The Youth Initiative for Human Rights invites young LGBTQI+ people (also activists and allies) from the Western Balkans, Croatia and Slovenia to apply for the Regional Pride Academy 2026 – five online sessions, followed by a four-day Pride Academy in Belgrade, and the development of a Playbook. This year’s Academy will take place in Belgrade from September 3rd to 6th, during Pride Week, and will bring together young leaders from Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia.

📍 Belgrade, Serbia
📅Deadline march 30, 2026

The Regional Pride Academy🏳️‍🌈 is structured in three main parts:

  • 1) Online Labs (5 monthly sessions from April to August):
     Participants take part in five online sessions focused on problem detection, stakeholder mapping, citizen engagement, and advocacy goal setting. Each country group will identify priority issues and define one concrete advocacy goal.
  • 2) Regional Pride Academy in Belgrade (3-6 September):
     A 4-day in-person Academy during Pride Week provides intensive workshops and mentoring on advocacy, safety, organising, and creative action. Participants will co-create the concept for the Pride Volunteer Playbook and design country-level advocacy campaigns, while applying learning through participation in the Belgrade Pride March.
  • 3) Playbook & mini-campaigns (post-academy):
     The Playbook, based on participants recommendations, will be finalised and translated into participants’ languages; which all 24 participants use as a reference to implement national mini-campaigns promoting the Playbook and organise one local promotional event to support its uptake.

Who Can Apply?

We invite young LGBTQIA+ people, activists and allies, aged 18 to 30 from the Western Balkans, Croatia and Slovenia who:

  • Are actively involved in a local Pride initiative, LGBTQIA+ organisation, or informal activist group 
  • Be motivated to develop advocacy skills and contribute to regional cooperation 
  • Be committed to participating in all five online sessions and the four-day Pride Academy in Belgrade 
  • Be willing to implement a mini advocacy campaign at national level, and make the region a better place for LGBTQIA+ people! 🌈

🏨All expenses are covered – including accommodation, travel, and meals.

♿Our academy is committed to making education accessible to everyone. We offer all-expenses-paid opportunities for individuals with disabilities through our program  to enhance the accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities and warmly encourage them to apply. We are here to support, guide, and empower every student, ensuring they have the resources and environment they need to succeed. Your potential is our priority, and we welcome you to join our inclusive community. 

🗣The whole programme will be conducted in English, with 100% participation.

Apply now via this form.

📅 Application deadline: 30 march, 2026

For any additional questions, feel free to contact us at:
[email protected] 

Let’s come together, share experiences, and build a stronger, united LGBTQIA+ movement in the Balkans.
We look forward to receiving your application!

“This project is supported by European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe”