The event was held in Tirana on March 28-29 and welcomed 34 CSO representatives from 6 Western Balkan countries and Turkey. As part of it, representatives of CSOs shared their experiences in working with volunteers, discussed organisational challenges and the legal and regulatory environment in their countries, as well as addressing challenges related to the recognition, support, and sustainability of volunteering in the region.

As part of the event panel, Ariola Agolli, Manager of the National Resource Centre, Partners Albania presented an overview of the legal framework for volunteering in the countries of the Western Balkans, the issues and challenges in implementation, following specifically in the case of Albania and the advocacy initiative already facilitated for two years by the Resource centre, in cooperation with a group of organisations for the change and improvement of the legal framework in Albania.

“Agenda for Action” was the summary prepared at the end of the event, which includes recommendations on improving policies, strategies, and the legal framework; support from the donor community, the EU, governments in the region, and other agencies; as well as the support that CSOs themselves can provide in the development of volunteerism.