United Nations in Kosovo

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Kosovo:

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Publication

19 April 2024

UNKT Annual Results Report 2023

We are pleased to present the United Nations Kosovo Team's Annual Results Report for 2023. This report encapsulates the collective efforts of our dedicated team towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025.In 2023, significant progress was made across key areas including governance, social services, and economic development, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for Kosovo. We invite our global partners and the public to delve into the details of these achievements, which demonstrate our commitment to enhancing institutional accountability, inclusivity, and the overall socio-economic landscape of Kosovo., filtered_html

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Press Release

08 March 2024

PRESS RELEASE: IWD 2024

Today, on International Women’s Day, UN Women, Meridian Corporation and SPAR, unveiled the “Use Your Potential: Come Work with Us” initiative. This ground-breaking program targets middle-aged and older women who have been absent from the workforce until now, aiming to economically empower them by facilitating their entry into the private sector. The launch of this initiative underscores the crucial importance of investing in women’s economic empowerment, paving a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth. Internationally, the theme for International Women’s Day revolves around “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” Agon Gashi, CEO of Meridian Express, affirmed the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and their endorsement of the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs). Underlining this commitment, they launched an initiative aimed at creating employment opportunities specifically tailored for middle-aged women, fostering mutual benefit. “One of the main goals of the company persists in empowering women through the provision of a secure and supportive work environment. We place a specific emphasis on the recruitment of women in the middle age bracket, alongside offering comprehensive training and development opportunities to enhance their professional capabilities. This dedication is substantiated by current statistics, with over 30% of our employed women falling within this demographic. Furthermore, we anticipate a steady rise in these numbers, as our goal over the next three years is to employ more than 100 middle-aged women.” Speaking at the launch, UN Women Head of Office, Vlora Tuzi-Nushi, emphasized, that this initiative is crucial at empowering middle-aged women by integrating or reintegrating them to work and changing perceptions around this social category. “Empowering middle-aged women through employment not only enriches their lives but also strengthens their position in society and family, thus leading to overall economic development. In line with this year’s global International Women’s Day theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, and we are delighted to align with this initiative, which promises tangible impacts on women's lives. Meridian Express serves as an exemplary model of how the private sector can actively engage in empowering women." Further, Meridian Express introduced Sanije, 52 years old, woman who recently moved to Prishtina and started working for the very first time in her life with the company in a sales position. “I needed a job, but I had never worked in my life previously. I live in the building just above the Meridian Express and I was a regular client here and one day I decided to ask if they need new staff. I am immensely grateful for their willingness to welcome me aboard and support me through this challenging transition." Women constitute a vital force within economies worldwide, contributing significantly whether in business ventures, agricultural endeavors, entrepreneurial pursuits, employment roles, or through their invaluable unpaid care work within households. As a leading employer of women, the private sector assumes a pivotal role in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment both within Kosovo and globally. Meridian Express stands among the first private sector companies to endorse the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) in Kosovo, aligning with over 9000 businesses worldwide committed to fostering practices such as equal pay for equal work, gender-responsive supply chain management, and a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment in the workplace. Established by the United Nations Global Compact and UN Women, the WEPs draw upon international labor and human rights standards, rooted in the belief that businesses bear a responsibility for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Until the end of this year, UN Women, Meridian Express and SPAR, will endeavor to economically empower a significant number of women, catalyzing tangible progress towards gender equality and inclusive economic development. , filtered_html

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Press Release

08 March 2024

PRESS RELEASE: IWD 2024

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Press Release

08 March 2024

PRESS RELEASE: IWD 2024

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Press Release

07 March 2024

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL: MESSAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women and girls across all walks of life, in all corners of the world.But we also recognize the enormous obstacles they face — from structural injustices, marginalization, and violence, to cascading crises that affect them first and worst, to the denial of their personal autonomy and rights over their bodies and lives.Gender-based discrimination harms everyone – women, girls, men, and boys.International Women’s Day is a call to action.Action to stand with women who are demanding their fundamental rights at great personal cost.Action to strengthen protection against sexual exploitation and abuse.And action to accelerate women’s full participation and leadership.This year’s theme stresses the need for technology and innovation to advance gender equality. Technology can expand pathways to education and opportunities for women and girls.But it can also be used to amplify abuse and hatred. Today, women make up under a third of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and maths.And when women are under-represented in developing new technologies, discrimination may be baked in from the start. That is why we must close the digital divide and increase the representation of women and girls in science and technology. Women’s exclusion from the digital world has shaved an estimated $1 trillion from the GDP of low- and middle-income countries in the last decade — a loss that could grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action.Investing in women uplifts all people, communities, and countries. Let us work together – across governments, the private sector and civil society –to build a more inclusive, just, and prosperous world for women, girls, men, and boys everywhere.***, filtered_html

