Skopje – RYCO’s Local Branch Office in Skopje, in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) organized a 2-day training module workshop for representatives of Youth Political Wings from 8 political parties in North Macedonia, representing various demographics in the society.
The training module focused on equipping the future young leaders with tools and knowledge about advocacy tools and methodologies on how youth interests and youth topics can be actualized within the Youth Political Wings and ultimately to be reflected on the agendas of the political parties.
The representatives were greeted by Ms. Aferdita Haxhijaha, Senior Program Manager from IFES, and Mr. Albert Hani, Secretary General of RYCO. Additionally, Mr. Hani provided in-depth lesson on how the Berlin Process affects the strengthening of youth participation and engagement in the decision-making processes and policy making.
“RYCO is a direct most unique example on how the youth from the CSOs and decision-makers from governmental institutions working with youth organized themselves and advocated successfully for the youth to be incorporated in the Berlin Process. RYCO promotes values of peace-building and intercultural cooperation between the youth. When the politicians see how youth is cooperating throughout the WB6 region, they exceed the obstacles and challenges to improve the political cooperation with their colleagues from the region for common interests.” – was emphasized by Mr. Hani
Furthermore, the training provided expertise from two international experts with their sessions on Youth participation in the EU elections 2024, by Ms. Tatyana Hilscher-Bogussevish, and Advocacy in Politics: Youth participation in decision-making, by Ms. Mirela Rajkovic.
This joint initiative between RYCO and IFES comes as a crucial step toward enhancing the capacities of youth wings within political parties, fostering a new generation of leaders equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to shape impactful youth-oriented policies. By investing in the growth and development of young political members and by ensuring meaningful participation of the youth within the political party decision making processes, the political parties can ensure that their agendas remain relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the challenges of an evolving society.
