The Shared Horizons Project – Component 2, coordinated by ALDA and supported by Expertise France, has marked a landmark year of cultural cooperation and youth engagement across the Western Balkans. Through a series of events, workshops and competitions, the initiative has used historic bridges as powerful symbols of reconciliation, dialogue and shared heritage.
The project was officially launched in Podgorica, Montenegro, on 18 February 2025, with a three-day event bringing together regional experts, municipal representatives and the French Embassy. A panel discussion titled “Shared Cultural Heritage, Reconciliation and Regional Development” featured distinguished speakers including H.E. Ms. Anne-Marie Maskay, Ambassador of France in Montenegro; Ms. Nađa Ljiljanić, Deputy Mayor of Podgorica; Mr. Paul-Alexis Berthezene, Project Manager from Expertise France; Mr. Maurizio Camin, Vice President of ALDA; and Mr. Dejan Ubovic from the Museum of the 90s. Moderated by Ms. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, the panel delved into the role of cultural heritage as a tool for fostering unity within a historically divided region.
The event continued with a dedicated session presenting regional experts in cultural heritage and storytelling. The experts discussed the importance of digital storytelling, youth engagement and innovative approaches to heritage conservation, while also developing plans for future activities under Component 2.
From 2–5 June 2025, the initiative continued in Peja, Kosovo, where multidisciplinary teams of young researchers gathered for workshops, field visits and dialogue sessions. Participants explored cultural landmarks in Prizren, attended networking events, and joined a panel on “Youth, Culture, and Reconciliation”. Practical workshops in photography, storytelling and cultural tourism equipped young people with tools to transform their interests into civic and professional engagement.
Throughout June and July 2025, photography and storytelling workshops were held across all six Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. These sessions encouraged youth to explore bridges as cultural symbols, combining city walks, photo sessions and digital storytelling labs. Experts guided participants in developing creative skills while fostering empathy and intercultural dialogue.
The project culminated with the announcement of winners of the “Bridges that Connect” storytelling competition, which selected eighteen young authors aged 15–29 from across the region. Their stories will be transformed into Augmented Reality (AR) installations projected onto six iconic bridges: Gorica Bridge (Albania), Stari Most (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Stone Bridge (Kosovo and North Macedonia), Adži-paša’s Bridge (Montenegro) and White Bridge (Serbia). These immersive exhibitions will travel across the region, turning heritage sites into open-air platforms for dialogue and imagination.
By merging creativity, digital innovation and shared cultural heritage, the Shared Horizons Project has demonstrated that bridges are more than physical structures – they are enduring symbols of connection, reconciliation and a shared future for the Western Balkans.
