Skopje, 1 December 2025 (MIA) - Parliament is open for young people and for new ideas, said Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi at Monday’s opening of the 2025 Volunteer Program. The Program allows young people to get closely acquainted with the work of Parliament and gain practical experience in the institution.

Gashi said his vision from the very first day of his term has been for Parliament to be accessible to the citizens, especially young people.

“The first group of volunteers was very successful, 20 people worked in various sectors and acquired exceptional experience, and one of them has already been employed by Parliament. You have a chance to make the most of it and work in the most important institution in the country,” Gashi stressed, adding that Parliament’s administrative staff is one of the best in the country. 

Parliament’s General Secretary Marina Dimovska stressed volunteering as the first step in building a career.

“This is an opportunity to get closely acquainted with the work of the Parliament, with the legislative procedure, and with the essential role of the parliamentary service. Parliament is my passion, since my student days I began as a volunteer in 2009, and today I am the Secretary General. Let this be your motivation and encouragement,” Dimovska said.

The Deputy Head of Mission at the United Kingdom’s Embassy to North Macedonia, Daniel Fieller, also highlighted the importance of the Program and its development, noting that it is becoming a permanent opportunity for young people.

“I am especially happy to see how this initiative has grown from a promising pilot project into a permanent institutionalized opportunity for people across North Macedonia. Last year no one knew how it would develop, and today we know it has exceeded expectations, which is fantastic,” Fieller stressed, adding that the United Kingdom is proud to have supported this initiative through the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. 

The Country Director of Westminster Foundation for Democracy in North Macedonia, Dona Kosturanova, stressed that the Program began with a clear vision to open the doors of the highest democratic institution to young people.

“We believe in young people as engaged and responsible citizens, and in Parliament as a professional institution that works for the citizens. The numerous applications are proof that young people want to be part of democratic institutions and to contribute,” Kosturanova said, adding that the benefits are twofold: for the young, an opportunity to gain practical knowledge and contacts, and for Parliament, a chance to bring in new energy and demonstrate its openness.

Parliament's Volunteer Program is carried out in cooperation with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and with the support of the British Embassy. This year, 20 volunteers have again been selected who will be part of Parliament’s work over the next four months.

Photo: MIA