In the framework of the Balkan Leadership Conference, "Peace, Security and Development in the Western Balkans", organized by the Universal Peace Federation on Saturday in Prishtina in partnership with KosovaPress News Agency, the need to invest in education was emphasized as the main element of empowering young people and their greater interaction in the Balkan region.

The same were considered as drivers for social development and the promotion of peace and tolerance. However, it was said that that the barriers of young people in the Western Balkans are significantly higher than in other EU countries. In the session "Youth Interaction and the Future of the Balkans", the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Edona Maloku-Bërdyna, said that quality education and greater youth interaction will create bridges of cooperation in the region. "Policies are comprehensive and promote peace and security. Equal treatment is also reflected in parts of our curricula at all levels… Each of us must perform with honor and dedication the role that belongs to us, so that our children grow and develop in environments that provide competitive knowledge", she said. The executive director of the youth organization in Albania, Dafina Peci, also demanded greater inclusion of young people. "Youth should be included in all stages of designing a policy, not just as a consultative body. Youth support needs to be structured in regional policies and this is more than necessary. To do this, we need expertise and approximation with all European partners", she said. Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of the Agency for Youth and Sports in Northern Macedonia, Amir Bilalli, said that the new generations reflect cultural transformation and help the functioning of democracy. "In our small Balkans there is temptation and there are stereotypes about the progress of new generations. But I think the internet is a resource, where the leaders of the future are born… The new generations reflect cultural transformation and help the functioning of democracy", he said. On the other hand, Jasmin Spahic from Bosnia and Herzegovina, pointed out the challenges of young people in education in his country. "The most essential element for youth is education. Can you imagine living in a country that has 13 ministries of education. We have the example that we have tried to create student associations. In this regard we have established 13 high school councils. However, 6-7 years ago, positive changes in education began with the support of the EU", he said. This conference is organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), in partnership with the KosovaPress News Agency, the Washington Times Foundation, the International Media Association for Peace (IMAP), and the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP).