FCT Youth 2013 - Report

Inaugural Conference Youth Forum for Cities in Transition
Contents
Introduction 3
Words of Welcome 4
The Conference in Numbers 5
Pre-Conference Actiities !
Im"ressions# Cit$ Presentations %
Im"ressions# Panels and Wor&sho"s '
Im"ressions# (ide )ents *+
,utcomes of the Conference **
-elegates. (tatements */
The Conference 0isibilit$ *3
-onors and (u""orters *4
A""endi1 *5
/
2itroica3 4osoo3 (e"tember /3-/%3 /+*3
Introduction
The younger population of Kosovo faces many challenges, but in particular youth from Mitrovica are
confronted with increasingly problematic conditions due to the on-going, unstable political
situation. Such instability has resulted in declining investments and limited opportunities for all
sectors in society. In consequence, the youth of Mitrovica have suffered from high levels of
unemployment and subsequently unpromising future prospects. or a peaceful transition of the city,
younger population must be included in decision ma!ing. Therefore it is crucial to create space for
discussion and e"change and to strengthen capacities in order to engender an empowered youth.
The #outh orum for $ities in Transition is part of the International orum for $ities in Transition
%$T& established in 'oston in (pril )**+. (t present, there are fifteen cities across three continents
forming the orum for $ities in Transition, Mitrovic-.Kosovs!a Mitrovica, /aifa, 0erusalem, Kaduna,
Kir!u!, 1amallah, 'elfast, 2erry.3ondonderry, 4icosia, 'eirut, Tripoli %3ebanon&, 'erlin and Mostar.
(s an international networ! of mayors, councillors, municipal officials, civil society, business people,
and representatives of the voluntary and community sector, the orum wor!s by the principle that
cities that are in conflict or have emerged from conflict are in the best position to help other cities in
the same situation. The orum was initiated by professor 5adraig 67Malley and is supported by the
Moa!ley $hair of 5eace and 1econciliation Mc$ormac! 8raduate School of 8lobal and 5olicy Studies
at the 9niversity of Massachusetts 'oston and the 4orthern Ireland oundation, 'elfast.
The Inaugural #outh $onference for $ities in Transition from ):;)< September )*=: in Mitrovica,
organi>ed by $ommunity 'uilding Mitrovica in cooperation with 2?8 Solutions, can be seen as an
initial step towards creating a networ! of young people who will engage with their local leaders and
representatives. #outh from 'elfast, 2erry-3ondonderry, 0erusalem, Kaduna, Kir!u!, 1amallah,
Tripoli and host city Mitrovica shared and e"plored local e"periences, gaining invaluable and
practical !nowledge how to build sustainable cooperative relationships within and across their
communities and cities.
3
Words of Welcome
In her opening remar!s, the 5resident of Kosovo, her @"cellency (tifete 0ahAaga, stated,
Brom the city of Mitrovica, which unfortunately is divided in the middle, together you are sending
strong messages of tolerance, understanding and peaceful coe"istence. #ou who are sending strong
messages that diversity is a value which should unite us and which
enriches a society, a country.C
BIt is the divided cities which remind us of a bitter past, with have left
behind serious consequences, consequences which in many cases are
still present. They remind us of the danger which comes from e"clusion
and refusal to accept and respect one another, to accept and respect
diversity. (bove all they reminder us how important peace is, how
fragile it can often be and how difficult it is to be built on ruins of
destruction, the trust between people.C
Atifete 5ah6aga3 President of 4osoo
BDhen the orum for $ities in Transition was created, few cities really believed that Mitrovica could
rise to the occasion. Mitrovica has not only risen to the occasion, it has surpassed all e"pectations. 6n
this occasion of the first #outh orum of the orum for $ities in Transition, Mitrovica once again
leads the way having put together representation from the youth of =* divided cities that no one
would have believed possible four years ago. This is to be a truly magnificent event that bears witness
to what the youth in divided cities can do when they collaborate with each other.C
Padraig ,.2alle$3 -irector of the Forum for Cities in Transition
B6ver the course of the ne"t few days, I encourage all of you to share your e"periences and
initiatives. It is my hope that through those efforts and through conferences such as this one, citi>ens
of cities such as Mitrovica will develop ways to wor! together, for a better future for all citi>ens,
regardless of political, ethnic, or religious differences.C
Trace$ Ann 5acobson3 78(8 ambassador in Prishtina
B$ontact and confidence associated with the collaboration help overcome different situations, so
Mitrovica can become a city of development of peace, coe"istence and tolerance.C
5an 9raathu3 Nor:egian ambassador in Prishtina
4
The Conference in Numbers
5
Pre-Conference Actiities
;enoation of the Conference <all at
the Cultural Centre in 2itroica
or the Inaugural #outh $onference of the
orum for $ities in Transition the $onference
/all at the $ultural $entre in Mitrovica was
renovated as part of the larger proAect B'ridging
the 2ivideC, implemented amongst others by
$ommunity 'uilding Mitrovica %$'M&. (lready
in )*=*, the $ultural $entre was completely
renovated in )*=* by the Municipality of
Mitrovica, including painting and plastering of
the inside, reconstruction of the roof and
renovation of the chandelier in the main
atrium. or the implementation of an
international youth conference with
participants from three continents and
numerous presentations and lectures, there was
still renovation to be done at the $onference
/all as main venue of the conference. In the
course of renovation, the 2ome of the $ultural
was insulated, several masonry, floor and
painting wor!s were done, the bathrooms in the
$ultural $entre were renewed a well as the hall
was furnished with carpets and curtains. In
addition, a professional sound system was
installed including the techniques for
simultaneous interpreting. (ll in all, these
renewals made the $onference /all a venue that
meets the needs of an international,
multilingual conference while at the same time
creating a comfortable atmosphere for
discussions and e"change.
,"en Call for =ogo and Poster -esign
In preparation for the Inaugural #outh
$onference of the orum for $ities in
Transition, $ommunity 'uilding Mitrovica
%$'M& started an 6pen $all for the logo and
poster design. (s a result of the open call,
amongst three that applied two designers were
selected, one from the 4orth and one from the
South of Mitrovica, to create the promotional
material for the International #outh
$onference. The poster contained distinct
characteristics of Mitrovica reflecting both sides
of the river Iber.Ibar.
!
The conference room
Im"ressions# Cit$ Presentations
@ight cities in transition were represented in
the course of the conference, 'elfast,
2erry-3ondonderry, 0erusalem, Kaduna, Kir!u!,
1amallah, Tripoli and host city Mitrovica. The
delegates of the cities used various media such
as 5ower5oint and video clips to illustrate their
tal!s. In each presentation they outlined the
city7s conflict, social and political life, and the
main challenges that youth are facing, followed
by a discussion in the plenary. The situation in
the cities differed a lot, from ongoing violent
conflicts as in Kir!u! or in Tripoli on
long-lasting conflicts as in 0erusalem to cities
already recovering from conflict as shown
amongst others in the case of 'elfast.4orthern
Ireland. The delegates also focused on how
youth activism develops and the potential of
civil society and especially youth in conflict
resolution. The city presentations therefore
allowed the participants to acquire a deeper
!nowledge about the conflicts of other cities in
transition, about youth activism under different
conditions and they, not at least, enabled the
delegates to share personal e"periences. The
importance of such an e"change of !nowledge,
ideas and practical !now-how was shown in
numerous questions and eager discussions
following each presentation.
%
BThere is simply no other solution than living
together. 5eople in Mitrovica need to get in
contact with each other, but they aren7t all
ready yet.C
(eli6e 4urti3 2itroica cit$ delegate
Cit$ "resentation 9elfast
B'elfast is continuously recovering from the
conflict, becoming generally a neutral place for
everyone now. The focus now is on increasing
employment opportunities and tourism.C
Cailin 2c0eigh3 9elfast cit$ delegate
Cit$ "resentation 2itroica
BSharing e"periences from divided cities is very
relevantE these e"periences need to be brought
to Kosovo especially.C
Ian Cli>3 9ritish ambassador 4osoo
Im"ressions# Panels and Wor&sho"s
The conference7s panel discussions covered
topics such as the use of social media, the
role of youth in rebuilding societies after
conflict, youth activism, and youth edu-
cation and entrepreneurship. In each panel,
different e"perts coming from 5rishtina or
'elgrade, international e"perts wor!ing in
Kosovo, and local e"perts from Mitrovica, from
science and practice, gave introductory lectures
and then the panel was opened for questions
from the audience. The panellists emphasi>ed
altogether the importance of youth in bridging
communities and establishing dialogue and
communication. They encouraged young people
to become more active, giving also practical
hints such as funding opportunities for youth
organi>ations. It has been noted however that
young people in divided societies face
challenges such as high unemployment rates,
e"clusion from decision ma!ing and a restric-
tion of freedom of movement and e"pression.
Social media and youth activism are closely
connected as, according to delegate Saly
Shamra from 3ebanon, social media allows acti-
vists to Bwiden their circles of communicationC.
