North Macedonia highlights youth participation in local democracy
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia Zoran Dimitrovski, participated in the International School on Local Democracy, held under the theme “Youth Shaping Local Democracy”.
The event was organised by the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) and the Central European Initiative (CEI), in partnership with the Anna Lindh Foundation and the Council of Europe, CE Report informs via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia's official website.
In his address, Dimitrovski emphasised the importance of young people's active participation in democratic processes and decision-making at the local level, stressing that their ideas and needs should be reflected in concrete local policies and activities.
He underlined that strong local institutions, the rule of law and civic participation form the foundation for developing an inclusive and democratic society, as well as for advancing European integration. In this context, he highlighted local youth councils as an important mechanism for involving young people in the work of local authorities and the development of their communities.
Dimitrovski also noted that recent developments in several European cities, where young people have expressed dissatisfaction and concern about their future, serve as an important reminder of the need for their meaningful involvement in decision-making processes. He stressed that young people should not be mere observers of policies affecting them, but active creators of those policies, with genuine opportunities to help set priorities and shape the future of their communities and societies.
Addressing the regional dimension, Dimitrovski emphasised that regional cooperation and European integration are interconnected processes, while the exchange of ideas and experiences among young people from across the region makes an important contribution to the long-term stability, democracy and prosperity of the Western Balkans.
On the sidelines of the event, the Deputy Minister also met with Josep Ferré, Executive Director of the Anna Lindh Foundation, and Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA. The meeting reaffirmed the country's support for the mission and activities of both organisations aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding and connections among citizens across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of creating opportunities for greater youth participation and cooperation in the Western Balkans and the wider Euro-Mediterranean region, as well as on the role of the Anna Lindh Foundation and ALDA in connecting civil society organisations and regional partners, particularly amid increasing polarisation and contemporary regional challenges.
During the meeting, Dimitrovski also reaffirmed the country's commitment to further strengthening Euro-Mediterranean cooperation within the Union for the Mediterranean, which North Macedonia joined in November 2022.
Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia
