Adela, Besjon, and Mihailo shared how the project has influenced their personal and professional lives. Adela, who participated in the WeWrite component, emphasized the invaluable skills she gained in policy analysis, strategic communication, and leadership—skills she has already begun to apply in her daily work: “Sometimes I had this aha moment, that this is something that we have already discussed, or I had already tried to implement during the workshop or activity I participated in as part of the project.”

One key outcome of Adela’s participation was preparing, writing, and advocating a policy paper on talent management in public institutions—a pressing issue in Albania. Her policy paper is a significant document that involves various stakeholders in Albania, including EU representatives, the Ministry of Public Administration, and the EU delegation. The highlight of her journey was presenting this paper at the CEF Forum in Moldova, where she had the privilege of discussing her work with high-level government officials and an influential audience.

For Besjon, the WeLead project was an extraordinary experience that enhanced many of the leadership skills and mindsets essential for young public officials. Workshops on leadership styles, participatory governance, and knowledge management, led by distinguished experts, provided practical tools, strategies, and knowledge-sharing opportunities that participants could directly integrate into their organizations.

Mihailo, who transitioned from a professional athlete to a public servant, found the first online workshop, “Online Learning Methodologies and Tools,” initially challenging but ultimately particularly beneficial. The workshop helped him articulate his thoughts on transitioning from one professional field to another. Additionally, Mihailo highlighted the importance of organizing study visits: “Study visits gave me valuable insight into the work of various public institutions in Tirana, Sarajevo, Ljubljana, and Paris.”

All three participants—Adela, Besjon, and Mihailo—emphasized that the WeLead project significantly enhanced regional cooperation and networking. Adela considers the relationships and professional networks she built as her greatest asset from the project. She met new colleagues, mentors, and peers, who she views as part of a professional network that will continue to inspire one another. Mihailo gained new friendships and insights into the personal stories of many successful individuals who are shaping today’s societies. Besjon sees this network, enriched by shared experiences and knowledge, as a crucial resource for addressing common challenges in the region, especially in the context of European integration. For him, the unique connections formed through the WeLead project are among its most valuable outcomes: “I can confidently say that I’ve made some of my best friends in the region through this project, and I’m proud of it.”

The project also provided important insights into the significance of knowledge management within public administration. Initially, Besjon viewed knowledge management as a simple exchange of information, but after participating in the project, he realized it encompasses much more, including constructive feedback, coaching, advising, and mentoring. He now feels better equipped to tackle one of the biggest challenges in public institutions: managing, creating, and preserving internal knowledge and building on it to design and implement policies that will bring Western Balkan countries closer to the European agenda.

The WeLead project also aims to inspire the next generation of leaders and policymakers to become key agents in the EU integration process and public administration reform—and this goal is being met. Adela shared that her future motivation is to engage in leadership roles within the region, applying the knowledge and skills she has gained while contributing to the professional networks she has developed. Besjon plans to actively integrate his newly acquired mindset into his organization and beyond. He revealed that he and his colleagues now feel more equipped to engage in EU policy design and policy development in general. Before the WeLead project, Mihailo occasionally saw himself as a leader, but his perspective has changed. The WeLead project helped him see things from another perspective and instilled extra confidence and the ability to truly become a leader.

The WeLead Project has been a catalyst for both individual and institutional growth. As Adela remarked: “Participating in the WeLead project is a process that will affect you, even when you don’t speak or least think about it.” The project has empowered its participants with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to make a meaningful impact in their institutions, communities, and beyond. For Adela, Besjon, Mihailo, and many others, the WeLead project has been more than just a learning experience—it has been a transformative journey, shaping their professional paths and personal lives and fostering a new generation of leaders ready to contribute to the future of the region.