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!
(Sarajevo, 31.10.2024) – The three-day forum, “Advocacy in a Changing Environment: Reshape Strategy and Respond to Challenges,” organized by the PRAGG Project and the Helvetas Regional Advocacy Network with the support of the Swiss Government, has concluded. The forum brought…
This event, as part of PRAGG’s commitment to partnerships, builds a foundation for sustained civic engagement and empowers citizens to make their voices central to policy decisions across Bosnia and Herzegovina and Southeast Europe. As spaces for civic engagement shrink…
Sarajevo, 29 October 2024 – HELVETAS, in partnership with the Regional Advocacy Network (RAN) and PRAGG teams, convened a strategic workshop in Sarajevo with a focus on evaluating RAN’s progress, setting a transformative roadmap for 2025, and enhancing interactions between…
From October 9-11, 2024, the Southeast Europe Association and the Aspen Institute Germany, with support from the German Federal Foreign Office, hosted the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum 2024 Preparatory Event in Berlin. This event marked the second significant…
From October 9-11, 2024, the Southeast Europe Association and the Aspen Institute Germany, with support from the German Federal Foreign Office, hosted the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum 2024 Preparatory Event in Berlin. This event marked the second significant…
RAN was invited by the UN Association Albania to mentor six young individuals on their advocacy initiatives concerning youth participation in politics, the sovereign fund for energy, and sustainable tourism. Together, we explored various lessons related to these three topics…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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!