About this learning event

This workshop is part of the WeLead project series that aims to contribute to good neighbourly relations and the advancement of the EU integration process of the Western Balkans. It aims to encourage young professionals to step out as emerging leaders of ideas, people, and reforms by zooming in on the themes of participative governance and listening at a bigger scale.

Public participation in governance is a basis for better policy and services and understanding the needs and values of citizens so that public sectors can be responsive, resilient, and relevant. It enables a deeper understanding of complex issues and stakeholder needs, wiser decision-making, and the development of relevant and sustainable strategies and actions.

This workshop will help participants gain a deeper understanding of the need and importance of participatory governance and acquire tools and methods for its implementation. It will also put special emphasis on the principles and skills of listening.

During this workshop, we will:
- Learn and explore what Participatory Governance is and why it is relevant in the context of Public Administration.
- Explore the added value of adaptive leadership and its implication for participative governance.
- Practice and experience participatory tools and methods that can be integrated into the work within teams, institutions and when working with other external stakeholders.
- Explore tips and tricks for applying participatory governance in hierarchical settings and discuss its possible traps.
- Experience different ways of listening and practising sensemaking in exploring complex issues.
- Strengthen young professionals' leadership skills and capacities through experiential learning, consultation and peer learning.
- Learn from the good practices and experience of participatory governance from the Western Balkan and beyond.
- Develop ideas for projects that are relevant to the participants.
- Connect, co-create and have fun.

Target audience

Participants of the component WeLearn of the project We Lead – second generation

Faculty

Bernard Nikaj, Professor at RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology), Kosovo*
Petra Založnik, Leadership and Learning Ecosystem Trainer and Facilitator
Steve Mostyn, Associate Fellow, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

Partners

This event is delivered as part of the EU-funded multi-beneficiary project “EU Scheme for Young Professionals in the Western Balkans” (WeLead) implemented by the CEF.