Young Balkan Leaders Initiative

22 U.S.C. § 10707
in effect
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(a) Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that—(1) regular people-to-people exchange programs that bring religious leaders, journalists, civil society members, politicians, and other individuals from the Western Balkans to the United States will strengthen existing relationships and advance United States interests and shared values in the Western Balkans region; and (2) the Department of State, through BOLD, a leadership program for young leaders in certain Western Balkans countries, plays an important role to develop young leaders in improving civic engagement and economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. (b) AuthorizationThe Secretary of State should continue the BOLD Leadership Program, which shall hereafter be known as the “Young Balkan Leaders Initiative”, to promote educational and professional development for young adult leaders and professionals in the Western Balkans who have demonstrated a passion to contribute to the continued development of the Western Balkans region. (c) Conduct of initiativeThe goals of the Young Balkan Leaders Initiative should include—(1) building the capacity of young Balkan leaders in the Western Balkans in the areas of business and information technology, cyber security and digitization, agriculture, civic engagement, and public administration; (2) supporting young Balkan leaders by offering professional development, training, and networking opportunities, particularly in the areas of leadership, innovation, civic engagement, elections, human rights, entrepreneurship, good governance, public administration, and journalism; (3) supporting young political, parliamentary, and civic Balkan leaders in collaboration on regional initiatives related to good governance, environmental protection, government ethics, and minority inclusion; and (4) providing increased economic and technical assistance to young Balkan leaders to promote economic growth and strengthen ties between businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs in the United States and in Western Balkans countries. (d) FellowshipsUnder the Young Balkan Leaders Initiative, the Secretary of State is authorized to award fellowships to young leaders from the Western Balkans who—(1) are between 18 and 35 years of age; (2) have demonstrated strong capabilities in entrepreneurship, innovation, public service, and leadership; (3) have had a positive impact in their communities, organizations, or institutions, including by promoting cross-regional and multiethnic cooperation; and (4) represent a cross-section of the country’s demographics. (e) Briefing on certain exchange programsNot later than 180 days after December 18, 2025, the Secretary of State shall provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress that describes the status of exchange programs involving the Western Balkans region.

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