Young women from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade explore dialogue and shared futures at OSCE Academy

The 12th edition of the OSCE Dialogue Academy for Young Women, organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Serbia, concluded on 17 October in the cross-border cities of Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and Gorizia, Italy.

Held on 8-17 October, the programme brought together 23 young women from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade, representing diverse professional and community backgrounds. This year's edition took place in Nova Gorica and Gorizia, joint European Capitals of Culture for 2025, providing a relevant setting for exploring dialogue, reconciliation, difficult histories and shared futures. 

The programme combined interactive training, dialogue circles, practical exercises and exchanges with guest speakers, strengthening participants’ skills in communication, negotiation, mediation and conflict transformation, while exploring identities, historical narratives, women's leadership and peacebuilding. 

Participants met with the Heads of the OSCE Missions, Ambassador Gerard McGurk and Ambassador Marcel Peško; Irish Ambassador Ragnar Almqvist and Caroline Phelan; and renowned peace activist Bronagh Hinds, whose experience in the Northern Ireland peace process offered insights into women's leadership, inclusive peacebuilding and the importance of sustained dialogue.

A World Café discussion brought participants together with local cultural and civil society representatives, including Stojan Pelko, Director of the Slovenian Cinematheque; Daniela Klanjšček of the Lojze Bratuž Cultural Centre; and Mateja Jančar of the Women Writers Route. Discussions explored the cultural, historical and societal dimensions of the Nova Gorica-Gorizia region, including the role of film, cultural heritage and cross-border initiatives.

Through the established partnership with the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation GO (EGTC GO), participants also learned about efforts to develop shared cultural initiatives and cross-border co-operation in a historically divided region, as well as how co-operation can help communities address divisions and build shared futures.

Following the Academy, participants will have the opportunity to join the Dialogue Academy Network of Alumnae (DANA), a growing network of more than 270 young women committed to advancing dialogue, mutual understanding and co-operation. Through DANA, alumnae continue to participate in joint initiatives, exchanges and capacity-building activities, maintaining connections beyond the Academy itself.

Organized annually since 2015 under the auspices of the Follow Us Initiative, the Dialogue Academy reflects the joint commitment of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the OSCE Mission to Serbia to strengthening young women's participation in dialogue, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and decision-making processes.