Youth Voices Lead Change: Albania's Revised Youth Law with World Vision Support

Albania has taken a significant step towards empowering its youth by revising Law No. 75/2019 "On Youth". This law underwent an extensive consultation process, supported by World Vision Albania, involving youth from all over the country, including members of Impact Clubs. The revised law, approved by the Albanian Parliament on March 17, 2025, creates more opportunities for education, employment, and decision-making for young people.

Reflecting on this achievement, Debora, a young medical student and member of IMPAKT clubs, expressed her satisfaction with the process, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in public policy and the potential of young people.

 "I am happy that our suggestions have been reflected in the law. I have been part of the process since the Youth Strategy was drafted and until the finalisation of the changes to the Youth Law. The new changes pave the way for the creation of new programmes to support and empower young people, making them direct actors of change in their communities," she said. 

Debora opened the first consultation workshop attended by dozens of young people, representatives of state institutions, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), youth organisations, the National Youth Council, Local Youth Councils, Student Councils, as well as experts and researchers in the field of youth.

The dynamic and inclusive process included a national event, a tour in 13 cities, and a Bootcamp where, for 3 days, 150 young people provided suggestions and ideas, which were officially presented to the Albanian government. 

Ledjona, from the Youth Advisory Board of World Vision Albania, felt the power of their collective voice. 

“The process has brought the voices of young people directly to the heart of policymaking. Our proposals have been heard and taken into account. This process has made me feel heard and valued. There can be no decisions for young people without young people," she said.

Learti, another Impact member who has been part of the consultation process, say that the new changes fully safeguard and advance youth rights.

"When young people unite, the outcomes are always positive. The new changes fully safeguard and advance youth rights. It's inspiring to witness the inclusion of young voices in the decision-making process," he concluded.

The revision of the law is an important moment, not only for young people in particular but also for participatory democracy as a whole. It protects and promotes the rights and empowerment of 430,330 children and young people aged 15-29. 

The changes in the law align Albania with European standards, provide a clearer framework for youth policies, and create opportunities for the professional development and integration of young people into the labour market.

New Changes

The changes will focus on three main pillars: the National Internship Programme, the Youth Talent Programme, and the Community Initiatives Programme. The National Internship Programme will adopt a new approach, similar to European programmes, providing meal allowances and training in digital and interpersonal skills to 600 young interns annually. 

The Youth Talent Programme will support young people in cultivating their talents in various fields, covering costs for participation in international competitions and offering financial rewards based on achievements. The Community Initiatives Programme will empower young people to implement small projects that improve local communities, with funding from the National Youth Agency. 

The draft law introduces the concept of youth centres as legal entities, aiming to deepen interaction between municipalities, youth organisations, and young people. It seeks to increase opportunities for establishing youth centres across the country and enhance their ability to benefit from foreign donor funding. Additionally, the draft law regulates the recognition and determination of competencies and professional training for youth workers.

This achievement underscores the power of youth voices in policymaking and the importance of participatory democracy.

By Alfons Cupaj, PR and Communications - World Vision Albania