Are you a young changemaker passionate about democracy? Do you want to take part in interesting discussions and exchange opinions with peers across the region? If so, Youth Initiative for Human Rights invites you to apply for the Novi Pazar Youth Summit!
This year, the Summit will take place in Novi Pazar, Serbia, from June 22nd to 24th, bringing together over 100 participants from the region who are eager to amplify their voices in building better societies.
What is YIHR Youth Summit?
YIHR Youth Summit is biannual regional gathering that unites youth from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, Croatia, along with the activists from other countries. Participants discuss and work together on burning issues of democracy, transitional justice, reconciliation, human rights and rule of law, civil society resilience and accountability.
This year, the slogan of the Summit “Democracy Speaks Back!” is inviting to empower youth to address some of the region’s most urgent challenges: democratic backsliding, captured institutions, youth political participation, reconciliation and memory politics, media manipulation and disinformation, freedom of speech, and the future of human rights in increasingly polarized societies.
Since the first Youth Summit in 2009 in Belgrade, YIHR organized Youth Summits in Prishtina (2012), Sarajevo (2015), Zagreb (2017), Skopje (2019), Podgorica (2022) and Tirana (2024). You can see more about these Summits here.
What to Expect?
A number of interactive panels, workshops and networking sessions during the Summit will provide you with an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the challenges that youth is facing across the region. Despite the rising nationalism, slow European integration and stalled reconciliation efforts followed by the growing undemocratic tendencies, the Youth Summit presents a space for open dialogue.
Why should you join NPYS 2026?
- Amplify your voice
- Grow your network
- Build partnerships
- Inspire
Who can apply?
We invite any motivated young person (18 to 30) from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia to apply.
How to apply?
To apply, please fill out the application form by June 15th, 2026 at 23:59.
All expenses, including travel, accommodation and meals, are covered by the organizers. The working language of the event is English, and the number of participants is limited. All applicants will be informed about the results of the open call soon after closing of applications.
The selection criteria will be based on your motivation, previous experience and country of origin. While the majority of participants for this year’s edition of the Youth Summit will be from Serbia, we strongly encourage others to apply!
If you have any questions, please visit our website or reach out to us at [email protected].
Do not miss a chance to be the part of the biggest and most engaging youth led event in Novi Pazar! Join us in shaping the future of the region and beyond!
We look forward to receiving your applications and welcoming you to the Novi Pazar Youth Summit 2026!
This project is funded by the European Union, German Development Ministry (BMZ) and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the donors.
