Non-governmental Research Articles

Development of Civil Society Organizations—Caught Up in the Framework of Different Welfare Systems

This article examines the processes of governmentalization and marketization in enabling the development of civil society organizations within different welfare systems. It also attempts to explain how these processes impact volunteerism, distinguishing the service from the expressive roles of the civil society sector. Theoretical findings are tested and illustrated using data from the Johns Hopkins Comparative Nonprofit Sector Project. Further, data for Slovenia are included as an example of a distinct post-socialist welfare system. The data were collected from a representative sample of Slovenian civil society organizations based on the methodology of the Johns Hopkins Comparative Nonprofit Sector Project. As revealed, in line with institutionalist theories, different welfare systems show path dependency by determining the basis and level of the professionalization of the civil society sector, influencing the approaches of governmentalization and marketization, and indirectly changing the role of volunteerism.

Assessing the spatio-temporal pattern and determinants of child marriage in Nigeria

Abstract Millions of young girls in Nigeria have continued to suffer the negative consequences of early marriage such as discontinuation of education and restricting them from achieving their full potential. Successive Nigerian governments have therefore deployed different strategies over the years to mitigate the practice, particularly in the northern part of the country. This study analysed the changes in the pattern of child marriage across space-time in Nigeria using a dataset obtained from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey conducted between 2003 and 2018 at a consecutive interval of 5 years. A Bayesian spatio-temporal random effect model with inference based on integrated nested laplace approximation was considered. Whereas the findings demonstrate a reduction in the practice of child marriage over time everywhere in the country, the prevalence remains highest in States such as Kogi, Niger, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Taraba, and Kaduna, all in the northern part of the country despite the policies, program and interventions by international organisations, Child Right Acts, and Non-governmental organisations. Over the fifteen years, only slight changes were recorded in the Southwest region. Furthermore, higher levels of education, urban residency, household wealth, being a Yoruba, or belonging to a Christian religious group were found to lower the chances of child marriage. State-specific strategic planning would be useful in deploying suitable local solutions to reduce child marriage in Nigeria.

Impact of Traditional Dance and Games on Cardiovascular Health: A Scoping Review of Outcomes Across Diverse Low- and Middle-Income Countries

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where healthcare resources may be limited, the elderly are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aging population in these regions presents unique challenges, highlighting the urgent need for effective, accessible, and culturally appropriate interventions to address this cardiovascular health challenge in older adults. We aimed to evaluate the impact of traditional dance and games on cardiovascular health outcomes in LMICs through a scoping review of existing literature. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCO, SPORT Discuss, Web of Science, and the grey literature were searched from 2000 to 20 September 2024. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts and conducted data extraction. All conflicts were resolved with a third reviewer. A total of 3465 records were identified, of which 12 full-text articles were included in the review. The studies, five randomised clinical trials and seven non-randomised clinical trials, included varied age groups and populations including healthy, sedentary and obese participants. The interventions were traditional dance and games interventions with some extension to nutrition education. All the interventions were short term, with less than 6 months follow-up. Any traditional dance styles and games that involve physical performance can induce positive health outcomes. Undertaking traditional dance and games (TDGs) is equally effective on cardiovascular, functional and metabolic adaptations, leading to comparable improvements in older adults as for other forms of structured exercise. Collaboration of health practitioners, legislators, non-governmental agencies and local communities in LMICs in using TDGs may reduce the burden of CVDs.

Identifying Solutions for Capacity Building of Health Sector Non-Governmental Organizations

Identifying Solutions for Capacity Building of Health Sector Non-Governmental Organizations

Experiences of stigma amongst healthcare professionals working in abortion care: a global survey

IntroductionAbortion-related stigma negatively affects healthcare professionals providing abortion care, threatening workforce well-being and service provision. This global study, part of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ ‘Making Abortion Safe’...

When the basic seems like a luxury: Menstrual friendly public toilets in six cities.

When the basic seems like a luxury: Menstrual friendly public toilets in six cities.

