The BSC Young Leaders programme is being organised for the third year in a row. While the first edition gathered only 15 participants, this year the programme brings together over 30 young professionals. The programme extends beyond the official conference dates; the participants have already met today, on November 16th, while the Belgrade Security Conference begins the following day.

Over 30 young professionals from Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered in Belgrade to attend the Young Leaders programme of the Belgrade Security Conference.

On Sunday, November 16th, participants got to know each other as well as the conference programme for the upcoming days. During the next three days, until November 19th, they will have the opportunity to visit the Museum of Yugoslavia, talk about the role of women in regional dialogue, transatlantic relations, and the EU enlargement. Moreover, they will be introduced to the basics of digital safety through a workshop and will discuss the role of youth in security and the future of the Western Balkans. In addition to the activities designed specifically for them, participants will also attend selected sessions of the Belgrade Security Conference that address these topics, allowing them to gain deeper insights and connect their discussions with the broader regional and international context.

If you’d like to see the full schedule, you can find the agenda at this link.

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The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) is pleased to announce the open call for participants for the third edition of the BSC Young Leaders Program, which will take place from 16 to 19 November 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia, alongside the Belgrade Security Conference – the largest regional platform for high-level dialogue on foreign and security policy.

About the Program

The BSC Young Leaders program creates a unique space for 30 young people from the Western Balkans – to come together, reflect on shared challenges, and contribute to building a democratic and inclusive future based on European values.

This year’s program, titled “Clearing the Pathways to Freedom”, will include:

• Networking and trust-building activities
• Guided visits and critical reflections on remembrance and reconciliation
• Interactive sessions with experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives
• Active participation in the Belgrade Security Conference (including priority in Q&A sessions and closed-door meetings)
• Youth-led sessions where participants will present their own perspectives on the future of democracy and cooperation in the region

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for motivated young people who:

• Are between 18 and 30 years old
• Come from one of the Western Balkans
• Have demonstrated interest in democracy, peace-building, European integration, security, or related fields
• Are ready to actively participate in all four days of the program!
• The working language of the program is English and participants are expected to be comfortable using English.

Important: Participants of BSC Young Leaders 2023 and 2024 are not eligible to apply.

Other Information

• Number of participants: 30 in total (20 selected through this open call + 10 alumni from previous BSC Young Leaders editions and related BCSP programs
• Costs: Accommodation, meals, and travel expenses will be fully covered by the organisers.
• Dates: 16–19 November 2025
• Location: Belgrade, Serbia

How to Apply?

Interested candidates should apply by 15 October 2025 by filling out the application form.

Special Opportunity

Our long-standing partners in the BSC Young Leaders program implementation– the International Institute for Peace (IIP) – together with BCSP will reward three participants of BSC Young Leaders 2025 with the opportunity to attend the conference organised by IIP in Vienna, on 2–3 December 2025. The conference, titled 30 Years After Dayton, will focus on the legacy of the Dayton Peace Agreement and its implications for the present and future of the Western Balkans.

To be considered, you will need to submit an essay by October 20. The three best essays will be selected, and the winners will be announced during the BSC Young Leaders program in Belgrade. For more details and to access the application, please see the link below.

https://form.jotform.com/252662051973055

Please note: Submitting an essay for the Vienna opportunity is optional and not required for participation in BSC Young Leaders 2025. However, to be eligible for the Vienna competition, you must first apply and be selected for BSC Young Leaders 2025.

Contact

For questions, please contact us at gorana.pebic@bezbednost.org

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