The project “Engage, connect and empower youth for a sustainable green future” is focused on two European Youth Goals: quality learning and sustainable green Europe. It aims at implementing a creative strategy in terms of capacity building for the new generation actually facing the problems of tomorrow related to environment degradation, climate change, and sustainability issues. The target group of the project is youth trainers/workers, organizations, young activists in Albania, local/national authorities, and citizens of Albania and Europe. The project will focus in bringing the EU practices and translate them into tangible tools for youth in Western Balkan in order to fast forward the green transition.
The core of the project, capacity building, will be achieved through a critical number of activities, such as ToT, Youth exchanges, toolkits and manuals. These activities will spill over throughout non-formal learning providers benefitting staff, youth, and key stakeholders in the process.
This project is being developed in partnership with six organizations: Build Green Group and AlbanianSkills from Albania, BRAVO – Bosnian Representative Association for Valuable Opportunities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eco – Logic from North Macedonia, The Balkan Forum from Kosovo and Brigaid EU Project from Spain.
Monitoring Meeting
As part of the project, a monitoring meeting was held on September 9th by Project Officer Christelle Philips of EACEA. The session focused on reviewing key milestones, timelines, and work packages, allowing the project partners to assess both strengths and areas for improvement. This meeting confirmed the successful progress of the project, made possible through the joint efforts of our partners.
Kick-off meeting
The successful kick-off meeting for the Fast Forward project was held in Tirana, Albania on April 13-14. This initiative unites five partner organizations from across Europe: AlbanianSkills (Albania), The Balkan Forum (Kosovo), Brigaid EU Project (Spain), BRAVO – Bosnian Representative Association for Valuable Opportunities (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Eco-Logic (Republic of North Macedonia).
During this meeting, partners came together to plan the next steps in engaging and empowering young people for a greener, more sustainable future. The main focus of the Fast Forward project is to support youth in becoming key actors in environmental action and education.
Training of Trainers (ToT)
Valencia, Spain
The Fast Forward: Engage, Connect, and Empower Young People for a Sustainable Green Future project marked an important milestone with the successful Training of Trainers (ToT) event held in Valencia, Spain on June 26-27. Over the course of two days, trainers from all partner organizations—AlbanianSkills (Albania), Brigaid EU Project (Spain), BRAVO – Bosnian Representative Association for Valuable Opportunities (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Build Green Group (Albania), and Eco-Logic (Republic of North Macedonia)—gathered to set the foundation for the youth exchange program.
Day 1:
The first day of the training introduced the trainers to the project’s methodology and focused on preparing for the upcoming youth exchanges, which will be implemented across the five partner countries: Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Spain.
Day 2:
The second day featured an interactive session on developing the Training KIT and a comprehensive introduction to the project’s Communication Plan, aimed at enhancing both the effectiveness of training and the overall communication impact. Participants provided key feedback to fine-tune upcoming project outputs and activities.
As a result of this training, young people from partner countries will have the opportunity to engage in educational programs that focus on pressing topics such as climate change, the green agenda, and digital green skills.
Vlorë, Albania
This dynamic five-day event held on August 26-30, brought together 30 participants from six partner organizations: Build Green Group and AlbanianSkills (Albania), BRAVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Eco-Logic (North Macedonia), The Balkan Forum (Kosovo), and Brigaid EU Project (Spain).
The event began with engaging activities facilitated by Ismail Sehiç from BRAVO, allowing participants to connect and create synergy. Drenusha Canolli, Project Manager at The Balkan Forum, presented an overview of the organization’s mission, activities, and goals, helping participants understand the broader context of the project.
The second day opened with a group activity to foster further collaboration, followed by two insightful sessions. Oljam Dervishi explored the impact of climate change on natural and human systems, while Anira Gjoni focused on communicating climate change to the public and engaging communities. Participants worked in groups to prepare presentations on the impact of these topics in their respective countries and developed activities on creating Integrated Impact Assessment Models.
On the third day, participants delved into understanding climate data and explored tools for effective climate action. A highlight of the day was the storytelling session, where groups crafted climate narratives and action plans, emphasizing the role of impactful communication in driving climate awareness and solutions.
Over the five days, the ToT event combined creative activities, research, and presentations, all aimed at equipping young trainers with the skills to lead future youth exchanges. The Fast Forward project aligns with two European Youth Objectives: Quality Learning and Sustainable Europe, ensuring that young people are at the forefront of tackling environmental challenges.
Youth Exchange
Struga, North Macedonia
From December 1-6, nine young people from Kosovo participated in the second youth exchange of the Fast Forward Project in Struga, North Macedonia. This exchange provided a platform for participants to explore topics related to the environment and climate change while connecting with peers from Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Spain.
