Behare Bajraktari – Journalist, founder of Green Journalism
In this episode of the “Greening the Western Balkans” series on The Balkan Forum podcast, we discussed the founding of green journalism as a new genre in Kosovo with our guest, Behare Bajraktari. We explored various environmental issues and the Green Agenda, focusing on what each of us can do to contribute to a greener and cleaner environment.
Arbër Fetahu – Civil Society Activist
In the latest episode of the “Balkans and Beyond” podcast series, we are joined by civil society activist Arbër Fetahu at The Balkan Forum studio. Fetahu shares what inspired him to pursue studies in Political Science, reflects on his professional journey and activism, and offers his insights on public policies, Kosovo’s current situation, and ongoing diplomatic efforts. Tune in for an engaging conversation on his experiences and perspectives!
Empowering Students: A Conversation with Ilir Kicmari
An insightful episode with Ilir Kicmari, a dynamic student activist and a passionate advocate for solving student issues. Ilir finished his studies in Computer Science at Universiteti i Prishtinës, Fakulteti i Shkencave Matematike Natyrore, and has a background in Financial Mathematics from RTU – Rīgas Tehniskā universitāte. In this episode, Ilir shares his journey from academia to activism, discussing how he founded an organization dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by students today. We dive into the initiatives he’s leading, the impact he’s making, and his vision for the future of education and student welfare.
Xhabir Deralla – Journalist, CIVIL
In this episode of The Balkan Forum Podcast on the series “Balkans and Beyond,” our guest is Xhabir Deralla, an esteemed investigative journalist from North Macedonia. Xhabir is the founder of CIVIL, a leading human rights organization, and has been recognized with the 2024 Solidarity Award for Journalists from Southeast Europe and the Order of Merit by President Zelensky. In this episode, we explore Xhabir’s journey in journalism, his dedication to promoting democracy and press freedom, and his fight against disinformation. Tune in to hear his experiences, challenges, and vision for the future of journalism and human rights in Southeast Europe.
Elvira Ibrahimi-Hoti – CEO and Founder of Accell
In this episode of The Balkan Forum podcast in the Bold Balkan Women series, where we discuss the incredible achievements and stories of women making a difference in the Balkans, we are honored to have a truly remarkable guest, Elvira Ibrahimi-Hoti, whose career is a testament to resilience, innovation and leadership. With a strong background in finance and accounting, Elvira has not only excelled in the corporate world, but has also contributed to academia. We discuss Elvira’s journey and the advice she has for others who want to follow this path.
Donarta Fetahu – Student
Donarta Fetahu is a dedicated student, a passionate volunteer and a young activist who has already made a significant contribution to her community. She has also been honored as a Young European by the House of Europe Donarta’s journey is an inspiring testimony to the power and potential of Kosovar youth to drive positive change. In this episode, we delve into her experiences, challenges and aspirations, and find out what drives her commitment to making a lasting impact.
Fjollë Caka – School and Environment Coordinator at Caritas Switzerland in Kosovo
Fjollë Caka is the School and Environment Coordinator at Caritas Switzerland in Kosovo and a Climate Ambassador at the Global Youth Climate Network (GYCN). With a robust educational background, including an MPS in Sustainable Urban Planning (Climate Change Management & Policy) from The George Washington University, an MSc in Architecture from Universiteti i Prishtinës, and currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Management at South East European University (SEEU), Fjollë brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion.
Lone Kjelgaard, Chief of Staff of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team in Kosovo
How do foreigners and people living abroad view the tapestry of the Western Balkans in the Balkans and Beyond podcast series of the Balkan Forum.
We speak with internationals in our region about their insights and perspectives on challenges facing the region. Also, how to nurture constructive conversations about this diverse and dynamic part of the world.
Our special guest for this podcast is Lone Kjelgaard, Chief of Staff of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team in Kosovo.
