Triangle of Cooperation between Government, Business and Civil Society towards More Circular Economy in Kosovo

The event “We’re Going Circular!” held on the premises of the Institute for Protection of Monuments was a forum for open dialogue between different stakeholders on possible ways forward and increasing uptake of inclusive circular economy practices in Kosovo. The event was also an opportunity to showcase the vital role CSOs play in both the advocacy and implementation of circular economy principles.

Circular Economy for Green Transition (CE4GT) is a three-year initiative that contributes towards the transition to a more circular economy in Kosovo by building the capacity of civil society actors to influence policy reforms. The project is funded by the European Union, co-funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and implemented by the People in Need and Let's Do It Peja!.

Deputy Mayor of Pristina, Alban Zogaj, said that the vision for the city is “green and clean Pristina” and announced continued investment towards that goal.

Tim Jenkins, Regional Representative of the People in Need in the Western Balkans emphasized the role of civil society in promoting a sustainable way of living.

“CSOs often pioneer innovative and sustainable practices. They conduct research, pilot projects, and implement sustainable solutions, showcasing the feasibility and benefits of clean energy adoption and climate-resilient initiatives,” Jenkins said and concluded that civil society organizations were a bridge between citizens, communities, policymakers and the private sector.

Key findings from the assessment on current policy frameworks and civil society capacities for circular economy in Kosovo done at the beginning of the Project were presented by project manager Eremira Salihu (PIN Kosovo) and coordinator Jeta Berisha (Let’s Do It, Peja!). The report gave several key recommendations:

• The Government of Kosovo should involve a more significant number of CSOs in its upcoming initiatives to draft Law on Climate Change, Law on Strategic Environmental Assessment, etc.
• CSOs should transition from independently implementing projects to collaborative efforts with other CSOs, as partnerships will help in having more impact.
• Small and medium enterprises should establish and maintain better cooperation with CSOs and the Government of Kosovo to meaningfully advance toward a circular economy in Kosovo.

The panel discussion, Together for Circular Economy in Kosovo, saw the participation of representatives of development partners, civil society, small businesses, and solidarity economy. They agreed that cooperation between all the sectors – public, private, and civil, as well as donor community and financial institutions, is necessary to create an enabling environment and conditions for the circular economy. This will benefit both the economy and the environment.

Urim Xharavina, Executive Director - Let’s Do it Peja, who presented the success story of the SEREC social enterprise recycling textile, concluded by saying that only through honest cooperation of all stakeholders can achieve our vision for "Clean and Green Kosova", emphasizing and encouraging youth to utilize their creativity in the field of Circular Economy as an unlimited opportunity for development.