AKT aims to increase constructive interethnic cooperation and interaction between Kosovo’s majority and minority populations, which is vital to the security and stability of the region. The program takes a holistic approach toward the integration of minority populations by partnering with municipalities and other government partners to support the engagement of targeted communities. In particular, the program works to improve conditions to enable ethnic minorities to actively engage in the work force and Government of Kosovo institutions while preserving and protecting their unique cultural heritage.

Advancing Kosovo Together partners directly with16 municipalities: Gračanica/Graçanicë, Klokot/Kllokot, Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, Parteš/Partesh, Ranilug/Ranillug, Štrpce/Shtërpcë, Gjilan/ Gnjilane, Istog/Istok, Klinë/Klina, Obiliq/Obilić, Pejë/Peć, Vushtrri/Vučitrn, North Mitrovica/Mitrovicë, Leposavić/Leposaviq, Zubin Potok/Zubin Potok, and Zvečan/Zveçan. 

Results to date:

• 12 public debates organized on implementation of the Law on Use of Languages in with 337 participants and 21 municipal public hearings organized with participation of 830 citizens of the mixed ethnicities.
• Developed Capacity Development Plans with each partner municipality to guide their human and institutional capacity development initiatives
• 33 small-scale infrastructure projects implemented, bringing together 20,623 individuals from different ethnicities in joint activities
• Organized 19 workshops to empower 317 members of Municipal Office for Communities and Returns and Assembly Committees for Communities. trained 1,244 municipal employees on management
• Organized training on property tax collection for 133 municipal finance officers to support them to introduce or increase municipal revenues
• Awarded 16 business grants ($102,000) to support expansion, mainly in the agriculture, wood processing, furniture, and bee-keeping sector
• Trained over 190 farmers and businesses on diary processing, fruit and vegetable processing, and medicinal aromatic plant cultivation, and
• Provided business development services and technical assistance to over 240 women and 63 youth from majority and minority communities 

Project Duration: April 2014 – April 2017

Contact: Jeton Cana 

Geographic Target: 16 partner municipalities throughout Kosovo

Partner: Chemonics International, Inc