BRAVO, as a proud partner of the Fast Forward project, which seeks to accelerate climate action and sustainable development across the Western Balkans through education, capacity-building, and youth engagement, took part in the Final Conference of the Fast Forward project. On the 22nd of April 2025, it was held at the Swiss Diamond Hotel Prishtine in Kosovo, bringing together project partners, policymakers, trainers, and young beneficiaries for a day of lively discussion and reflection.
The day began with a warm welcome, as participants from Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Spain, and beyond reconnected after months of collaborative activities.
The conference was officially opened with a project overview presented by Françeska Korance. She highlighted the key achievements of the project—over 150 trainers certified, 10 curricula developed, and more than 1,200 young people reached through exchanges and workshops. Alongside Françeska, the importance of projects like Fast Forward was especially emphasized by Christelle Philips, Project Officer at EACEA, and Agim Mazreku, Advisor to the Minister of Environment (TBC) in Kosovo.
The first panel, “Environment Protection and Sustainable Development in the WB Region,” featured a diverse lineup of experts: Oljam Dervishi (Environmental Expert/FF Expert), Hilda Hoti (Environmental Engineer and FF Trainer), Harun Varupa (Project Assistant, BRAVO), Ivana Peneva (Project Coordinator, Eco Logic, North Macedonia), Dardan Abazi (Director of Research and Policy, INDEP), and Nensi Lalaj (Executive Director, Brigaid, Spain). Moderated by Gonxhe Konjufca, the session explored how to balance biodiversity preservation with economic growth, the importance of raising public awareness, and the potential of grassroots movements and CSOs to drive environmental protection across the region.
After a short break, the panel “Climate Change Education & Policy Recommendations” – brought together Ana Zacharian (Executive Director, Education Expert, Albanian Skills), Jonida Biturku (Academic Staff/FF ToT), Emelin Hasanspahić (Trainer, BRAVO), Veljan Parizov (Project Coordinator, Eco-Logic), Sytrime Dervisholli (Trainer), and Maria Isabel De La Cruz Luis (Academic Staff, Brigaid Connect). Under Gonxhe’s moderation, speakers discussed the challenges of integrating climate modules into national curricula, shared successful pilot initiatives, and brainstormed innovative teaching methods—from interactive digital tools to cross-border teacher exchanges. Emphasis was placed on policy frameworks and funding mechanisms needed for the long-term sustainability of climate education.
The final panel, “Youth Engagement / Mobility and Training Impact” – gave voice to the project’s real beneficiaries. Denajder Bardhi and Shend Blaku (beneficiaries of Albanian Skills and BF respectively), Belisa Haxhiu (Project Manager, BGG), Emelin Hasanspahić (Trainer, BRAVO), Ivana Peneva (Eco-Logic), and Oleksandr Babii (Beneficiary, Brigaid Connect) shared personal testimonials about how the Fast Forward youth exchanges broadened their horizons, honed their leadership skills, and forged lasting friendships across borders. The discussion highlighted the transformative power of intercultural dialogue and concluded with practical advice for future participants on making the most of mobility opportunities.
At BRAVO, we remain committed to empowering young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead the region’s green transition. We look forward to building on the relationships forged at this Final Conference and to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in the Fast Forward journey.