Institute for European Affairs is focusing on negotiations between Serbia and the EU as well as on strengthening the capacity of all sides involved in the process. Given the complexity and long duration of the process, the Institute brings together a large number of professionals and external experts with whom organises trainings, debates and other forms of capacity development. We want to contribute to enhanced understanding of Serbia-EU relations. The Institute provides multi-perspective trainings in order to enable active participation of professionals and citizens in the decision-making processes. The Institute actively advocates for fundamental reforms within the EU integration process and in cooperation with partners working on strengthening Serbia's capacity to face the challenges of the global world through collective action. The overall objective is active membership of Serbia in Euro-Atlantic framework for the benefit of all citizens.

Come to Belgrade- Meet the world! NARRATIVE REPORT

Ambassadors’ name Ardi Jusufi
Date of the discussion 11/04/2013
Place and address American Corner in the National Library of Kosovo, Prishtina
Name and contact person in the Institution Mark Lake, markl@qendraqiriazi.com
Number of Participants 39
No of female Participants 17
No of Male Participants 22
Occupation of the Participants Students

What was the topic of the discussion and how was organised?

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The two speeches I held were about my experience in the Youth Reconciliation Ambassadors programme. Therefore, the topics I presented pertained to the programme: I spoke about YRA, my personal experience, the upcoming programme in December 2013 but we also covered some of the topics that were discussed in Belgrade, including those about fostering the relations of young people from ex-Yugoslavia. The two speeches I delivered were portion of two separate English evening classes about leadership and citizenship, which are held in the American Corner in Prishtina. It was attended by students, as well as a representative of the British Embassy in Kosovo.

Explain the reaction of the participants on your speech.

I may whole-heartedly say that they were very interested about the Youth Reconciliation Ambassadors programme. It came quite as a surprise to me to hear that they were very open to the idea of regional reconciliation.

Have you notice the impact of your lecture on the participants? Explain.

IMG_2088I did notice a great impact on them – this was proven to me by the massive amount of e-mails I received with questions they had thought of after my presentation. Most of them told me they were going to apply for participation in the programme as soon as possible. Thus, my lecture impacted on their willingness to participate in YRA and help the reconciliation process.

What were the questions posed by the participants and how did you react?

Most of the questions I received were about how the sensitive issue of Kosovo was handled and perceived in Serbia. I told them that I was positively flabbergasted and that everyone was very open-minded and willing to cooperate with each other, therefore living to their common epithet of reconciliation ambassadors. Moreover, I was asked how this experience has affected me personally and I responded by acknowledging the fact that I had become more tolerant to the ideas presented in the programme and that I had made some treasured friendships. Finally, I was asked if I felt safe during my stay in Belgrade (due to my national background) and I responded with a firm yes!

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