To further dialogue and engage key stakeholders in developing a long-term strategy for youth in the Balkans, International Youth Foundation and the Open Society Institute joined in organizing a Balkan Youth Summit held in Helsinki, Finland on February 9th, 2000.

• Increase the effectiveness, scale, and sustainability of youth programmes;

• strengthen the capacity of children and youth NGOs, local and national, dealing with youth and youth busines initiatives

• Generate social investments from the business sector, governments, international funding agencies, and NGOs;

• Enhance cooperation among the business, government, and civil society sectors to improve the conditions and prospects for young people.