From 17 to 19 November, the IIP participated in the Belgrade Security Conference, organized by the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP), bringing together policymakers, journalists, scholars, and civil society actors to explore the region’s most pressing political and security challenges. Through panels, workshops, and youth-led sessions, the conference examined issues ranging from democratic renewal and regional stability to transatlantic relations and the future of EU enlargement.
IIP Project Assistant Gjergj Loka played a central role in two key sessions. The first, “On the Frontlines of Freedom: Youth Shaping the Western Balkans’ Future,” highlighted the voices of young people from across the region, fostering open discussions on identity, political agency, and their role in building a more democratic and peaceful future. The second, “Youth and Security: Between Perception and Reality,” explored how youth understand today’s security challenges, how their perceptions differ from broader public attitudes, and what this means for strengthening trust, stability, and institutional cooperation.
The conference reinforced the critical importance of engaging youth as active participants in democracy and security, demonstrating that empowering the next generation is essential to regional resilience and stability.