On 16 April 2024, the Ministry of Regional Development (MRD) in partnership with UN-Habitat in Kosovo supported by the Government of Sweden organized the conference "Getting creative about regional development".

The conference was opened by the Minister of Regional Development, Mr. Fikrim Damka, who welcomed all the participants and emphasized that this conference offers opportunities for the union of ideas and policies of cohesion in the European Union, with its structural funds and investments, as well as a plan for balanced development, the reduction of inequalities and the promotion of sustainable growth.

"By aligning our strategies with European standards and using these funds, we can increase our development efforts, ensuring that Kosovo not only advances in the context of regional development, but also integrates better into the European framework. This alignment is not only strategic, it is essential to our collective future by opening the doors to opportunities for growth, innovation and prosperity."

The conference continued with speeches by Mr. Jonas Westerlund, Ambassador of Sweden to Kosovo, Mrs. Arnhild Spence, Development Coordinator of the United Nations in Kosovo, Mr. Erfan Ali, Chief of Staff / Head of the Regional Program Division and Mrs. Jessica Heneceke-Dahl - Senior Advisor.

The first day of the conference began with discussions and talks, to continue with presentations in the first panel on the topic “Innovative approaches to increase the tourist attractiveness of the regions.” The panel was composed of Mr. Besim Kamberaj, Secretary General of the Ministry of Education and Culture and Mentor Bojku, Founder and Manager of Destinations, and moderated by Mrs. Besnike Kocani, Advisor for Spatial/Urban Planning, UN-Habitat Kosovo.

The conference continued its work according to the agenda with the presentations, discussions and co-talks of the second panel with the topic “The power of local initiatives in regional economic growth.” The panel was led by Mr. Ali Tafarshiku, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Regional Development, and was composed of Mr. Ylber Çitaku, Acting Director of the Department of Regional Development, Mrs. Arieta Pozhegu, Executive Director, Mrs. Ylle Bylykbashi Byci, Founder & Manager, Mr. Kujtim Lepaja, Executive Director, Mr. Gani Imeri, Founder & Manager and Mr. Perparim Ameti, Head of the Department of Geodesy.

In the third panel, the topic “Encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and creative industry in the regions” was discussed and presented by the following panelists: Mr. Kreshini Thaçi, Head of the Division for Promotion and Investments, KIESA, Mrs. Aferdita Pllana Ibrahimi, Chairperson of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, Mrs. Zana Sokoli, Advisor for Spatial/Urban Planning, Mr. Visar Geci, Founder/CEO, 'Innarch', Mr. Aferdin Haxhimurati, Founder/CEO, Agi Haxhimurati LLC, Mrs. Hana Zeqa, Founder, Fashion Designer at Fight or Flight, Mrs. Agnesa Belegu, Lecturer and Senior Game Designer, Studio Maxis, AAB University, and Mrs. Erlina Llabjani, Head of the Coordination Division, who also moderated the panel.

In the closing session, Mr. Besim Kamberaj, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Regional Development presented the final conclusions from the conference, after which the award ceremony for the “I Love My Region” Photography and Video Contest was held.