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Story

05 February 2025

Dairy, Herbs & Handcrafts: Rural Women Innovating in Agriculture and Beyond

Meet Lumnije, born in 1970 in Uçë/Uče village, now settled in Mojstir/e, has always been surrounded by livestock most of her life. After raising her children, she thought about giving up dairy farming—but her love for the work made her stay."At first, I just wanted two cows to keep me busy. Then I added a few more, and before I knew it, I had a small dairy business," she says with a laugh.Today, Lumnije manages 17 cows, producing milk and cheese that supply local restaurants and wholesale buyers. During summer, she and her family take the cows to the highlands, where fresh air and rich pastures improve milk quality. With her husband’s help on heavy tasks, she focuses on maintaining the best dairy standards Through FAO and UN Women training, Lumnije connected with other women in agriculture, realizing that many shared similar challenges. “It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in this,” she says. “We learn from each other, whether it’s about farming, business, or just supporting one another.”Lumnije is currently looking to expand her business slightly, and to do so, she needs a storage facility for livestock food. She hopes that with the knowledge gained and potential grant support, she will be able to achieve this.A Journey from Survival to Sustainable CraftsmanshipSheribane, born in 1968 from Vrelle/Vrele, Istog/k began her journey by collecting wild herbs and plants—a necessity at first, later becoming a passion. What started to provide for her family grew into a specialized skill. "I suffered a stroke many years ago, and my doctor advised me to stay active. Walking in the mountains, gathering herbs, and crafting macrame became my therapy," she explains.Over time, she mastered the art of collecting and drying herbs, like:Cowslip (Primula veris) – harvested in early springElderflower (Sambucus nigra)Linden flowers and young leaves (Tilia spp.)St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)Common Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)Wild Raspberry Leaves (Rubus idaeus)Rosehip (Rosa canina)Juniper (Juniperus communis)Wild Mushrooms. "These are all in high demand and collected by a company that distributes them in the EU," she says. "One can make a living by collecting and drying wild herbs."This year, she is experimenting with wild apple vinegar, hoping to expand into other natural food products.Thanks to FAO and UN Women training, Sheribane now understands the business side of her work—how to calculate costs, plan for future investments, and seek funding. “The biggest challenge is drying herbs properly,” she says. “Now I know exactly what kind of equipment I need, and I’m hoping for support to get an industrial dryer.”Empowered Through Knowledge and CommunityBoth Lumnije and Sheribane found not just skills but a network of like-minded women through the FAO and UN Women initiative. Whether it’s through dairy, herbal products, or handcrafted items, they prove that rural women can be entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers."It’s not just about the economy," Lumnije says. "It’s about feeling capable, independent, and proud of what we do."And in the heart this countryside, their stories of resilience continue to inspire.Lumnije Musaj and Sheribane Rexhaj Blakaj, both from Istog Municipality, have turned their passion into a livelihood—one through dairy farming, the other through foraging and artisanal production. With support from FAO and UN Women, under the "Promoting Rural Women’s Empowerment’ project, they are now expanding their reach and skills.The Promoting Rural Women’s Empowerment project is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation , filtered_html

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Life in the foothils of the Acursed mountains

Story

28 January 2025

"Without Identity Document, everything was so difficult."

