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,…

The migration phenomenon in the Western Balkans has shown consistent evolution since the 1990s. Initially driven by displacement and political factors, it has transitioned towards irregular, low- to medium-skilled labor migration, encompassing various forms such as regular family reunification, student…

On November 28th, 2023 Helvetas hosted a global ShareWeek focused on innovation and digitalization. During the event, the Regional Advocacy Network shared the Prototype of the #DevPolHack web platform, which stands for the 2022 Helvetas Innovation Award. Over 30 colleagues…

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. It affects livelihoods, governance,  health, and social economic development and poses a risk to the achievement of sustainable development goals and. To address this challenge effectively, mainstreaming climate change has…

Uniting for Sustainable Infrastructure, Biodiversity Protection, and Effective Governance Unlocking the Future: Western Balkans Unite for Smart Cities The Western Balkans, a region with a GDP that accounts for less than 1% of the European Union’s GDP, stands at a…

The inaugural Local Self-Governments Forum “Unlocking the Future: Innovate, Eco-vate, Elevate – Western Balkans Unite for Smart Cities,” held on October 12, 2023 in Tirana, marked a significant step in advancing the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans at the…

From smartphones to social media, digital tools and channels have become the primary avenue for communication and interaction in today’s world. Eighty-four percent of Europeans report having a smartphone, and most Europeans report spending more than six hours per day online and using social…

RECOGNIZING THE URGENCY: POLICY AS A “PUSH AND PULL” FACTOR FOR ADVOCACY The message from the scientific community is loud and clear: The choices and actions implemented in the recent past will have impacts now and for thousands of years. In its 2023…

In pursuing transformative change, activists often direct their efforts toward individuals in positions of power. While these individuals may have influence, it is crucial to recognize that the true power of change lies within the communities themselves. At Helvetas, we…

The rise of the gig economy has led to an explosion in the number of freelancers worldwide. There are currently an estimated 1.2 billion freelancers, which is nearly one-third of the total global workforce. Freelancers face a unique set of…

The Western Balkans and Eastern Europe are confronted with many development challenges that require close collaboration and meaningful dialogue between government, the private sector and civil society. To promote this exchange, the Regional Advocacy Network acts as a knowledge broker. …

The problem of gender-based violence in the Eastern Europe media Gender parity is not recovering. According to the Global Gender Gap Report (2022), it will take another 132 years to close the global gender gap. As crises compound, women’s workforce outcomes are…

Experience has taught development experts that advocacy cannot succeed as a one-person show. Membership associations and networks are an engine to make advocacy work. Allies and partners are needed to drive support for a multitude of issues, build broader legitimacy,…

Performance-based systems are goal-oriented approaches focusing on results rather than inputs, aiming to improve public administration practices. Implementing these systems requires careful consideration of incentives, risks, and stakeholder participation. Our experience with the Decentralization and Municipal Support (DEMOS) project in…

The lines between influencers and leaders are increasingly blurred – a phenomenon that has been accentuated by digitalization. In pre-social times the word leader represented people with charisma and resilience, who could impact or motivate communities through their influence. Leaders…

Advocacy is “the deliberate process of influencing decisions within political, economic and social systems and institutions with the aim of making policies and processes more just, inclusive and pro-poor” (Helvetas Advocacy Concept). In this case study, we delve into the…

The opinion formation process can be discouraging, as we often cling to our beliefs even when we know we might be wrong. Instead of being guided by analysis, evidence, and intelligence, our opinions can be shaped by incompetence, overestimating our…

From smartphones to social media, the digital has become the primary avenue for communication and interaction in today’s world. Eighty-four per cent of Europeans report having a smartphone and most people report spending more than six hours per day online…

A theory of change In advocacy, where the objective is to influence those in power within a rapidly evolving and dynamic environment, a theory of change or future story plays a pivotal role. It serves as a roadmap, outlining the…

Pursuing change drives advocacy, but understanding where to start can be challenging. When faced with a problem, we may believe we know the solutions, yet we navigate within highly complex systems where diverse actors hold varying perspectives and pursue their…

In today’s hybrid world, the potential of social media for advocacy has been magnified. It has proven to be a powerful tool for reaching decision-makers, mobilizing communities, facilitating dialogue, and shaping messages. However, successful advocacy requires combining virtual and traditional…