Public Policy and Legal Regulation of Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and biotechnology, rapidly transform various sectors, prompting the need for adaptive and ethical governance. This study aims to identify and evaluate effective public policy and legal strategies for regulating these technological advancements in ways that foster innovation while safeguarding public welfare. Adopting a juridical approach, the research involves the analysis of legislative documents, case law, and policy briefs, complemented by expert interviews with policymakers, legal scholars, and technology professionals. The findings reveal that forward-looking legislative frameworks, balanced enforcement mechanisms, robust stakeholder engagement, and harmonizing international policy are critical to managing emerging technologies’ complex ethical, social, and economic implications. By highlighting the interconnected nature of legal reforms, stakeholder participation, and cross-border collaboration, this study provides comprehensive insights into creating regulatory environments that are both flexible and principled. These insights can guide policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society organizations in collaboratively shaping responsible and sustainable technology development

Female Labor Migration in the Middle East from Bangladesh: Remittance Warrior or Modern-Day Slave?

Modern-day slavery is a horrific crime of the twenty-first century. Many unskilled female laborers migrate to the Middle East from Bangladesh, where they are involved in nonskilled jobs and experience traumatic situations. This study explores Bangladeshi female migrant workers’ experiences in the Middle East and discovers why and how female labor migration influences modern-day slavery. This study will explain the experiences of female migrants in the Middle East based on in-depth interviews chosen through snowball sampling. This article has found the role of Dalal, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the state in promoting modern slavery as a neoliberal economic strategy. The findings show that both parties driving profit-making cite the migrants as “remittance warriors.” It is also argued that the barbarism of slavery did not end in this modern age; instead, it has changed its form, and female labor migration in Bangladesh is a perfect example. This study will benefit the government in being aware of reconstructing the foreign policy regarding labor rights and will educate people about safe migration process. Laborers can receive skill-based training in order to find a decent job in their destination country, and they can also use their skills in reintegration programs after returning home.

The Shadow Pandemic Contextualised: Albania's Response to Domestic Violence During COVID-19.

Domestic violence (DV) encompasses a pattern of psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and/or emotional abuse, manifesting through assault, threats, and intimidation. Economic and social stressors in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic escalated DV cases worldwide, including those in Albania. Socioeconomic vulnerabilities worsened the situation, with DV-related complaints to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Albania increasing by 60% between March and May 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Despite government efforts through a comprehensive anti-DV strategy, as the pandemic subsided, 2986 Albanian women still reported enduring DV. Using the Contextual Influence in Acculturative Stress (CIAS) framework, this study identified key external and internal contextual factors contributing to DV in Albania. These factors were assessed to evaluate their integration into the national anti-DV policy and their potential for improving the policy's impact. The Albanian government's response focused on four primary areas: legal protection, women's safety, economic well-being, and community awareness. However, many vulnerable groups remained underserved. Furthermore, economic assistance provided was insufficient to address the increased financial strain faced by victims. Educational and awareness campaigns were implemented, but despite these efforts, DV rates persisted at high levels throughout the pandemic. The findings underscore the need for more targeted, comprehensive, and context-sensitive approaches to DV intervention. The Albanian government's anti-DV strategy could be strengthened by addressing micro-level needs, such as tailored counselling, culturally sensitive services, and more robust economic support measures. Incorporating these elements into future policies may better address the structural and cultural barriers that perpetuate DV, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Lactation Newsmakers: Elaine Petitat-Côté: Making Good Use of Two UN Conventions to Advocate for Breastfeeding Rights.

Elaine Petitat-Côté was born in Canada and has lived for the greatest part of her life in Geneva. She has consistently worked with development, health, and women's organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), advocating for a public health approach to medicine that considers the social and economic realities of communities, and emphasizes the creation of healthy living conditions to ensure long-term, sustainable health outcomes This perspective supports a horizontal approach to medicine, in contrast to the narrower, vertical approach typically employed. As a member of the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) she worked for the Geneva Infant Feeding Association (GIFA) on two main issues related to breastfeeding: maternity protection at work, and the rights of children to the highest attainable standard of health and nutrition, in particular by protecting breastfeeding. In this article, she explains her work at IBFAN-GIFA as it focused on the adoption and implementation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 183 and Recommendation 191 on maternity protection. She also explains how she was able to use the review process built into the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) to develop a rights-based approach to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding and make way to improving the legal, social, and institutional situation of breastfeeding in all countries examined by the Committee on the rights of the child.