Gone was just three years old when her family fled their village from the conflict and sought safety in Montenegro. Though Gone barely remembers her native home or her family's hardships during the conflict, those circumstances would shape her future in ways she couldn’t imagine.Without documentation, her access to basic rights was denied, leaving her in legal limbo. She recalls her childhood vividly: "I remember being told that we have lived in a small barrack with thirteen other family members. Conditions were tough, but we had each other for support."In 2013, UNHCR facilitated Gona's voluntary return to Kosovo. Her challenges grew in the absence of personal documentation. Building a life for herself and her family became increasingly difficult without a legal identity. "Reaching the age of 26 years old without a legal identity was overwhelming," Gone says. "My civil status situation was so complex that finding a solution on my own seemed impossible."During the outreach sessions with returnees desperate for help, Gone and her husband came forward to UNHCR and its implementing partner, the Civil Rights Programme-Kosovo. The organization took on her request, working tirelessly to gather evidence to establish her legal status. It was a four-year’s journey."It’s not unusual for cases like this to feel like piecing together a puzzle," explains Milanka, a Durable Solutions Associate at UNHCR. "We work closely with partners, authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure every process step is thorough and inclusive."The coordinated support of the Municipal Civil Status Office in place of the birth and the Civil Registration Agency was splendid in equipping Gone with civil status documents. The moment she received the birth extract her face was surprised with unbelief that she was finally registered and equipped with the documents. Her eyes were full of tears.Gone turned and asked UNHCR and MCSO officials, “Is this real, …am I really registered now?” The effort paid off. By 2023, Gone’s registration in the civil registry was finalized. Soon after, her son’s legal status was established, as well, enabling him to continue his education. "I am so thankful for the help I received from UNHCR," says Gone, her face lighting up with a smile. "Now, everything feels easy—like a dream come true. My son can go to school and enjoy his childhood and opportunities to come… maybe he will become a doctor one day."Gone’s story is just one example of the thousands of lives transformed by the UNHCR’s #IBelong campaign, which concluded successfully in 2024 and helped countless individuals gain legal identity. As Merita, a UNHCR Protection Officer, explains, "We have achieved so much through partnerships and collaboration. Together with authorities and partners, we’ve helped more than 29,000 people obtain legal status since 2006. We are moving into a new phase with the Global Alliance, focusing on more sustainable and efficient solutions to ensure no one is left behind." Gone’s journey from statelessness to legal safety is a testament to the power of persistence, collaboration, and hope. It reminds us that something as simple as a birth certificate or an ID card is far more than just a document—it’s the foundation of a life with dignity, opportunity, and dreams fulfilled., filtered_html

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Story

18 October 2024

Empowering Young Voices: Building a New Generation of Journalists for Dialogue and Trust

