Taste the Future: HoReCa & Slow Food Connections
26 November 2025
Pristina, 27 November 2025 – The International Labour Organization (ILO), through the HoReCa – Hospitable, Resilient, Capable Project funded by the Government of Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), will host the event “Taste the Future: HoReCa & Slow Food Connections” at Tech Park, Pristina. The one-day event will gather more than 100 participants, including representatives of public institutions, the private sector, teachers, trainers, career counsellors, youth, and international partners, with the aim of exploring the future of sustainable gastronomy and hospitality in Kosovo.
The event builds on Kosovo’s growing potential in adventure, rural, and culinary tourism and introduces the Slow Food concept as a model for innovation, sustainability, and local economic development. The initiative aims to motivate young people, strengthen vocational education and training providers, and inspire small businesses to enhance their offer in the tourism and hospitality sector through creativity, authenticity, and quality.
A Day of Dialogue, Demonstrations, and Collaboration
The programme begins at 10:00 with opening remarks from the Ambassador of Italy, the UN Development Coordinator, representatives of AICS, the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), and the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo (EARK).
A high-level panel discussion will follow, focusing on tradition, sustainability, and innovation in the HoReCa sector. Panellists will discuss the role of the Slow Food concept in shaping a more competitive and sustainable hospitality sector in Kosovo.
Throughout the day, participants will enjoy live culinary demonstrations delivered by students from vocational education schools, vocational training centres, and members of Slow Food Dukagjini. Two demonstration sessions will offer a variety of dishes, desserts, and beverages prepared on-site, showcasing the creativity and talent of Kosovo’s new generation of HoReCa professionals.
Later, a dedicated Career Opportunities Session will connect local businesses with Career Centres in vocational schools and employment offices, helping to strengthen the link between education and real employment and training opportunities.
Promoting Innovation and Youth Skills
By introducing Slow Food principles, the event aims to promote sustainability, support local producers, and stimulate new business models within the hospitality and tourism sector.
More than 40 students will present their skills throughout the day, demonstrating the project’s commitment to empowering young people and strengthening the vocational education and training system.
About the HoReCa Project
The HoReCa Project—funded by the Government of Italy through AICS and implemented by the International Labour Organization—supports the labour market integration of young people in the hospitality sector through skills development, capacity building of training providers, and enhanced cooperation between public institutions, employers, and development partners.
UN entities involved in this initiative
Goals we are supporting through this initiative
