Skopje, 11 August 2023 - On the occasion of International Youth Day, today in Skopje, in the city park - Shkolka, the Office of the United Nations Population Fund - UNFPA and the Youth Education Forum in partnership with the Agency for Youth and Sports, The United Nations Development Program - UNDP, the OSCE Mission in Skopje and the USAID Activity for youth who actively create opportunities, organized an event to mark and celebrate the Youth Day.

The event was dedicated to young people and aimed to encourage young people to engage in various activities, to encourage them to express themselves creatively, and participate in decision-making processes. This event was an excellent opportunity to promote the role of young people in social action.

With the sounds of the accordion of the young Aldin Murati, the event celebrating the Youth Day started solemnly. It was followed by welcoming speeches by Monika Sandri, Charge d'Affaires UN Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia and Naumce Mojsovski, Director of the Agency for Youth and Sports.

"Youth embodies the essence of innovation, fearlessly breaking down barriers to redefine the future. Your irrepressible passion empowers you to challenge the norms, to direct the social change and technological progress that determine the path towards the sustainable development of human society. We all have an obligation to create space and opportunity for young people to realize their needs, dreams, and ambitions," said Monika Sandri.

"Let Youth Day be a reminder that 364 days we work for young people, we give young people a chance and encourage you to be loud, for us institutions to hear your voice, to be free in what you do and through the creative urge to build a progressive society according to your needs", said the Director of the Agency for Youth and Sports, Naumce Mojskoski.

The event also awarded the Youth Participation Award in three categories, which recognizes youth initiatives, informal youth groups and youth organizations, youth organizations, and umbrella youth organizations that demonstrate a clear vision for community improvement that is systemic and sustainable in addressing the priority social issues; exceptional creativity, innovation, and leadership in defining and solving social issues; and bring about measurable results in the improvement of the community or the welfare of society through the activities of the nominee.