Building a cadre of young journalists and empowering youth to enhance dialogue and trust by creating and promoting fact based, positive narratives and gender equality in the public sphere and media. The continuous divisive narratives being conveyed across various media platforms in the Western Balkan including in Kosovo undermine peace, social cohesion and stability in the region. Echoing global trends, ethnic- or nationalist-based discourse has the potential to negatively affect good neighborly relations in many areas.It is against this backdrop that the Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust (Y4IET) project was designed. The project is a regional joint-UN initiative that empowers youth to engage in constructive and fact-based narratives, strengthen trust, intercultural dialogue, diversity, gender equality and mutual understanding in the Western Balkans.Recognizing the need to implement sustainable interventions with youth empowered to tackle hate speech and divisive narratives, the project in Kosovo used the UNV Recruitment Methodology to engage and train 10 young community volunteers through internships in multi-community media organizations. The 10-youth (7 women) included five Kosovo Albanians and five minorities including representatives from the Serb, Ashkali and Roma communities. During the launching of the Programme for Young Journalists, Ms. Arnhild Spence, the UN Development Coordinator in Kosovo, expressed her satisfaction to meet young journalists, “these young bright minds leading the way to peacebuilding and sustainable development in Kosovo. With support from UN Peacebuilding, they've teamed up with UNFPA , UNDP and UN Volunteers to benefit all communities, journalism and peace development”, Ms. Spence highlighted. Such was the success of this initiative that six of the ten youth Volunteers have been retained by the media organizations and continue with their work producing media content while the remaining four joined UNDP’s Mis/Disinformation Project funded by the UNDP Funding Windows which also engaged 10 UNVs/young journalists in various media outlets to counter mis/disinformation and gendered disinformation. Three of the ten volunteers collaborated with UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH), aligning Kosovo activities with regional initiatives for a cohesive regional information integrity approach. This cost-effective strategy educated skilled young journalists, enhancing Y4IET project impact beyond immediate goals, establishing a proactive response to divisive narratives and hate speech on the media sphere, and mis/disinformation through adept young journalists and collaboration with prominent media and academia.One of the key achievements of this commitment was the creation of tens of media products in the form of exposure stories, articles, documentaries and media fact checking that promoted positive narratives, and challenged gender stereotypes and gender inequality. The media products have been identified and led by young journalists featuring youth as agents of change, regardless of gender and ethnicity, that have impacted society through positive storytelling. The engagement of the 10 UNVs/ young journalists with the project had a ‘snowball effect’ as their work covered other activity results and components of the Y4IET project such as those related to inclusion empowering young people with disabilities through unifying sports programs, gender equality, Y-Peer education and bystander intervention trainings. “Languages make up the different notes of our culture, history and identity. A society that takes care of all its languages is a gallery of undivided assets, where each word reveals its own colour and voice", says Laureta Sopa one of the UNVs from K-Albanian community now working for the Public Information Office of the Office of Prime Minister.The UNV engagement also helped amplify the youth voices in the fifth UN Youth Assembly in Pristina including those the voices of the regional youth delegates of the project: "everyone has its own stereotypes and prejudice about others, until they come into direct contact…and realize that not everything is as it seems and as media is presenting it to us”, Tijana Ristovska from North Macedonia noted. Furthermore, the impact of this project was not limited to the media sector, but also extended to the fields of education, culture and sports. Through these efforts, young people contributed to building positive narratives that promote inter-ethnic tolerance and social inclusion in Kosovo, amplifying positive stories that reflect important changes in relations between different communities.This engagement of young journalists demonstrates the transformative power of the youth voice in the processes of peacebuilding and the fight against miss/disinformation, reinforcing the importance of their involvement in today's social issues “Let's use social media to help and inspire, not to spread hatred and conflict”, says Emilja Stajonevic, one of the UNVs/young journalists from K-Serb community. Jasir Misini, one of the UNVs/young journalists from K-Roma community now working with radio voice of Roma in Prizren, believes that "When we come together to discover and develop our talent, we can create a common vision that leads to a brighter and more prosperous future for all”., filtered_html

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Erlinë Koca UNDP's Misinformation Youth Bootcamp

Story

07 October 2024

Don't Miss the Bus: Join the Race for Breast Cancer Awareness in Pristina!

As part of the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer, the Municipality of Pristina, in collaboration with Public Transport and with support from UNFPA, has launched the branded bus "Race for the Cure Pristina 2024". This initiative is part of a broader campaign aimed at encouraging early detection and supporting those affected by breast cancer, continuing the impactful work from last year’s campaign. Race for the Cure is a global initiative, mobilizing communities worldwide to support breast cancer awareness and prevention.In 2023, the awareness campaign led to a 1000% increase in mammograms conducted in Pristina, from just 80 in August to an impressive 887 in October. The results highlight the importance of continuous efforts in educating the public about the life-saving potential of early detection.Speaking about the campaign, Perparim Rama, the Mayor of Pristina, emphasized the collective responsibility in supporting this cause:
"Dear mothers, sisters, women, friends, and even men (as they too can be affected by this cancer), get your mammograms because early detection SAVES LIVES!” Rama said, underscoring the importance of regular screening. The "Race for the Cure Prishtina 2024" campaign includes various activities, culminating in a walk and run event on October 6th in Pristina. These events are designed to show solidarity with women who have battled this disease and to promote the importance of early detection and support for breast cancer patients.Izet Sadiku, Director of the Health Directorate of Pristina Municipality, emphasized the need for continued efforts, highlighting that the previous campaign significantly boosted awareness and action in the community.
"Through last year's campaign, we saw a 90% increase in mammograms performed, reaching 3,283 screenings in 2023 alone. Additionally, we were able to subsidize 381 individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. This year, we aim to continue increasing the number of screenings and offering our full support to those in need," Sadiku stated.UNFPA remains committed to supporting these vital initiatives. Visare Mujko Nimani, Head of UNFPA Kosovo, reiterated UNFPA’s role in the campaign, stressing the importance of public engagement and early detection:"We are proud to stand alongside the Municipality of Pristina in this crucial effort. The substantial increase in mammograms and the continued support for breast cancer survivors are testaments to what we can achieve when we work together. Early detection is key, and we will continue to raise awareness and provide the necessary resources to ensure that every woman has access to life-saving screenings," she affirmed.The "Race for the Cure Prishtina 2024" campaign continues to push boundaries, mobilizing the community to take action against breast cancer. Together, with the support of key institutions, we can save lives through awareness, early detection, and collective support., filtered_html

