Karakaci, Regional Advisor for the Western Balkans at Helvetas, was invited to Kosovo’s national television (RTK). In a persuasive interview, she delved into the critical discussions and insights from the Western Balkan Regional…

Climate Change Matters – Regional Advocacy Workshop 2023

Climate Change Matters – Regional Advocacy Workshop 2023

5-6 September 2023, Kosovo Climate change presents a daunting challenge that knows no borders. In recognition of this fact, the Western Balkan Regional Advocacy Network recently gathered in Kosovo to reflect on the urgency for a green transition in the…

Advocating through the European Human Rights System

Advocating through the European Human Rights System

Advocacy work can be challenging, but using the international human rights system can be a powerful tool. Regional Advocacy Network, represented by Valbona Karakaci, shared experience in the webinar “Advocating through the European Human Rights Systems,” hosted by Helvetas Swiss…

Digital Advocacy #DEVPOLHACK 2022 – Belgrade

Digital Advocacy #DEVPOLHACK 2022 – Belgrade

LEARN SMART – WORK PROFESSIONALLY In September 2022, Helvetas Eastern and Southeastern Europe Advocacy Network in collaboration with ACT, hosted the Regional Advocacy Network Meeting in Belgrade, bringing together passionate individuals and organizations committed to driving positive change in the…

Advocacy Trends – Western Balkans

Advocacy Trends – Western Balkans

The Regional Advocacy Workshop for the Western Balkans was held in Ohrid, North Macedonia, from October 18th to 20th, 2021. The workshop started with an opening session explaining the importance of developing a future story for effective advocacy. Following the…

Foster Rural Development through Strategic Advocacy

Foster Rural Development through Strategic Advocacy

Risi Albania Advocacy Training Module in Rural Development Risi Albania supporting the Albanian School of Public Administration (ASPA), organized a series of workshops targeting municipality staff to share the successful experience of the Risi-supported Municipality of Kolonja. To develop the…

Advocate for Sustainable Tourism

Advocate for Sustainable Tourism

Advocacy Workshop on Sustainable Tourism took place on September 29th, 2020, at Rogner Hotel Europa Park in Tirana. The workshop, organized by RisiAlbania and facilitated by Valbona Karakaçi, Bernd Steimann, and Adrien Rebord from Helvetas, aimed to empower tourism associations…

Advocacy, Message, and Positioning – Training Course

Advocacy, Message, and Positioning – Training Course

School of Public AdministrationAdvocacy, Message, and PositioningTraining Course Level: Top Management Corps of Civil Servants Prepared by Prof. Asoc. Dr. Valbona Karakaçi, Advisor for Western Balkans, Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, The School of Public Administration in Albania considers Helvetas a strategic…

Three factors of advocacy success: Evidence -Mmomentuam – Legitimacy

Three factors of advocacy success: Evidence -Mmomentuam – Legitimacy

From 12 to 14 June 2019, the Advocacy Regional Working Group hosted Regional Advocacy Workshop bringing together representatives from two Advocacy flagship Helvetas Projects in the Western Balkan (Programme for Local Development and Decentralisation and PERFORM) to showcase their experience.…

Learn from practice

Learn from practice

On April 10th, 2019 the Regional Advocacy Working Group conducted its second meeting focused on advocacy. The meeting had representatives from various projects, including RISI and BtF from Albania, EfE from North Macedonia, MarketMakers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and former…

Basics of Advocacy

Basics of Advocacy

From 17-21 September 2018, the Regional Advocacy Workshop in Eastern Europe was held in Durres (Albania). Bernd Steimann, Development Policy Coordinator, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, and Zenebe Uraguchi,  a Development Economist with multi-country experience conducted the workshop. This event brought together…

Become a member of Helvetas Regional Advocacy Network!

By joining our network, you will become part of a passionate and dedicated community that focuses on promoting advocacy and effective policymaking. As a member, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a common goal of driving positive change in our region. Through our collective efforts, we aim to advance crucial issues, amplify the voices of marginalized communities, and work towards sustainable development and social justice. Your participation in the Helvetas Regional Advocacy Network will undoubtedly contribute to shaping policies that have a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, making a real difference in the world. Together, we can create an inclusive and equitable future for all. Welcome to our network!