The OSCE Mission to Skopje, the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth and the National Youth Council jointly honoured young people, youth groups and organisations whose actions are helping build safer and more inclusive communities. UNDP also presented the Youth Officer Award.
Young people, informal youth groups and youth organizations leading initiatives to address violence, social division, environmental challenges and community safety were recognized at the 2026 Youth Participation Award Ceremony in Skopje. The event was jointly organized by the OSCE Mission, the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, and the National Youth Council, while UNDP presented the Youth Officer Award.
Held on International Youth Day, under this year's theme, "Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships," the event brought together young changemakers, youth organizations, government institutions and international partners. It celebrated practical youth-led initiatives, from preventing violence and building trust between communities to protecting the environment and enabling young people to participate in the decisions that affect them.
A total of 37 nominations were received across the three award categories. Following the evaluation process and public voting, the winners were announced at the ceremony. Financial awards totaling EUR 7,500 were presented to support the continuation and further development of the winning initiatives.
This year's Individual Category focused on "Youth and Security", delivering on the Mission's commitment announced during last year's International Youth Day celebration. The award recognizes young people whose initiatives help prevent violence, strengthen dialogue, promote social cohesion and contribute to safer communities. The Mission also participated in the Evaluation Committee, bringing a Youth, Peace and Security perspective to the selection process.
Dr. Susan Penksa, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, presented the award, recognising the contribution young people make to safer and more resilient communities.
"Young people are not passive observers; they are indispensable partners in advancing peace and security. Yet effecting change cannot rest on their shoulders alone. We all share a responsibility to create open, trusted, and inclusive channels for meaningful youth engagement and participation," said Dr. Penksa.
In the Individual Category - Youth and Security, the award went to Andrej Rajatoski for his environmental platform "gradinarot.mk", which promotes environmental protection, sustainable lifestyles and responsible management of natural resources. The Informal Youth Group Award was presented to Green Pioneers from Bitola, while Young People from Family Diversity received the award in the Youth Organizations, Organizations for Youth and Youth Umbrella Organizations Category.
UNDP presented the separate Youth Officer Award to Vladimir Smilevski, Youth Officer in the Municipality of Veles. The award recognizes Youth Officers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting young people and strengthening youth participation at the local level.
The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of the OSCE Mission to Skopje and its partners to advancing meaningful youth participation. This commitment is reflected in the OSCE-wide Roadmap for strengthening OSCE efforts on Youth, Peace and Security, which provides practical guidance for supporting young people as active contributors to peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies.
