As part of the regional project “Future for Youth” – implemented by CARE Balkans in partnership with Center E8 from Belgrade, the Institute for Population and Development from Sarajevo, and Perpetuum Mobile from Banja Luka – an inspiring event titled Pitch and Speak – Youth in Innovation was held today in Sarajevo, bringing together young people with diverse ideas and innovations aimed at driving social change.

This event highlights what happens when young people are trusted and provided with a safe space to act. Through the Future for Youth project, they’ve had the opportunity to learn based on facts, reflect on societal issues, and respond to injustice. They choose knowledge that serves life—not just grades.

Today’s event served as a unique platform where young people publicly presented prototypes of solutions to challenges that shape their everyday lives – from gender equality and mental health to employment issues, sexual and reproductive health, and social engagement.

Sexy, Biro4ever, and Support Services Shouldn’t Be a Luxury were just some of the names of the pitch sessions that showcased youth issues in a fun, skillfully executed, well-presented, and thoughtfully developed manner.

“We are giving a voice to young people, giving them the chance to present their ideas. Over the past few months, they’ve been identifying and analyzing the problems they face, mapping them out, and developing solutions through educational workshops. Youth issues were also in the spotlight during the live podcast and interactive quiz—not just supporting innovative ideas, but also showing that young people themselves should be the ones to talk about their problems. They are the ones affected, the ones who feel it, and the ones who can find solutions,” said Sumka Bučan, Director of CARE Balkans.

She added that rapper and influencer Kerim Panjeta, known as Stoposto, joined the initiative, alongside Andrija Stokić from Belgrade, who uses his platform to talk about mental health, and Azra Mehmedović from Sarajevo.

The Future for Youth project has been running for nearly 20 years across the region, with the aim of connecting and empowering young people to lead healthier lives and make better, more informed life decisions.

“Young people have the knowledge and desire—they are active and highly creative. What they lack is space to implement their ideas, as well as broader community support. This isn’t just about families, but also schools, considering that education systems in the region are outdated and rigid. Most of it boils down to information transfer rather than meaningful conversations with youth. The greatest strength of this project is that it offers them a safe space to express themselves and show their potential,” emphasized Sara Dereta, Gender Equality Advisor at CARE Balkans.

The event and gathering of young people from Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Belgrade concluded with an awards ceremony. Who won? Everyone—brilliant, young, and creative!

Over the past two decades, Future for Youth has engaged tens of thousands of young people and remains the region’s longest-running program. With the support of the BAWAG Group, CARE Balkans and its partners continue their long-standing work on institutionalizing life skills education through the recognized and award-winning Program Y.