The International Labour Organization (ILO), with the financial contribution of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has launched a new development cooperation initiative, which aims to improve youth employment in the hospitality sector in Kosovo.

The project, titled “Support for the Integration of Youth into the Labour Market in the Hospitality Industry”, focuses on the hotel, restaurant and catering (HoReCa) sector.

The Italian Ambassador to Kosovo, Maurizio Antonini, said that for Italy this is a priority - built on inclusion and support.

“We have doubled scholarships for Kosovar students and are promoting cultural initiatives throughout Kosovo. The meeting of our two cultures is one of the foundations of our friendship. For Italy, this is a priority built on inclusion and support. I would like to address the young people as they are the heart of this project and the future of Kosovo for tomorrow”, said Antonini.

Meanwhile, the head of the AICS office in Tirana, Stefania Vizzaccaro added that this project is a guarantee of support and sustainability.

“It is an important step in the cooperation between Italy and Kosovo. The project arises from the cooperation and organization with an investment of 4 million euros that aims to promote the employment of young people and Kosovar generations that can provide opportunities for personal growth. It is linked to tourism for women, young people and minorities. It is a guarantee of support and sustainability”, she added.

And the senior official at the International Labor Organization in Pristina, Blerim Murtezi, said that young people will benefit from on-the-job training for career and employment services.

“Our goal is clear, to generate many jobs in the HoReCa sector in Kosovo. This project is structured around three main objectives, education and vocational training, whereby schools and vocational training centers will be equipped with modern laboratories, updated curricula and teaching materials. We will support new, small and medium-sized enterprises in the HoReCa sector”, he added.

This partnership between Italy and the ILO constitutes an important step towards aligning education, employment and enterprise development in Kosovo, ensuring that young people are equipped, not only to find work, but to succeed.