My professional endeavors often lead me to diverse countries, and in March, I found myself in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. The focal points of my visit were the facilitation of a network event and a training day for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kosovo dedicated to migrant reintegration. These activities were conducted on behalf of GIZ as part of the BMZ’s “Perspektive Heimat” program.

The primary objective of the network event was to foster connections among the representatives of various CSOs, ensuring that by the end of the day, all participants were familiar with the areas and regions where these organizations are active. The intention was to capitalize on collaborative synergies and address gaps collectively.

To achieve this, an information map featuring profiles and regional insights on the participating CSOs was collaboratively developed. This visual representation served as a tangible outcome of the event. Interactive mapping sessions (or socio-mapping) and speed presentations by each CSO facilitated personal networking. Through these sessions, participants engaged in rotating constellations, allowing everyone to acquaint themselves with one another and understand the diverse offerings of each CSO. Simultaneously, mini-workshops enabled participants to exchange ideas, sharing successes, identifying target group needs, and pinpointing areas requiring further attention. By the day’s end, all participants had gained a comprehensive overview, established numerous contacts, and acquired fresh perspectives.

The second day focused on capacity building for selected CSOs and, like the preceding network event, was conducted in both English and Albanian languages. Amidst these enriching professional activities, there was also an opportunity for a brief exploration of the city, including a visit to the iconic Newborn monument.