Throughout the exchange, participants engaged in a variety of activities, including:
- Workshops on sustainability
- Nature walks to explore the local environment
- Meetings with North Macedonian officials to discuss environmental policies
- An International Night celebrating the unique cultures of each country
Bringing together 30 young people, this exchange fostered cross-cultural understanding and encouraged fresh perspectives on global challenges.
Peja, Kosovo
From February 3 to 7, The Balkan Forum hosted 30 young changemakers from Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Spain in Peja for a transformative Youth Exchange under the Fast Forward project. Over five days, participants explored the urgent issue of climate change through interactive workshops, expert discussions, cultural exchanges, and field visits, gaining valuable insights into environmental sustainability and collective action.
Learning from Experts, Learning from Each Other
The exchange featured impactful sessions led by climate and policy experts, including Agim Mazrekueku, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning; Uran Haxha, an investigative journalist; and Genc Krasniqi from the Institute for Development Policy (INDEP). Under the guidance of trainer Sytrime Dervisholli, participants engaged in thought-provoking workshops on climate action, exchanging ideas and solutions to address environmental challenges in their communities.
Beyond discussions, participants took part in immersive experiences, including a visit to Rilindja Gjelbër, a sustainability initiative focused on green development, and the School of Art in Peja, where creativity and sustainability intersect. The exchange also fostered cultural understanding through an International Culture Night, where participants showcased their diverse traditions, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing global challenges.
Durrës, Albania
From February 24-28, 2025, the Fast Forward Youth Exchanges continued with Youth Exchange 4 (YE4) in Durrës, Albania, bringing together young participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Spain for five days of learning, collaboration, and action.
During the exchange, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on climate change, youth activism, and environmental policies. Key topics included the protection of the Vjosa River and strategies to combat climate disinformation. Through interactive workshops and teamwork, participants developed ideas and action plans aimed at fostering a more sustainable future.
Alicante, Spain
From 17 to 21st of March 2025, the Fast Forward project successfully implemented Youth Exchange 5 in Alicante, Spain, uniting passionate young people from across Europe to tackle climate challenges through creativity, dialogue, and collaboration.
Over the course of four intensive days, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, collaborative workshops, and immersive field visits that showcased local sustainability solutions. From exploring innovative green initiatives to co-developing action plans for climate resilience, the exchange empowered youth to think critically and act collectively.
The experience not only deepened participants’ understanding of climate issues but also strengthened cross-border connections and inspired continued activism beyond the exchange.
Final Conerence
The Fast Forward International Conference, held from 22–23 April 2025 in Pristina, Kosovo, brought together over 50 participants from across the Western Balkans and the European Union. Organized by The Balkan Forum, the conference served as a regional platform to reflect on the achievements of the Fast Forward project and to foster dialogue on sustainability, climate policy, and youth empowerment.
The event welcomed representatives from six partner organizations: Build Green Group and Albanian Skills (Albania), The Balkan Forum (Kosovo), BRAVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Eco-Logic (North Macedonia), and Brigaid Connect (Spain). Youth beneficiaries, experts, academics, and policymakers engaged in open dialogue, contributing to cross-border cooperation and meaningful exchange.
Focus and Reach
Throughout the two-day conference, participants shared insights and lessons learned from project activities, including youth exchanges and capacity-building workshops. Discussions centered on climate change education, sustainable development, and the role of youth in shaping environmental policy.
The conference was livestreamed via social media, reaching over 1,500 viewers and generating significant engagement across Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. Media coverage by Ekonomia Online, KosovaPress, and RTV21 extended the event’s visibility to an even broader audience.
Conference Highlights
Day 1 featured three thematic panels:
- Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development in the Western Balkans
- Climate Change Education and Policy Recommendations
- Youth Engagement, Mobility, and Training Impact
Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, educational reform, and institutional support for climate action. Youth participants shared personal testimonies, highlighting how the project helped them gain confidence, leadership skills, and practical tools for environmental advocacy.
Day 2 was dedicated to a closed partner meeting focused on reviewing and finalizing three policy recommendations:
- Climate Change Education for Youth in the Western Balkans
- Improving Dual Systems and Work-Based Learning
- Internationalization of Climate Change Education
The discussions aimed to strengthen policy relevance and support the development of concrete, actionable proposals.
The Fast Forward International Conference succeeded in creating a dynamic and collaborative space for youth engagement, policy dialogue, and knowledge sharing. It reinforced the importance of investing in long-term youth programs, cross-sector partnerships, and regional strategies for climate resilience.
As the Fast Forward project concludes, the conference leaves behind a strong foundation for future cooperation and continued momentum for climate and youth-centered action in the Western Balkans.
Policy Recommendations
Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority is responsible for them.