Sexual and reproductive health needs and desire for comprehensive sexuality education among adolescents in Ekiti State, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionComprehensive sexuality education (CSE), recognized globally as a fundamental human right, offers a curriculum-based approach to teaching about the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social dimensions of sexuality. When implemented effectively, it improves health outcomes, and cultivates resilience, respect for diversity, and lifelong decision-making skills. Desire for CSE is critical to maximizing its benefits among adolescents. This study aimed to identify the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents in Ekiti State, Nigeria, and the determinants of desire for CSE among them.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 1211 adolescents from three (rural, urban, and semi-urban) LGAs. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Independent variables included adolescents’ sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, location, school enrolment status), sexual and reproductive health needs, access to reproductive health services, and perceptions on youth-friendly clinic. The outcome variable was adolescents’ desire for CSE, defined as desire for sexuality on three or more of the following subject matters: functioning of sexual organs, prevention of unintended pregnancy, contraceptive use, management of sexual relationships, sexually transmitted infections, and prevention of sexual violence. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%.ResultsAdolescents’ average age was 15.9 ± 1.8 years, 630 (52.0%) were females, 601 (49.6%) lived in urban areas, while 465 (38.4%) had completed high school. Overall, 994 (82.1%) adolescents had received sexuality education, and 935 (77.2%) adolescents desired CSE. Totally, 497 (82.7%) adolescents in urban communities desired CSE compared to 132 (66.0%) in peri-urban and 306 (74.6%) in rural communities (Chi-square = 26.106, p ≤ 0.001). Also, 836 (84.1%) adolescents who had received any form of sexuality education desired CSE compared to 99 (45.6%) with no previous sexuality education (Chi-square = 149.90, p ≤ 0.001). Compared to rural dwellers, the odds of desiring CSE was higher among urban dwellers (aOR = 1.38, p = 0.060) but lower among those in peri-urban communities (aOR = 0.44, p ≤ 0.001). Adolescents who have ever received sexuality education had five times higher odds of desiring CSE (aOR = 4.98, p ≤ 0.001) compared to others.ConclusionCapacity-building trainings should be organized by governmental and non-governmental organizations to provide CSE for adolescents in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Accessibility of assistive technologies among primary school learners with visual impairments in Tanzania

This study examined the accessibility of Assistive Technologies (ATs) for Learners with Visual Impairments (LwVI) in primary schools in Tanzania. The primary aim was to scrutinize the availability of both high-tech and low-tech ATs, as well as the enabling infrastructure used to enhance the use of ATs in teaching and learning for LwVI. This study employed an exploratory case design within a qualitative approach, in which data were collected through observations and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic data analysis procedures. Data was gathered from five teachers, the Deputy Head Teacher, five LwVI from one primary school, and the District Special Needs Education Officer in the district where the school is located. The study revealed that despite government efforts to promote equitable quality education within an inclusive framework, LwVI in primary schools remain marginalized due to the inadequacy of both low-tech and high-tech ATs, as well as insufficient enabling infrastructure necessary to support their use. This finding is inconsistent with the modern world's emphasis on digitizing education, particularly in ensuring equitable quality education for persons with disabilities. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is needed, including earmarking resources for AT procurement, fostering robust partnerships among stakeholders—including the government and non-governmental organizations—for the acquisition and maintenance of ATs, and upgrading the enabling infrastructure to support their sustainable use. Additionally, there is a need to develop a comprehensive framework for evaluating AT availability and a database for tracking the resources available in schools. These two components should inform policymaking practices and stakeholder decisions.

