On August 23, 2023, SDK organized a roundtable discussion in Podujeva Municipality, bringing together key stakeholders, including municipal authorities from the youth sector, civil society representatives, and local youth organizations such as the Youth Council and various youth clubs.
Purpose of the Roundtable:
The primary goal of the discussion was to foster a collaborative dialogue aimed at developing more effective youth policies for Podujeva. The roundtable provided a platform for participants to align on strategies and approaches that address the needs of the youth in the municipality.
Key Points Discussed:
- Youth Involvement in Policy-Making: Civil society representatives emphasized that, despite being recognized as a special category for social inclusion, young people often lack a significant role in substantive decision-making. As a result, they are not yet fully considered stakeholders in policy development.
- Need for Collaboration: There was unanimous agreement among participants on the necessity of joint efforts to create and implement local youth policies. The discussion underscored the importance of mobilizing all relevant actors in Podujeva, including municipal authorities, civil society organizations, the Youth Council, youth clubs, and student councils.
Next Steps:
The roundtable concluded with a commitment to involve all relevant stakeholders in the assessment and formulation of local youth policies. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the needs and perspectives of young people are effectively integrated into policy-making processes.
By organizing such discussions, SDK aims to bridge gaps and build a more inclusive framework for youth development in Podujeva Municipality.
