As we conclude a year filled with milestones, Regional Advocacy Network proudly reflects on the transformative strides we’ve made across borders, themes, and levels. Spanning the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions, our work has addressed critical issues such as migration and labor mobility, shrinking civic space, partnerships between SMEs and CSOs, peacebuilding, youth engagement, and connectivity and development. Together, we have built bridges that connect grassroots efforts to regional and international initiatives.
RAN’s outreach in 2024 showcased remarkable growth, with participants increasing by 43% from 496 in 2023 to 708, and contributors rising from 61 to 96. This significant progress highlights RAN’s ability to engage a broader and more diverse audience, attract expertise, and amplify its influence, reinforcing its role as a leader in fostering impactful and inclusive initiatives across the region.
This year, RAN strengthened its role as a knowledge broker, turning advocacy and policy into a tangible capacity for development interventions. By mobilizing ideas on green transition and migration, we fostered innovative approaches like partnerships between the private sector and CSOs , showcasing the power of collaboration for sustainable change. Key partnerships with institutions like the European Training Foundation and participation in regional processes such as the Berlin Process amplified our influence and set the stage for broader impact.
This year marked a significant milestone for RAN as we earned recognition within Helvetas’ global network. Our participation in platforms such as the Helvetas Forum of Country Directors and the Mitaggsclub in Switzerland showcased the increasing relevance of our work beyond Eastern Europe. These opportunities not only amplified RAN’s visibility but also underscored our contributions to the broader Helvetas community, inspiring new avenues for collaboration and exchange across regions..
The #DevPolHack initiative stood out as a symbol of our innovative approach. Delivered entirely online, it connected experts and grassroots organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Albania. #DevPolHackSarajevo, in particular, emphasized the pivotal role of grassroots organizations in reclaiming civic space, blending technology with community-driven solutions to address policy challenges.
Our annual face-to-face gathering in Sarajevo brought the year to a crescendo, setting a new standard for collaboration. The launch of the Annual Policy Forums united over 150 participants, including CSOs, private sector representatives, media, and development partners. This vibrant platform became a space for celebrating achievements, exchanging ideas, and envisioning future transformations.
As we close this chapter, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, collaborators, and supporters who have joined us on this journey. Together, we have achieved remarkable things, and your commitment fuels our drive to do even more.
Kurt Wüthrich, Albina Berisha, Gorana Radovanovic , Paul Peterson, Siria Taurell, Emilia Jovanova, Sabin Selimi and Csilla Schalbert, Gloria Spezzano, Ljupka Simonoska Schulz, Svetlana Radosavljević, Edlira Muhedini, Ertan Munoglu
Régis Blank Advisor Migration-Helvetas, Jona Leqejza Fason Industry Albania, Nermin Oruc Center for Development Evaluation and Social Science Research BiH, Mihajlo Djukic Institute of Economic Sciences Serbia, Mila Carovska, Former high-level policymakers of labor and social policy in NM, Besart Kadia, deputy minister of foreign affairs in the Albanian government, Bashkim Iseni, Member of the Federal Migration Commission in Switzerland, Municipality of Lousane, Russell King, Sussex Centre for Migration Research, Alban Hashani Institute for Development Studies Riinvest, Kosovo
Dejana Stevkovski, Public Policy Programme Coordinator at Civic Initiatives from Belgrade, Dario Jovanovic, Center for Civic Initiatives, Bojana (Stanković) Zeković Green Building Council Serbia, Diana Leka (Angoni) Albanian Investment Council, Elene Tkhlashidze Operational Manager RECONOMY, Martha Suda Advantage Austria Sarajevo, Margareta Nikolovska
European Training Foundation Turin, Christina Hagemann Southeast Europe Association.
With the New Year on the horizon, we embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. RAN remains dedicated to creating meaningful change, fostering partnerships, and turning bold ideas into lasting impact. As part of this journey, we are excited to announce that we will be hosted next year in Moldova, a vibrant setting to advance our mission and forge stronger connections.
Let us step into 2025 with hope, resilience, and the shared vision of a brighter, more inclusive future.