Analysis of non-governmental organizations internal democracy: implications on members’ participation

Purpose This study aims to shed light on the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) decision-making process and how members’ participation affects the decision-making. Design/methodology/approach This study applied a qualitative approach to capture experiences, thoughts and opinions on NGO internal democracy. The study was conducted on the Tanzanian mainland, covering two NGOs. Data were collected through interviews and document reviews. The analysis of the data was conducted using a thematic approach. Findings The results reveal that, while NGOs are making promising progress in consolidating internal democracy and the annual general meeting remains the highest decision-making body, some members have been reluctant to attend such meetings, hence failing to participate. This has implications for NGOs strategic decision-making. Research limitations/implications The study focused on only two NGOs. This opens room for more studies to capture members’ opinions and experience on NGOs decision-making processes. Practical implications This study suggests considering the use of digital platforms as a way of improving members’ participation in NGOs decisions, reducing costs and increasing flexibility. Also, NGOs have to educate members, improve the level of internal accountability and strengthen leadership to attract members’ participation. This would help to realize the Tanzania National Strategy for NGOs Sustainability 2022/2023–2026/2027 for enhancing the capacity of NGOs to deliver their missions. This is relevant, especially in developing countries where there is a struggle to establish strong NGOs. Originality/value Most studies focused on the role of NGOs in promoting democracy; few have interrogated their internal democratic arrangements. This study interrogated the internal democracy of NGOs and the way it affects members’ participation in decision-making.

Effects of economic sanctions on cancer care for patients in Iran: a qualitative study

BackgroundDue to political and security concerns, Iran has faced stringent sanctions in recent decades, significantly impacting vulnerable cancer patients. According to the latest statistics, the 5-year prevalent cases in Iran were 357,906 for both sexes combined. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of cancer patients, their families, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) regarding the ramifications of economic sanctions on cancer diagnosis and treatment.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted by semi-structured interviews with 21 cancer patients and their family members, as well as representatives from relevant NGOs based in Tehran in 2020. The interviewees were selected using convenience sampling, and the data were classified and analyzed using qualitative content analysis in MAXQDA-2019 software.ResultsThe effects of economic sanctions on cancer patients were categorized into four themes: medicines, medical equipment, human resources, and financial resources. Medicines were further categorized into medicine price changes, scarcity, the complexity of dispensing medication, profiteering of drug manufacturers and distributors, and prolonged medical treatment subthemes. Medical equipment included price changes and difficulties in procuring medical devices and their accessories. Human resources comprised inadequate access to specialists and distorted doctor-patient relationships. Finally, financial resources were delineated by the diminished purchasing power of individuals and insufficient support extended to NGOs catering to patients’ needs.ConclusionsThe findings underscore the urgency of addressing the multifaceted consequences of sanctions, which exacerbate vulnerabilities among cancer patients and hinder their access to timely and adequate care. Collaborative efforts between policymakers, healthcare providers, and NGOs are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure equitable access to cancer treatment amidst ongoing sanctions. Furthermore, global health diplomacy could help reduce the effects of economic sanctions and facilitate the provision of medical equipment, medicines, and financial resources.

Public Participation in the Time of Covid‐19: Response From the International Disability Movement

This article examines attempts by the international disability movement to influence Covid‐19‐related policy by becoming involved in high‐level decision‐making processes and advocacy activities. Global emergencies like the Covid‐19 pandemic limit opportunities for citizen engagement in governance. Like other marginalised groups, persons with disabilities faced increased exclusion in this period, including barriers and lack of opportunities to participate in public decision‐making processes via civil society. The de‐prioritisation of their lives and opinions was evident in many countries’ initial approaches to containment and treatment, contributing to an excess risk of death among persons with disabilities. International legal instruments like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by 191 (state) parties, affirm persons with disabilities’ right to participate in all public affairs as crucial for their equality and inclusion. This article defines the scope of public participation of persons with disabilities under international human rights law and employs a document analysis of public and grey literature from civil society organisations and international institutions of governance. This analysis examines the barriers preventing persons with disabilities from participating in Covid‐19‐related policy and decision‐making and explores how a representative organisation—the International Disability Alliance—utilised existing channels and created new spaces to amplify their voices globally. To do this, we utilise the concept of “invited and invented space” and demonstrate the strategic response of the movement to barriers to public participation during the global pandemic.

