Highlights from the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum Berlin 2024 – Advancing Regional Cooperation on Migration and Green Transition

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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 gathering of the Civil Society Forum this year, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process. The Forum continued its mission to formulate and discuss policy recommendations crucial to the Western Balkans, with a particular focus this year on civil society’s role and contributions to the Berlin Process

During discussions on the Common Regional Market and labor mobility, RAN supported the establishment of a regional platform for collecting and sharing migration data to inform policy-making. The network also stressed the importance of a regional policy framework for promoting “brain circulation,” political participation of the diaspora, and creating conditions to reduce labor outflows from the Western Balkans. Coordination among the Western Balkans Six (WB6) and the EU is essential for addressing these challenges. The Regional Advocacy Network Blog on Labour Mobility offers deeper insights into these regional mobility trends and their policy implications.

The discussions on energy, climate change, and decarbonization highlighted the need for CSOs and think tanks to advocate for impactful systemic changes. Participants called for a benchmarking system to monitor local governments’ progress in implementing climate legislation and transitioning to green energy. The EU’s bottom-up approach was emphasized as a key strategy for enabling smoother, community-driven implementation of climate policies. These ideas are further explored in the Regional Advocacy Network Blog on Climate Change, which outlines the role of civil society in advancing climate action.

Excitement was also building around the upcoming Generation Green Conference: Skills, Careers, and Innovation, organized by Helvetas and set for November 5, 2024. The event will bring together leaders from Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, and Bulgaria to chart a course for a sustainable future. The conference will focus on equipping young people with green skills, creating sustainable career opportunities, and driving innovative climate solutions.

During the Forum, activist Egzona Shala and expert Alban Hashani shared their anticipation for the conference, expressing how much they look forward to the fresh ideas and innovations it promises to bring. Their enthusiasm underscored a shared commitment to empowering local communities, fostering collaboration with the private sector, and making the green transition a reality across the Western Balkans.

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