Op-Ed by Enxhi Lipa, CCIS Expert for the EYDR Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the Field of Youth
The digital age has brought about profound changes in the ways young people engage with society, particularly in Europe and the Western Balkans. Digital activism has emerged as a powerful tool, enabling young people to challenge societal norms, influence policy, and create a more inclusive and democratic world. This transformation represents a significant shift from traditional forms of civic engagement to a more dynamic, networked form of activism that transcends geographical boundaries.
In the Western Balkans, digital activism has gained traction despite the region’s relatively underdeveloped digital infrastructure. Young people in this region are increasingly turning to digital platforms to engage in civic and political activities, driven by a desire to address the social, economic, and political challenges they face. However, the continued success of digital activism will depend on addressing the challenges that come with it. Issues such as the digital divide, online safety, and digital literacy must be addressed to ensure that all young people have equal access to these tools. Governments, civil society organizations, and technology companies must work together to create an enabling environment for digital activism, where the rights and voices of young people are protected and amplified.
Read more about digital activism in the Western Balkans and in the EU in the Op-Ed by Enxhi Lipa 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.
