Driven By The Future: Youth, Heritage, And A Festival Of Friendship In Kosovo

1. julija, 2025

Almost a year ago, we – the FIVA Culture and Youth Commission – made a commitment: to bring youth forums back to life. The last one had been held in Morocco back in 2022, and it was time to take the next step—to turn ideas into action. With the support of our friends from Kosovo, that vision became reality. A key link was Andia Kolshi, a twenty two year old member of both the Oldtimer Club Prizreni and the FIVA Youth Working Group, whose involvement, notwithstanding her young age bridged planning and logistics with ease.

This year, the Oldtimer Club Prizreni celebrated the 20th anniversary of its traditional festival—an ideal moment to collaborate. As the official FIVA representative in Kosovo, the club plays a central role in promoting technical heritage. By joining the anniversary  celebration, the FIVA Culture and Youth Commission not only partook but also contributed to   the festivities with a Youth Forum designed to empower, connect, and inspire the next generation of historic vehicle enthusiasts.

The forum carried a clear theme: “Driven by the Future: How Youth Can Save the Historic Vehicle Movement.” It brought together young minds from across Europe to tackle real questions about the future of our shared passion, including whether  historic vehicles could find a place in a sustainable world? How could  a passion for historic vehicles  be turned into a  profession? How could  outdated stereotypes of historic vehicles be broken and reshaped  for new generations?

Speakers like Konstantinos Kavvadias of Greece shared personal journeys—transforming a love of historic vehicles into a professional path, thanks to opportunities like restoration workshops and educational programs across Europe. Others, such as French social media expert Alizée Glavieux and Turkish curator Banu Kucuksubasi, highlighted how digital innovation and artistic engagement are reframing the narrative around historic vehicles, making them relevant and accessible for young audiences.

One session tackled perhaps the most urgent topic of all: sustainability. Can alternative fuels, green tech, and responsible restoration practices keep our classics on the road—without compromising their authenticity? The answer isn’t simple, but the message was clear: preserving the past while embracing the future isn’t a paradox. It’s our collective challenge.

And yet, the forum wasn’t just about discussion. It was about connection. After the panels, we joined a group of curious young minds in a hands-on workshop, where Visar Kolshi,a board member of the Prizreni Oldtimer Club and a second generation expert in the restoration and service of historical vehicles  demonstrated the braking system using  a classic Mustang. Later, in the town square of Prizren, the celebration came alive. The festival wasn’t just a display of chrome and engines—it was a living, breathing expression of culture, community, and joy.

Under the sun and surrounded by a crowd of passionate owners, families, and fans, it became obvious: this was more than a gathering. It was a festival of life and friendship. A celebration of legacy, love for machines, and the stories they carry. And thanks to the energy of the youth, the future looks not only promising—but already in motion.

Text by: Natasa Grom Jerina

Pictures by: Cesalya – Alizée Glavieux