The youth of Mitrovicë/a also deserve a better future. This city, nestled along the beautiful Ibër/Ibar River, holds a special place in my heart, as I spent some of my best days there during my studies. Mitrovicë/a, unfairly labeled as a symbol of division in our society, has never truly embodied such division.
The issue of missing persons is indicative of the deeper difficulty in reckoning with Kosovo’s past. The violent disappearance of the individuals is a deeply personal tragedy for their families; a missing piece of history of this era.
Through strategic investments in the potential of the youngsters, empowering women, and fostering civic engagement, Mitrovica would lay the groundwork for a future, characterized by resilience and dynamism.
The young citizens of Mitrovica, through their active engagement in these areas, are not just connecting with each other; they are laying the foundation for a united and vibrant community.
They want to show that they don’t hesitate at all to make rock music together, just like the old generations of this city full of culture used to do, bringing together everyone who understands that peace is the only way forward.
The story of Mitrovica’s youth is an inspiring one, but it is not unique. Youth-led movements for peace are gaining momentum worldwide. From climate activism to social justice movements, young people are proving that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today.
“Justification for the Association, as a platform anticipating the enhancement of the rights of the Kosovo Serb community and interests, has been misleading.”
“In order to be engaged, to participate, to have their voice heard, young people must be informed and educated to recognize possible impacts to the environment and organized to raise the awareness and influence the decisions.”
“Dealing with the past is the other side of the same coin of sustainable peace and reconciliation. I believe that the young people should not carry the weight of the past upon their shoulders. The weight which divides them and projects them as adversaries. In the contrary much effort should be placed at empowering them in promoting reconciliation, in building bridges between the societies and communities torn by the war.”
“The non-governmental sector in Kosovo since after the war has had and continues to have a pro-active role in seeking the truth, focusing not only on its research, but also on building cooperation, promoting interethnic and institutional dialogue and creating lasting peace in the country, fostering discussion and response to war crimes and the role that the community plays in uncovering the truth, its de facto acceptance as a key to interethnic and interstate cooperation in building peace and democracy in general.”
