Youth challenges transferred in solutions: What UNDP North Macedonia does on the subject

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 developing countries where the share of the young population is higher[2]. Moreover, the expected social impact can be significantly increased through innovation and digitalization, the two aspects that go hand-in-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 the decline of 77.000 young people[3]. The latest research shows that 32% percent of young people are dissatisfied with their position in 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 to reverse this, а strategic approach is needed, as well as serious investments in education, employment and youth participation in decision-making.

“In response, the 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 the 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, a Resident representative, UNDP North Macedonia. Youth participation – core of democratic governance

Almost 74% of young people have not been consulted nor included in decision-making. In the 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.

To empower young people to raise their voices expressing their needs, Youth-led initiatives were implemented by youngsters with the support of municipalities and youth organizations promoting social cohesion and confidence-building. Youth-friendly activities were put in place, such as youth-centred documentary, videos, forum theatre plays and workshops, that made sure we speak the “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.