Affirming the role of youth as promoters of human rights, development, peace and democracy, was in the focus of an open discussion, organized in Durrës in the framework of a series of public events organised in different cities of Albania to mark the 70^th Anniversary of the Council of Europe. This activity, organised  in cooperation with the French Embassy, within the French Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, and with the support of EU Info Desk and Municipality of Durrës aimed at discussing and sharing with students, youth activists and civil society representatives ideas on how to mainstream youth policies and increase youth participation at local and European level.

Mayor of Durrës, Ms Valbona Sako, welcomed young people in the City Hall premises and informed them on the initiatives taken by her institution focusing on youth. To this point, she called on them to be more active, more participative in the consultation processes, to come together and to propose innovative ideas that can change the city.

Head of Council of Europe Office in Tirana, Ms Jutta Gützkow, referred to the right of association guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights and stressed the importance of involvement of youth in politics and the contribution of Albanian youth in designing and implementing youth policies at the European level. 

French Ambassador in Albania, Ms Christina Vasak, focused on the priorities of the French Presidency of the Council of Europe, explaining why youth participation is important for the protection and promotion of the fundamental human rights and the consolidation of democracy

Luis Bekteshi, Head of the youth centre “Perspectiva” and member of the Council of Europe’s Advisory Council on Youth explained how youth organisations participate in the co-management system of the youth sector.

Kreshnik Loka, Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) explained how his organisation promotes reconciliation and cooperation between the youth in the Western Balkans. 

All speakers appealed to the young people in the audience to get engaged in society and to make good use of the different possibilities for participation in politics at local and European levels.