In the panel on education and entrepreneurial
opportunities for youth in Kosovo the need to
strengthen the capacities of young people to
respond in a sustainable way to the needs of the
)=st century society was a central issue. In the
panel on youth activism (rdita MetaA 2i!a from
T($S6 and SanAa 3a>areviF from the @uropean
$entre for Minority Issues %@$MI& highlighted
that youth organisations in Kosovo were
struggling with limited access to funds and a
low willingness of people to volunteer. 6n
behalf on their organisations they gave the
delegates inside information on specific funding
opportunities for youth activities and offered
their support as well. Throughout all the
conference, the importance of the education
was emphasised by almost all panellists and
discussants. In the discussion panel about youth
education 'lagica 1adovanoviF from 5rishtina
9niversity, amongst other matters, particularly
stressed the role that language plays in conflict,
which can sometimes be a big obstacle in
bringing communities together.
'
BThe question is how youth can change society.
$onstructive solutions must respect everybody7s
difference as identity is manifold, and the power of
youth is that they can embrace an open identity.C
2arina Ili?3 7niersit$ of =ille /3 France @
Assistant to Professor 7niersit$ of 9elgrade
BSocial networ!s can contribute significantly to
brea!ing the barriers of communication between
young people in conflict societies and stimulate
countless forms of cooperation.C
Petrit (elimi3 -e"ut$ 2inister of 2FA
B#outh is trapped in and shaped by conflict. The
division is all that they !now from their e"perience,
so the question must be how we can fight preAudi-
ces. Meeting people helps humani>e the other and
to overcome the perception of a faceless enemy.C
Ilir -eda3 -irector of 4IP;)-
BDhat we need is a new perspective of the young
generation which leaves the youth in Kosovo space
for discussion and e"change, for addressing
problems, for establishing communication and
dialogue.C
;aba A6oshi3 -irector3 Youth Initiatie for
<uman ;ights in Prishtina
Im"ressions# Panels and Wor&sho"s
2uring the wor!shops the conference
participants were split in smaller groups in
order to create a more interactive environment.
In the wor!shop about future cooperation the
delegates e"changed first proAect ideas to
implement together. (ltogether the focus of the
participants lied on organi>ing youth e"changes
for sharing e"periences. The potential of
increased mobility of young people through
e"changes and wor!shop tours between
different cities was emphasi>ed in the
discussion. The best method for achieving
change is bringing people together, a delegate
said.
$ommon interests such as culture and sports
can build bridges between divided communities
and are great catalysts for youth activity. (n
idea was to organise a sports tournament with
international teams each of which consisted of
members of conflicting communities, because
sports unites, and tournaments can provide
education in sports and civic matters equally.
6ther thoughts were focused on the use of
media, e. g. producing a video with a peace
message together and to spread it through
social networ!s. $'M staff also offered support
of up-coming proAect ideas through the senior
delegations of the orum for $ities in Transition
%$T&. ( matter, which can be discussed at the
$T conference in Kaduna in 4ovember )*=:.
In the wor!shop on planning of Aoint proAects,
moderated by (llan 3eonard %4orthern Ireland
oundation&, each delegation developed
concrete proAect ideas for their respective cities
as well as proAects connecting people from
different cities and countries. The proAects are
to be reali>ed after the conference and are
presented in detail on page == of this report.
B
Wor&sho" on future coo"eration
BDe, peace activists in Israel and 5alestine, should
ta!e e"amples not from the @uropean 9nion, which
are far ahead from us in living peacefully. De should
learn from the 'al!ans, from 4orthern Ireland, and
other non-peaceful regions which are wor!ing step
by step to build a better community.C
7ri ;osenberg3 a delegate from <aifa3 Israel
Wor&sho" on 6oint "ro6ects
Im"ressions# (ide )ents
In addition to the program at the $ultural
$entre, a number of Side @vents were organi>ed.
2ue to wal!ing tours of the city, guided by local
volunteers, the participants became acquainted
with both sides of Mitrovica. Moreover, the
conference group visited several local
institutions such as International 'usiness
$ollege Mitrovica %I'$M& $ampus 4orth and
$ampus South as well as the 4orth Mitrovica
(dministration 6ffice %4M(6&. (t I'$M $ampus
4orth, the participants were welcomed by
2ragan TomiF of S5(1K, I'$M 6fficer 5eter
4eumann and several professors of the
institute. They informed the conference group
about the $ollege7s study programmes and
competencies, emphasi>ing the international
and business-oriented profile of I'$M. In the
discussion, TomiF underlined that I'$M7s goal is
to foster business development in order to
facilitate peace reconciliation whilst trying to
stay out of politics.
(t the 4M(6 e"ecutive officer (driAana /odGiF
held a speech about the history and mission of
her institution. In )*=* the office evolved from
an initiative to create fair conditions for the
electionsE since then it offers services to citi>ens
without imposing any political obligations on
them. To involve the participants in activities
from the youth of Mitrovica, a concert of
Mitrovica 1oc! School was organi>ed. ollowing
the idea that music connects and bridges
divided communities, an ethnically mi"ed band
consisting out of Serbs and (lbanians was
performing for the first time at Mitrovica 1oc!
School South. (ctivities were not bounded to
Mitrovica, the conference group also undertoo!
visit to the city of Mitrovica north and south as
well as a a trip to 5rishtina.
*+
I9C2 North cam"us isit
BDe are trying to develop only a bit faster than the
community.C
-ragan Tomi?
B$iti>ens are the ones that should propose the
changes they want.C
Adri6ana <odCi?
2itroica ;oc& (chool concert for $outh
delegates and olunteers
,utcomes of the Conference
In the concluding session the delegates of the
participating cities presented their pledges to
implement specific proAect ideas,
0erusalem,
#outh e"change, =* people from
4orth.South Mitrovica and =* from @ast and
Dest 0erusalem, each visiting Mitrovica and
0erusalem to stay and wor! together
$onnecting students7 association with other
groups and do activities together
Kir!u!,
@vent on International 5eace 2ay %=
September&, $onflict $leaning $ampaign ;
disseminate information about other
conflicts in cities in transition, and clean the
environment as a symbol of Bcleaning the
conflictC
5eace building through ma!ing handicrafts
with children and involving their parents as
well
Kaduna,
BHoice of the #outhC wor!shop to bring
Muslim and $hristian youth together and do
e.g. media trainings and allow them to
e"press their feelings and desires
B5eace $lubC in separated Kaduna schools to
discuss about elections
Tripoli,
'ringing Mitrovica roc! school to 3ebanon to
educate people about their proAect
Sports tournament with all cities together
1amallah,
/osting young people from Mitrovica to
learn about their situation and to create an
opportunity for Serbs and (lbanians to get in
touch with each other
5roAect for young people with disabilities in
1amallah, e.g. paintings, handicraft
'elfast and 2erry.3ondonderry,
@"change of youth wor!ers with 0erusalem
Social media campaign to promote the $T7s
wor!
Mitrovica,
5roAect to bring children %I-J years old&
from both parts of the city to play, including
their parents to encourage them to tal!
with each other
5aint and decorate tyres and present them
in both parts of the city
(ll delegates signed the B$all to (ctionC, a Aoint
agreement of the members of the orum of
$ities in Transition %see also pages =J-=<&.
The #outh orum of $ities in Transition $onfe-
rence )*=K will be hosted by Kaduna, 4igeria.
**
Ardiana ,smani "assing the baton on to the
4aduna delegates
BIn Kaduna we discussed some ways on how to
tac!le the problem and the two maAor outcomes
were respect for one7s religion and the continuity of
the #outh enlightenment through coordinating
programs. I7m glad on how the youth welcomed the
idea, showed their interest in the program and
offered their support.C
<a$atu Ashafa3 4aduna3 Nigeria
-elegates. (tatements
BI didn7t !now what to e"pect before I went to
Kosovo. /owever, I thoroughly enAoyed my time
in Kosovo and also my opportunity to be part of
the conference. I learnt a lot about how other
young people live in cities in conflict and met
some great people during the wee!. It was a
humbling e"perience to see how others live, and
it was great that we had the opportunity to all
help each other and share ideas.C
(arah Couser3 9elfast3 Northern Ireland
BI feel very privileged and honoured to have
spent a wee! in Mitrovica in the conference for
$ities in Transition. Through the wonderful
youth I met in Mitrovica, I saw that even in the
most difficult situations one can see light at the
end of the tunnel. I saw young Serbs and
(lbanians communicating, sharing opinions,
even sometimes arguing, but all were trying to
build bridges for a better future of Mitrovica.
