The event highlighted the vital role of education in conflict transformation and peacebuilding, empowering youth to become agents of social change through their involvement in peace initiatives. It created a space for sharing ideas, experiences, and strategies, encouraging collaboration among young people to build a more just and peaceful society.
Panelists emphasized the significant contributions of educators—from preschool through university—as well as the role of parents. Key values such as gender equality, intercultural communication, and reflective thinking should be integrated into education from an early age.
To delve deeper into these themes, forumZFD Kosovo and its partners organized a discussion titled “Education for Peace and Youth” on September 20. During the event, Vjollca Islami Hajrullahu from forumZFD Kosovo announced the launch of the “Peace Education and Youth” CSO Network, uniting stakeholders committed to promoting peace through education and youth engagement.
Network members include SIT - Center for Counseling, Social Services, and Research; Community Building Mitrovica (CBM); Humanitarian Law Center Kosovo (HLC Kosovo); Youth Initiative for Human Rights - Kosovo (YIHR KS); Roma in Action - RIA; NGO “LIZA-R”; NGO Fishbone; Reconciliation Empowering Communities - REC; and forumZFD Kosovo.
The discussion was held in Albanian, Serbian, and English, featuring contributions from:
• Prof. Dr. Edita Bekteshi, Prorector, University "Isa Boletini", Mitrovica
• Prof. Dr. Bekim Baliqi, Dean, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Prishtina
• Afërdita Sylaj Shehu, Executive Director, CBM - Community Building Mitrovica
• Asst. Prof. Mensur Morina, University "Haxhi Zeka", Pejë
• Rrezearta Zhinipotoku Behluli, Education Expert in Peace Education
Moderated by Rina Kadiri, YIHR KS
