Skopje, 21 June 2023 (MIA) - A successful and democratic North Macedonia is not possible without a strong and developed civil society. I hope that today's event will be an additional motivation for all activists in non-government organizations, but also for the numerous individuals who do good deeds, said President Stevo Pendarovski at Wednesday's event on awarding the Charter of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The recognition was awarded to three organizations and four persons who, through their work and dedication, have made a huge contribution to the socialization and realization of human rights and freedoms of people with disabilities, for helping and supporting the disadvantaged and oppressed, for caring and educating children and rising awareness for cancer, promoting gender equality, improving multi-ethnic relations, and affirming North Macedonia on an international level.

SOS Children's Village, Center for Balkan Cooperation LOJA, Polio Plus - Movement Against Disability, and also Biba Dodeva, Lenche Zdravkin, Savka Todorovska and Risto Donev are the award recipients.

"I congratulate the winners and use this opportunity to thank them for everything they've done so far and to ask them to remain dedicated to this noble cause, and I wish everyone else, all of us, to follow in their footsteps, for our own good," said President Pendarovski.

Pendarovski also pointed out the significance of the role of civil societies, as well as the individuals who through their work, but also independently, contribute to North Macedonia's democracy and society.

"Apart from the quality of the three basic pillars of the state - legislative, judiciary and executive - the media and civil organizations are a benchmark for the democratic maturity and prosperity of a modern and developed society. Non-government organizations are an indicator for the well-being of the community, catalysts of social processes, protectors of people's rights and freedoms, as well as the different communities and groups in society," Pendarovski added. ssh/ik/

Photo: President's Office