The Kosovar Civil Society Foundations (KCSF) 20^th anniversary was marked last night in Pristina.  On this occasion, in the presence of many representatives from civil society, local and foreign institutions and organizations, and other KCSF partners, the new venue of the KCSF Center was inaugurated. The Center will offer information and regular training programs to civil society organizations in Kosovo and beyond.

Venera Hajrullahu, KCSF’s Executive Director noted: “In a time of great challenges to the consolidation of our statehood and the development of a democratic society, Kosovo needs more than ever before a robust civil society. KCSF will continue its numerous granting, training, and research programs, which help the sector become a voice for citizens in their demand for inclusive and accountable policy-making from those who are mandated to lead the country”.

On the other hand, Norway’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Mr. Per Strand Sjaastad stressed that positive changes in Kosovo should come from within, from the people of Kosovo, its leaders, civil society and all those who love the country. He highlighted the importance of civil society, in particular its watchdog role, which should be protected, while any attempt to control the sector should be strongly opposed.

While, Head of Swedish SIDA in Kosovo, Ms. Nasrin Pourghazian, congratulating KCSF for its new premises and the Centre, emphasized that KCSF is a trustworthy partner. She considers KCSF Centre as an important platform that enables civil society to develop new partnerships, ideas and joint inititatives.

Since its establishment in 1998, KCSF has been one of the main supporters of the civil society sector in Kosovo. During the 20 years, KCSF has financed hundreds of CSO projects amounting to over 10 million euros, raised the capacities of thousands of civil society activists, civil servants, journalists etc. in different topics, published tens of studies and reports that deepened the knowledge on the civil society sector and EU, enabled the involvement of civil society in the European integration process, prepared entire generations of professionals for the challenges of European Agenda and successfully advocated for opening the policy-making to citizens.