From Protest to Progress: The Role of Youth in Political Change

How do young people in the Western Balkans form their political identities as political instability increases? Do they find themselves struggling between silence and resistance, or do they believe they have the power to influence change? Are they agents of change or passive and pragmatic parts of society? Join us for a panel discussion on 2 April 2025 at 18:00 at the International Institute for Peace, Vienna, where we will delve into these pressing questions.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing students protests in Serbia and debates about the fate of the political regime of Aleksandar Vucic, of Europe's silence, and the rise of anti-democratic trends, we will look into the latest Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) research on youth perceptions in Southeast Europe and use it to provide a broader picture of the region. Based on these insights we will focus on the question how young people can shape the future and reinvigorate the democratic spirit of the region. The discussion will bring together experts and activists, with an emphasis on highlighting young voices to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing youth today.

From Protest to Progress: The Role of Youth in Political Change

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Time:       6:00 PM

Venue:   IIP, Möllwaldplatz 5/7, 1040 Vienna

WELCOME

• HANNES SWOBODA, former MEP and President of the IIP

• SAŠA VASIĆ, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Southeast Europe (FES SOE)

REFLECTION ON FES YOUTH STUDY

• EMA DŽEJNA SMOLO ZUKAN, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Southeast Europe (FES SOE)

PANEL

• VEDRAN DŽIHIĆ, Senior Researcher, Austrian Institute for International Politics

• BORIS KOJČINOVIĆ. Student at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia

• LARISSA LOJIĆ, European Youth Delegate, Austrian BiH Youth Initiative

• LUKA CEKIC, Project Assistant at the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS)

MODERATION

• STEPHANIE FENKART, Director of the IIP

The discussion will be held in English. 

Snacks and drinks will be offered after the event!

By participating in this event, you agree that any photos or recordings taken that include footage of your person may be published or used in any other way by the organizers of the event.