Highlights of Young Europeans: Kosovo Week – Promoting Youth Creativity, Talent, and Innovation from Kosovo
From 11 to 17 May 2026, the city of Padova hosted the first edition of Young Europeans: Kosovo Week, a cultural initiative organized by an international group of students with the support of the University of Padova and the Human Rights Centre “Antonio Papisca”. The week-long programme brought together students, academics, artists, and members of the public to explore contemporary Kosovo through culture, dialogue, and youth engagement.
The initiative aimed to promote a broader and more contemporary understanding of Kosovo, moving beyond narratives focused primarily on conflict and instability. Through exhibitions, film screenings, and public discussions, the event highlighted the creativity, resilience, and potential of Kosovo’s younger generations.
One of the central attractions of the week was the photographic exhibition “Kosovo Through New Lenses” by photographer Arben Llapashtica, hosted at the Cortile Pensile of Palazzo Moroni. The exhibition presented artistic images portraying the cultural and social dynamism of contemporary Kosovo and attracted numerous visitors throughout the week. The exhibition was opened from 11 May till 17 May 2026.
The programme also featured a screening of the award-winning film “Hive”, directed by Blerta Basholli, at Teatro Ruzante. The event was opened by the Consul of the Republic of Kosovo in Italy, Mr. Kastrati, who highlighted the importance of the initiative and introduced the audience to the themes and story behind the film.
Following the screening, Fahrije Hoti, whose life story inspired Hive, shared her personal journey with the audience in an emotional discussion and participated in a question-and-answer session. The event brought together university professors and staff, researchers, scientists, students, and members of the wider community, creating an engaging moment of dialogue and reflection.
Another key moment of the initiative was the youth panel discussion titled “Change Makers: Building a Country Through Youth”, held at the Human Rights Centre “Antonio Papisca”. The event focused on the role of young people in the social, cultural, and economic development of the Western Balkans, while fostering dialogue on intercultural cooperation and youth participation in Europe.
The panel featured several guest speakers from Kosovo, Presheva Valley and Italy, including Arber Lleshi representing BONVET, Vullnet Sanaja representing Anibar, Sindi Manush (Major of Pieve di Cadore) and Ajxhan Esati representing Livrit. Through their contributions, the speakers shared experiences and perspectives on youth empowerment, cultural initiatives, community development, and international collaboration.
The event concluded with a special musical performance by Edona Vatoci, followed by the presentation of the book “Il Vomere”, written by Carmelo La Rosa in collaboration with young people from Kosovo.
Organisers described the first edition of Kosovo Week as a meaningful opportunity to showcase Kosovo's creativity, potential, and beauty, and to create new connections between Kosovo and Italy.
The initiative was funded by the University of Padova within the framework of the 2025/26 call for student-led cultural and leisure activities.
