26–28 March 2025, Tirana, Albania

The SEECP Junior Diplomats’ Forum took place in Tirana from 25-28 March 2025, bringing together young diplomats from across South East Europe and the Western Balkans for an immersive experience in diplomacy, negotiation, and regional cooperation. The Forum was co-organized by the Regional School of Public Administration, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), and the Chairmanship-in-Office of the South-East European Cooperation Process (ChiO of SEECP).

The forum was officially opened on 26 March, with welcome remarks from Antonela Dhimolea, Chair of Tirana ChiO of SEECP, Maja Handjiska Trendafilova, Director of ReSPA, and Monika Petrova, Senior Political Advisor at RCC. In her opening remarks, ReSPA Director Maja Handjiska Trendafilova emphasized the crucial role of regional cooperation and capacity building in shaping a resilient and forward-looking public sector and diplomatic community in South East Europe. She highlighted the importance of equipping young diplomats with the skills needed to navigate complex international challenges.

Over three days, participants engaged in a series of thought-provoking lectures, discussions, and practical exercises designed to enhance their diplomatic skills. The forum featured sessions on complexity theory in diplomacy, led by Pavle Miovčić, and an interactive negotiation simulation conducted by Dr. Odeta Barbullushi. The negotiation simulation was a highly engaging and hands-on experience where participants took on different roles in a complex diplomatic scenario. They were tasked with balancing national interests, regional stability, and EU accession priorities while practicing persuasive communication and decision-making under pressure. Through guided debriefings, Dr. Barbullushi provided participants with strategic insights on how to approach negotiations in high-stakes diplomatic settings, emphasizing the importance of preparation, adaptability, and coalition-building.

Another key session was the communication and public relations training led by Dr. Jakov Bojović, which focused on how diplomats can craft and deliver impactful messages in international settings. The session covered essential techniques for public speaking, media engagement, and crisis communication, equipping participants with the tools to effectively represent their institutions. Through practical exercises, attendees practiced delivering statements, handling press inquiries, and refining their messaging strategies. Dr. Bojović highlighted the role of strategic communication in diplomacy and provided valuable feedback on participants’ performance, helping them enhance their ability to convey key messages with clarity and confidence.

Beyond the formal sessions, the forum fostered connections among young diplomats through networking opportunities and cultural activities.

The SEECP Junior Diplomats’ Forum 2025 successfully reinforced the importance of regional cooperation, equipping young diplomats with valuable knowledge, practical skills, and networks that will support their careers in public service. ReSPA, together with its partners, remains committed to initiatives that foster good governance, European integration, and stronger regional collaboration in South East Europe.