In the Western Balkans (WB6) countries, significant progress has been made in shaping youth policy frameworks through the adoption of various laws, strategies, and action plans. Despite this progress, there is a continuous need for the development of a robust youth system that effectively empowers and involves young people in decision-making. A significant aspect of this challenge is the digitalization of society, which presents both opportunities and obstacles for youth participation in digital democracy. Recognizing the relentless shift towards digitized democratic processes, the European Parliament has highlighted the urgent need to build capacity among youth in the areas of digital skills, literacy, and rights.
This need underscores the importance of projects aimed at empowering youth, especially in countries like Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia, focusing on aligning the need for protection with the imperative of active participation and engagement in policy-making. In response to this need, UZOR, together with partners, is implementing a project that addresses the participation gap in digital democracy among youth, especially those with fewer opportunities, by equipping them with the necessary digital skills and knowledge to effectively engage in today’s rapidly evolving digital-political environment.
To achieve these goals, the Center for Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV) from Albania, as the project leader, along with the Association for Responsible and Sustainable Development (UZOR), the Belgrade Center for Human Rights, the SHARE Foundation from Belgrade, and the Cultural Association Youropía from Spain, aim to engage, connect, and empower young people in the digital world by developing their digital skills and raising awareness of their digital rights with an approach that balances protection and participation, enabling them to fully participate in digital democracy. The project aims to achieve the following outcomes: 1) Adoption of good practices among organizations working with youth in Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and Spain in the area of youth participation in digital democracy; 2) Expanded knowledge of digital skills, literacy, and youth rights among key state actors, media, and youth; and 3) Improved digital democracy through digital skills and digital rights.
Implementation Period: November 1, 2023 – November 1, 2025
Budget: 300,000.00 EUR
Donor: European Commission through the Erasmus+ program