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The purple bus is more than just public transpor

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Press Release

25 October 2024

Forest Camp 2024 successfully Concludes: A Step Forward in Advancing Sustainable and Multipurpose Forest Management

Friday, 25 October 2024 – Today marks the successful conclusion of Forest Camp 2024, held across the municipalities of Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, Gjilan/Gnjilane, and Kamenicë/Kamenica. The event brought together experts, government representatives, and local communities in a joint effort to advance sustainable and multipurpose forest management in Kosovo. The camp was organized as part of the program "Support to strengthening sustainable and multipurpose forest management to improve rural livelihoods and to address climate change in Kosovo," funded by the European Union and Sweden, and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.Forest Camp 2024 attracted over 200 participants who engaged in interactive activities and discussions aimed at promoting sustainable forest management, improving rural livelihoods, and mitigating climate change. The event featured practical sessions, expert-led presentations, and field visits, showcasing Kosovo's forest resources and exploring opportunities for forestry-based entrepreneurship, including logging, agrotourism, and non-timber forest products. Participants also had the opportunity to engage with international and local experts on topics such as forest biodiversity, silviculture practices, forest fire management, and the role of women and youth in the forestry sector. On the final day, participants gathered in Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, to explore the recreational functions of forests and observe examples of sustainable tourism in the region.During the Forest Camp closing, Mr. Bajrush Ymeri, Deputy Mayor of Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, expressed his gratitude to the participants and praised the camp as a significant success in raising awareness among the local population about the preservation and sustainable use of forests. FAO’s international expert, Andreas Ottitsch, noted that "this camp has confirmed that forests are not only for timber but also hold considerable social and ecological value." Naser Krasniqi, FAO’s local team leader, concluded the Forest Camp 2024, stating: "this camp, held for the second time, has demonstrated the importance of organizing such events to familiarize us with forest values." Finally, the participants of Forest Camp 2024 were awarded certificates.Throughout the week, Forest Camp 2024 underlined the critical role of Kosovo's forests in supporting rural development and combating climate change. Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, the Kosovo Forestry Agency, the European Union Office in Kosovo, and the Embassy of Sweden in Pristina attended the event, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable forest management and the empowerment of local communities. The closing of Forest Camp 2024 represents a continuing step toward enhancing forest-based livelihoods and strengthening Kosovo's forest ecosystems in the face of climate change. , filtered_html

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Press Release

22 October 2024

Forest Camp 2024 Kicks Off in Novo Brdo/Novobërdë with EU and Sweden Support to Foster Sustainable Forest Management and Rural Development

