Two days dedicated to safeguarding (safety, dignity, and inclusion)!

 Two days dedicated to safeguarding (safety, dignity, and inclusion)!

 On May 21–22, 2025, in Tirana, we hosted the International Conference “Best Practices and Challenges in Safeguarding within Civil Society Organizations in South-Eastern Europe” — a regional Community-Led Event by @NGO Academy, organized by Nisma ARSIS and Terre des hommes, with the support and commitment of NGO Academy member organizations.

 

Over two intensive days, with more than 100 participants from Albania, Kosovo, Romania, Moldova, public institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, we shared:
• the challenges we face in implementing safeguarding policies and practices for children and vulnerable adults;
• experiences across child protection, disability, education, sports, technology, civil society, and community work, highlighting safeguarding as an ongoing process of design, implementation, and follow-up;
• and a shared commitment to building safe and inclusive environments for all.

 

One of the strongest messages from the conference:
Safeguarding is not just a protocol; it is a mindset and an organizational culture aimed at preventing harm, influencing attitudes, and establishing reporting and support mechanisms.
An organizational, institutional, and community culture where every child and individual feels safe, respected, and heard.

We believe that making this vision a reality requires:

• cross-sectoral cooperation,

• meaningful community engagement,

• investment in capacity-building,

• and, above all, a will to act with integrity and responsibility.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all speakers, participants, our partners from government institutions, local and international organizations and especially to the young people who gave voice to this initiative.

A special thank to Terre des hommes – Romania, Terre des hommes – Kosovo, Terre des hommes – Moldova, European Union in Albania, UNICEF Albania, World Vision Albania, Save the Children in 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, Ministria e Arsimit, Shkencës Dhe Teknologjisë – Kosovë, Drejtoria Arsimore Rajonale Qytetit Tiranë, Drejtoria e Mbrojtjes dhe Perfshirjes Sociale, Bashkia Tiranë for sharing best practices and key challenges encountered in safeguarding across different levels.