Final Conference of the Colors of Humanity Project: A Celebration of Inclusion and Transformation
TIRANA, Albania – The vibrant city of Tirana recently played host to the grand finale of the Colors of Humanity project, a two-year initiative under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Youth program. Held from November 1 to November 3, 2024, the final conference brought together a diverse array of voices, celebrating achievements while mapping out the road ahead for fostering inclusion and combating discrimination. Organized by AMAD, the coordinating organization, and supported by partners from Austria, Bulgaria, and Kosovo, the 3-days conference highlighted the project’s commitment to empowering marginalized groups, promoting diversity, and challenging systemic biases.
Uniting for Change
The conference’s open-to-public session, held at Europe House in Tirana, gathered 51 participants, including policymakers, educators, youth workers, parents, and journalists. Representatives from national institutions and international organizations, such as the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, OSCE, and Amnesty International, contributed to lively discussions. The sessions underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration, with representatives from civil society, government, and local communities reflecting on shared goals and strategies to promote human rights.
A Celebration of Unity Through Art
The conference also celebrated diversity and inclusion through music, with emotional performances of “Ode to Joy,” the European Union anthem, and the Albanian classical piece “The Beginning of Summer.” These performances symbolized the unity and hope that the Colors of Humanity project has inspired over its two-year journey.
A Call for Continued Action
Keynote speakers, including Robert Gajda, Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, and representatives from the Ministry of Interior, highlighted the shared responsibility of institutions, organizations, and individuals in combating discrimination and promoting equality. Voltiza Prendi, the project manager from AMAD, closed the conference with an inspiring call to action: “This is not the end but a beginning. Let’s build on these foundations and continue to advocate for a world where every color of humanity shines brightly.”
Stories of Empowerment and Transformation
One of the most impactful moments came from the personal narratives shared by youth workers from Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and Kosovo. Their journeys, shaped by the Colors of Humanity project, illustrated the power of education, advocacy, and resilience in fostering societal change. These stories resonated deeply with attendees, showcasing how young leaders have become agents of transformation within their communities.
Reflecting on the Journey
Beyond the public sessions, private consortium meetings allowed project partners to assess progress, share lessons learned, and strategize for sustaining the project’s impact. Discussions focused on the challenges faced during implementation and the innovative resources developed, including the digital platform colorsofhumanity.eu, which will continue to support human rights education and advocacy.
A Legacy of Inclusion
The Colors of Humanity project has left a lasting imprint on the communities it engaged, setting a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at building inclusive societies. Its final conference was not just a culmination but a celebration of what can be achieved when diverse voices come together for a common cause. As participants departed, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue the work of inclusion and equality in their own communities, ensuring that the vibrant legacy of Colors of Humanity endures.