Running from 21 to 25 October 2024, Forest Camp 2024 aims to promote sustainable forest management, improve rural livelihoods, and engage diverse communities in addressing climate change. This year’s camp highlights the importance of multi-purpose forest management, integrating economic, environmental, and social objectives. Additionally, it emphasizes the creation of gender-responsive value chains to empower local communities, particularly women and youth, in forestry-based entrepreneurship, such as non-timber forest products and ecotourism. This camp will also serve to engage young people who are interested in the future of forests and opportunities for income generation and economic development in their municipalities.Forest Camp 2024 is being held across three locations: Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, Gjilan/Gnjilane, and Kamenicë/Kamenica, bringing together 150 to 200 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, the Kosovo Forestry Agency, the Forestry Institute, local mayors, members of the donor community, forest managers, private forest owners, students, university professors, forest users, women entrepreneurs in the forestry sector, and local communities. The five-day journey began in Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, where participants explored local forests and learned about multi-purpose forest management and silvicultural practices, focusing on community involvement, particularly for youth and women. In the following days, visits to forest sites in Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, Gjilan/Gnjilane, and Kamenicë/Kamenica showcased logging, agro tourism, and mountain tourism opportunities. The opening ceremony of Forest Camp 2024 was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, the Municipality of Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, the Embassy of Sweden, the European Union Office in Kosovo, FAO, and the Kosovo Forestry Agency. During their remarks, representatives from these organizations highlighted the event’s role in promoting sustainable forest management and rural development in Kosovo, while restating their commitment to sustainable forestry practices and the empowerment of local communities.The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, Imri Demelezi, stated that forests require daily engagement on the ground, regular inspections, and the maximum commitment from everyone."To raise public awareness about the importance of the forestry sector, the Ministry, in collaboration with FAO, has developed activities as part of the Communication and Information Strategy in the Forestry Sector, which has included awareness campaigns promoting knowledge about sustainable forest management. This forest camp is an excellent opportunity to deepen knowledge and encourage young people to get involved in preserving these natural resources. Together with the Swedish Embassy, the European Union, and FAO, we aim for a greener future through the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 15, turning Kosovo into a successful model of sustainable forest management," said Demelezi.Fatos Mulla, project officer at the Swedish Embassy, mentioned the main challenges facing the forestry sector in Kosovo."The forestry sector in Kosovo faces critical challenges such as the lack of sustainable funding, a shortage of qualified professionals, and insufficient recognition of its economic and environmental role. Sweden's 12 million euro investments have supported development, but further efforts are needed to ensure sustainability," said Mulla.Vadim Stirbu from the European Union Office in Kosovo said that forests are one of the planet's most valuable assets, and this is especially true for Kosovo, where 45% of the land is covered by forests.“Forests are much more than just firewood: they are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate the climate and provide essential recourses for communities. Forests are essential in our fight against climate change, acting as critical carbon sinks, regulating local climates and supporting biodiversity that strengthens ecosystem resilience. A sustainable future depends on well-managed forests: without them we cannot thrive”, said Stirbu.Naser Krasniqi, leader of the local FAO team, emphasized the importance of organizing the Forest Camp."Just like last year in Radushe, Istog/Istok, this year here in Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, the Forest Camp is a unique opportunity for interaction between young people, forest owners, users, and their managers, offering various opportunities to learn from one another and collectively explore the vital role of forests in the sustainable economic, social, and environmental development of the Novo Brdo/ Novobërdë area," said Krasniqi.The Forest Camp 2024 will conclude on October 25 with closing remarks and the distribution of certificates to participants. , filtered_html

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Press Release

25 September 2024

With EU and Sweden Support, Women in Istog/Istok Launch New Organic Tea Production Line, Boosting Sustainable Forestry and Job Creation

Tuesday, 24 September 2024 – Today, the official launch of the local organic filter tea production line took place in Istog/Istok, as part of the EU and Sweden – funded programme "Support to Strengthening Sustainable and Multifunctional Forest Management to Improve Livelihoods in Rural Areas and Address Climate Change in Kosovo." This programme is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The Women’s Association “Melissa” from Istog/Istok has begun producing organic filter tea using an innovative packaging process. This new tea production line, a unique model in the market and a novel approach to tea packaging, was established with support from the programme. The equipment is designed to facilitate the production of organic filter tea using raw materials sourced from medicinal and aromatic plants grown in the Radusha/ Raduša region, which are collected by the members of the Melissa Association. With this support, the association can now add value to their collected products, thereby completing the value chain of forest-related products such as medicinal and aromatic plants. Additionally, the members of Women Association will triple the amount of aromatic and medicinal plants collected in Radusha/ Raduša and produce a new brand of organic filter tea in Kosovo, called "Melissa". This product line, is expected that this production line will create new jobs, including three full –time position for women in the processing stage and 25 part time jobs for plant collection and product delivery for processing.The collection of non-wood forest products, including medical and aromatic plants, by the members of association will be guided by the new Multi-Purpose Forest Management Plan for Radusha/ Raduša region. This plan ensures that the collection process supports the sustainability of forest resources. The event was attended by representatives from the European Union in Kosovo, the Embassy of Sweden in Pristina, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Municipality of Istog/Istok, the Women’s Association "Melissa," and local businesses.During the event, representatives from these organisations highlighted the importance of the project and the critical role women play in raising community awareness about the sustainable use of forest resources and the challenges of climate change. Participants expressed their commitment to continuing efforts toward a more sustainable future in forest management and environmental protection.Olivier Boudart, Team leader for Green Agenda and Territorial Development at the EU Office in Kosovo, emphasized the long-term potential of sustainable forest management. “The Melissa Association exemplifies how forests, when managed sustainably, can give back much more. We are hopeful that the equipment we are handing over today will significantly improve the value chain for these plants, further strengthening the economic viability of the Melissa Association”, said Bourdart.Henrik Riby, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden, expressed pride in supporting this initiative and shared his hopes that the equipment provided to the Melissa Association will help make their products more accessible in Kosovo and even available for export. “We are very proud to support you in this way together with EU, FAO and the Ministry, because we do believe that hard work and good understanding on value change can change life”, said Riby.Ali Nimanaj, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Istog/Istok, highlighted the region's rich natural resources and its tradition in producing organic teas. "The Municipality of Istog/Istok stands out for its natural assets. There are mountains, and through nature, these aromatic medicinal plants are connected. In addition to various food uses, these plants contribute to economic development and the empowerment of women," said Nimanaj.During the launch ceremony, a demonstration was conducted to showcase the functionality of the equipment designed to facilitate the production of organic tea. , filtered_html