This e"ample gave me much hope.C
7ri ;osenberg3 <aifa3 Israel
B(s far as the conference goes, I was really
impressed how good it was organised, how
much the $'M staff did to get people from all
over the world which have similar problems as
we do in Mitrovica. I will try to cherish and
maintain the friendships that I formed with this
people. Than! you and $'M for letting me be a
part of such a unique e"perience.C
0ladisla (teanoic3 2itroica3 4osoo
B#outh orum for $ities in Transition has
impacted tremendously on my life. Most of all it
opened my eyes to important things and has
confronted my thin!ing, stimulated my heart,
catalysed my energy and challenged me to get
out of my comfort >one and ma!e an impact on
the world. It7s time for passionate and
enthusiastic youth to rise and help write a
different story for our cities and beyond. I value
the privilege of sharing this e"perience with
other youth in my cities so we can be a part of
bringing peace. It was really transforming.C
<a$atu Ashafa3 4aduna3 Nigeria
BMy impression was that problems e"ist
everywhere, despite the multiplicity of forms,
but the solution e"ists with the hope in the eyes
of the nation7s youth. eelings were more
remar!able with new friends and with possible
ties enabled to continue forever.C
(ear ;aDE3 4ir&u&3 IraE
B(ctually before I came to the conference I was
confused whether it will meet my e"pectations
or not, how should I treat these different people
especially the ones who are from the country I
have conflict with %the Israeli Side&, and by time
I became e"cited in this new e"perience and the
international gathering, and by being more
involved I became much more e"cited in
meeting these different people from different
cultures and thoughts.C
-iana (inan3 ;amallah3 Palestine
*/
International delegates
The Conference 0isibilit$
The conference received broad coverage in
regional media, in print, broadcast, and online.
TH,
(l 0a>eera 'al!ans, Susret mladih iz podijeljenih
gradova, )L.+.)*=:
Klan Kosova, Lajmet Qendrore, ):.+.)*=:
1TH)=, Lajmet Flash, ):.+.)*=:
5rint,
'ota Sot, 0ahAaga, Nuk lejojm q grupet
kriminele t mbajn peng stabilitetin e vendit,
)K.+.)*=:
M-ri, Kriminelt nuk e diktojn t ardhmen e
Kosovs, )K.+.)*=:
Tribuna, Jacobson !itrovica" njra ndr s#idat e
shumta t ndara n bot, )K.+.)*=:
Kosova Sot, !sojn nga prvoja e !itrovics,
)K.+.)*=:
6nline,
(lbanianScreen, Jahjaga n !itrovic" jep
mesazhe pr toleranc, ):.+.)*=:
1tv)=.tv, Jahjaga $Q%tetet e ndara & prkujtues
t nj t kaluare t hidhur, ):.+.)*=:
Koha.net, Jahjaga jep mesazh pr toleranc nga
!itrovica e ndar, ):.+.)*=:
Kosovo 4ews 4etwor!, Jahjaga jep mesazh pr
toleranc nga
!itrovica e ndar,
):.+.)*=:
Illyriapress.com, N
!itrovic #illoi
Kon#erenca e Forumit
pr Q%tetet n
'ranzicion,
):.+.)*=:
e!onomia online,
Jahjaga n !itrovic
(iversiteti na
pasuron, ):.+.)*=:
rt! live, 0ahAaga, Q%tetet e ndara jan prkujtues
t kaluars s hidhur, ):.+.)*=:
Kosovapress, Kon#erenc ndrkombtare pr
rolin e t rinjve n q%tetet n tranzicion,
):.+.)*=:
b+).net, Jahjaga )azli*itost oboga+uje,
):.+.)*=:
'3I$ online, Jahjaga )azli*itost treba da nas
ujedini, ):.+.)*=:
5ressonline.rs, Jahjaga ,ri-tina ne+e dozvoliti
da nas kriminalci dr.e kao taoce, ):.+.)*=:
9Mass 'oston 4ews, /!ass 0oston ,eace
!aker ,lans First 1outh ,eace 2on#erence in
!itrovica, ):.+.)*=:
The conference was also visible on,
Debsite of the president of Kosovo,
http,..www.president-!sgov.net
Debsite of the 9S @mbassy in 5ristina,
http,..pristina.usembassy.gov
Debsite of Kosovo Ministry of oreign
(ffairs, http,..www.mfa-!s.net
Debsite of the orum for $ities in Transition,
http,..citiesintransition.net
Debsite of the 4orth Mitrovica
(dministration 6ffice %4M(6&,
http,..!!.r!s-gov.net.M4(6.
aceboo! 5age of $ommunity 'uilding
Mitrovica
*3
Al 5aFeera 9al&ans Dlming
-onors and (u""orters
-onors#
9.S. @mbassy
S5(1K
4orwegian @mbassy
9425
@mbassy of the Kingdom of 4etherlands
Mitrovica 4orth (dministration
6ffice
Municipality of Mitrovica
IKH 5a" $hristi
I'$M
orum for $ities in Transition
Mitrovica orum
Than&s to#
!itrovica delegates Kenan 'eqiri, Su>ana 'eqiri, MariAa 8oluboviF, MiloN 8oluboviF, 'erat /aAdari,
lorentina /aAdari, Marigona Kelmendi, 'lerim Kelmendi, TiAana Kolutac, Mili>>a Kosova, Ivana
KovaOeviF, SelviAe Kurti, 4emanAa Ku>manoviF, Mergim Memoviq, 3abinot Musliu, @rdina Mustafi,
(rdiana 6smani, 2aniAela 5eriF, Manuela 5etroviF, Stefan 1adovanoviF, MilivoAe 1aiceviF, 4ataNa
SavelAiF, Stefana Stamen!oviF, Hladislav StevanoviF, Mana Syla, 'oAana TraA!oviF, SneGana TraA!oviF,
'esni! 9!a, 'esni! Hoca
,anelists 5etrit Selimi, SelviAe Kurti, MiloN 8oluboviF, 5eter 4eumann, Ilir 2eda, Marina IliF, Kenan
'eqiri, (le!sandar SovrliF, 1aba 8Aoshi, SanAa 3a>areviF, (rdita MetaA 2i!a, 1ic! 3autenbach, isni!
Kumnova, 2ragan TomiF, Mirlinda 5urrini, 'lagica 1adovanoviF
)epresentatives o# !itrovica Forum Sadri erati, 2ragan SpasoAeviF, Haldete Idri>i
Secretariat Forum #or 2ities in 'ransition 5rof. 5adraig 67Malley, 4ancy 1iordan, (llan 3eonard
3nternational volunteers 2ebbie 674eill, 0an 'ehrens, 3isa SchPder
*4
A""endi1
Conference Programme
Monday, ): September
*+,** 6pening plenary
(tifete 0ahAaga, 5resident of Kosovo
Tracey (nn 0acobson, 9.S. (mbassador in
5rishtina
0an 'raathu, 4orwegian (mbassador in
5rishtina
2ragan TomiF, S5(1K 5rogramme Manager
$hristopher 2ec!er, 9425 8overnance
5rogramme $oordinator
5adraig 67Malley, 2irector of orum for $ities
in Transition
(vni Kastrati, Mayor of Mitrovica
(ferdita SylaA, $ommunity 'uilding Mitrovica
Hesna 8oluboviF, 2 ? 8 Solutions
Moderator, Haldete Idri>i
==,** $ity presentation Mitrovica
=K,:* 5anel discussion, 9se of Social Media
5etrit Selimi, 2eputy Minister of oreign
(ffairs
SelviAe Kurti, civil society activist
MiloN 8oluboviF, $'M
Moderator, 4ancy 1iordan
=<,** $ity presentation 2erry.3ondonderry
=L,:* Site visit, I'$M campus 4orth
Tuesday, )K September
*+,** Site visit, I'$M campus South
==,:* 2iscussion and response to I'$M site visits
5eter 4eumann, I'$M
2ragan TomiF, S5(1K
Moderator, MiloN 8oluboviF, $'M
=K,:* 5anel discussion, 1ole of youth in rebuilding
societies after conflict
Ilir 2eda, 2irector of KI51@2
Marina IliF, 1esearch ellow at 9niversity of
3ille
Kenan 'eqiri, 4ational 2emocratic Institute
Mitrovica
(le!sandar SovrliF, Mitrovica 1oc! School
Moderator, Haldete Idri>i
=J,=I Dor!shops about future cooperation
Moderators, 0an 'ehrens, MiloN 8oluboviF, $'M
=L,** $ity presentation Kir!u!
