PROJECT ID
- Finance Instrument: Supported by
Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and
- Action Type: Youth
dialogue, peacebuilding, systems thinking, civic engagement
- Project Status: Completed
- Implementation
Period: November – December 2024
- Funded by: Regional Youth
Cooperation Office (RYCO)
- Lead
Organization: Youth Alliance – Krusevo
- Project
partners: civil society
organizations, youth leaders, facilitators and experts in peace and
security
- Main aim: To strengthen
youth participation in peacebuilding and security processes by fostering
dialogue, systems thinking, and multi-stakeholder cooperation for
addressing complex societal challenges in North Macedonia and the Western
Balkans.
PROJECT LOGIC
If young people are provided with safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue,
tools for understanding complex systems, and opportunities to engage with
stakeholders, then they can better analyze the root causes of conflict and
actively contribute to building sustainable peace.
By combining participatory dialogue, systems thinking methodologies, and multi-stakeholder engagement, the project contributes to strengthening youth agency, trust-building, and resilience in addressing peace and security challenges in the region.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Youth engagement and
participation
- 27 young participants selected from all 8 regions of
North Macedonia
- 59 applications received, ensuring competitive and
inclusive selection
- Strong gender, geographic, and ethnic diversity ensured in
participation
- Over 5,000 young people reached through dissemination and
outreach activities
High-quality
dialogue and learning process
- Implementation of a 3-day multistakeholder event in Krusevo
- Engagement of international facilitators and experts in peace
and security
- Use of interactive methodologies including systems thinking,
group work, and reflection exercises
- Participants explored key concepts such as peace, resilience,
security, and trust in institutions
Systems thinking and
analysis
- Development of a comprehensive Systems Map on Youth, Peace and
Security
- Identification of key issues: corruption, ethnic divisions,
disinformation, youth migration, lack of trust in institutions
- Mapping of actors: institutions, civil society, media,
education systems, and youth
- Identification of practical solutions and intervention pathways
Constructive
multi-stakeholder dialogue
- Open discussions on sensitive topics including interethnic
relations, governance, and regional cooperation
- 100% of participants engaged in community or civic activities
- Creation of a safe space for expressing diverse perspectives and
experiences
- Strong emphasis on youth-led solutions and policy engagement
Visibility and
outreach
- Dissemination through social media, mailing lists, and CSO
networks
- Engagement of 358 civil society organizations across the
country
- Broad visibility among youth, stakeholders, and institutions
MAIN RESULTS AND OUTPUTS
- Development of a Youth Peace and Security Systems Map
- Increased capacity of young people to analyze complex societal
challenges through systems thinking
- Strengthened youth participation in dialogue on peace and
security
- Enhanced multi-stakeholder cooperation between youth, CSOs, and
institutions
- Collection of insights and recommendations for future
youth-led peacebuilding initiatives
- Established foundation for future regional cooperation and youth engagement mechanisms
IMPACT
On Young People
Young participants
strengthened their critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding
of peace and security dynamics. They gained confidence to express their
views and actively engage in discussions on sensitive societal issues,
including interethnic relations, governance, and misinformation.
On Regional
Communities
The project created safe
spaces for dialogue in a context of existing tensions and mistrust. It
contributed to promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, and constructive
narratives, while encouraging collaboration across different communities
and backgrounds.
On Stakeholders
Stakeholders gained valuable
insights into youth perceptions and priorities related to peace and security.
The outputs of the project provide a practical resource for policy
development, programming, and future initiatives in youth engagement and
peacebuilding.
KEY DOCUMENTS AND RESOURCES
Youth Peace and Security Systems Map
