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Press Release
25 October 2024
Forest Camp 2024 successfully Concludes: A Step Forward in Advancing Sustainable and Multipurpose Forest Management
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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
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Story
18 October 2024
Empowering Young Voices: Building a New Generation of Journalists for Dialogue and Trust
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals 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:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.***
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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”.
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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.
"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.
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Story
24 July 2024
From birth, every individual has the right to an identity!
An individual's identity affirms their existence in society and recognizes their uniqueness, giving to the individual the sense of belonging” says Merita Ahma, Protection Officer at the UNHCR Office of the Chief of Mission. “Yet, this phenomenon requires a systemic institutional treatment in the form of the establishment of an efficient systemic mechanism for identification of unregistered persons at birth or those facing challenges in registering their birth and providing adequate and timely solutions.”In 1999, amidst the turmoil of conflict, Shkurta Hoti and her family were displaced to Montenegro. The large Hoti family squeezed into the small rooms of a collective shelter. As the years passed, Shkurta transitioned from childhood to adulthood. She got married and gave birth to three children. Two of her children were registered at birth, but in 2015, she faced difficulties in registering her youngest daughter with only an ID card for displaced persons. Due to ongoing legal reforms, she needed a valid ID document to register her child. Shkurta sought help from UNHCR and its partners in Montenegro for support through the biometric mobile team from Kosovo that was issuing personal documentation to displaced persons. Despite the initial setback of lacking sufficient evidence to be registered in civil status records, Shkurta was reassured by the continuous support and efforts of UNHCR and its partners, which eventually led to her registration after several years."The hassle of obtaining civil status documents lasted a long time. My parents did not register my birth. I was lucky to meet with UNHCR and Civil Rights Program Kosovo (CRPK) lawyers who with their legal expertise supported my battle for personal documentation. Thanks to their interventions, I could return to Kosovo, even though the documents were not finalised. Moreover, with their diligent support and Civil Status Registry Officials in Peje/Peć municipality the procedure for late birth registration has been finalised in 2018. I was issued my first ID card that year," recalls Shkurta."You know, you cannot do much without an ID card. I was desperate because I couldn't access any services like my neighbours that possessed personal documents."Once Shkurta obtained her personal documentation, she immediately requested support to register birth of her daughter, eight-year-old Elmedina, in Podgorica, her place of birth. Elmedina was registered five years after, only in 2023. Unfortunately, this was due tovarious factors, in particular complex procedures for subsequent registration. "I wanted to secure for my daughter a brighter future and that was possible only if she was equipped with the personal documentation. " Shkurta explains.UNHCR in Pristina, along with its legal partner organisation CRPK, was actively engaged from the beginning in supporting the late birth registration of Shkurta and her children. Two of her children, who were born in Podgorica, were registered in the birth registry and issued birth extracts upon issuance of an ID card in 2018. However, her youngest child, Elmedina, was not registered at birth in Podgorica, and her birth certificate could not be issued in Kosovo. The collection of evidentiary documentation, along with other legal procedures, was delayed due to several factors, including the pandemic. Once conditions improved, teams in Podgorica and Pristina arranged late birth registration appointments. "Through an unexpected call, my husband and I were notified that we would travel to Podgorica. We couldn't believe it until a UNHCR vehicle arrived at our home, and we began the trip that would provide our little girl with the solution to her ‘unregistered at birth’ status," recalls Shkurta "UNHCR, CRPK, and Civic Alliance collected and submitted all the documents on our behalf. Without their support, we wouldn't have known how to register our child, what documents to present, or where to go. Without them, we would have been totally lost."It is due to the commitment, engagement, and swift response of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Montenegro, which addressed the late birth registration request and issued a birth certificate for Elmedina within a day. Upon the registration in Montenegro, Elmedina was registered also in Kosovo Civil Status Registry allowing her to establish her full legal identity. “Our cooperation with the individuals at risk of statelessness, authorities, partners, and different stakeholders is crucial in addressing the complex individual requests that have different characteristics; thus, different pathways to solutions should be pursued individually and simultaneously” says Mentor Seferi CRPK lawyer. “Unfortunately, the authorities still do not have a complete overview, in the absence of the official data, on the number of unregistered individuals in Kosovo. Unregistered people are extremely vulnerable. Without proper legal assistance, they could not navigate the complex and bureaucratic procedures.” says Milanka Bazdar, the Durable Solutions Associate from the UNHCR office of the Chief of Mission.UNHCR continues to pursue its humanitarian role in enabling the most vulnerable people to obtain the solution to their identity, thus acting under its mandate on the prevention of statelessness as well as in joint coordination and cooperation with various operational partners in achieving the SDG 16.9 and specific targets.