“I am just a voice. I can neither help nor explain; I am simply transferring your words into another language”

The present paper explores the multifaceted challenges in the field of Public Service Interpreting in Greece, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of diverse participants involved in the migration context. Conducted by interpreting students at the Ionian University in Greece, this paper is based on a series of 12 in-depth interviews with various stakeholders: public servants, interpreters, refugees, and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively engaged in migration and refugee support services. By analyzing the insights gathered from these participants, the study aims to identify common patterns and key issues that hinder effective communication and service delivery. Such interview- and evidence-based approach explores the intricacies of public service interpreting (PSI) in Greece from a range of perspectives, highlighting challenges such as the shortage of available interpreters, reliance on ad hoc solutions, technological barriers, and poor working conditions, all of which arise during interactions in relevant contexts. The findings are expected to contribute to the discourse on improving interpreting practices and policies, ultimately enhancing the quality of public services for refugees and migrants in Greece.

Illicit Financial Flows and State Capture in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Power Elite Theory Perspective

Using the Power Elite Theory (PET) as analytical lens, this paper explored the interplay of state capture and illicit financial flows (IFFs) for major emitters in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This paper argues that IFFs in SSA are intrinsically linked to the phenomenon of state capture, which can be better understood through the lens of PET. The nations represented in the emissions data encompass chiefly the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Angola, and South Africa. The key sectors highlighted include chiefly the extractive industries, such as natural gas, petroleum, mining, and minerals. The present work elucidates the relationship between state capture and IFFs through a systematic conceptual framework developed. The paper highlighted factors such as deficient governance, regulatory challenges, and the role of the private sector in driving IFFs linked to PET and state capture. The study showed that, on average from 1980-2018, for the major emitters of IFFs, losses in terms of trade as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ranged from 3.4% to 33.5% from the lowest to the highest emitter. Tracing, the losses, indicate a direct link to power elites and state capture phenomena. Additionally, the paper explored the long-term and short-term impacts of IFFs, including their effects on the environment, the erosion of public trust, unprecedented financial losses, impacts on trade, and the impairment of overall development. A Red-Black to Green Lens Conceptual Diagram was developed. This tool helped to further shed more light on the nature of the problem as embedded within the existing challenges inherent to Zone C. In addressing the problem across the region, the paper indicates that, in addition to other interventions, the greatest solution lies in the commitment of all stakeholders in the economy, including the media, civil society organizations (CSOs), the general populace, and international partners within the region.

Collaboration for the inclusion of students with disabilities in education in Gondar, Ethiopia

Background: In Ethiopia, children with disabilities face significant barriers to education, which are exacerbated for those living in remote villages and areas affected by conflict and insecurity. Several studies have highlighted the important role that sustained multistakeholder collaborations could play in removing barriers to inclusive education, supporting students with disabilities and helping countries like Ethiopia achieve inclusion.Objectives: This study explored stakeholders’ strategies and the programmes and support they provide to schools or students with disabilities (K-12) to promote inclusive education in the central Gondar zone, Ethiopia.Method: This study used key informant interviews to collect detailed information on education stakeholders’ collaborations to support the inclusion of children with disabilities. The interviewees include experts, administrators and policymakers from purposively selected governmental and civil society organisations and schools.Results: This study found that collaboration focused on promoting accessibility, students enrolment and retention, financial, material and medical support, capacity-building, and institutional accountability.Conclusion: This study concluded that persistent instability and conflict hindered stakeholders’ collaborative efforts in the region. It also argued that structured or semi-structured collaborations are more effective for promoting inclusive education.Contribution: This article presents research findings on collaboration among educational stakeholders to promote inclusive schools and support students with disabilities. Its holistic approach identifies ecological and institutional factors that affect collaborations for inclusion, as well as the support and services that could be further explored in future research. Additionally, it highlights the lessons that education programmes could use to enhance community and stakeholder participation in school inclusivity.

EFFORTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION IN ADDRESSING CYBER THREATS

Objective: This study aims to examine the protective measures provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for civil aviation in accordance with various relevant agreements in the cyber domain, including international agreements such as the Protocol on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts at Airports Serving Civil Aviation, annexed to the Montreal Convention of 1987, as well as regional agreements, in particular the European Commission Implementing Regulation No. 2019/1583. In addition, the study will clarify IATA's strategy for addressing cyber threats, emphasizing the need for cooperation between States and various governmental and non-governmental organizations. Theoretical Framework: The study is based on the main legal foundations directly and indirectly related to the cyber domain, which provide essential guarantees for the protection of the principle of air navigation safety against threats it may face, such as attacks on air traffic control networks and ticketing systems. This protection is supported by one of the most important active mechanisms for the protection of civil aviation: The International Air Transport Association (IATA). Method: A qualitative research approach will be used, focusing primarily on all international legislation related to the protection of civil aviation from cyber threats. Subsequently, IATA's efforts to address potential cybercrime threats to civil aviation will be examined. Results and Discussion: The research findings will highlight the extent to which IATA is contributing to the protection of civil aviation from cyber threats. It will also highlight the need for international and regional cooperation within the IATA framework to maintain the security of civil aviation in different countries. Research Implications: The findings of this research have significant implications for various stakeholders, including international law scholars, policy makers, civil aviation security officials, and individuals who use civil aircraft. The thorough analysis of the topic confirms that this is one of the most important studies contributing to the development of strategies to protect civil aircraft from cybercrime. Originality/Value: This study is considered to be one of the most important recent works dealing with the cyber threats that civil aviation may face. Through the analysis of international and regional agreements, it highlights the need for international cooperation to protect civil aviation from cyber threats.

The Significance of the Berlin Process for Kosovo - Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Integration

Purpose: This scientific work aims to reveal the depth of the influence of the Berlin process on the integration process of the Western Balkans, i.e. Kosovo. Through the assessment of challenges and achievements, the impact of this process will be presented in the progress of the perspective of Kosovo's membership in the European Union and the construction of a stable and united region in the Western Balkans. Theoretical Reference: The Berlin Process is an initiative initiated and led by Germany, the purpose of which is to facilitate regional cooperation between the six countries of the Western Balkans (WB6) with a vision to help them meet the criteria for accession to the European Union (EU). After the decision of the European Union to suspend the enlargement process for a period of 5 years, in order to prevent the weakening of the continuation of reforms in the countries of the Western Balkans, the Berlin Process was introduced at the initiative of Chancellor Merkel and with the support of the EU member states, as an instrument for the continuation of the multilateral and reform dialogue for the countries of the Western Balkans. Balkans. This process, supported by EU financial aid for the countries of the Western Balkans, positively contributed to the acceleration of infrastructural, economic and energy market reforms, the promotion of cultural, academic and youth cooperation, as well as the intensification of dialogue. on unresolved bilateral issues such as Kosovo-Serbia, etc. Method: Data processing of 110 respondents and a structured interview of five domestic actors of this process will give us clear conclusions and recommendations that are worth including in the further continuation of negotiations and the implementation of the requirements arising from this initiative. Results and conclusion: The results emphasize the need for the commitment and support of the countries participating in the process, and especially the EU, in supporting Kosovo's commitment to reforms and integration into the international community. Also, through research, we managed to discuss the role of the Berlin process, in accelerating reforms and Kosovo's advantages on the way to integration into the European Union. Implications of the research: The work provides us with an opportunity to understand the challenges and importance of the Berlin Process for Kosovo and the role and influence of institutional and non-institutional actors, such as international actors and non-governmental organizations. Originality/value: The document contributes to the continuous promotion of the debate in Kosovo society, about the importance of such a process for regional cooperation and for governments in Kosovo to understand the role they play in the country's rapid progress towards the EU.