OSCE Mission brings together Kosovo's youth assemblies

PRIZREN, 23 September 2006 - The challenges faced by young people in Kosovo -- including employment, education, and their position in society -- were discussed today at a conference organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the United Nations Special Representative's Multi-Ethnicity and Outreach Unit.

The Southwest Kosovo Youth Conference also helped establish direct ties between youth assemblies, youth networks and the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government.

"It is very impressive to see how much the young people of Kosovo, the largest demographic group, are committed to openly discussing with government officials their concerns and challenges," said Zornitsa Popova, the Mission's Senior Democratization Officer in Prizren.

"More importantly, this conference brought together young people from different ethnic backgrounds."

Participants at the conference offered recommendations on how to address issues concerning youth in Kosovo such as education and employment. They called on authorities to do more in providing opportunities and empower them as the future leaders of Kosovo. The recommendations will be handed over to the Office of the Prime Minister, the UN Special Representative and other relevant institutions.

The OSCE Mission supports youth assemblies in 12 of Kosovo's municipalities. They represent all ethnic communities and help young people discuss issues of mutual concern and understand the functions and structure of local government, democratic procedures and principles.

Youth assemblies and networks from the municipalities of Prizren, Suhareke/Suva Reka, Dragash/Dragas, Rahovec/Orahovac, Malisheve/Malisevo, Mamusa/Mamushe/Mamusa, Gjakove/Djakovica, Kline/Klina, Peje/Pec and Istog/Istog took part in the conference.