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Press Release

13 September 2023

FAO post-flood emergency recovery plan offers a helping hand to most vulnerable farmers

As part of the UN’s floods response and early recovery plan. Sponsored by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and FAO’s Emergency Fund, this initiative is dedicated to assisting the farming households affected by the January 2023 floods. Since the projects’ inception in May 2023, FAO has identified farmers’ main recovery needs and closely cooperated with the municipalities and the Emergency Management Agency to support those in need. Rahovec/Orahovac, a primary beneficiary municipality, hosted an event to inaugurate the financial assistance on 13 September. Over 910 farming households from municipalities of Gjakovë/Đakovica, Istog/Istok, Klinë/Klina, Leposaviq/Leposavić, Mitrovica Jugore/Južna Mitrovica, Podujevë/Podujevo, Rahovec/Orahovac, Skenderaj/Srbica, Zubin Potok/Zubin Potok will benefit from the support. Each household will receive vouchers that can be used to acquire agriculture goods such as equipment, fertilizers, seeds and planting material, tools, spare parts to repair damaged machinery, and other essential items. Participants at the Rahovec/Orahovac event included the Mayor of Rahovec, the Deputy Head of Cooperation in the Swiss Cooperation Office, officials from the Emergency Management Agency and of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, and FAO. They highlighted the project's significance and the aim of strengthening community resilience. During his opening remarks, Rahovec's Mayor, Smajl Latifi, expressed gratitude to FAO and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation for heeding the institutions' call for assistance. He further noted, “While this won't fully compensate for the farmers' losses, it offers them significant support.”Laurent Torche, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Cooperation Office, remarked, “We sincerely hope that this contribution will manage to support farming households to restart production and enhance livelihood.” In his closing remarks, FAO Team Leader Naser Krasniqi expressed gratitude to the Emergency Management Agency and the municipalities for their professionalism and collaboration. "At FAO, we mobilized all our resources to implement the project. We tirelessly sought the most effective assistance methods, working in close coordination with EMA and the municipalities." To facilitate the voucher redemption process, beneficiaries received a comprehensive "voucher user guide" that lists 13 authorized vendors across the affected municipalities. The project's launch has garnered positive feedback from participants, especially on the organization of the assistance process. As the initiative progresses, FAO, in collaboration with local municipalities, will actively oversee the voucher redemption and provide technical advice to the affected households on how to improve their resilience to meteorological and other climate-related hazards with the adoption of good agriculture practices. The voucher distribution will extend to other beneficiary municipalities in the upcoming days. Upcoming voucher distribution schedule: 14.09.2023: Gjakovë/Đakovica, Kline/a and Leposavic/q 15.09.2023: Kline/a and Leposavic/q 18.09.2023: Zubin Potok/Zubinpotok and Skenderaj/Srbica 19.09.2023: Skenderaj/Srbica and Mitrovica South 20.09.2023: Istog/k 21.09.2023: Podujevë/Podujevo , filtered_html

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