Dednesday, )I September
*+,:* $ity presentation 0erusalem
==,** $ity presentation 'elfast
=K,:* 5anel discussion, #outh activism
1aba 8Aoshi, #outh Initiative for /uman 1ights
in 5rishtina
SanAa 3a>areviF, @uropean $enter for Minority
Issues
(rdita MetaA 2i!a, 1esident (dvisor
1ic! 3autenbach, #outh 9rban (chievers
isni! Kumnova, Mediation $enter Mitrovica
Moderator, (ferdita SylaA, $'M
Thursday, )J September
*+,** $ity presentation Tripoli
==,** 5anel discussion, #outh @ducation and
@ntrepreneurship
2ragan TomiF, S5(1K
Mirlinda 5urrini, Domen (ssociation S/@-@1(
'lagica 1adovanoviF, 5rofessor at 9niversity of
5rishtina in Mitrovica
Moderator, (ferdita SylaA, $'M
=K,:* Site visit, 4orth Mitrovica (dministration
6ffice
=I,KI $ity presentation Kaduna
=<,:* $ity presentation 1amallah
riday, )< September
*+,** @valuation of wor!shops and discussion
about future proAects
Moderators, MiloN 8oluboviF, $'M, (llan
3eonard, 4orthern Ireland oundation
=J,** 5resentation of pledges for Aoint proAect
ideas
Moderator, (llan 3eonard, 4orthern Ireland
oundation
*5
A""endi1
$all to (ction
(pril =K-=Jth, )**+
The orum for $ities in Transition ; whose members comprise four $ities %2erry.3ondonderry,
Kir!u!, Mitrovica, 4icosia& ; meeting in 'oston, =K-=J (pril )**+, affirmed its commitment to
promoting understanding between member cities with the aim of encouraging mutual learning,
dialogue and the resolution of conflict through non-violent methods.
@ven though we face different problems, challenges, and conte"ts, cities in transition can both learn
from, and offer lessons to, each other. De believe that this learning should be shared, so that cities in
transition can use the resources and !nowledge of others to address these challenges.
,eople #rom societies in transition are in the best position to help people in other societies in transition4
'asic 5rinciples
The orum identified basic principles upon which such positive outcomes can be achieved. De call on
leaders to uphold and apply these principles in policyma!ing and service delivery, and to measure
progress against them.
=& 1espect for the dignity of every individual
)& 1espect for the value of leadership in building trust and confidence across and within communities
:& 1espect for human rights, equality, fairness and adherence to the rule of law, including fair
treatment of minorities
K& 1espect for the value of dialogue between conflicting parties according to conte"t
(greement
The participating cities affirmed,
=& That $ity to $ity wor!shops of this sort are effective, productive and valuable
)& That learning from each other7s successes and challenges is immensely empowering
:& That some e"ternal actors can act as an obstacle and a barrier to promoting Aoint wor!ing and
problem solving
K& That they create a orum for $ities in Transition, with those present becoming founding members
I& That the orum7s purpose shall be to address common problems through e"panding the pool of
!nowledge from which to draw practical lessons
J& To develop and maintain an active networ! of individuals and cities present for mutual benefit
<& To deepen and broaden the networ! by ta!ing ownership of the orum7s future, the individuals
signing here agree to ta!e steps to e"plore how each of the cities involved can plan to host future
orum annual events in their own territories in conAunction with civil society and educational
institutions
L& That the Secretariat for the orum shall initially be provided by the Moa!ley $hair and the
4orthern Ireland oundation.
*!
A""endi1
$all to (ction, Signatures
*%
A""endi1
2elegates7 'iographies
@mer $ampbell %2erry.3ondonderry, 4orthern Ireland&
5rofession, caterer
$urrent employment, caterer
Sentence about yourself, I am )) years old, I grew up in 2erry, 4orthern Ireland. I recently
graduated from the 9niversity of 9lster with a degree in International 1elations.
(ctivities on which you wor!ed to empower youth in your city.country,
Through my volunteer wor! with the 5eace ? 1econciliation in 2erry. I wor!ed on
several proAects with the youth throughout the city. 6ne of the biggest proAects that I
facilitated brought students from across the city to question their local politicians about issues that they
have with our society. The event empowers the youth and they have the chance for their voice to be
heard. De even e"panded the event to 3etter!enny and two in 'elfast. (nother proAect that I facilitated
enabled from both communities in 2erry to ta!e ownership of their own learning about the troubles in
4orthern Ireland.
$ailin McHeigh %'elfast, 4orthern Ireland&
5rofession, $entre attendant
$urrent employment, 'elfast $ity $ouncil
Sentence about yourself, I am )= years old and wor! as a lifeguard and also teach children
with autism to swim.
I wor!ed as a youth representative with a group called the 1esisdents 0ury to decide
what was needed for the community in a piece of land they were regenerating.
I wor! as a youth leader in the local $ommunity $entre.
I am a member of the youth forum in 'elfast
I am a member of a lifesaving club and I am team leader and tal! to- guide the young members of the club.
I am a member of a cross community group for people my age in my area to meet and greet local
politicians to say what problems and what needs to be resolved.
Sarah $ouser %'elfast, 4orthern Ireland&
5rofession, student
$urrent employment, customer assistant at a supermar!et
Sentence about yourself, I am )) years old and I am in my final year of university. I am
hoping to graduate with a first class honours degree in business with mar!eting.
Holunteer as a leader in a cross-community youth club.
Das part of organising wor!shops for young people in certain area of 'elfast, e.g. arts
and crafts, place to hang out and get to !now them.
Holunteer as a street pastor at the wee!ends, helping to !eep 'elfast a violent free city. Try to diffuse
conflicting situations with young people when they are out at night clubs at night.
*'
A""endi1
2elegates7 'iographies %continued&
Melissa Dright %2erry.3ondonderry, 4orthern Ireland&
5rofession, part-time youth wor!er
$urrent employment, 3ondonderry #M$(
Sentence about yourself, I wor! with young people from all bac!grounds. I see it as my Aob to
connect the young people to forums which can represent positive solutions and also
celebrate everybody7s diversity.
$reated a cross-community #outh $hair.
'arry 5ollin %'elfast, 4orthern Ireland&
5rofession, police inspector
$urrent employment, neighbourhood police duties
Sentence about yourself, I am the former 1egional 5olice $ommander for Mitrovica and
have been the (dvisor to the $hief of 5olice for 'asra, Iraq. I have :* years policing
e"perience policing in cities in transition.
I create opportunities for young people through sport and manage the national
wrestling squads for 4orthern Ireland.
(ari 0abari %Kir!u!, Iraq&
5rofession, '.Sc. Industrial Management
$urrent employment, 2irector 8eneral at I4S(4 Iraqi Society for 1elief ? 2evelopment
%Iraqi 486&
Sentence about yourself, (ari 4aAmuldeen Mohammed 0abari was born in 'aghdad, Iraq. /e
received his post graduate degree in computer science at the 4ational Institute for
$omputers in 'aghdad in =++L. /e received a 'achelor7s degree in Industrial
Management from (l Mansour 9niversity in 'aghdad in =++J. $urrently, (ari is
5resident and 2irector 8eneral of I4S(4 Iraqi Society that has branches in Kir!u! and
'aghdad. I4S(4 deals in the following issues, $onflict Management and 5eacebuilding, /uman 1ights
@ducation, $ivil Society $apacity 'uilding and @mergency 1esponse and also coordinates a coalition of
local 486s in order to conduct advocacy campaigns. 5ast e"periences include Movimiento por la 5a>, el
2esarme y la 3iberdad, MQdecins du Monde, @nfants du Monde ; 2roits de l7homme. /e spea!s Kurdish,
(rabic and @nglish.
#outh capacity building through vocational trainings such asE $omputer installation and maintenance,
barber, hairdressing, mobile phone fi"ing, TH satellite fi"ing and installation, blac!smith, sewing and
decorative etc.
Income generation opportunities for youth who obtained new s!ills, up to )IK has opened their own
business.
Social media techniques and networ!ing for youth to raise their attention towards peace building
initiatives.
Media and youthE training of youth Aournalists on conflict sensitive Aournalist, up to I* obtained new s!ills
Social activities for youth such as, football tournaments, mobile theatre, music instruments, marathon,
wall painting and drawing peace symbols, planting trees etc.
*B
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Sevar M. 1afiq %Kir!u!, Iraq&
5rofession, student
Sentence about yourself, ambitious guy who wants to put the passion of love, brotherhood
and humility among his city citi>ens
I7m one of Kir!u! citi>ens which is a city in transition. I too! part in many activities
which contributed to developing me and my fellow citi>ens.
I have finished the @nglish (ccess Micro-scholarship 5rogram, a program of two years of
@nglish learning for Kurds, (rabs and Tur!men, funded by the 9S(
I too! part in a cleaning campaign for the streets of Kir!u! in =K.==.)*== %the day of @arth&
I too! part as a volunteer in the $ities in Transition in Kir!u! in )*=)
0oan She!wolo 0ames %Kaduna, 4igeria&
5rofession, peace advocate
$urrent employment, teacher with Kindle School and volunteer youth field officer II with
Interfaith Mediation $entre representing $hi!un local government area
Sentence about yourself, I as a peace practitioner wor!ing with faith based organi>ation
promoting trust and acceptance across ethno-religious divides
I have been involved in promoting harmonious coe"istence and encouraging interfaith
dialogue among youth from different ethnic and religious affiliations. I have participated in the /arambee
peace camp organi>ed by I of $ and also in 8eneration for 5eace program in Kaduna. I have used
Television platform to promote interfaith dialogue, forgiveness and reconciliation among Muslim and
$hristian youth in my communities. (t present, as a teacher and volunteer peace wor!er, I use the
!nowledge and s!ills acquired during the /arambee and 8eneration for 5eace training programs to
promote servant leadership and confidence building among youth7s groups.
