LocationsThe National Development Strategy (NDS) of North Macedonia, launched in 2021, is more than just a policy document—it's a product of deep, ongoing collaboration between citizens, civil society, business, academia, political parties, and government officials. It reflects a broad, evolving dialogue that spans multiple social groups and political landscapes, culminating in a unified vision for the country’s future. This blog post highlights the participatory process that brought together different social groups and political factions, and how the NDS evolved from a grassroots movement to a broad, national initiative supported by various executive powers and parliamentary groups.
The Participatory Process: Evolving from Social Groups to Parliamentary Support
The development of the NDS was not a top-down initiative but rather a dynamic, participatory process that involved citizens at every stage. From the outset, the process sought to involve a diverse range of stakeholders, including citizens from all 8 planning regions, civil society organizations, business sector and academic experts, to ensure that the strategy reflected the concerns, needs, and aspirations of the entire population.
More than 14,000 citizens participated in over 75 events, including dream labs, expert debates, and roundtables, where they discussed everything from economic growth to social inclusion. These discussions were not only foundational to shaping the NDS, but they also created an inclusive space for a variety of voices, ensuring that the strategy would represent a wide array of interests, from marginalized groups to business and academic sectors.
As the process progressed, the participation of parliamentary groups became an essential part of the conversation. Members of Parliament (MPs) from different political parties were actively engaged, alongside representatives from the executive branch, ensuring that the strategy evolved from grassroots ideas into a shared political framework.
From Unanimous Approval to Broad Political Support
One of the significant milestones in the development of the NDS was its unanimous adoption by the Parliament. This rare political achievement reflected the broad, cross-party support for the strategy and demonstrated that the NDS was not simply a product of one political faction but rather a national priority supported by a diverse political spectrum. However, it wasn’t just the Parliament that stood behind the NDS.
The strategy was also supported by various executive powers, regardless of political changes. Throughout the NDS process, there was a consistent commitment from both the previous government, the transitional government, and the new government that took office following elections. This continuity of support, despite changes in political leadership, was essential in ensuring that the NDS remained a long-term, stable vision for the country’s future. While political parties may differ on many issues, the NDS was seen as a shared framework that could transcend short-term political cycles, emphasizing the importance of long-term development over immediate political gains.
By involving a wide range of actors—from civil society groups and business chambers to political leaders—the NDS highlighted the collaborative effort between all sectors of society, bridging the gap between decision-makers and the public. The collaboration between all these groups served as a powerful signal that North Macedonia’s future development would be built on a foundation of inclusivity, dialogue, and cooperation.
The Role of Government, Parliament, and Political Leaders
A key aspect of the NDS’s success was the involvement of political leaders and government officials at every stage of the process. The involvement of over 200 ministry representatives ensured that the strategy was not merely a political vision but a pragmatic, implementable framework that would have real impact across all sectors of government.
The ongoing coordination between ministries, local governments, business sector and civil society organizations ensured that the NDS reflected the diverse needs of the population while aligning with national development priorities. This alignment across various political entities ensured the strategy’s longevity, making it a long-term, cross-government initiative.
Building Trust and Continuity Across Governments
An important feature of the NDS development process was the continuity of support across different governments. The NDS was not the product of one political party or a single administration but was supported by the previous government, the transitional government, and the new government that took office following elections. This demonstrated the strategy's ability to transcend political cycles and serve as a unifying framework for the country's future development.
This continuity was a testament to the commitment of all governments to building a sustainable, inclusive future for North Macedonia. Despite differences in political ideology, all parties recognized the importance of having a cohesive, long-term development strategy that would guide the country toward its future goals.
A Shared Vision for the Future: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
One of the most significant achievements of the NDS process was its integration of gender equality and social inclusion as core principles. More than 50% of participants in the consultation events were women, 30% youth and over 10% were from marginalized and vulnerable groups. These efforts ensured that the NDS would not only address the economic and political dimensions of development but would also create a more equitable and inclusive society for all citizens.
By actively involving women, youth, and other underrepresented groups, the NDS development process mirrored the country’s commitment to gender equality and social inclusion. These principles were embedded throughout the strategy, ensuring that they would remain priorities in policy implementation and program development in the years to come.
Conclusion: A Model for Inclusive Governance and Sustainable Development
The National Development Strategy of North Macedonia is a powerful example of how a participatory process can evolve from broad public involvement to strong political support across different governments. It demonstrates the importance of engaging citizens, civil society, and political leaders in shaping a national vision. Through active dialogue and collaboration, North Macedonia has created a shared vision for its future—one that reflects the country’s long-term goals while addressing the needs of its diverse population.
As North Macedonia moves toward implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the continuity of support for the NDS will be key in ensuring that the strategy remains a living, evolving document, shaped by the contributions of all sectors of society. The participatory process, which has brought together citizens and leaders from across the political spectrum, serves as a model for inclusive governance and offers valuable lessons for other nations seeking to develop long-term strategies for sustainable development.
The NDS is not just a framework for policy—it is a commitment to the future, built on a foundation of collaboration, inclusivity, and the collective will of the people.
THE AUTHORS OF THE BLOG-POST ARE: Armen Grigoryan, Resident Representative, UNDP North Macedonia; Igor Janushev, General Secretary of the Government of North Macedonia; Afrim Gashi, President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia and Nikola Micevski, Member of Parliament at the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia.
