Novo Selo, 10 April 2023 (MIA) - We cannot talk about democracy and a developed civil state without the participation of citizens, firts in their communities, as well as in the wider social processes, President Stevo Pendarovski told the third session within the Community Forums held in Novo Selo Municipality, organized as part of the project "Empowering Municipal Councils".  

According to him, if decision-making processes don't start from the bottom up, from the base to the top, then it is clear that politicians cannot make any change because they will not have the support of the citizens.

"This is often forgotten from one election cycle to another, and as elections approach, it becomes a current topic, but the focus should always be on the citizens. It is high time after three decades of building a democratic society that we listen to the voice of the people much more often. It is natural for the processes to start at the local level because the citizens know best what they need," said President Pendarovski. 

He added that the whole process must be supported by including the civil sector, international organizations and experts, and by using their knowledge and experience.

"I must stress that the participation of young people is crucial. Throughout my mandate so far, through various initiatives, projects, programs, participation and support in seminars, conferences, youth events, I try to contribute exactly in that direction - to encourage and support young people for their energy, ideas, will and needs to surface. We must not let apathy overwhelm them because they are the key force that brings about change. It is through participation in all processes, including in the local community, that we will get human capital to move the Macedonian society forward faster," the President pointed out. 

According to Mayor of Novo Selo Municipality, Gjorgje Bozhinov, by implementing this project through the Community Forums, councilors in the municipality get professional upgrade and education. 

Swiss Ambassador Véronique Hulmann said her country has continuously supported local democracy and the Community Forums for many years.

"The inclusion of citizens in the decision-making processes and informing them about decisions related to the allocation of the budget and the development of projects brings new perspectives, ideas and solutions, thus increasing trust and confidence in the decisions that are made. This leads to more effective management and a greater sense of ownership over the policies being implemented," said Ambassador Hulmann. 

UNDP Resident Representative to North Macedonia, Armen Grigoryan, noted that through this tool, citizens have felt the benefits of their increased participation in these processes.

"Community Forums provide a platform for you as residents to express your interests, share your ideas, engage in meaningful dialogue with your local representatives. By actively participating in the forums, citizens have their say in decision-making that affects daily life, such as local regulations, infrastructure priorities, environmental protection, gender equality and other issues," Grigoryan said. 

The Community Forums activity is organized as part of the project “Empowering Municipal Councils”, funded by the Swiss Government and the Ministry of Local Self-Government, and co-funded and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with national and local partners.

Photo: MIA