/ayatu 4ura (shafa %Kaduna, 4igeria&
5rofession, peace advocate
$urrent employment, volunteer youth officer II with Interfaith Mediation $entre
representing Kaduna South 38( and student at 'auchi State 5olytechnic
Sentence about yourself, ( peace advocate and student of computer science who believes in
peace and advocating for peaceful coe"istence among youth groups in my community,
school and willing to continue to preach and practice peace as an attitude everywhere I
found myself.
/aving participated in the /arambee I of $ 3eadership 5rogram in 4igeria, peacebuilding trainings and
other conflict prevention initiatives by IM$, I have now formed interfaith peace club for the youth in my
community, promoting coe"istence to sustain the relative peace Kaduna city is e"periencing. I am
involved in interfaith enlightenment campaign collaborating with Sabon 8ari Student 2evelopment
(ssociation, in promoting inclusive community and reading culture among youth groups. In partnership
with other community youth associations, I was involved in creating safe space for all people to
participate in conflict prevention activities such as interfaith community dialogue and peace clubs in
schools.
/+
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Shay 'iali! %0erusalem, Israel&
5rofession, student, social activist, spo!esperson, guide
$urrent employment, Merav $ohen, 0erusalem city council elective - 5ersonal (ssistant and
Spo!esperson
Sentence about yourself, (s I am more active for my city and community, I learn more. (s I
learn more, I get more involved and active.
Spo!esperson and new media developer, B6@KC, the largest students7 association in the
/ebrew 9niversity
1eut tSadaca- #oung female politicians7 dialog- tal! peace, ma!e peace
5roAect $oordinator- /ebrew 9niversity students7 internships, with members the Israeli parliament.
Team leader and counselor - the 0erusalem education and community center for children in the /ebrew
9niversity
Social 0ustice Struggle of Israel ; $amp Site manager. Media and 4ew-Media Manager and the district
Media coordinator
#outh $onference Ta!e The 3ead- International coordinator and counselor
$o-founder and Manager, the 0erusalem students7 $enter for 5ublic 2iplomacy in 4ew-Media.
Maisa /amed %0erusalem, 5alestine&
5rofession, Social wor!er %child investigator&
$urrent employment, social affairs ministry
Sentence about yourself, I have @"perience wor!ing in front of an audience. 1esponsible
person, Tolerant, well-versed in many subAects, multitas!ed person with initiative. Team
wor! ability and @"cellent /uman relations. (bility to wor! under pressure and meet
deadlines. @ndurance, stic!y target, assertive and quic! absorption. 6rgani>ation and
management capacity. 6rgani>ed, fle"ible, and punctual person.
#outh $amp in 4a>areth, Summer )*=*- )*=:
%(ges L-=:& /elping throughout devotional lessons for teenage students $ounselor
R$hildren fight $ancerR camp in 4a>areth with the $ancer association ;)*==
Training 8roups and helping children mentally and emotionally
(t #ad-'-#ad group %5alestinians and Israelis together&- %group leader&.
9ri 1osenberg %/aifa, Israel&
5rofession, student
Sentence about yourself, I7m a :J year-old BchildC, e"ploring the world, e"ploring myself,
connecting to people and trying to ma!e the world a little bit better.
I7ve been leading B#ad-'eyadC for the last J years. B#ad-'eyadC is a Aoint
Israeli-5alestinian group of young people from both sides of the conflict, meeting every
=-) months, discussing the political situation, sharing perspectives, learning about the
other7s view and narrative, cooperating in proAects as a mi"ed group and creating bridges of friendship
between Israelis and 5alestinians.
/*
A""endi1
Maya 2arwich %Tripoli, 3ebanon&
5rofession, 0ournalist ? 51
$urrent employment, 'isara<a maga>ine ? editor for sama lebnein ? (l wasata ? al rayan
maga>ine
Sentence about yourself, I adore every wor!s I do because I feel itSs a challenge for me.
I wor! with my friends from ) years in an association to help poor people and
encourage all the youth in my city to participate with us.
Saly Shamra %Tripoli, 3ebanon&
5rofession, Monitoring and @valuation Specialist
$urrent employment, 6ffice of Transition Initiatives ; 9S(I2 unded 5rogram
Sentence about yourself, Saly Shamra is a )L year old activist. She holds a degree in 4utrition
and 2ietetics from the (merican 9niversity in 'eirut. She is also part of an international
organi>ation called 1otaract, which is an effort to bring peace and international
understanding.
#outh $apacity building wor!shops on 3eadership, municipal law, advocacy,
communication s!ills, proposal writing, needs assessment conducting etc.
@nvironmental $ampaigns
5reparing peaceful sit-ins for peace messaging
1eacting in emergencies and mobili>ing the local citi>ens
5eace messaging through arts and music
5eace building and conflict resolution wor!shops and camps including both sides of the conflict
2ana Sinan %1amallah, 5alestine&
5rofession, 'usiness (dministration
$urrent employment, 5roAect Manager
Sentence about yourself, My name is 2ana Sinan born and raised in 5alestine in +th
March=+LL. I wor! in my own proAect in 5alestine that helps in developing my
community especially in what it goes through of the unAust Israeli occupation.
I believe in the independence, women rights and equalities. I7m grateful for this
opportunity in participating in this $T conference in which we will e"plore our mutual
e"periences and get further communication.
#outh Domen (ssociation is my initiative proAect that is funded by ast orward %a 5alestinian
organi>ation& focuses on building the capacity of a group of young female graduates and undergraduates,
and helping them in playing a vital role in the community. Such an e"perience has a great value to the
participants as they were allowed the opportunity to gain leadership techniques.
//
A""endi1
2iana Sinan %1amallah, 5alestine&
5rofession, inance
$urrent employment, 5roAect $oordinator
Sentence about yourself, My name is 2iana Sinan, a 5alestinian female born in )Lth
March,=++=. I believe that as a youth girl I should give a hand in developing and reviving
my community with the e"periences I will get here in 5alestine, so I have started
wor!ing at 3eaders 6rgani>ation %1amallah, 5alestine& after I have completed my '(
studies at 'ir>eit 9niversity with maAor in inance? 'an!ing %)*=)-)*=:&. I got a good
!nowledge there and met a very supporting people in the wor!ing environment.
I7m very interested in travelling and meeting different people from different and various cultures
generally and the $T youth conference particularly, hopefully this conference will add to my e"perience
and help me in the way of dealing and communicating with other people.
Than!s to my family who taught me to follow my dreams, to be positive, cheerful, hard wor!ing, and to
!now e"actly what I want to be in the future, this encouraged me to study hard and wor! harder.
I7m wor!ing in a proAect called 3eadership (cademyE it is an intensive training proAect for a one year
aimed in preparing young people for active participation and engagement in their community and leading
a positive social change. De develop a team of qualified core trainers in leadership who have the potential
in improving their s!ills and the 5alestinian political system, how to act and communicate with each
other regardless of their gender, religion, race, or and discriminatory factor.
Manuela 5etroviF %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, student
$urrent employment, not employed
Sentence about yourself, I am ): years old, student of International 'usiness $ollege - 5ublic
(dministration spur and my plan is to finish my studies and start wor!ing
There are many of them, starting from summer camps which through different
activities bringing youth from all ethnics groups together, many training sessions about
human rights and advocacy , different issues with which we are facing with, conferences
and debates for searching the common solution for our problems and needs. 4on formal education on
high level in a past and I believe in future. 'ut all these would be useless if is not applied in our lives. Me
as an activist I7m sharing and spreading my e"perience and !nowledge about respecting, cooperating and
having a health and peaceful live in my society. This is not easy especially to wor! in area such is
Mitrovica but young people as me need to stay together and wor! no matter on the circumstances and
obstacles we have.
TiAana Kolutac %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, student
$urrent employment, not employed
Sentence about yourself, I am student of International 'usiness $ollege Mitrovica, spur
International Sales and Mar!eting
/3
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Stefana Stamen!ovic %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, student
$urrent employment, unemployed
Sentence about yourself, I am )= year old. I am from HranAe- South Serbia, but I live in
Mitrovica, because of studying. I am student of Ith semester on @nvironmental and
(gricultural Management at International 'usiness $ollege Mitrovica- I'$M. (s an I'$M
student, I had opportunity to wor! with people of different bac!ground, to introduce
myself with public sector in practice way, to be included in certain proAectsE during the
internship period at Secretariat for Inspection and @nvironmental 5rotection in HranAe,
department for @nvironment.
2uring the starting study, : years before, I was faced with problems which had Mitrovica citi>enship.
'ecause of that I was starting to participate in wor!shops, educational trainings and seminars in different
486s in order to try to empower myself and youth around me. @"perience gained in that way I share with
all young acquaintances.
