Today, the Secretariat of the Western Balkans Fund had the pleasure of welcoming the Secretary General of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), Mr. Vladimir Obradović, accompanied by Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Kreshnik Loka, and Special Adviser, Mr. Feras Kheirallah.
The delegation was greeted by the Executive Director of the Western Balkans Fund, Dr. Murra, and Senior Program Manager, Ms. Beqiri.
This meeting served as a continuation of previous collaboration and intensive communication, which most recently culminated in joint activities during the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit in London earlier in October.
In his opening remarks, Executive Director Murra emphasized the significant, yet still untapped potential for cooperation between the two organizations. Referring to the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2017 and its expanded version of 2022, Dr. Murra stated that a solid framework is already in place to deepen collaboration.
“We have everything on paper and we also have the will to do more. Now it is up to us to find the ways to make more happen”, he said.
Secretary General Obradović reaffirmed RYCO’s readiness to advance the partnership, noting:
“In RYCO, you have a close partner and friend. We stand ready to strengthen our cooperation even further”.
During the discussion, several potential joint initiatives were highlighted. From the WBF side, representatives mentioned cooperation within the framework of the #LeadBalkans Conference, co-funded by the Embassy of Japan in Tirana, which will take place in February, bringing together prominent members of the Western Balkans diaspora to foster a regional platform for exchange.
Other potential avenues include collaboration under the Connect Western Balkans Regional Academy, a flagship initiative set to launch next year, and involvement in the Gender Equality Fund (GEF), which WBF will activate as part of commitments undertaken during the Berlin Process 2025 Chairmanship.
RYCO expressed full willingness to support these initiatives, including through its regional branch network, and emphasized the importance of coordinated promotion and visibility of joint projects. The delegation also shared additional practical proposals for advancing the partnership.
Both organisations agreed to establish a regular joint coordination mechanism, with the aim of monitoring progress, ensuring follow-up, and jointly pursuing the initiatives discussed.
