Next Generation Media Lab – Sarajevo, September 2025

Sarajevo, BiH, September 22-27, 2025 — A Sarajevo welcomed a dynamic group of young media professionals from across the Western Balkans for the launch of the Next Generation Media Lab 2025, part of the European Commission-funded Innovation. Media. Minds. program. In her opening remarks, Simone Voigt, Director of the Goethe-Institut Sarajevo, emphasized the importance of creativity, cross-border collaboration, and innovative storytelling in shaping the future of journalism.
 

Throughout the week, participants have engaged in intensive workshops, brainstorming sessions, and prototype development, transforming bold ideas into structured media concepts. The energy reached its peak midweek as teams began shaping their visions into tangible formats.

Media professionals Pranvera Munishi (RTK) and Katerina Topalova (MRT) shared powerful reflections on the Lab’s impact:

“Next Gen Media Lab was an extraordinary journey into the heart of media transformation,” said Munishi. “A window that opens new horizons of knowledge in this revolutionary era, where media do not merely deliver news, but actively shape the future.”

“Next Generation Media Lab unlocked creative corners of my mind I didn’t know existed,” added Topalova. “It reminded me that, in turbulent times, fast thinking and bold ideas aren’t just valuable — they’re the lifeblood of professional journalism.”

Participants also visited the Goethe-Institut Sarajevo to learn more about its cultural mission and the challenges of promoting German language and intercultural dialogue in the region. Director Voigt highlighted the critical role of media in reporting on culture and fostering regional cooperation. The Lab culminated at last day of event, where teams pitched their visionary media prototypes to a jury. Concepts ranged from youth mental health and diplomacy to intergenerational dialogue and constructive journalism. During the “Funding & Future Opportunities” session, participants explored pathways to bring their ideas to life, with selected teams receiving seed funding grants to produce content focused on EU and youth-related topics.
  As the Lab concludes, one thing is clear: the future of media in the region is being shaped by bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and a new generation of storytellers.

Funded by the European Union, the Innovation. Media. Minds.: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans Program, is managed by the Goethe-Institut on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with its implementing partner DW Akademie.