Registration is now open for #LeadBalkans 2026 — the Western Balkans’ flagship diaspora conference
From 25-27 February, the Western Balkans Fund, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan to Tirana, the International Visegrad Fund and RYCO is organising one of the biggest events of the year, where all citizens of Western Balkans, living abroad or in their home countries, can register.
REGISTRATION FORM
We chose to tackle the very complex issue of diaspora, because we are aware that today there are more young people on the planet than at any time in human history. At the same time, the world is getting more complex, more interdependent and more exposed to competing political, social and economic forces. In the Western Balkans, one reality sits at the center of everything: we can’t build resilient societies while losing talent, trust and opportunity to constant out-migration.
That is why LeadBalkans 2026 is coming next year as the largest diaspora-focused conference in the region, and why today we are pleased to announce that the official registration form is now open.
LeadBalkans is built on a simple premise: diasporas are not “external audiences”. They are powerful and agile partners in change, bringing transnational expertise, professional credibility, investment capacity, and extensive networks. When engaged seriously, diaspora communities become dynamic catalysts for economic growth, social progress, and resilience in humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development efforts.
What LeadBalkans 2026 is about
LeadBalkans aims to showcase lessons learned and good practices in diaspora engagement across sectors, while also creating the space to move from talking to doing through practical cooperation among:
- Regional governments and institutions
- Diaspora organizations and networks
- Private sector and investors
- Academia and research communities
- Youth leaders and emerging professionals
The conference is designed to support partnerships, especially between academia, private actors, and public institutions, to help turn diaspora engagement into real outcomes, including support for regular migration pathways, skills circulation, and sustainable development.
Thematic focus and the “multiplier effect”
LeadBalkans 2026 will prioritize thematic areas that multiply impact over time, including:
- Cultural cooperation that strengthens belonging and social cohesion
- Education that connects people, skills, and institutions across borders
- Innovation that turns diaspora expertise into scalable solutions
Through dedicated panels and hands-on workshops, LeadBalkans will create structured opportunities for diaspora knowledge, innovation and resources to shape a stronger future for the Western Balkans, aiming to ultimately become a platform for stronger policy and deeper engagement, inclusion of diaspora in the decision-making, building new partnerships between institutions, sectors and communities.
Who should register
LeadBalkans 2026 will bring together scholars, practitioners and emerging leaders from across the region and diaspora to reflect on democratic resilience, sustainable development and cooperative approaches to shared challenges.
We particularly welcome participation from:
- Diaspora professionals and entrepreneurs
- Civil society leaders and community organizers
- Government and municipal representatives
- Researchers, academics, and students
- Youth leaders and innovators
We would be honored to also welcome contributors to discussions on evolving trends in the academic diaspora from the region, where knowledge, networks and credibility can directly strengthen development outcomes.
📌 Registration for #LeadBalkans 2026 is officially open.
Submit your registration here: REGISTRATION FORM
If you are from the Western Balkans, whether you live in the region or abroad, this is your invitation to be part of the most ambitious diaspora dialogue of the year.
This Conference is organised by the Western Balkans Fund, with the support of the Embassy of Japan to Albania, the International Visegrad Fund and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO).
