BASIC PROJECT INFORMATION

Financial Instrument: zivik Funding Programme 
Type of Action: Youth peacebuilding, interethnic dialogue, digital resilience, democratic transformation
Project Status: Ongoing
Implementation Period: 15.02.2026 – 31.12.2026

Funded by: German Federal Foreign Office through ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen) within the zivik Funding Programme.
Lead Organization: Youth Alliance – Krusevo

Project Partners:
Civil society organizations, youth leaders, and experts from North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo

Overall Objective:
To strengthen the role of young people and civil society organizations as credible actors in peacebuilding through fostering interethnic dialogue, enhancing digital resilience, and promoting active participation in decision-making processes.

PROJECT LOGIC

IF young people and civil society organizations are equipped with skills in critical thinking, digital resilience, and interethnic dialogue, AND IF they are provided with safe spaces for experiential learning, co-creation, and public visibility, THEN they will become credible actors in conflict prevention, contribute to reducing polarization, and foster sustainable processes of reconciliation and democratic transformation in the region.

This approach directly addresses structural challenges such as interethnic mistrust, political polarization, youth exclusion, and the influence of disinformation, contributing to the development of resilient communities and inclusive narratives 

PLANNED ACTIVITIES

The project foresees an integrated approach combining field-based work, digital tools, experiential learning, and policy dialogue through the following key activities:

1. Invisible Borders Mapping Workshop (Krusevo)
From 25 to 29 March 2026, 60 young people from North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia gathered in Krusevo to explore the concept of “invisible borders” – stereotypes, narratives, and divisions that shape our societies. The workshop created a safe and inclusive environment for dialogue, reflection, and collaborative mapping through interactive, non-formal learning methods. During the event, participants openly addressed sensitive issues, challenged their own stereotypes, bridged divides, and built new friendships. Through teamwork, the young people co-created six thematic “routes” that reflect shared experiences, identify local sources of tension, and outline pathways for future cooperation. The workshop contributed to increased trust among participants, the establishment of new cross-border connections, and the development of concrete analytical outputs that serve as a foundation for subsequent project activities and youth-led peacebuilding initiatives.

2. Remembrance Exchange Tours
Between June and August 2026, 31 young people, supported by six group leaders, explored North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo through six five-day journeys. Developed during the PRO PEACE mapping workshop, the routes connected places of memory with everyday community life, giving participants opportunities to meet local people, exchange perspectives and explore the “invisible borders” shaping the region.

1. 'BEYONG THE LINES' | 17-21 June 2026 | 5 young people + 1 tour leader | Vranje, Mitrovica, Prekaz, Prishtina, Skopje, Struga and Ohrid

2. 'BALKAN ROUTE' | 24-28 June 2026 | 5 young people + 1 group leader | Skopje, Gračanica, Vushtrri, Mitrovica and Novi Pazar

3. 'CROSSING THE UNCROSSABLE' | 24-28 June 2026 | 5 young people + 1 group leader | Belgrade, Niš, Kumanovo (Zebrnjak), Skopje and Mitrovica

4. 'INVISIBLE BORDERS, SHARED SPACES' | 5-9 August 2026 | 5 young people + 1 group leader | Skopje, Tetovo, Prishtina, Prekaz, Bujanovac and Vranje

5. 'THE INVISIBLE BRIDGE' | 10-14 August 2026 | 6 young people + 1 group leader | Skopje, Prizren, Mitrovica, Niš and Vranje

6. 'LINES OF MEMORY' | 12-16 August 2026 | 5 young people + 1 group leader | Vranje, Skopje, Tetovo, Prizren, Prishtina and Fushë Kosovë

Travelling together gave participants space to explore unfamiliar places and hear different perspectives on history, identity and belonging. Visits to memorials and divided neighbourhoods opened sometimes difficult conversations, while shared markets, cafés and multilingual streets offered everyday examples of coexistence. Several participants entered neighbouring communities for the first time, despite living nearby. Conversations with residents and the hospitality they encountered challenged assumptions they had formed through media, family stories or limited personal contact.

The experience helped participants recognise how language, historical memory and inequality can shape relationships between communities. They practised listening to sensitive stories, questioning stereotypes and discussing differences respectfully. Post-tour feedback recorded higher self-assessed knowledge and strong motivation to join future activities. New friendships, shared reflections and participant-created photos and stories carried the learning beyond the journeys, providing a personal view of the region and possibilities for continued cooperation.

3. Youth Non-Violent Strategic Communications Bootcamp
A 5-day online training will be delivered for 30 young people and 12 CSO representatives, focusing on digital literacy, countering disinformation, and non-violent communication. Participants will develop practical communication products and strengthen their capacity to respond to divisive narratives and promote constructive dialogue.

4. Youth-led Digital Peace Micro-campaigns
Young participants will be organized into six teams to design and implement digital campaigns with mentorship support from media professionals. The campaigns will reach over 10,000 young people and contribute to the promotion of inclusive, pro-peace narratives, while strengthening youth agency in digital civic engagement.

5. Multimedia Exhibition “Remembering the Future”
A public exhibition will be organized in Krusevo, showcasing youth-produced content, conflict analysis outputs, and creative storytelling products. The exhibition will serve as a platform for dialogue between young people, institutions, and the wider public, increasing the visibility and credibility of youth voices in peacebuilding.

6. International Youth Conference “Youth at the Table: Shaping Peace and Security through Policy Dialogue”
A three-day conference will bring together young people, civil society, public institutions, and media representatives. The event will facilitate structured dialogue and result in a policy brief with youth-driven recommendations, as well as follow-up engagement with relevant stakeholders to support their integration into policy processes.