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Team

Gazmend Berlajolli

Executive Director | gazmend@thebalkanforum.org

Over 24 years of experience in project management, human resources, institutional and organizational development. 

Gazmend worked in different environments establishing great relations with diverse teams in various national and international organizations that he worked at in Europe, Asia and Oceania.

This includes engaging on humanitarian and relief programs, institutional/human resources  development, and democratization with Medicins Sains Frontiers (MSF), International Rescue Committee (IRC), Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in Pristina, Kosovo; International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Islamabad, Pakistan and in Sidney & Melburne, Australia.    

Issue areas include Human and Institutional development, democratization, civil society development, elections, conflict resolution, and coaching and mentoring.

Dren Selmani

Finance and Administration Officer | dren@thebalkanforum.org

Dren Selmani is a driven individual with a strong educational background and professional experience.He has established himself as a valuable asset in the fields of economics, research, and nonprofit work.

Dren’s academic journey began at the University of Prishtina, where he pursued a degree at the esteemed Faculty of Economics.
 
To gain firsthand insights into the field, Dren worked as a field researcher at the renowned Riinvest Institute for Development and Research. This experience allowed him to delve into economic research and analysis, sharpening his analytical skills and fostering a deeper understanding of Kosovo’s economic landscape.
 
Dren further expanded his professional repertoire as an Accountant at Finova, a prestigious accounting and audit services company located in Prishtina. His attention to detail, strong numerical aptitude, and commitment to precision made him an integral part of the company’s operations.
 
Currently, Dren occupies the position of Finance and Administration Officer at The Balkan Forum. In this role, he plays a crucial part in managing financial matters and ensuring smooth administrative operations within the organization.
 
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dren is known for his compassionate nature and willingness to lend a helping hand. He consistently dedicates his time and expertise to assist individuals in need, particularly young entrepreneurs seeking guidance and support.

Drenusha Canolli

Project Manager | drenusha@thebalkanforum.org

Drenusha Canolli is a sociologist by profession, she attended Bachelor’s level studies at the Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Sociology during the years 2013/2016, in which case she continued her Master’s level studies in the Department of Sociology.

From 2020 to 2023, she worked as Coordinator and Project Manager at the Democracy for Development Institute (D4D), where she managed projects in the field of information integrity and disinformation, youth engagement for advocacy, and raising women’s awareness of employment. For five years in a row, from 2016-2020, Drenusha worked as a research journalist for the online newspaper Insajderi. During this period, it won the third prize for the best story of 2018 in the field of environment from the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK).

As for informal education, Drenusha was in the nineteenth (19) generation of the Political School organized by PIPS. She is also one of the recipients of the School for Investigative Journalism scholarship from the Çohu/Preporter organization. Drenusha is the author of numerous research as well as the author of various writings on the topics of the environment, cultural heritage, health, misinformation, and parental leave. Currently, Drenusha works as a Project Manager at the non-governmental organization The Balkan Forum. The topics of the projects it manages are about raising knowledge and educating young people about the circular economy, the green agenda, and the environment.

Samir Beharić

Research Officer | samir@thebalkanforum.org

Samir Beharić is the Balkan Forum’s Research Officer. Over the last 10 years, he has been involved in fostering regional cooperation, desegregating schools, and providing global opportunities to young adults.

Samir served as Lantos Congressional Fellow in the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. and as Schuman Trainee at the European Parliament in Brussels. He authored articles and policy papers highlighting the role of youth in peacebuilding, arguing in favour of abolishing Bosnia-Kosovo visa regime, and promoting brain circulation within the Western Balkans.

His public advocacy and human rights activism was recognised by the OSCE honouring him with the 2018 Max van der Stoel Award for his efforts to prevent further ethnic segregation of schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Samir earned his Bachelor’s at the University of Sarajevo and won three academic scholarships to study abroad at the Free University of Berlin, Ondokuz Mayis University in Samsun, and Sapienza University of Rome. He pursued his Master’s in frame of Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Global Studies at University of Vienna and Leipzig University.

Besides his native Bosnian, he is fluent in English and German.

Gonxhe Konjufca

Communications Officer | gonxhe@thebalkanforum.org

Gonxhe Konjufca completed her studies at the Faculty of Philosophy, in the Department of Philosophy, which provided her with a deep understanding of fundamental concepts, critical thinking skills, and the ability to analyze complex ideas.

Following her academic pursuits, she embarked on a career in journalism, dedicating four years to the profession. During her time as a journalist, Gonxhe covered a diverse range of topics, from culture to health and various social issues. Her journalistic endeavors reflected a commitment to shedding light on important issues and providing valuable insights to the public. Through research and insightful reporting, she contributed to a deeper understanding of the varied aspects of society.