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Story
24 June 2024
Women in Infrastructure: Besa Ajvazi Selimi, Civil Engineer, UNOPS Pristina Office
Who do you picture when you think of a civil engineer? Did you picture a woman in the profession? Research shows that women are a minority in the civil engineering workforce. In this article, to celebrate our #WomeninInfrastructure, we’re exploring the work of female engineers and contributors to our infrastructure — women who helped change our cityscapes and the infrastructure environment at large with their contributions. Throughout history, these women have faced challenges in their field. But that didn't stop them from designing and building schools, hospitals, and incorporating gender-friendly design elements into our infrastructure.In this article, we'll hear from Besa about her experiences and the current state of women in civil engineering. A pioneer in her field, Besa holds the distinction of being the first female Kosovar Chartered Engineer and member of the UK's Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Since 2016, she has brought her expertise to UNOPS Pristina, where she currently oversees the technical aspects of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS) construction, ensuring the project adheres to design specifications. Besa's impressive background is further bolstered by a Master of Arts in Law and Management of Real Estate and Infrastructure, solidifying her knowledge and capabilities within the built environment.“Entering the infrastructure sector as a woman has not been without its hurdles. Unconscious bias was a significant challenge, with assumptions often made about my capabilities based on gender rather than merit. The lack of mentorship opportunities was another barrier; finding female role models and mentors in a predominantly male industry was difficult. Additionally, the physical work environment often lacked the necessary accommodations for women, which could be discouraging.My journey as a site engineer over the past eight years with UNOPS has been a testament to the evolving landscape of gender equality in the infrastructure industry. When I first started, basic amenities on site like separate female toilets were nonexistent. However, these conditions have improved significantly over the years, thanks to persistent advocacy and a growing recognition of the need for gender-sensitive infrastructure. Despite these challenges, I persevered, driven by the belief that my presence and contributions were crucial for fostering a more inclusive work environment.Over the years, I've witnessed a remarkable transformation. Contractors, especially those who have worked with us for a long time, have developed a different mindset. One specific example of positive outcomes from having more women on the team is one of the major infrastructure projects of the Pristina office “Construction of Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences' ' being implemented in the last two years. The inclusion of female engineers led to more thoughtful design considerations, such as ensuring better accessibility and safety features that catered to all users. This collaborative approach not only improved the project's quality but also enhanced the overall working environment, fostering mutual respect and teamwork.UNOPS has been incredibly supportive and flexible in fostering my career development, particularly during my pregnancy. They provided flexible working arrangements, ensuring a smooth balance between my personal and professional life. This supportive environment allowed me to focus on my health and family without compromising my career growth. Additionally, UNOPS facilitated my continuous professional development, enabling me to complete the ICE training scheme and achieve certification. This commitment to both my personal well-being and professional advancement has been instrumental in my growth as an infrastructure professional.To level the playing field, the infrastructure sector needs to take several steps. First, promoting gender diversity through targeted recruitment and retention strategies is crucial. Offer mentorship programs and create networks for women to support each other. Moreover, improving work environment conditions, such as providing adequate facilities and flexible work arrangements, can make the industry more attractive to women. Lastly, raising awareness and training about unconscious bias can help create a more inclusive culture where women feel valued and respected.In conclusion, the journey towards gender equality in the infrastructure sector is ongoing, but the progress made over the past eight years with UNOPS gives me hope. By continuing to advocate for and implement these changes, we can create an industry where women not only participate but thrive.”The article was co-written by Ramona Lupu Communications Specialist UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office: Austria, Albania, Kosovo, Central Asia, South Caucasus,Türkiye
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Story
31 May 2024
Kosovo's Action Plan for Health Security in Making
Kosovo kicks off a collaborative multi-sectoral workshop to support the development of the Action Plan for Health Security. More than 30 key stakeholders from various sectors came together in a 3-day workshop (28-30 May 2024) in Pristina to discuss outline and define multi-sectoral, multi-year costed Action Plan for Health Security to ensure capacities in health prevention, preparedness, response and recovery are planned, built, strengthened and sustained. This workshop on development of costed multi-year Kosovo Action Plan for Health and Security is organized by WHO with financial support from EU- DG NEAR.
For more information contact Isme Humolli and Bukurije Seljimi
For more information contact Isme Humolli and Bukurije Seljimi
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Press Release
16 May 2024
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA, BIPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA
On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, I applaud the brave work of LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders fighting to outlaw discrimination and secure equality before the law. Yet there is a worrying surge in the opposite direction. New laws are codifying old bigotries, exploiting fears and stoking hate. The theme of this year’s Day – “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all” – reminds us of our obligations to respect the human rights and dignity of every person. We need action around the world to make those rights a reality. The criminalisation of same-sex relationships must end, so must all violence, discrimination and harmful practices against LGBTIQ+ communities. On this and every day, let’s commit to building a world of respect, dignity and human rights for all around the world.
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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
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