Organizer Information
The Western Balkans Fund (WBF) is a regional cooperation initiative established to strengthen collaboration, connectivity, and trust among countries in the Western Balkans. Working alongside key partners such as the Open Society Foundation Western Balkans, WBF focuses on supporting cross-border cultural, civic, and policy-driven programmes that enhance regional integration and dialogue.
The Regional Academy on Dialogue and Culture of Cooperation is a pilot initiative designed to empower the next generation of emerging leaders across the WB6 region. It targets young professionals working in public administration, civil society, media, research, and policy sectors, aiming to build long-term capacity for cooperation, democratic engagement, and intercultural understanding.
The programme responds to structural gaps in regional collaboration by creating a shared platform where participants can develop leadership skills, exchange ideas, and co-design solutions to common social and political challenges in the Western Balkans.
Title & Description
Western Balkans Fund Regional Academy on Dialogue and Culture of Cooperation 2026
This regional Fellowship / Academy Programme brings together junior professionals and emerging leaders from across the Western Balkans for a structured learning and collaboration experience focused on dialogue, peacebuilding, and regional cooperation.
The programme is designed as a multi-phase learning journey combining mentorship, workshops, peer learning, and field-based engagement. Participants will take part in a 7-day residential programme in Albania, followed by pre-arrival mentoring and a three-month post-programme collaboration phase focused on joint regional projects.
The Academy explores key thematic areas including democratic citizenship, European integration, intercultural dialogue, reconciliation, leadership, and civil society development. Through facilitated discussions and practical sessions, participants are encouraged to critically reflect on regional challenges and co-develop strategies for improved cooperation and civic engagement.
A core objective of the programme is to build a sustainable alumni network of emerging regional leaders capable of contributing to long-term peacebuilding, democratic governance, and cross-border collaboration in the Western Balkans.
Categories
- Education
- Curatorial (Leadership & Civic Engagement)
- Interdisciplinary Arts (Policy & Cultural Dialogue)
- Writing / Research
- Social Practice / Civic Engagement
- Networking / Collaboration Projects
- Scholarship / Fellowship
Eligibility
- Applicants must be between 25 and 40 years old
- Open to citizens or residents of the Western Balkans (WB6 region)
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience in public administration, civil society, media, research, or policy
- Strong English proficiency (spoken and written) is required
- Availability for the full programme, including the residential phase and mentorship activities
- Demonstrated involvement in public debates, advocacy, or policy-related initiatives
- Motivation to contribute to long-term regional cooperation and alumni network building
Program Benefits & Awards
- Fully structured Fellowship / Academy programme focused on regional leadership development
- 7-day residential training programme in Albania
- Pre-arrival mentorship sessions
- 3-month post-programme collaboration phase
- Participation in workshops, lectures, and facilitated dialogue sessions
- Access to regional and international experts in governance, peacebuilding, and cooperation
- Networking with emerging leaders across the Western Balkans
- Opportunity to develop and implement joint regional projects
- Long-term alumni network membership focused on cooperation and civic engagement
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Online application form
- CV / professional biography
- Statement of motivation
- Evidence of professional experience (public administration, civil society, media, research, or policy)
- Proof of eligibility (citizenship or residency in WB6 region)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 25 June 2026
- Residential Programme: 7-day session in Albania (exact dates TBA)
- Post-programme phase: 3 months after residency completion
Location
Albania
Additional Details
This Fellowship / Academy is designed as a long-term capacity-building initiative rather than a one-off training. It emphasizes sustained engagement through mentorship, peer collaboration, and post-programme project development.
The curriculum is structured around democratic citizenship, European integration, regional cooperation, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and intercultural dialogue. Participants are expected to actively contribute to group-based learning processes and co-create regional initiatives addressing shared challenges.
The programme places strong emphasis on building trust and cooperation among young professionals in the Western Balkans, fostering both institutional and people-to-people connections. It is particularly suited for individuals already engaged in policy, governance, or civil society work who are seeking to expand their regional impact.