LocationsYouth challenges transferred in solutions: What UNDP North Macedonia does on the subject
August 12, 2024
For the first time in history, today the world is younger than ever! There are 1.2 billion young people (aged 15 to 24) today, representing 16% of the world population. The numbers are expected to grow by 7% reaching 1.3 billion by 2030[1]. The “youth demographic dividend” brings economic potential for growth especially in the developing countries where the share of young population is higher[2]. Moreover, the expected social impact can be significantly increased through innovation and digitalization, the two aspects that go hand-by-hand with youth. This growing economic and social potential requires capital investment in youth empowerment.
However, many countries are experiencing challenges like a declining youth population, driven by complex and difficult-to-address factors. North Macedonia is no exception, facing serious demographic challenges. In the period between 2002 and 2021, the percentage of young people falls from 24% to 18%, with decline of 77.000 young people[3]. The latest research shows that 32% percent of young people are dissatisfied with their position in the society, while six out of 9 young people would leave if the occasion occurred.[4] Young people are not looking only for new economic possibilities but show genuine concern for social and environmental questions. It is clear that in order to reverse this, а strategic approach is needed, as well as serious investments in education, employment and youth participation in decision-making.
“As response, UNDP Country office from North Macedonia puts the focus on youth in all activities. In 2023 UNDP MK dedicated 1.45 million USD from various donors on youth. From implementation of youth initiatives, consultation of young people, support for establishment of youth councils to programs for youth employment, environmental programs and youth clubs, UNDP MK has contributed to youth participation and empowerment,” stated Armen Grigoryan, resident representative from UNDP North Macedonia.
[1] https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/youth
[2] https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/frontier-technology-issues-harnessing-the-economic-dividends-from-demographic-change/
[3] https://www.wfd.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/Mladi%20na%20popis_so%20finalen%20tekst_02_so%20korekcii.pdf
Youth participation – core of democratic governance
Almost 74% of young people have not been consulted nor included in decision-making. In a context of declining trust of the young people in the institutions and in the system, contributing to youth participation in decision-making is the highlight of UNDP North Macedonia work in democratic governance.
UNDP North Macedonia works on spreading young peoples’ voices in strategic thinking and in shaping the future. We supported the process of creation of the National Youth Strategy 2023-2027 putting the youngsters in the center of youth policies. The youth perceptions were taken into consideration also in the National Development Strategy. The establishment of local youth councils was supported by capacity building of youth leaders and local decision-makers.
In order to empower young people to raise their voices expressing their needs, Youth-led initiatives were implemented by youngsters with support of municipalities and youth organizations promoting social cohesion and confidence-building. Youth-friendly activities were put in place, such as youth-centered documentary, videos, forum theatre plays and workshops, that made sure we speak “youth language”, using a format that is close to them.
- Over 1300 young people were consulted for the creation of the National Youth Strategy.
- Over 20 youth initiatives are supported in various municipalities including over 500 young people.
- Over 100 young leaders and decision-makers were trained on youth policies in 2023-2024.
Involving youth in labour market leads to inclusive prosperity
Even though youth unemployment is in constant decline in North Macedonia, and it reached 27% in 2021, the percentage is significantly higher than the EU average.[1] The unemployment remains the biggest problem for young people because of lack of skills as well as discrepancies between educational possibilities and labor market demands. UNDP MK focuses on job creation, skill alignment, and innovate private sector to combat youth unemployment.
The Youth Guarantee Fund (YG) is a pivotal mechanism that provides services to ensure quality opportunities in employment, continuing education, internships, and training for NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), promoting engagement with local businesses and public authorities.
The Self-Employment Programme actively supports young entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities, by providing crucial resources and guidance into establishing and sustaining small business growth. Nearly 30% of its participants under the age of 29. Through the Community Works Programme participants gain skills and invaluable work experience that significantly enhances their employability and contributes positively to local social agenda.
UNDP North Macedonia's strategic partnerships with the private sector are crucial in advancing youth empowerment and promoting gender equality. They integrate young people into traditionally male-dominated industries, through trainings that often lead to employment. Young female STEM students are also in the focus on the interventions leading to full-time employment.
Guided by the Leave No One Behind principle, more than 70 young Roma gained access to education and completed primary education, while 30 of them will also acquire vocational skills and opportunities to get employed or open their own businesses.
- More than 11,000 young individuals were informed about the job and training opportunities
- 5,186 young people were registered at the Employment Service Agency during the period of 2022-2023
- 2,004 companies were engaged communicating and promoting the activity within the business community.
- 1,500 young individuals were involved in social services.
[1] https://api.ams.gov.mk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/nsm23-27-sluzhben-vesnik.pdf
Youth fighting climate change and environment protection
“Climate change is the fight of our lives – and young people have been on the frontlines leading the charge for climate justice.” Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General. UNDP North Macedonia puts focus on environmental actions with young people, empowering their actions for against climate change.
In order to foster youth engagement in climate action and sustainable development, two Youth Climate Hubs in Skopje and Ohrid were established, providing dedicated spaces for young people to develop ideas and initiatives, focusing on climate change, disaster risk reduction, and environmental protection.
But disasters do occur, and preparedness is the key! Preventive initiatives in Disaster Risk Reduction are also part of our activities, especially for the young generations, including youth friendly DRR manual and drills in schools.
One of the biggest activities in the area of environmental protection is in Prespa where sustainable agriculture and tourism measures are targeting the young farmers, as they will surely be the first ones to implement such practices.
The generation of digitalization and innovation
One cannot talk about the young without taking action in the digitalization. Whether it be through the software for e-services on local level “LOGES” where youngsters from Veles are the first users, tailored digital and vocational trainings in the Youth Centers in the Polog Region or a program for impact driven startups - Accelerate2030, we give space for innovation to meet digitalization.
In 2023 UNDP supported the opening of the first biohacking laboratory in the country that contributes to bringing science closer to the community of entrepreneurs, especially in the real of transformation of biowaste and development of biotechnologies.
Partnership building for youth benefit
UNDP is working in cooperation both with local and national stakeholders to empower youth: Agency for Employment, Agency for youth and sport, various Ministries and Municipalities and the youth umbrella organizations. In this, we join forces with other UN agencies and international organizations. To name but a few: UNFPA, OSCE, UNICEF UN Women and UNESCO are our partners not only in creation of activities and policies but also in constant consultation with the youth.
Armen Grigoryan, resident representative from UNDP North Macedonia says that “UNDP country office does not see young people as a simple target group, beneficiaries, or a topic. We have changed the perception on youth question from “project-based” to cross-portfolio approach! In UNDP “Youth” is now mainstreamed across all projects and operations, from HR policies to communication.”
Today's youth are agents of change, they are the architects of tomorrow, empowering them will ensure more resilient nations, whether it means strengthening democratic governance, creating inclusive society or protecting the environment. Let’s not forget that we need them more than they need us!