In an era of rapid change, digitalization, and increased mobility, decision-making should not be the exclusive privilege of a select few. The decisions affecting a community must involve those directly impacted by them. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in North Macedonia has embraced a proactive approach, engaging individuals across diverse demographics to contribute to decision-making processes. UNDP implements several initiatives that go beyond the conventional decision-making models, striving to involve the citizens including youth, local community members, representatives of vulnerable groups and socially excluded.
Diturim Xheladini is a young man who wants to contribute to improving the quality of life in his hometown. He is the president of the Youth Council in Bogovinje, one of the 44 municipalities in the country in which Community Forums were organized as part of the Empowering Municipal Councils project that UNDP implements with the support of the Swiss government and the Ministry of Local Self-Government. The citizens have a chance to select which priority infrastructure projects will be implemented in their local communities.
"Young people are a numerous advocacy group with great ambitions, with different culture, tradition and different experiences. This has an impact on the discussion, as we can share our unique viewpoints and perspectives, thus helping to achieve the best and most appropriate long-term solutions for the various problems in the municipalities we live in, especially the problems young people are facing with”, says Diturim.
On the other side of the country, Mitko Ruskov, a pensioner who had spent numerous years working in Switzerland, was among the participants in the Community Forums in the municipality of Novo Selo.
"We took part in this forum and sought support for the cleaning and maintenance of our irrigation canals, as a majority of our municipality's residents are involved in agriculture. Additionally, we advocated for the promotion of rural tourism. I believe that we, as residents, have the best understanding of the needs of our community”, explains Mitko.
To date, over 13,200 citizens, with women comprising 49 per cent of the participants, have actively engaged in establishing local priorities within the 44 partner municipalities. Looking ahead, the Community Forums will extend to an additional 20 municipalities nationwide by the year 2026.
The Community Forums' methodology has taken root and been officially embraced by municipal councils as a pivotal tool for decision-making at the local level. This institutionalization is reflected in the Statutes of 73 municipalities, constituting an impressive 90 per cent of the local governments across the country.
In early 2021, the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia started the process of drafting the National Development Strategy (NDS), with support provided within the framework of a project implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in coordination with the Office of the Resident Coordinator of UN in North Macedonia and supported by the UK Good Governance Fund as well as the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic. NDS is a visionary strategic document aiming to chart country's development path for the next 20 years. This endeavour involves a broad consultation process, inclusion of all stakeholders, as well as building inter-generational, inter-ethnic, inter-party and gender consensus among key societal stakeholders. The strategic planning process is unique as its emphasis on citizens’ active involvement.
The NDS extends beyond the mere creation of a strategic document; it constitutes a comprehensive process aimed at fostering societal consensus and cultivating shared vision for the future. Thus far, over 5,000 participants have actively engaged in more than 40 Dream Labs, with a noteworthy inclusion of diverse demographics — over 50 per cent were women, more than 30 per cent comprising young people, and over 20 per cent from vulnerable groups.
"As a young woman, I want to contribute my knowledge and energy to the betterment of my own country, choosing to invest in its development, rather than exploring the possibilities to go abroad. A large number of stakeholders are involved in shaping the National Development Strategy, and this gives me hope that our challenges and suggestions will be heard. The Dream Labs are a step forward, and we need to achieve the goal together”, says Marija Savevska, a person with cerebral palsy and a member of the civic organization Sozvezdie.
“The involvement of all pertinent stakeholders is paramount in crafting the National Development Strategy (NDS). This method not only furnishes us with pertinent data but also affords us invaluable insights into the perspectives of the citizens. The ultimate outcome is a strategy that aligns more closely with the collective sentiments of all those engaged in the process”, points out Andreja Stojkovski, Director of the PRESPA Institute.
Over 250 representatives from all the ministries and other relevant public institutions were involved in the process. More than 200 experts from various fields and the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU) are among the key stakeholders in the formulation of the document. NDS is expected to enable the largest SDG push in the last years of the 2030 Agenda.
According to the latest Youth Trends Survey, conducted by the Agency for Youth and Sports in 2022, as many as 77.5 per cent of young people believe that they are not properly involved in decision-making processes at the local and national level. But this is probably not the biggest problem. The same survey shows that every third young person in the country has no interest in engaging in the public debate about the social contract. For 37.2 per cent of young people, apathy and lack of interest are the main reason for non-involvement in youth organizations and social processes, because they feel that their voice will be lost in the social noise.
These numbers may seem overwhelming, but they certainly don't mean we should "start waving the white flag." On the contrary, this call for help is an incentive for all social factors to include young people, but not only as a statistically necessary quota and not only like-minded people from whom they will receive applause. With an open approach we have included the youth originality, rebelliousness, innovativeness, creativity, knowledge and enthusiasm in the creation of the new National Youth Strategy 2023-2027, a process led by the Agency for Youth and Sports and supported by UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and OSCE.
Damjan Zlatanovski is a young European ambassador whose main interests are the environment, culture and art. One of his favourite topics for discussion with his peers, but also with the adults, is how to achieve greater involvement of young people in society.
"Giving young people the compass to create their own future provides precise and valuable insights into the challenges we face, brings a fresh perspective in step with the times and effectiveness of the conclusions reached, but also has the function of stimulating self-awareness that as individuals we possess the ability to influence change, inspire and create policy. Participation in the process of creating the National Strategy for Youth, besides sowing a promising future, will also bring fruit by giving a sense of belonging, respect, improving personal development and skills and empowering us, the youth," says Damjan.
By fostering an environment where citizens are active participants, UNDP ensures that policies and initiatives resonate with the needs and aspirations of the people. This inclusivity not only enhances the quality of decisions but also reinforces a sense of ownership and accountability among the community members. The specific focus on SDG 16, particularly on target 16.7, demonstrates UNDP's dedication to creating a framework for responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making. This target aligns perfectly with the organization's vision of leaving no one behind. By actively involving individuals at all levels, UNDP contributes directly to the broader global agenda of fostering peace, justice and strong institutions.
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Palais des Nations, Geneva
