2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

"Unleashing the Potential of Youth of Lushnja" is an implemented project by the Municipality of Lushnje, in Albania, with the support of European Union. Its overall objective aimed to contribute to the improvement of youth socio-economic conditions in Lushnje by enhancing the local public infrastructure and quality of and access to services. But the creation of what we call today the Multifunctional Youth Center in Lushnja went far beyond constructing a building; it marked a transformative shift in the municipality's approach to youth engagement and empowerment. By creating a dedicated space for young people, the project catalyzed a deeper understanding within the local government of the importance of youth as active contributors to community development. The municipality recognized that investing in youth means investing in the future, prompting a cultural shift towards fostering greater inclusivity, collaboration, and participation in decision-making processes.

On the other side this center has not only provided a venue for creative and educational activities but also empowered young people to take responsibility for shaping their futures. Through their involvement in the Local Youth Council, program design, and evaluation processes, youth have gained an active role in municipal decision-making. This participatory approach has instilled a sense of ownership, responsibility, and confidence in young citizens, encouraging them to lead initiatives that address their needs and aspirations. Moreover, the youth center has enriched the social and cultural life of the entire Lushnja community. Programs such as painting, coding, European Integration school, and environmental projects, along with youth exchanges, have created a vibrant hub of activity that brings people together, fosters creativity, and promotes intercultural understanding. These initiatives have not only benefited the youth but have also enhanced community cohesion and pride, making Lushnja a more dynamic and inclusive place to live. In summary, the establishment of the youth center has gone beyond physical infrastructure. It has redefined how the municipality perceives and supports its young citizens, embedding a culture of participatory democracy and active engagement while revitalizing the cultural and social fabric of the city for all its residents.

For more information:

• https://bashkialushnje.gov.al/ (External link)
• https://www.oidp.net/docs/repo/doc1683.pdf (External link)