The conference commenced with opening remarks by Naile Dema Selmani, Vice Chair of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK), who emphasized that the project had created an important platform for professional reflection and dialogue on the role of the media in fostering accountability, understanding, and social cohesion. She also highlighted the successful and long-standing partnership between AGK and Pro Peace, as well as the continued support of the German Embassy in Kosovo.
Building on these reflections, Catalina Heine, Head of Culture, Press and Communication at the German Embassy in Kosovo, underscored the importance of responsible journalism in post-conflict societies. She stressed that conflict-sensitive journalism does not mean avoiding difficult topics, but rather addressing them accurately, ethically, and with an awareness of their broader social impact. “The stories we tell about the past shape the possibilities of the future,” she noted.
The opening session concluded with remarks from Vjollca Islami Hajrullahu, Project Manager at Pro Peace Kosovo, who reflected on the significance of the initiative and the growing need for ethical journalism in societies affected by past conflicts. She emphasized that conflict-sensitive reporting is not only a professional standard but also an ethical responsibility.
“Media can serve as a powerful force for understanding, dialogue, and reconciliation. At the same time, reporting that lacks sensitivity to context can contribute to division and misunderstanding. Through this Academy, we aimed to equip journalists with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to report responsibly on the past and its impact on contemporary societies,” she stated.
As part of the event, the position paper “Media Reporting on Dealing with the Past in the Western Balkans” was presented by authors Getoarbë Mulliqi and Dinko Gruhonjić, with the discussion moderated by Alexander Vojvoda, Advocacy and Communication Advisor at Pro Peace. The publication offers an overview of current challenges and opportunities related to reporting on dealing with the past across the region and provides recommendations for strengthening professional standards in journalism.
The event also featured two panel discussions moderated by Naile Dema Selmani. During these sessions, participating journalists Fatmir Menekshe, Jehona Hulaj, Besian Beha, Adelina Ahmeti, Fisnik Minci, Besnik Gashi, Blerta Dalloshi-Berisha, Lendrit Qeli, and Ardita Zeqiri presented the topics and articles they developed throughout the Academy.
Beyond strengthening their journalistic competencies, the programme prepared participants to share this knowledge with future generations of journalists, contributing to the initiative's sustainability and long-term impact. As part of this effort, participants took part in an intensive three-day Training of Trainers programme led by distinguished regional and local experts. Dinko Gruhonjić focused on reporting on the past and the media's professional responsibility; Serbeze Haxhijaj addressed gender perspectives and trauma-sensitive journalism; Adriatik Kelmendi explored the role of journalism in fostering public dialogue; and Ridvan Slivova emphasized the significance of photography and ethical standards in documenting conflicts. These modules provided participants with concrete knowledge, methodologies, and practical tools to train and mentor future generations of journalists.
The articles produced during the programme have been compiled and published in a booklet, providing readers with a collection of stories and reflections that demonstrate the importance of responsible reporting on sensitive historical and social issues.
The event concluded with a certification ceremony, officially recognizing the participants as the first generation of certified trainers in Dealing with the Past and Conflict-Sensitive Journalism.
The Academy was implemented through a partnership between Pro Peace Kosovo and the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK), with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