'ased on that, me and my friends founded 486 B#oung @uropean 3eaders SocietyC in my born city, in
order motivating and supporting young people trough different !ind of proAects.
Hladislav Stevanovic %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, 0urist
$urrent employment, Student Service (ssistant at the International 'usiness $ollege
Mitrovica %I'$M&
Sentence about yourself, BThe first step toward success is ta!en when you refuse to be a
captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.C
'efore I started wor!ing at the International 'usiness $ollege Mitrovica %I'$M& I was
volunteering in the 486 B$enter for Kosovo Society 2epoliti>ationC in which we implanted a number of
proAects aimed at harmoni>ing the comple" relationships between the two maAor communities in Kosovo
after war. De have also wor!ed with marginali>ed communities li!e the 1oma and (sh!ali minorities in
order to integrate them in the society. (fter that I wor!ed as assistant secretary in the @conomic /igh
School in 1anilug %Kosovo& and after a year I got employed in the International 'usiness $ollege Mitrovica.
I'$M is a proAect which promotes education as a way to bring closer the communities in Kosovo. (nd I can
say that so far we have made big improvements in Mitrovica, a city !nown for its divide. De have now
students who are as!ing for teachers from other nationalities because they are simply good lecturers. (lso
the students often form mi"ed groups when they want to protest about something. So in a way I believe
that the place in which I wor! represents a beacon of light which will lead this troubled region into a
brighter future.
'oAana TraA!ovic %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, student
$urrent employment, Internship in @9 information center Mitrovica
Dith my colleagues I create a club called the Da!e up club, which was a place where
young people could watch movies and hanging out.
/4
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2aniAela 5eric %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, student
I7m wor!ing on a proAect to increase public awareness on environmental degradation
and problems in Mitrovica.
@rdina Mustafi %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, student
$urrent employment, Internship in @9 information center Mitrovica
@stablishing a club for students and young people, with focus on e"tracurricular
activities.
'erat /aAdari %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, student
Sentence about yourself, 'erat /aAdari is born on )I ebruary =++) in Mitrovica. /e is
studying at 9niversity of 5ristina, aculty of @ducation - /istory and $ivic @ducation
5rogram. /e is becoming very active on civil society sector, not only in volunteering for
different issues, but also by giving his contribution to the community where he lives. 'y
attending lot of trainings, wor!shops and debate, 'erat gained enough e"perience on
civic activism. (s a young person, he is very motivated to ta!e initiatives in order to
improve the environment where he lives. Since the primary school, he has been part of
5upils7 $ity $ouncil, and then in the 8ymnasium he has been participating actively in different events
organi>ed by the School $ouncil. 4ow, he is becoming a very responsible citi>en, who believes that he has
the chance and ability to change a lot of things by being active and productive. /e believes that his future
is in his hand and no one else can determine it.
Mergim Memoviq %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, Holunteer
$urrent employment, $'M - $ommunity 'uilding Mitrovica
Sentence about yourself, My name is Mergim Memoviq and I am student of @nglish language
and literature. I am part of volunteer activities in my country for very long time, and I
enAoy when I do that. I li!e to help my community.
6ne of them was named #outh Spirit, we wor!ed a lot to ma!e new artists. 6ther was
called 1ilindAa, movement which helped poor people and also we had other proAects
from cultural to education. 4ow I am part of $'M and we wor! in the field of debate and some other
activities which target youngsters from our high schools.
/5
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MariAa 8olubovic %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, student
$urrent employment, none
Sentence about yourself, @ager to ma!e changes in the world
The conference is one of the best e"amples of those activities. 'esides that I attendant
many trainings and seminars in which I succeeded to change myself and to try influence
in my surroundings.
MilivoAe 1aicevic %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, @nglish language and literature student
$urrent employment, program 6fficer
Sentence about yourself, 1eliable, trustworthy ambicious guy with a clear goal for the better
future.
Seminars, debates, policy advocacy papers, conferences, youth e"change programs.
SelviAe Kurti %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, Student
$urrent employment, n.a
Sentence about yourself, Is my passion to study and wor! on these fields, civil society,
community research, youth and volunteerism, democracy, international relations,
cultural studies, conflict resolution, divided communities, critical thin!ing and social
media.
$oordinator of 1egional #outh 8roup of $'M #8$'M- #outh 8roup $ommunity 'uilding Mitrovica
B@ducation for /uman 1ights and (ctive $iti>enship in Destern 'al!ansC regional proAect %e" #ugoslavia
countries&, supported by /elsin!i $ommittee.
Kosovo Inter-ethnic #outh 3eadership and $ommunity 'uildingR $oordinator ; (dvocate 8roup - 4ational
2emocratic Institute ; 42I 486
'esni! Hoca %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
Sentence about yourself, I was born on =<.*J.=++: in Mitrovica. 5rimary and /igh school
completed in Mitrovica. I study 3aw in 3aw aculty in 5rishtina, in second year now. My
hobby is football and my favourite team is Inter from Milano.Italy. My favorite player is
Mateo Kovacic. 9sually free time is spent watching football and reading different boo!s.
I7m part of youth forums, I attend in different activities.
/!
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Su>ana 'eqiri %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, Student at International 'usiness $ollege Mitrovica and aculty of @ducation
$urrent employment, Intern at Mitrovica Domen (ssociation for /uman 1ights
Sentence about yourself, I have born on )*. *+. =++* in Mitrovica, I have finished primary and
secondary school in Mitrovica. 4ow I am studying 5ublic (dministration at International
'usiness $ollege Mitrovica. I also study @nglish language at 9niversity of 5rishtina.
I was volunteer at 1ed $ross in Mitrovica
I am part of #outh 8roup at $ommunity 'uilding Mitrovica %$'M&.
I have participated in, #outh Securing the uture proAect
5roAect for the (dvocacy against Smo!ing
5articipated in )=st 1egional /uman 1ights School
5articipated in ))nd 1egional /uman 1ights School
5articipated in ):rd 1egional /uman 1ights School
5$M- Training 5roAect $ycle Management
School of entrepreneurship
Mili>>a Kosova %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, Sociologist
Sentence about yourself, I was born and raised in Mitrovica, where I finished primary and
high school. I attended 9niversity of 5rishtina, where I studied Sociology. I love reading
all the time, and listening music.
I wor!ed as a coordinator in 486 B< arteC mostly on cultural events such as 8reen Music
estival-Mitrovica B8AuA (rtC promoting different art activities in awareness for environment . I am also a
forum member in /uman 1ights @ducation for (ctive $iti>enship in Destern 'al!ans , mostly active on a
campaign for different awareness such as 'reast $ancer, Stop using weapons, 8ender @quality, and /uman
1ights in general.
Stefan 1adovanoviF %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, 3aw student
$urrent employment, Technical support at 486 Santa MariAa
Sentence about yourself, 3aw Student from MveOan. I am constantly involved in cultural
events and ISm glad to help society communicative, positive and ready to essential
wor!.
peer mediation )**L in Kosovs!a Mitrovica, Dor!shop camp for multiethnic
coe"istence, Holunteer Management and old people, #outh human rights school.
/%
A""endi1
Mana Syla %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
5rofession, Student
Hice-president of 8ymnasium Brang 'ardhiC-)*=)-)*=:, cordiantor of BK6/(C
movement-ngo-)*=), part of debate club of Mitrovica -)*=:, 6rgani>er of air science
and culture- )*=:
3abinot Musliu %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
Sentence about yourself, I was born in *+.*I.=++K in Mitrovice, attended elementary school
BMigAeniC and Medicine /igh School in Mitrovice. 4ow I study 5olitics Science at
9niversity of 5rishtina in 5rishtina. 2oing a lot of volenteer Aobs, and part of civil
society in different activities.
Marigona Kelmendi %Mitrovica, Kosovo&
Sentence about yourself, I was born in =I.*J.=++K in Mitrovice, attended elementary school
BMigAeniCand /igh school Brang 'ardhiC 8ymnasium in Mitrovice. 4ow student in the
first year at 3aw aculity ,9niversity B/asan 5rishtinaC. Started being part of civil society
at )*=* with the Karl 5opper 2ebate $lub of Mitrovica ,part of $'M%$ommunity 'uilding
Mitrovica&,than continued with activities and trainings with 42I%4ational 2emocratic
Institute&, and a lot of other active groups as well.
/'
A""endi1
Delcome Speech of (tifete 0ahAaga, 5resident of Kosovo
/onored Mayor Kastrati,
/onored 2eputy Minister Selimi,
/onored (mbassador 0acobsson
/onored (mbassador 'raathu,
/onored Ms. Idri>i,
/onored Ms. 8olubovic,
/onored participants,
'eloved youth,
I have the pleasure to be here today among you, young men and women from 'elfast,
2erry.3ondenderry, Tripoli, Kir!u!, Kaduna, 4icosia.3ef!osha, 0erusalem, Mostar, and certainly
among you, young men and women from Mitrovica, under the framewor! of one of the most
important initiatives regarding the noble goal it aims to fulfill.
