Young Europeans: Kosovo Week - First Edition, Padova, 11-17 May 2026

From 11 to 17 May 2026, the city of Padova will host “Young Europeans: Kosovo Week – First Edition,” a cultural initiative promoted by an international group of students with the support of the University of Padova and the Human Rights Centre “Antonio Papisca. 

The initiative aims to showcase the talent, creativity, and potential of young people from Kosovo, while contributing to a broader, more contemporary understanding of the country, which is often represented by narratives focused primarily on conflict and instability. Initiative funded with the contribution of the University of Padua as part of the Call for cultural and leisure initiatives proposed by students for the academic year 2025/26 

Registration is required to attend the events through the following link.

The week’s programme includes the following activities, and is free access. 

Photographic exhibition

 “Kosovo Through New Lenses” - Photos by Arben Llapashtica 

Cortile Pensile di Palazzo Moroni, 11–17 May 2026

The photographic exhibition presents contemporary Kosovo through artistic images that highlight culture, society, and the dynamism of its young population. 

Screening of the film

 “Zgjoi (Hive)” - Directed by Blerta Basholli 

Teatro Ruzante, Riviera Tito Livio, Monday 11 May, ore 18:00

The screening of the film Zgjoi (Hive), scheduled for 11 May 2026, at 18:00 at Teatro Ruzante, will be preceded by a short discussion with institutional and academic guests. The film Zgjoi, which was the most awarded film in the Sundance Film Festival and the Oscars short listed nomine, is based on a true story and portrays the journey of a woman in post-war Kosovo who starts a small business together with other women in her village, challenging social norms and contributing to the rebuilding of her community. The screening represents a central moment of the initiative, offering an opportunity to reflect on themes such as resilience, women’s empowerment, and social transformation, while showcasing youth talent.

Youth Panel

“Change Makers: Building a Country Through Youth” 

Human Rights Center "Antonio Papisca", Via Beato Pellegrino 28, Friday 15 May, ore 17:30 

The youth discussion, “Change Makers: Building a Country Through Youth,” focusing on the role of young generations in the social, cultural, and economic development of the Western Balkans, was hosted at the Human Rights Centre “Antonio Papisca,” on 15 May 2026, at 17:30.