"International Conference on Best Practices and Challenges faced in Safeguarding within Civil Society Organizations in South-Eastern Europe"

Community engagement in safeguarding efforts

On May 21 and 22, 2025, we wrapped up the Conference on 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 within 86 participants from CSOs, government stakeholders and youth leaders, a powerful gathering of voices committed to share:

•  key opportunities, 

• policy gaps, 

• limited resources, 

• staff training needs, 

• cultural barriers affecting protection efforts 

that Civil Society Organizations encounter in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults across different levels. 

Together, we explored solutions and shared strategies to strengthen safeguarding at the global, regional, country levels and in every context.

Key topics included:
✅ The role of education in safeguarding
✅ Engaging communities for better protection
✅ Promoting diversity and inclusion when working with vulnerable groups
✅ Addressing safeguarding in sports
✅ Tackling digital safeguarding challenges

One of the most powerful messages that emerged from the conference:
Protection and security (Safeguarding) is not just a protocol but a organizational culture to prevent and influence the change of attitudes, establish reporting and support mechanisms.
An organizational, institutional and community culture, where every child and every individual feels safe, respected and heard.

The conference highlighted the urgent need for stronger collaboration, shared standards, and continued partnerships to prevent and respond to every alert.

🤝 Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can build safer environments across our communities.
A special thank to Nisma për Ndryshim Shoqëror, ARSIS, NGO Academy, Terre des hommes, Terre des hommes - Romania, Terre des hommes - Kosovo, Terre des hommes - Moldova, European Union in Albania, UNICEF Albania, World Vision Albania, Institute of Romani Culture in Albania - IRCA, Down Syndrome Albania, Partners Albania for Change and Development Autoriteti Kombëtar për Sigurinë Kibernetike, Urdhri i Punonjësve Socialë në Shqipëri, Ministria e Shëndetësisë dhe Mbrojtjes Sociale, Agjencia Shtetërore për të Drejtat dhe Mbrojtjen e Fëmijës Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Kosovo, Regional Directory of Education Tirana and Social Service Directory in Tirana Municipality for sharing best practices and key challenges encounter in safeguarding across different levels!