Una Karabeg

We are proud to present three new analyses developed under the project "Fostering Economic Opportunities of MARRI Participants by Enhancing the International Protection System" (PeMo), a part of GIZ's broader initiative on fostering the social participation of migrants and host communities in the Western Balkans 👇 1️⃣ Economic Opportunities in Hosting People on the Move (https://lnkd.in/d2Yec7Kz) 2️⃣ Legal Framework on Asylum and Labour Market Access in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia (https://lnkd.in/dPeAx5Uv) 3️⃣ Local Economic Impact of Hosting People on the Move (https://lnkd.in/dBUf5hyM) The analyses reveal key insights into economic opportunities, legal frameworks, and local impacts of hosting people on the move, offering practical guidance to strengthen international protection systems. Many thanks to the team of experts: 🔴 Dr. Isabel Ruiz – GIZ Expert/Professor, University of Oxford 🔴 Dr. Ivana Krstic – GIZ Expert/Professor, University of Belgrade 🔴 Dr. Nermin Oruc – GIZ Expert/Researcher, Centre for Development Evaluation and Social Science Research, Bosnia and Herzegovina. #migration #economicopportunities #WesternBalkans

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🌾 The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo hosted a round table with Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development Faton Peci to discuss the economic potential of the agricultural sector. Key topics included the development of sustainable agriculture, better integration with the food processing industry, and significant support for local producers. Minister Peci highlighted the importance of data-driven decisions and announced a 94% increase in agricultural exports. Exciting developments are on the horizon with upcoming legislation, including the Draft Law on Agricultural Cooperatives. #AmCham #BusinessMatters #20years

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Evaluating learning solely through a single end-of-semester exam is one of the most damaging practices in higher education in Kosovo, reflecting the critical state of the system. Assessment should be diverse, incorporating methods like projects, research reports, case studies, simulations, group tasks, and more. Learning improves when students are actively engaged in the process, rather than merely tested on memorized information. #highered #education #Kosovo #learning #teaching

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The Indicators on the Level of Media Freedom and Journalists′ Safety Index 2023 report for North Macedonia was recently published and I was interested how women journalists in North Macedonia faced significant safety challenges, particularly related to gender-based threats and harassment. Some of the key findings on this topic from this year's report include: ❗ There is still no comprehensive research data on the frequency of gender-based attacks against women journalists. However, personal testimonies reveal that many encounter sexist remarks, pressure and insults tied to their gender rather than their professional work, often focused on personal life or appearance. ❗ The Association of Journalists of Macedonia registered two notable cases in 2023. The first involved a physical attack on two ALSAT female journalists , resulting in a court conviction. The second was an explicit online threat against one female journalist, which is still under prosecution. ❗ Although the Law on Prevention and Protection from Violence against Women and Domestic Violence was established in 2021 to provide protection against gender-based violence, there is still no specific mechanism to support women journalists in particular. The existing general legal aid is underfunded and rarely accessible for victims of gender-based violence. ❗ In 2023, North Macedonia developed an Integrated Data Collection Model to consolidate gender-based violence cases. However, data will not be categorized by profession, necessitating a separate registry for tracking gender-based violence against journalists. ✔ The amendments to the Criminal Code in 2023 increased penalties for crimes such as murder, coercion, and threats against journalists, aiming to deter violence and enhance protection. All in all, despite some institutional efforts, challenges remain, with persistent impunity for attacks on journalists. The low prosecution rate once again underscores a need for stronger protective measures for women journalists in North Macedonia. #genderbasedviolence #womenjournalists #safejounalists #genderequality #NorthMacedonia