I congratulate you all who have supported and made possible the youth dimension of the forum of
cities in transition, and for the support you have shown to the vision of (driana and Milos. Hision
which without any doubt reflects the forward-loo!ing and the ambitious spirit of the youth, who
!now no fear and dare to hope beyond any barriers.
I welcome you all, young men and women, who come from different cities, but carry on your
shoulders similar burdens and face similar challenges of separation and e"clusion, which
unfortunately are !eeping hostage your perspectives for a better life.
/owever from here, from the city of Mitrovica, which unfortunately is divided in the middle,
together you are sending strong messages of tolerance, understanding and peaceful coe"istence. #ou
who are sending strong messages that diversity is a value which should unite us and which enriches a
society, a country.
Therefore we, the leaders of our countries should be proud of you, of our youth, for your
commitment to spea! openly about the difficulties and e"change e"periences by ta!ing upon
yourselves the burden and the responsibility to build together a better future, different from that of
today, from that of yesterday.
It is the divided cities which remind us of a bitter past, with have left behind serious consequences,
consequences which in many cases are still present. They reminder us of the danger which comes
from e"clusion and refusal to accept and respect one another, to accept and respect diversity.
(bove all they reminder us how important peace is, how fragile it can often be and how difficult it is
to be built on ruins of destruction, the trust between people.
/B
A""endi1
Delcome Speech of (tifete 0ahAaga, 5resident of Kosovo %continued&
6ur societies in @astern @urope have generally been e"clusionary and now the time has come to
create an inclusive environment that builds the future without forgetting the past.
#ou bring along your e"periences, encounters and efforts of the lives of the divided cities, which as
such have fro>en the conflict creating a continuous situation of an"iety, tension and dysfunction.
It is this situation which we aim to change by building bridges of communication and trust between
citi>ens and between them and the institutions of the country. De aim to restore the unitary identity
of the city and to incite the sense of belonging, respect and responsibility to every citi>en towards
the city, the society and the country.
In Kosovo, despite the difficulties and challenges, our vision remains clear. De are committed
towards a forward loo!ing future, learning from the past and not allowing it to repeat itself. De
remain committed to ma!e Kosovo a country in service of its citi>ens regardless of one7s ethnicity or
religion. (nd to regard our multi-ethnicity and multiculturalism as the value of our society, of our
state, which we so proudly share with others.
De have ta!en important steps on this road of ours, still much remains to be done. #et we are more
than ever determined to remove any barriers between our citi>ens and between the citi>ens and the
institutions of our country.
The maAority in Kosovo has its responsibility towards all communities and in particular towards the
Serb community, to help and facilitate their inclusion in the institutional and social life of Kosovo.
(nd above all to remove any doubts or disbelief, for this country is for all of us, for all the citi>ens
who live in it. $ommunities have their responsibilities and obligations, together with all the citi>ens
of the country, to build a better life for themselves and for everyone else, in the framewor! of a new
Kosovo that respects the dignity of each and every one.
De are going towards an electoral process, a process which in addition to the test of democracy, to
hold free and democratic elections, it should pass the test of comprehensive inclusion and massive
participation of citi>ens of all communities for them to e"ercise their rights to elect their legal and
legitimate representatives. (nd this process must be a free and democratic process which will help
the citi>ens of Kosovo to be part of the democratic road towards the @uropean integration.
Dhile cases of attac! li!e the one last Thursday, where a @93@T officer was !illed, want to incite
feelings of fear and insecurity, but we will not allow the narrow interests of criminal groups to !eep
hostage and dictate the future of our citi>ens and the stability of our country.
3+
A""endi1
Delcome Speech of (tifete 0ahAaga, 5resident of Kosovo %continued&
2ear young men and women,
De can achieve the change we want to see by wor!ing together, by listening to one another, ta!ing
upon our responsibilities and fulfilling them, the responsibilities towards our common future.
De live in a time when the boundaries between countries are becoming ever more invisible, and the
free movement of people, the access to information are softening the divisions between us while
diversity is becoming a value of cities, societies and states.
Thus I encourage you all to see diversity as a value and to promote it as such. 6nly inclusion,
tolerance and understanding between people will safeguard peace and give citi>ens opportunities for
a life full of opportunities.
'efore I close I want to leave you with some words of 4elson Mandela,
B4o one is born hating another person because of the color of his s!in, or his bac!ground, or his
religion. 5eople must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love
comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.C
(nd let your love for the city of Mitrovica, either on the south or the north of the Ibar river, be part
of the love for a common future, yours and ours, which will help us overcome the difficulties of the
past. This is the common future which we will all build little by little, and ma!e Mitrovica a city,
where there are no divisions and where trust reins.
3*
A""endi1
Delcome 1emar!s of 5rof. 5adraig 67Malley
2ear (driana ? Milos ? Haldete,
It saddens me greatly that I am unable to be with you today as you welcome /er @"cellency 5resident
(tifete 0ahAaga ? the delegates from =* cities that are either in conflict, emerging from it or in some
stage of transition from a legacy of violence to a future that the youth of the cities gathered here ;
Kir!u!, 4icosia, 2erryU3ondonderry, 'elfast, 0erusalem, Tripoli, Kaduna, Mostar, 1amallah ?
Mitrovica - cities that span four continents, different cultures ? ethnicities, different religions ?
national allegiances will shape.
#ou were born into conflicts that were not of your ma!ing, yet have had to bear many of the
consequences. 6ver I* percent of the world7s population is under :* years of age, you are here to
spea! on their behalf.
#our voices have too often been held in chec! while your elders have continued to squabble ? relive
the conflicts of yesterday ? glorify the unrestrained indulgence in violence that once engulfed your
societies. Their sights are often fi"ated on pasts they cannot escape from but pasts from which you
can unshac!le yourselves, brea! the bondage of the competing BismsC you were e"posed to from
birth.
It is a clichQ to say that the future is yours, but how you shape that future, beginning here in
Mitrovice.Kosovos!a Mitrovica how you begin to e"plore the ways in which you can reinvent your
cities as beacons of hope ? possibility, according each other parity of esteem, committing yourselves
to upholding the sanctity of human life ? the inviolate sacredness of human rights ? with an iron
fisted determination to ensure that you will find here in the ne"t wee! the means to wor! together, a
collective of different cultures molded into an instrument of action dedicated to abhorring the
tyranny of ideas that evolve into tyrannies of conflict.
The (rab Spring was inspired by the idealism of young people, not your wishy-washy !ind of idealism
but from an idealism grounded in coldly calculated realism. The youth who called out to each other
using social media in all its forms to communicate that :* years of dictatorship ? repression were
enough ? the power of the people in their hundreds of thousands massed into the confines of Tahrir
Square in a demonstration of massive nonviolence forced /*sni Mubara! from office ? for the first
time in the better part of I years @gyptians had their first taste of freedom ? queued for miles ?
waited for eight hours or more to cast their ballots for the first time.
That revolution unfortunately was followed by a counter revolution by the military ousting the first
democratically elected president in @gypt from office.
3/
A""endi1
Delcome 1emar!s of 5rof. 5adraig 67Malley %continued&
'ut the youth is undeterred ? the impact of their actions reverberated across the globe. They were
the agents of unprecedented change. Dith their actions they unleashed a cycle of change across
4orth (frica. The old order is dead. The new order that will ta!e its place is not yet fully developed
but it is up to the youth to forge the changes.
#ou, too, are the agents of change in your cities. Many of your cities have been devastated by
self-inflicted violence, paraly>ed by the ghosts of the old order ? wearing the scars of intercommunal
warfare. This is your legacy. /ostility simmers under the surface of politeness. This is what you must
change. #ou are step children of violent generations. #ou have to ta!e the lead in the effort to
eradicate the parasites of hatred ? vengeance that preclude your recovery ? healingE you must lead
your elders into an era of reconciliation where the remnants of old grievances ? resentment are
finally erased ? communities once so bitterly divided act for the common good of all, for equality in
the distribution of services, of resources, of the opportunities to reali>e the potential of yourselves as
individuals. 4one of this is easily done.
Dhich is why you are here as part of the orum for $ities in Transition first youth forum where each
of you can learn from the e"periences of othersE together you create a support system that allows you
to collectively persist ? overcome obstacles that individually you my fail.
#ou are at the frontiers of technological change that has already transformed the ways in which we
wor! ? live ? communicate. Many of you cannot imagine a world without smart phones, tablets,
i5hones, androids, the interconnectivity of aceboo!, the instantaneousness of twitter. In a decade
they will be obsolete, replaced by technologies still more advanced.
This is your world. #ou are the vanguard of the unimaginable.
I hope you will depart Mitrovic-.Mitrovica enriched, enthralled, imbued with the spirit of
togetherness, inspired to move forward with ne"t year7s youth forum ? full of spontaneous gratitude
for the e"ample Mitrovic-.Kosovs!a Mitrovica has yet again set ? fully committed to carrying out
the proAects you have agreed. or without the hard wor! that goes into implementing outcomes you
will be doing yourselves an inAustice.
