Skopje, 12 August 2024 (MIA) - Young people should be the focus of decision-makers at a local and national level, taking into account their needs and interests. Aware of the increased emigration of young people abroad and alert that they are looking for a future somewhere else, it is time for the state to take measures and actions to prevent this negative trend, it was concluded during Monday's conference organized by the National Youth Council of Macedonia (NYCM) - 'Friend to the Youth - Youth Participation in Focus,' held in Skopje marking International Youth Day- August 12.

Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Fatmir Limani, said that young people are the focus of the 2024-2028 Government Work Program, highlighting their strong commitment to creating a society in which young people can thrive, empowering them through education and skills development, encouraging youth participation in decision-making processes and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, by providing secure and better paid jobs, creating a better business climate and opening new jobs.

"I believe that we can raise youth visibility in society and their active participation in decision-making. I want us to start creating joint policies and plans for future steps tomorrow. Youth participation in decision-making is key for shaping our society and economy in a sustainable direction and building a better future in accordance with young people's needs," Limani said.

The Minister recalled that in 2020 the country adopted the law on youth participation and youth policies, which guarantees youth participation, acknowledging young people and the forms of youth organization. He also added that this legal solution foresees mechanisms on a national and local level, and the inclusion of young people in processes for creating policies and decision making.

"Being aware of the increased emigration of young people abroad and the fear they are looking for a better future someplace else, it is time to take measures and actions to stop this negative trend, although I believe it is not a trend but policies put in place by previous government over the last 20 years. It's high time we understood the seriousness of this challenge we face as a nation. That is why I ask for joint efforts and cooperation to open the doors for young people in institutions and local municipalities, and join hands to build on the present from which future young generations will benefit. Together we can build a country that will be a secure future for our generations," Limani stressed.

NYCM President Filip Ivkovski said that young people should be in focus not only during International Youth Day, but should also be decision-makers on a local and national level with consideration to their needs and interests.

This year, NYCM decided to focus on the youth in local communities, local municipalities and their policies, what they have to offer, how accessible they are to young people, how they communicate and include young people in decision-making of local policies. The idea is that young people should be in focus not only during International Youth Day, but should also be decision-makers on a local and national level with consideration to their needs and interests. They need to be involved in the decision-making process until the very end, due to their relevancy in terms of how their needs and interests are met," Ivkovski stated.

He added that young people are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the standard of living, incentivizing them to leave the country.

"The number of young people wanting to leave the country is increasing. We definitely need concrete policies, decision and strategies on a local and national level, and seek answers for the negative trends so that we can stop the brain drain, and create a country that will care for young people," Ivkovski highlighted.

The conference is organized within the frameworks of the 'Youth- Inclusive Local Communities,' financed by the EU, implemented by NYCM in partnership with the Local Community Development Foundation Stip, SFERA International Bitola, and Youth Empowerment Platform YEP Gostivar. ssh/ba/

Photo: MIA