Kalina Maleska, Macedonian writer and professor of English literature
The guest of this Peas in a Pod series is Kalina Maleska, a Macedonian writer and professor of English literature whose short stories have been translated into several languages. She teaches Utopian and Dystopian Narratives, Postcolonial Literature and other subjects related to Anglo-American literature at the “Blaže Koneski” Faculty of Philology, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. We talk about the power of fairy tales and the messages of dystopian tales.
Azra Berbić, human rights, environmental and peace building activist
In this episode of Bold Balkan Women series of the Balkan Forum podcast Azra Berbić speaks speak about dealing with the past, and ensuring how this crucial work can be done while being respectful towards victims’ memories and influence a healing process. Azra is a human rights, environmental and peace building activist working all around Bosnia and Herzegovina. She is a lawyer and journalist.
Gogo Rafajlovski, Operational Director, SEE University TechPark and IP Consultant
In this NextGen podcast episode we speak with Gogo Rafajlovski, Operational Director at the South East European University TechPark and IP Consultant who helps entrepreneurs and innovative startups reach-out their maximum potential.
Erblina Krasniqi, student of journalism
Erblina Krasniqi, as part of Balkan Forum’s NextGen podcast shares her experience with the “Media Smart – Youth Vlog Against False Information” project supported by Smart Balkans, which engages twenty students to join the fight against false information.
Elion Kollçaku, media and communications specialist
Elion Kollçaku, as part of Balkan Forum’s NextGen podcast talks about the importance of media literacy in today’s society, and how we all need to be aware of the dangers of false information.
Bart Sitters and Thijs van Harten
Bart Sitters and Thijs van Harten are students from the Netherlands doing their internship in Kosovo. They shared their views in the Greening Western Balkans series of the Balkan Forum podcast which focuses on sustainable ideas and initiatives that are helping to address the green transition in the WB region.
Bart, a student of Bachelor Environmental studies came to Kosovo to assist local companies with starting up and optimizing waste water treatment plants.
Thijs, a student of Agriculture Engineering came to Kosovo to contribute to improving dairy farms and provide correct information to farmers to improve quantity and quality of dairy farms in Kosovo.
Arta Istrefi-Jahja, Ecosystem Builder
Arta Istrefi-Jahja as part of the Balkan Bold Women series of the Balkan Forum Podcast, shares her expert (academic and professional) views on how the ecosystem for women entrepreneurs is evolving; the preconditions to an enabling ecosystem for women entrepreneurs, as well as the challenges that they are facing. What strategies and approaches can be employed to achieve success and thrive as an entrepreneur; and the impact that sales, marketing and networking have for women and men entrepreneurs. Arta stresses how critical is family, state and donor support for women entrepreneurs to successfully develop and implement their business ideas/models.
Arbnor Halili, CT Digital Kosovo
Arbnor Halili as part of the NexGen series of the Balkan Forum Podcast, shares his expert (academic and professional) views on how ICT education, technical and soft skills assist in the employment; the importance for quality ICT tools and services; how can educational system respond to market demands; how can educational systems better respond to ICT development and trends; how can the gaps between teaching and scientific research be reduced, and much more.
Ioanna Lachana, EULEX
Ioanna Lachana as part of the Peas in a Pod series of the Balkan Forum Podcast which seeks to bring people together by finding common ground amidst diversity.
Albana Karapanço, Licensed Attorney
Albana Karapanço as part of Balkan Forum’s Bold Balkan Women Podcast
The podcast focuses on The impact that can be achieved when individuals harness global experiences to contribute to their communities.
Sara in Kosovo
Dr. Hajdi Xhixha, Russia’s soft power in the Western Balkan region
Burim Ejupi, Kosova dhe Agjenda 2030
Teuta Sahatqija, Ambassador, Women in Tech Kosovo
Bold Balkan Women
This podcast series brings powerful voices of Balkan women who are pathfinders and path-makers for other women and for a more equitable society.
Teuta Sahatqija, Ambassador Women in Tech Kosovo
Does AI have the power to decode the centuries-long gender imbalances and societal inequalities that persist? What are its implications in terms of human rights and a future where all are equally valued? With Teuta Sahatqija, we seek to better understand the role of AI in shaping a more equitable and just world.