GearUP! Sarajevo: Advancing Global Citizenship Education and Youth Engagement
The GearUP! Sarajevo events, co-financed by the EU Development Education and Awareness Raising (DEAR) Programme, brought together key stakeholders to promote Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and accelerate progress towards sustainable development and gender equality. The events were organised by the Adriatic-Ionian Euroregion (AIE), the largest network of local and regional authorities in the Adriatic-Ionian area.
The sessions fostered dialogue on the importance of human dignity, peaceful coexistence, support for those in need, and environmental responsibility in both EU and Western Balkan countries. In particular, they showcased ongoing efforts to promote best practices, tools, and experiences in implementing the SDG 4.7 (Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship). Participants identified opportunities to effectively engage youth in sustainable development cooperation at regional, national, and international levels.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the GearUP! Third Parties Support Scheme, providing sub-granting opportunities for local authorities and civil society organisations (CSOs) committed to youth-driven global development initiatives.
Key Discussions and Contributions
The opening session featured Gilles Kittel from the European Commission and Ingrid Macdonald, UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their insights emphasised how cooperation among different levels of governance—supranational, national, and local—can create a conducive environment for tackling sustainable development challenges and fostering youth engagement.
Networking Talks: Boosting Youth Engagement and Expanding SDG Partnerships
In the afternoon, the Networking Talks session focused on youth engagement and SDGs. Moderated by Milan Stojanović, Regional Board Member of the Western Balkans Alumni Association (WBAA), the discussion gathered the following notable panelists:
- Ana Nikolov – AEBR Balkans Office, Serbia
- Nikola Kandić – Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Jelena Krešić – Local Democracy Agency Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Adnan Solak – EUSAIR Youth Council
- Kristīne Grīnberga – Programme Coordinator, Latvian UN Youth Delegate Programme
The panelists discussed strategies for integrating youth engagement into policymaking and development projects. They underscored the necessity of cross-sector collaboration to widen partnerships and maximise the impact of youth-led initiatives in sustainable development.
Future Steps for the Western Balkans
The GearUP! Sarajevo events provided a vital platform for strengthening youth engagement mechanisms in the Western Balkans. As the region continues to build on these efforts, the WBAA remains committed to fostering dialogue, empowering young changemakers, and leveraging the EU Development Education and Awareness Raising (DEAR) Programme’s opportunities to support local and regional development goals.
Milan Stojanović, milan.stojanovic@western-balkans-alumni.eu
Novi Sad, Serbia, 9 March 2025
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team
