Considering the realities of the world we are living in, it makes it crucial, especially for the regional state leaders, to come together to discuss and share their experiences about the problems concerning the region. For countries sharing the same region, they are more likely to share similar problems as well, thus the solution to these problems should be similar too.

We are living in a time when states’ borders are becoming more artificial; thus when a country has an internal affair, it is considered a concern for the whole region. Recently we have witnessed that when an economic or social crisis occurs somewhere, it affects not only that region but the whole world as well.

Therefore, for people working towards and influencing the future of countries and societies, it is vital to replace prejudices and antagonisms with a better understanding and knowledge of each other. In order to contribute to the prosperity of society, they have to put common ground and common interests first.

We should remind each other of regional wartime aggressions and atrocities that occurred in the past only to take necessary lessons from these events, and not to transform these traumas into motivating tools for revenge. We are not able to fix today the mistakes which happened in history. But together we can illuminate our future by avoiding those behaviors and ideas that would lead to the ruin of mutual relationships.

It is very important for state presidents and leaders in respective communities to plan the development of their region’s socio-economic situation, to take a stand against the racism, exclusion and terrorism which threaten the people’s security, to establish a peaceful and nourishing environment, and altogether to deliver peaceful messages for all communities.

Indeed, agreement and reconciliation are a matter of reason and logic, and they require a consultation between the parties involved.

There is no doubt that a single meeting or event will not be enough to bring about peace and prosperity. But those people who really appreciate peace and dialog will make a huge contribution to the cultivation of a new generation who are familiar with tolerance and mutual understanding.

That is why FEBA Outreach finds it very reasonable to bring together the leaders of the society and stand next to them. This is just a start, but the strong messages delivered by the leaders will convey reasonable ideas to the audience.

Instead of trying to convince every individual to believe in what we stand for, the crucial thing to focus on is the perseverance and determination to proceed on the roadmap towards the shared ideals of dialog, peace and serenity in which we all sincerely believe.

Mission of the Balkan Leaders’ Summit

 Through the Annual Balkan Leaders’ Summit, the Federation of Balkan American Associations hopes to achieve its mission of sharing the Balkan’s heritage of tolerance and understanding with the world leaders, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Foreign Affairs Ministers, as well as business and religious leaders, journalists, artists, scholars, and professionals covering a spectrum of fields. The purpose of this program is to help in creating common goals and ideals in the Balkans. When we take into consideration the ethnic, religious and linguistic differences in the region, we can say that what we need is to create common goals and ideals. Cooperation and good-neighborly relations will be the guarantee of a compromise in the Balkans.

Executive Summary, U.S. Business Forum

In conjunction with this year’s theme, ‘Partnership to Grow Together’, the Forum will focus on global economic crisis and the success stories of some of the most influential companies and business personalities in the U.S., Turkey, and the Balkans. The aim is to create common links between experiences of renowned companies and business leaders from the various countries represented, as well as expound on the opportunities that exist for partnership, investment, and growth. More than simply a forum on investment promotion, this year’s U.S. Business Forum aspires to forge long-lasting business ties and create a stronger network between companies, investors, and professionals from the three regions. The forum will include moderated panels, interactive Q/A sessions, facilitated networking by industry, as well as booths for participating companies.

Executive Summary, International Leadership Youth Symposium

During the morning of September 22nd, FEBA is organizing the first International Leadership Youth Symposium: “Young Ambassadors” program, meant to bring together undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world to have the special opportunity to be lectured by heads of state and senior ministers on issues of international relations and regional cooperation.  The lectures will also discuss the role of our youth as goodwill ambassadors and future leaders. It will feature four lectures given by Presidents, Prime Ministers and Ministers of Foreign Affairs. There will be a ceremony at the end of the program, along with certificates given to all participating students.