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🌍 Supporting Circular Economy in the Western Balkans with Visegrad Know-How! We're thrilled to share the regional report, the knowledge product of the project “Towards Regional Circular Supply Chains: Knowledge Exchange from V4 to WB”! A collaborative Initiative with @crpmnorthmacedonia. This initiative aims to support circular practices in Western Balkan (WB) countries by drawing on valuable insights from the Visegrad Group (V4) — Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. Through mapping each region's state of circular economy and gathering critical insights, we've identified main challenges and opportunities in the waste management. These findings will help us create tailored strategies for a more sustainable, circular transition that meets the unique needs of each WB country. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dYbVhBDJ Stay tuned as we work towards a greener future for all! 🌱 #CircularEconomy #SustainableFuture #V4toWB #GreenTransition #westernbalkans

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Rural women face significant barriers to essential resources, yet their empowerment is vital for sustainable development. On this International Day of #RuralWomen, we are spotlighting a groundbreaking cooperative performance audit by the Supreme Audit Institutions of North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo. Together, we evaluated how policies support rural women’s inclusion in the labour market—addressing key challenges and promoting equal opportunities in agricultural sectors. 🌾👩‍🌾 This joint effort underscores the importance of gender-responsive policymaking and SDG 5, as we work to ensure rural women have the tools and support they need to thrive. Want to know how we can create a more inclusive future? Check out this report: https://lnkd.in/gDa8P3Pz 📸: UN Women Albania, UN Women Europe & Central Asia

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Our latest work with UNDP Kosovo, addressing disinformation and misinformation. UNDP Kosovo We are pleased to present the powerful message of Tatjana Lazarević, Editor-in-Chief of the KoSSev portal, on the importance of information integrity. Tatjana highlights the media's essential role in this process. Join us in sharing and supporting the spread of accurate information! Ask, verify, and share accurate information! #UNDPKosovo25Years #IntegrityInformation #TogetherAgainstDisinformation #UNDP #FundingWindows

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Our latest work with UNDP Kosovo, addressing disinformation and misinformation. UNDP Kosovo Media Literacy is a permanent and essential tool in our digital age, where information is rewarded but also manipulated at the click of a button. Understanding its crucial role in countering misinformation and disinformation, is essential. Strengthen your #MediaLiteracy! Discover its importance in countering misinformation, explore its key principles and improve your critical thinking skills with engaging exercises. This initiative, part of the "Strengthening Information Integrity through Youth Empowerment" project is supported by UNDP through contributions from Luxembourg, the Republic of Korea, and Norway via UNDP #FundingWindows. #YouthEmpowerment #InformationIntegrity #UNDPKosovo #NorwayUN #LuxembourgUN #ROKMission #UNDPKosovo25Years

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Check out the latest insights from Kosovo Sustainable Development Week, where experts discussed the #Green #Agenda in 📍Kosovo and the role of local action in tackling climate change. From addressing 💧water pollution to fostering 🤝collaboration, this panel highlighted key steps toward a sustainable future. Read the full post and join the conversation! 🌍 #EU4Green #GreenAgenda #Sustainability #ClimateAction

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Our latest work with UNDP Kosovo Women, especially those in the public eye such as politicians and public figures, are more often targeted by disinformation campaigns in comparison to men. This conclusion is derived from the publication of Pikasa Analytics and D4d "Unsocial Media - Tracing and Exposing Gendered Disinformation in Kosovo" which can be found here: https://d4d-ks.org/wp- content/uploads/2024/01/01-Gender-Disinformation- ENG10.pdf This publication was made possible with the support of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Kosovo and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NDI, USAID, UNDP, or any individual of the organizations. UNDP Kosovo support was made possible through generous contributions from Luxembourg, Republic of Korea, and Norway, via the Funding Windows. As UNDP's primary vehicle for thematic funding, the Funding Windows enable UNDP to respond swiftly and comprehensively to needs and emerging challenges across the world #UNDPKosovo25Years #purpleconsulting

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The civil sector is a pillar of social change, but it often demands more than it gives. Daily pressures, challenges, and responsibilities to the community, donors, and management can lead to burnout, affecting professionals across the Western Balkans. Join us for the Regional Talk on Burnout Prevention in the WB6 Civil Sector, where we will explore how we recognize the signs of burnout in time, the best tools and techniques for stress prevention, and how to balance personal needs and professional obligations. Register today and join us in the shared fight against burnout—because a healthy civil sector means a healthy community. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dMT2AdDr See you on November 19th at 11 AM! Royal Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade Center for Research and Policy Making Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM)

