How Dua Lipa Is Transforming Kosovo
CARDIFF, Wales — Global pop star Dua Lipa is doing more than just topping charts; through her Sunny Hill Foundation, she has been fueling a cultural and economic shift in Kosovo, empowering a new generation of leaders. Kosovo is one of Europe’s youngest nations, both in terms of its 2008 declaration of independence and its population, with nearly 50% of its citizens under 25. Despite this vibrancy, the country faces significant economic hurdles, including high youth unemployment and limited access to the global arts and technological industries. These barriers are affecting young people and limiting their income and professional development opportunities. For many years, Kosovo remained off the global radar; however, Sunny Hill Foundation of Dua Lipa has helped increase the country’s international visibility, particularly in the creative sector.
Lipa’s Sunny Hill Festival is the foundation’s primary fundraiser and its most visible success. Recently nominated for “Best Medium-Sized Festival” at the European Festival Awards, the event has become a major contributor to Kosovo’s local economy. In 2025, the festival received the Economic Impact Award from the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, highlighting its role in generating revenue for local businesses. By hosting international stars like Shawn Mendes and J Balvin in Pristina, the festival has boosted local tourism, filled hotels and provided a platform for independent local food businesses to reach thousands of international visitors. These activities support short-term employment while helping small businesses expand their customer base.
Beyond the music, the foundation’s goals are in education and gender equality. In January 2025, Lipa’s Sunny Hill Foundation awarded 30 scholarships to young women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This program addresses a critical need in Kosovo. While female enrollment in tech is rising, financial barriers often prevent talented students from completing their degrees. By funding these scholars, the program supports women’s long-term participation in higher-paying and high-demand industries, contributing to more inclusive economic growth.
The foundation also focuses on connecting local creative talent with international training opportunities. In August 2024, it teamed up with the prestigious Swedish Academy of Music, Musikmakarna, to host a songwriting camp for emerging artists. This followed a 2020 initiative that sent young performers to the OCS Institute in Los Angeles for masterclasses. These programs help participants develop professional skills, international networks and sustainable creative careers. Recognizing the link between well-being and creative participation, the foundation has also incorporated mental health support into its initiatives. For the 2025 festival season, it partnered with Mind Check to create a free, safe space for mental health awareness, providing attendees with professional guidance and resources throughout the event.
The foundation’s impact is tangible and permanent, extending beyond Kosovo. Indeed, in October 2021, Dua Lipa opened the Sunny Hill Kindergarten in Tirana, Albania, serving approximately 300 children in an area devastated by the 2019 earthquake. The project reflects the foundation’s emphasis on early childhood education as a foundation for long-term social and economic development. In Pristina, the foundation is currently developing a permanent music and arts hub to provide rehearsal, recording and educational spaces for the next generation. Rather than focusing on short-term charitable aid, Lipa’s Sunny Hill Foundation emphasises sustained investment in education, cultural infrastructure and economic participation. By supporting creative industries, education and mental well-being, the foundation demonstrates how cultural initiatives can help address the structural causes of poverty. As Kosovo continues to invest in its young population, initiatives such as Sunny Hill offer a model for how arts-led development can foster inclusive, long-term economic opportunity.
– Daisy Winstone