From the Young Cell Scheme to a Modern, Digital Public Sector: A Model for Attracting, Developing, and Retaining Talent in Public Administration.
The role of the Young Cell Scheme in attracting, developing, and retaining talent within public administration—as well as the contribution of young professionals to reform processes and European integration—was given special focus during the international conference, KosovaPAR 2026.
The panel was moderated by Dr. Nikos Panagiotou, a Professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Senior Expert for the Young Cell Scheme (YCS).
Panel contributors included Hubert Perr, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Office in Kosovo; Mrika Berisha, a YCS alumna and member of the European Young Cell Alumni Kosovo (EYCA); Rinor Gjerji, a YCS scholar and representative of the YCS alumni within EYCA; Lirika Kamberi, a YCS alumna and member of EYCA; and Venera Maksuti, a YCS alumna and member of EYCA.
Discussions centered on the experiences of Young Cell Scheme participants and their contributions to public institutions—specifically regarding reform processes, the drafting of legislation, and alignment with European Union standards. The importance of professional development, the preparation of qualified personnel, and the adaptation of European standards to the context and needs of Kosovo was emphasized.
Developing and retaining talent remains crucial for building a modern, professional, and reform-oriented public administration.
