Our long-awaited seminar “Building Bridges Across the Lake – embracing universal Human Rights…?” has officially started — and the week is already full of powerful moments, deep learning, and vibrant exchange!
Held on the picturesque shores of Lake Pogradec/Ohrid, the seminar brings together young participants from across the Balkans and beyond. The goal? To confront hate speech, build empathy, and explore how we as a generation can defend and promote universal human rights — together.
From day one, the atmosphere has been open, dynamic, and full of curiosity. Participants are engaging in a wide variety of interactive workshops, each one designed to spark discussion, reflection, and action. Topics range from:
Understanding and challenging hate speech in local and regional contexts
Developing communication and conflict resolution skills
Sharing personal stories and experiences across cultural borders
But it’s not just about talking — it’s about doing. Many of the sessions are peer-led, meaning that participants themselves are stepping into facilitator roles, guiding group activities, and contributing their own knowledge and creativity.
In between workshops, informal conversations are flowing freely — during shared meals, lake walks, and cultural evenings. These moments of connection are just as important as the formal sessions. They build trust, break down stereotypes, and create the kind of friendships that cross borders.
In a region still marked by historical tensions and political uncertainty, hate speech and mistrust continue to impact young people’s opportunities and relationships. This seminar is a response to that reality — a space where dialogue replaces division, and where young voices are not only heard, but empowered.
Through this shared experience, participants are not only learning about human rights — they’re living them. Respect, dignity, and mutual understanding are not just values we talk about; they are the foundation of everything happening here.
We’re only halfway through the seminar, but already the impact is visible. New ideas are forming, partnerships are emerging, and participants are expressing a strong desire to take what they’ve learned back to their communities.
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