On 28th May 2025, KMOP brought together 15 professionals from Albania and Greece to foster constructive engagement and policy advocacy in Albania. workshop titled “Constructive Engagement and Policy Advocacy.” Participants gained practical tools and strategies to influence decision-making processes and drive sustainable, community-led change.
During the workshop, we covered key topics such as constructive engagement, introducing principles of policy dialogue and reviewing strategic advocacy techniques. Participants developed action plans with both short- and long-term goals. Our invited expert and trainer Mr. Fotis Skouras shared valuable insights on inclusive advocacy and evidence-based approaches. He emphasized constructive engagement as a vital method for fostering cooperation among citizens, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government institutions. He described it as a clear, fact-based process that promotes open dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared outcomes, even in situations of disagreement.
Constructive Engagement Tools Explored
With our invited experts, we introduced several engagement methods, including:
- Citizen Advisory Committees
- Stakeholder Negotiations
- Formal Mediations
- Independent Constructive Engagement Organisations
- Multi-Level, Interconnected Engagement Initiatives
Advocacy Strategies in Practice
Participants also explored actionable advocacy techniques, such as:
- Building relational power and cross-sector networks
- Setting clear objectives and developing negotiation strategies
- Ensuring transparency, confidentiality, and visibility in advocacy campaigns
- Crafting long-term advocacy goals supported by concrete short-term actions
Closing remarks
All participants highlighted the importance of inclusive, evidence-based policy development and the vital role of community voices in influencing public decisions.
“A workshop like this offers a valuable opportunity for cross-border knowledge exchange and capacity-building,” said Afroditi Azari, Senior Project Manager of KMOP. “We are committed to promoting inclusive policymaking that empowers marginalized communities and enhances institutional responsiveness.”
About Inclusive EduJobs
This workshop was held as part of the Inclusive EduJobs project, which aims to promote the social and economic inclusion of Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania by strengthening local capacities in inclusive education and employment services.
Inclusive EduJobs works to ensure equitable access to education and employment for Roma and Egyptian communities. The project focuses on empowering municipalities to provide inclusive services and improve social outcomes, with particular attention to women, men, girls, and boys from underserved backgrounds.
For more information, please contact us at: [email protected] or +30 210 3637547.