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Your Voice Matters! Participate in Survey on Local Municipality Openness and Transparency in North Macedonia 🚀 CSOs Foundation Metamorphosis, Rural Coalition, and Blink 42-21 want to hear from YOU! 🌟 As part of the Digital Transformation at a Local Level – Inclusive Local Municipality for Resilience against Corruption Project, a survey is conducted to gather the perceptions of citizens and CSOs in North Macedonia about the openness and transparency of our local municipalities. Your feedback is crucial for fostering a more transparent and accountable local government. 📝 Take the Survey Here: https://lnkd.in/ez7kCfs7 💬 Why Participate? Share your experiences and views. Help improve local governance. Contribute to a more open and transparent community. 🔒 Confidentiality: Your responses are completely anonymous and will be kept confidential. ⏳ Time Commitment: The survey will take approximately 7 minutes to complete. Your opinion can make a difference! Let’s work together towards a better, more transparent future. ✨ #Survey #Transparency #Openness #LocalGovernment #NorthMacedonia #CommunityEngagement

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📈 USAID’s Investment Promotion and Access to Finance Activity is leading the way in designing the investment fund approach in Kosovo. ➡Today at the Balkanomics Conference co-organised by USAID CATALYZE Western Balkans Engines of Growth Activity and Creative Business Solutions - CBS, the spotlight was on unlocking economic growth for Western Balkans. 👨‍💼David King, Advisor to USAID’s Investment Promotion and Access to Finance Activity, presented an investment fund approach that is being designed in Kosovo with a developmental and regional perspective. He emphasized the need to deepen regional partnerships to address the growing demand to mobilize capital for accelerated growth in the Western Balkans. #AccesstoFinance #InvestmentPromotion #InvestmentFunds #PrivateEquity #CapitalMarkets

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Advancing Sustainable Development through Tax Policy: A Collaborative Effort in North Macedonia UNDP North Macedonia, in collaboration with UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, the North Macedonia Ministry of Finance, the Public Revenue Office and the General Secretariat, recently convened the Second Dialogue on Tax Policy for Advancing the #SDGs in Skopje. Key stakeholders from the Government and civil society gathered to discuss the pivotal role of taxation in shaping a sustainable future. This series of two dialogues set the stage for critical discussions on aligning fiscal policies with national development priorities. 👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eWekv5kC #tax #finance #policy #collaboration #sustainabledevelopment

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Such a great experience to present 🇲🇪 case study to the colleagues from the Western Balkans in the "Crisis Communications - Principles and National Examples" workshop which took place in Skopje this week. Organized by RAN Policy Support, part of the European Commission Radicalisation Awareness Network, this workshop was a sharing stage for comms professionals about crisis, our role and responses. Learned a lot! #SharingIsCaring #CommunicatonInCrisis

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Municipal social services In Albania, 493 public, non-public and mixed social services are provided, by 339 institutions, namely 122 public and 217 non-public entities. As the table below shows, 46% are public social services, against 42% that are non-public services. Only 12% of social services are of mixed form, public and non-public Municipalities are the main financiers of services of public institutions, 54%, followed by “mixed” forms of financing services, respectively 24%. The Ministry (the central level of administration) finances 19% of the services of public institutions24. While in terms of geographical distribution, the largest number of services are offered in the district of Tirana (114), followed by Elbasan (72), Durrës (45), Shkodër (43), Korçë (39), Vlorë (38), Gjirokastër (38), Lezhë (28), Fier (23), Berat (23), Dibër (18) and Kukës (12). Analyzing the data of the number of services according to the population per 10,000 inhabitants (since there is no official standard), only the number of the population was used, where it is clear that the Gjirokastër district has a higher average with 5.26 per 10,000 inhabitants and Fieri with 0.74/10,000 inhabitants.

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