Dith my most sincere hope that you will succeed, not for the sa!e of the $T or the youth forum but
for yourselves.
33
A""endi1
5ost-$onference (ctivities
(fter implementing $onference $'M and 2?8S started on developing $onference report that is
presented on Ith (nnual orum for $ities in Transition $onference held in Kaduna 4igeria. 1eport
presented concern of the youth in divided societies, obstacles but also good practices in solving of
the youth issues.
rom 4ovember Kth, until 4ovember Lth, fourth annual conference was held in 4igeria, Kaduna. or
that purpose Mitrovica orum was represented by SadiAe 0ashari, (rdiana 6smani and Milos
8olubovic. 6n the 4ovember Ith, panel discussion with topic BMitrovica ? Kaduna $ities 8etting
#outh @ngagement in the 5eace ? 1econciliation 5rocessC where #outh orum leaders presented
#outh orum and shared it how it was organi>ed and about future steps of the #outh orum. 6n same
panel it was also presented all agreed proAects and mutual actions which will be implemented until
ne"t #outh $onference. In that manner #outh orum leaders also as!ed for support for #outh
delegations how they could wor! on fulfilling commitments on which they pledged in Mitrovica. 6n
the same panel Kaduna #outh delegations presented their point of view about #outh $onference and
stressed out that how important is that #outh orum gets support from all delegations. Kaduna #outh
delegation announced that they will ta!e to organi>e ne"t youth conference that will be held in
Kaduna, 4igeria ne"t year. In that regard all delegations support youth conference and pledge that
they will wor! closely with their youth groups and to send delegations on ne"t youth conference.
Kaduna orum also too! part in commitment that they will help in organi>ing event.
Mitrovica orum representatives also too! part in other panel discussion who we could share best
practices and to establish further cooperation beyond agreed on plane discussions. In that regard
'aghdad delegation e"pressed their interest to come in Mitrovica.Kosovo on study visit how they
could learn about youth proAects. unding for this study visits is responsibility of 'aghdad delegation
where Mitrovica orum will be responsible for organi>ing visits. (lso in correspondence with $harles
Senott co-founder and Hice-5resident of 8lobal 5ost from 'oston it was discussed about training
from )* young people both from 4orth and South will be trained by 8lobal 5ost Aournalism trainers
how they could become Aournalists7 reporters.
6n the last day Mitrovica orum committed about proAects that will be developed and implemented
by ne"t year which are,
Support ne"t youth conference ; Mitrovica delegations pledge that they will wor! closely with
Kaduna #outh orum in organi>ing ne"t #outh $onference. Mitrovica orum will provide their
e"pertise in organi>ing this type of events and to guide them in overall organi>ing process.
34
A""endi1
5ost-$onference (ctivities %continued&
Supporting youth delegations in fulfilling their commitments ; Mitrovica #outh leaders with
continue to wor! with young delegations who attended #outh $onference in capacity of $T
#outh orum Secretariat and monitoring, advising and helping in implementation of agreed
activities and proAects.
Send youth football team to oyle $up in 2erry.3ondonderry ; In cooperation with
2erry.3ondonderry delegation Mitrovica will send youth football club where they will have
opportunity to presente their talents to some of the leading football such as, Manchester 9nited,
@verton, $eltic and many more.
Mitrovica 1oc! School visiting Tripoli ; Mitrovica orum will serve as a bridge between Mitrovica
1oc! School and Tripoli in preparing visits of Mitrovica 1oc! School. Tripoli delegation will
propose actions for implementing this activity.
5roAect of #outh e"change between Mitrovica, Tripoli, 5alestine and 1amallah ; where delegations
will come together for a proAect proposal that will be submitted and implemented. 5roAect will
include various internships, educational staff, scholarships, youth wor!ers and beyond. (ll
delegations will equally ta!e part in writing and implementing activities.
Mitrovica delegations in discussion with delegations from 4orthern Ireland to start developing other
activities and cooperation between cities regarding youth proAects in overall creation of the new
opportunities for youth in cities.
$'M and 2?8S continued with cooperation with $T secretariat on developing and implementation
agreed in Mitrovica but also in Kaduna. (s Mitrovica too! responsibility to wor! closely with youth
forum on implementing agreed proAect. In purpose of easier monitoring of activities of the youth
group #outh orum Secretariat was established together with representative of Tripoli, 4orthern
Ireland and Mitrovica.
Implementing organi>ations are in regular contact with youth delegations that came in Mitrovica but
also made contact with other cities willing to Aoin youth movement. 'eside nine cities that
participated in Mitrovica there are two new cities that e"pressed their interest to be part. 'aghdad
and Mostar agreed to send their representatives on ne"t youth conference. $T secretariat together
with #outh secretariat is wor!ing on engaging rest of the member cities in youth forum and to
e"pand youth movement as much as possible.
ifth annual $T conference will ta!e place in 'elfast, )*=K where second annual #outh $onference
will ta!e place in Kaduna )*=K.
35
A""endi1
$onference 'udget
'udget items
%summarised proAect budget in @91&
9nit 9nit cost Vuantity Total
5160@$T 2I1@$T $6STS
5roAect $oordinators %4orth and South& month I**,** =) J.***,**
5roAect Support 6fficer month :I*,** : =.*I*,**
inance.(dministrative 6fficer %K*W of Salary& month :=),** J =.L<),**
Subtotal L.+)),**
36$(3 and I4T@14(TI64(3 H6394T@@1S
5er diem day )*,** )** K.***,**
(irline trnasportation 9mass 'oston volunteer return tic!et =.=**,** = =.=**,**
(irline trnasportation 'elfast volunteer return tic!et I+K,** = I+K,**
T-Shirts shirt <,)* =** <)*,**
Subtotal J.K=K,**
$64@1@4$@ 5(1TI$I5(4TS T1(4S561T ? ($$6M62(TI64
(irline transportation for participants %return tic!ets&
Kir!u! return tic!et IJI,** ) =.=:*,**
4icosia return tic!et - ) -
2erry return tic!et - ) -
'elfast return tic!et - ) -
0erusalem return tic!et L*I,** : ).K=I,**
Mostar return tic!et - ) -
Tripoli return tic!et L*=,** ) =.J*),**
1amalah return tic!et +L+,I* ) =.+<+,**
Kaduna return tic!et =.+I),I* ) :.+*I,**
/otel (ccomodation half board /otel 5alace :* rooms,
J nights
participant per
day
J*,** =L* =*.L**,**
Meals for all participants %lunch, coffee& %I*
participants " I days&
participant per
day
)I,** )I* J.)I*,**
Subtotal )L.*L=,**
$93T91(3 $@4T1@
1enovation of the $onference 1oom in $ultural $enter
%$'M, Municipality of Mitrovica&
lump sum <*.***,** = JK.I:*,)I
Subtotal JK.I:*,)I
$64@1@4$@ H@49@ 368ISTI$S
Stationary for $onference participants participant )*,** J* =.)**,**
Translation (lbanian.Serbian.@nglish lump sum I**,** ) =.***,**
1enting $onference space day =I*,** I <I*,**
Translational equipment day =+J,** I +L*,**
Transport of delegates lump sum =.I**,** = =.I**,**
Subtotal I.K:*,**
3!
A""endi1
$onference 'udget %continued&
'udget items
%summarised proAect budget in @91&
9nit 9nit cost Vuantity Total
$64@1@4$@ @H@4TS
ormal dinner delegate )*,** =** ).***,**
6pening coc!tail delegate =*,** =** =.***,**
Tourist activities tour - - -
1oc! School concert lump sum L**,** = L**,**
Subtotal :.L**,**
HISI'I3IT#
2evelopment and printing of $onference 'anners -
large
banner KI*,** = KI*,**
2evelopment and printing of $onference 'anners -
medium, mobile stand
banner =)*,** ) )K*,**
2evelopment and printing of the participants
handouts
pc <,I* L* J**,**
2evelopment and printing of the $onference 5osters pc J,I* L* I)*,**
2esigner costs design )**,** : J**,**
5hotographer day )I,** I =)I,**
Subtotal ).I:I,**
5160@$T S95561T $6STS
Transport costs month L*,** J KL*,**
$ommunication costs - Internet month I*,** J :**,**
$ommunication costs - telephone month L*,** J KL*,**
6ffice Stationary month I*,** J :**,**
6ffice in Mitrovica 4orth %28 Solutions in !ind& month =I*,** J +**,**
9ne"pected costs lump sum - = -
Subtotal ).KJ*,**
6336D 95 5160@$T $6STS
Tic!ets for #outh orum leaders for $onference in
Kaduna, 4igeria
return tic!et )<**,** ),** IK**,**
Subtotal IK**,**
Total proAect cost %@91& =)<.I<),)I
6verheads X JW ::+I,I)
Total =:*.+J<,<<
3%

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Inaugural Conference Youth Forum for Cities in Transition

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