Since the 23rd of July, young Israelis have been staying in Kosovo with the organization of the Qualitative Institute for Research, Analysis and Trainings iCHAT from Kosovo with the organization ‘Debate For Peace’ from Israel. The youth from both countries held the PRI-MUN2023 workshop for the preparation of the content and topics for the organization of the UN simulation for 2023 in Kosovo – “Model United Nations”, which will be held in December of this year.
After the workshop, young people from Israel and Kosovo visited the Ministry of Regional Development. The delegation from Israel was met by the Minister of Regional Development Mr. Fikrim Damka along with his cabinet at the Ministry of Regional Development.
The Minister informed the youth from Israel about the work and dedication of the Ministry of Regional Development for the balanced regional socio-economic development, investments in the field of entrepreneurship for the development of businesses with their support, and support scheme services from the Ministry of Regional Development as well as support for start-ups for young entrepreneurs, which directly strengthen the economic development of the country.
Young people from Israel informed the Minister Mr. Fikrim Damka that they cooperate with iCHAT since 2016 to organize “Model United Nation Kosovo” and bring students and young people from Israel and different countries of the world to Kosovo.
We are also working that for conferences and activities of the “Debate For Peace” organization in Israel, but also for studies, the delegation from Israel pledged that they are interested to engage with young people from Kosovo in Israel. This meeting has encouraged further cooperation between the two countries, practice exchanges to reach shared goals, and lobbying in order to highlight the role of the youth in building a lasting peace in the international processes of Kosovo.
Mr. Besmir Kokollari Executive Director of iCHAT emphasized: This meeting will also contribute on promoting the Republic of Kosovo to professors, students and pupils of Israel in this visit. Experiences and knowledge were also shared in different fields, such as politics, economy – balanced regional economic development, innovation, education, and culture, and especially the promotion of Kosovo’s statehood and the cultural values we possess.
There is no doubt that the PRI-MUN2023 workshop has also contributed to the youth exchange component at the local, regional and international level, which will influence and encourage our youth for community engagement, involvement in public life, networking, capacity building and training in identifying the challenges and problems faced by young people, providing opportunities for positive dialogue and debate regarding international relations and diplomacy.
“Model United Nations” was first organized by the students of Harvard University – USA, while in Kosovo it was first organized by iCHAT – Kosovo International Model United Nations, in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, the University of Prishtina – “Hasan Prishtina”, Faculty of Philosophy and AAB College. It has continued for three editions in cooperation with the Israeli “Debate for Peace” organization.
Qualitative Institute for Researches, Analysis and Trainings – iCHAT together with the Israeli delegation have visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo. The delegation from Israel was met by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Donika Gërvalla- Schwarz, the Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Behar Isma, and the Director of the Diplomatic Academy Mr. Beqir Ismaili. The Minister of the MFAD Mrs. Donika Gërvalla- Schwarz conducted a debate with the Israeli youth about the engagement, foreign affairs, and continuous activities of the MFAD.
As long as dt. 25.07.2023 in the PRI-MUN2023 workshop Mr. Besmir Kokollari- Executive Director of iCHAT, Steven Aiello- Executive Director of the organization from Israel “Debate for Peace”, Mr. Xhevat Bajrami, Director of the Youth Department at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Young people from Israel and young people from Kosovo.
The Director of the Youth Department emphasized: “Youth Exchanges are welcome for us because it contributes to the exchange of ideas among young people as well as building bridges of friendship between the young people of our two countries”.
iCHAT announces that the public call for participants in Model United Nations Kosovo will soon be opened.