Op-Ed by Kristel Hasani, SCiDEV Expert for the EYDR Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the Field of Youth
The expert interviews and focus groups conducted as part of the “Youth Participation in Digital Democracy: From Digital Skills to Digital Rights of Youth with Fewer Opportunities in the Western Balkans” project, funded by the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the Field of Youth Programme of the European Union, reveal key insights into the current state of youth digital activism and the pressing need to protect digital rights in Albania. This op-ed presents some of the key insights from the in-depth interviews and focus groups.
Albanian youth are increasingly engaging in digital activism, using social media and other platforms to avocate for various causes, mobilize communities, and influence political discourse. However, they face significant challenges, including inadequate digital literacy and awareness of digital rights, underdeveloped infrastructure, and weak legal protections against digital rights violations. These barriers not only limit their ability to participate fully in the digital sphere but also expose them to cyber threats like hate speech, online harassment, misinformation, and personal data abuse.
In the face of a highly complex landscape, experts emphasize the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-faceted approach that includes investing in digital literacy and capacity-building programs, improving digital infrastructure in educational institutions, strengthening legal protections in line with EU standards, and improving reporting and investigation mechanisms. Public institutions, law enforcement, and civil society must work together to safeguard youth in the digital space, ensuring that they can engage in activism safely and effectively. By taking these steps, Albania can empower its youth to become leaders in the digital democracy of the future.
To read the complete op-ed, please click here.
About EYDR Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the Field of Youth Project
“The Youth Participation in Digital Democracy: From Digital Skills to Digital Rights of Youth with Fewer Opportunities in the Western Balkans” – EYDR project aims to engage, connect, and empower young people in the digital world by developing their digital skills and raising awareness about their digital rights with an approach that balances protection and participation so they can fully participate in the digital democracy. The EYDR project led by SCiDEV brings together a consortium of 7 partners from 4 countries. This project is funded by the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the Field of Youth Programme of the European Union. The study on the mapping of youth participation in digital democracy in Albania and in Montenegro is under preparation and will be published in autumn 2024. It will serve as a basis to inform all project activities, but also provide useful evidence and recommendations for interested stakeholders in this area.
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
