A vibrant gathering of over 75 young people from minority communities has turned Sjenica into a hub of inspiration, action, and change. The Youth Forum, titled “75+ steps toward equal opportunities,” brought together youth from across Serbia to celebrate diversity, dismantle stereotypes, and build lasting solidarity.

Held on the International Day for Tolerance and in celebration of the Council of Europe’s 75th anniversary, the three-day forum empowered participants to challenge discrimination and shape a more inclusive future. Through dynamic workshops and dialogues, they explored pressing issues such as cultural distance, discrimination, and the power of inter-community understanding.

“This experience broke down prejudices and created new friendships,” shared Emina Elfić, participant from Novi Pazar. “I’m returning home with knowledge and confidence to inspire change in my school and community.”

For many participants, the forum was a first step toward making their voices heard in decision-making processes. According to Nedeljka Borojević, a mentor and youth worker, this forum showed the youth that they are not just participants but valuable resources for creating change. “Young people want to be part of decisions in their communities, but they often feel unheard or unsupported,” she said.

Nedeljka also added that young people would appreciate it if decision-makers organised events more frequently where they could express their opinions, communicated with them in a way that resonates with their perspective, and valued them as a resource rather than viewing them through the lens of prejudice and stereotypes.

Adrijana Nikitović, Young European Ambassador, praised the event’s ability to bridge divides: “It created a space for dialogue, both among young people themselves and between youth and representatives of the civil sector and public administration. The forum enabled participants to connect with others and those who are different, demonstrating that diversity enriches rather than divides us.”

The impact of the forum extended beyond the sessions. Participants left equipped with strategies and confidence to promote inclusion in their local communities. From fostering inter-cultural dialogue to advocating for better opportunities, these young leaders are ready to drive change.

Opened by Janos Babity, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, Tomislav Žigmanov, Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Munib Mujagić, President of Sjenica municipality  and Kemal Zekić, Head of the Office of the Municipal President, the forum was organised the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue and the action “Combating discrimination and promoting diversity in Serbia”, implemented within the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkiye".