PROJECT BOOST

 | Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability and Transformation of Civil Society, a project implemented over three years (2024-2027), is coordinated by ALDA and its consortium of partners and funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
BOOST aims to promote the democratic, economic, and social development of the Western Balkans   region within the context of EU enlargement, by strengthening civil society in the areas of youth and entrepreneurship, environmental protection, rural development, preservation of cultural heritage and community development.

THREE THEMATIC PILLARS OF PROJECT BOOST

Youth and Entrepreneurship
Rural Development and Environment
Cultural Heritage and Community Development
Discover the pillars  
By supporting civil society organisations (CSO) in these areas the BOOST project aims to foster democratic development in the Western Balkans. Across the region civil society is characterised by active NGOs promoting democratic reform, human rights, and social advancement, although they face funding limitations and political interference.
BOOST provides comprehensive capacity building, and financial support through BOOST GRANTS, and promotes networking among diverse stakeholders.

Through its initiatives, BOOST will strengthen the role of CSOs in the Western Balkans enabling them to address challenges such as high corruption levels, weak economic development, governance issues, limited CSO involvement, human rights application difficulties, brain drain, and gender inequality.
By supporting civil society organisations (CSO) in these areas the BOOST project aims to foster democratic development in the Western Balkans. Across the region civil society is characterised by active NGOs promoting democratic reform, human rights, and social advancement, although they face funding limitations and political interference.
BOOST provides comprehensive capacity building, and financial support through BOOST GRANTS, and promotes networking among diverse stakeholders.

Through its initiatives, BOOST will strengthen the role of CSOs in the Western Balkans enabling them to address challenges such as high corruption levels, weak economic development, governance issues, limited CSO involvement, human rights application difficulties, brain drain, and gender inequality.
By using over thirty years of experience, ALDA and its partners will leverage their deep knowledge and extensive network to implement participatory processes focusing on good governance, civic engagement, and youth to

● To strengthen the role and the capacities of civil society organisations in the Western Balkans

● To set up a network of relevant stakeholders (civil society, local authorities, universities and others) committed to the stable and democratic, economic, cultural and social development of the region.

● To promote and strengthen a shared narrative among civil society and decision-makers that reinforces European values of peace, democracy, and inclusion of young people (men and women, boys and girls) at a regional level.


The project is expected to improve CSO capacities, and enhance cooperation between civil society and public institutions.
engage more than
15,000
direct beneficiaries
indirectly benefit
20,000
citizens
engage around
15,000
direct beneficiaries

indirectly benefit
20,000
citizens
Furthermore, BOOST will address gender inequality through its gender-sensitive and cross-cutting approach. Similarly, the project aims to   empower young people   across the region who face high unemployment and political disillusionment.

Overall   BOOST is dedicated to promoting youth and female entrepreneurship,   rural tourism, opportunities for economic growth, community-based approach to preserving culture and heritage.

Furthermore, citizen participation varies across the region, influenced by historical and socio-economic factors.

The BOOST initiative fosters active citizenship, transparency, and advances EU values such as equality, diversity and peace.
The BOOST initiative fosters active citizenship, transparency, and advances EU values such as equality, diversity and peace.


The BOOST project builds on ALDA's expertise in local democracy and civil society development, collaborating with regional and European partners to address youth entrepreneurship, rural development, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage.

The programme's inclusive and gender-sensitive approach ensures comprehensive and sustainable development in the Western Balkans.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does BOOST support?



SDG 4: Quality Education BOOST enhances educational opportunities through its training programmes, promoting lifelong learning initiatives, and fostering educational equity across communities in the Balkans.


SDG 5: Gender Equality BOOST is dedicated to advancing gender equality by promoting women’s empowerment, advocating for equal rights and opportunities, and fostering inclusive practices across the Balkans.


SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Clean energy is essential for sustainable development, and BOOST supports communities and CSOs in adopting cleaner technologies and sustainable energy practices, contributing to a greener future.


SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth BOOST facilitates economic growth by promoting entrepreneurship and supporting CSOs in implementing long-lasting initiatives that create sustainable economic opportunities and growth.


SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities BOOST aims to reduce inequalities within the Balkans region by promoting social inclusion, advocating for equal access to opportunities, and addressing systemic barriers that hinder progress towards greater equality.


SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities BOOST promotes sustainable development practices in both urban and rural communities across the Balkans, by supporting sustainable projects and practices in the region.


SDG 13: Climate Action BOOST supports initiatives that reduce carbon footprints, promote climate-resilient practices, and raise awareness about environmental conservation across the region.


SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions BOOST supports peace, justice, and strong institutions by promoting democratic governance, inclusivity, advocating for citizen participation, and fostering civic engagement within communities across the Balkans.


SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals Collaboration is key to achieving sustainable development, that is why BOOST actively encourages collaboration and partnerships among SCOs and communities to leverage resources, expertise, and collective action towards achieving the SDGs.

Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability and Transformation of Civil Society

  

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This project is supported by the Agence Française de Développement. This website is supported by Agence Française de Development. The ideas and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Agence Française de Développement. AFD cannot be held responsible for them.