Current Events Archive 2006 -2007
Reaction in line with the judgment of two children’s and an adult’s murderer
Delegation of The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) visited ADI
Seminar for the new regulations in the tax laws
Regional Conference on Gender Mainstreaming
ADI organizes workshop on phylanthropy
ADI awards $73.000 to NGOs from Gostivar, Tetovo, Kicevo and Debar
ADI presented a quadrennial report to the ECOSOC of the UN
Badinters Majority - Implementation at central and local levels
Visit of the French Ambassador in Macedonia to ADI
Report on the situation with refugees and internally displaced persons in Macedonia
New Publication: Powersharing
Open Forum related with the Law on Volunteerism
Photography and documentary exposition
Regional NGO Fair
ADI publishes new book: Citizenship – Between theory and praxis
Training Municipality Councilors on Badhinter’s Law
Corridor 8 back on the Agenda of Priorities
The life standard of the elderly people is falling down
Training workshop “Participatory budgeting”
Civil Society in Action: Partnerships for Positive Social Change
08 October 2007,
Skopje-Gostivar
Reaction in line with the judgment of two children’s and an adult’s murderer
Reaction from the First Children Embassy in the World – Megjashi and Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI) in the judgment of the murder of Ismaili brothers, Enxhin (13) and Enis (17), and an adult person, their friend Rametulla Ibishi (20), mall “Çairçanja” Skopje.
The First Children Embassy in the World – Megjashi and Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI), are invited in the Convent of children’s rights, ratified in 1993 from the Convent of Republic of Macedonia, which was implemented through positive law dispositions in the Criminal codex, where it is stated that the life of each young person, especially children’s ones, its in the best social interest.
The First Children Embassy in the World – Megjashi and Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI), demand the protection of children regardless gender, religion or nationality. According to Convention of Children’s Rights, every signatory state is obliged to work in best interest of children and is a fundamental right to every child to live a peaceful, happy and leisure childhood.
Tomorrow, 09.10.2007 (Tuesday) in Basic Court in Skopje will be held the main process against the defendants for triple murder in the age of 13, 17 and 20, which were victims of the organized crime of two criminal bands. These children, unfortunately will not experience joy, they will not have a chance to finish their education and will not become honored citizens of this place.
As a civil Association for the protection of human rights and as a children Embassy which defends their rights, we appeal to the court to prosecute sanctionaly in an adequate manner, baring in mind that three young lives are taken. We are waiting for the court to decide independently and professionally, and after the end of this legal process, to give an adequate punishment to the three of the defendants.
The First Children Embassy in the World – Megjashi and Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI), are committed for full realization of children’s rights, while a fundamental right is exactly the right to live. We are reacting publicly and require the triumph of justice.
The delegation of The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) visited ADI
Civil’s society effect in a better implementation of the Framework agreement, the process of decentralization and the active role of the Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI) in these processes, were the main issues that were discussed in the meeting of ADI with representatives from the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
The delegation of EESC, leaded by Mr. Miklos Barbas, reporter of this committee, after the visit he made to the municipality directorship of Gostivar, he attended a meeting with Mr. Albert Musliu, executive director in ADI and Mr. Lulzim Haziri, program director. He also meet the surrogate of the Joint Consultative Committee near EESC, who informed the guests about the stream of the Framework Agreement implementation, the process of decentralization and the contribute that civil society gives in this direction.
The aim of this study-visit made by the delegation of EESC in Macedonia was meeting the representatives of Civil Society Organizations and government officials.
This visit would also help in preparing the establishment of the Joint Consultative Committee between the EESC and Macedonian civil society, which received the support of the European Commission and of the Macedonian government during the 4th meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council. The main role of EESC is giving opinions (around 150 yearly) to the European Parliament and EU, also to the European Commission. Another role that plays is the role of facilitator in the civil dialogue.
Beside regular contacts and cooperation with the network of European Economic and Social Committee and civil organizations in EU–level, member states and other European states, EESC is also known for its expertise and continuous investigation in finding the consensus (“dynamic compromise”).
In the end of the visit, the European delegation visited the market of Gostivar where according to Miklos Barbas, “is created a clearer view of a place visiting for the first time”.
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Seminar for the new regulations in the tax laws
Gostivar (4/9/2007)
What are the tax liabilities for civil society organizations are there possible incomes from CSO’s direct investment and could CSOs perform direct economy activities? The solution for this and other issues concerning the civil society organizations were explained on the third from the serial seminars on “New regulations in the tax laws concerning civil society organizations” held on 4th September, 2007 at the premises of the Association for Democratic Initiatives – ADI in Gostivar. In this seminar representatives from the twenty civil society organizations from Gostivar and other cities, Ministry of Finance, Directorate of revenue, local self-government, business sector and representatives of the media have participated. The participants were introduced with current tax regulations in the country, possibilities for the civil society organizations and recommendations for changes in the fiscal regulation of interest for the civil society organizations. This event, on behalf of the members of the Civic Platform of Macedonia, was organized by the Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI and Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation (MCIC), in the frame of the component “Improving of the legal and fiscal framework for civil society organizations”, coordinated by the Foundation Open Society Institute Macedonia.
Regional Conference on Gender Mainstreaming
Skopje (31/8/2007)
The Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI) from Gostivar, in the frame of the project “Establishment of gender mainstreaming in the work of media, government, police and courts”, on 31 August – 1 September 2007 in the hotel “Kontinental” Skopje, organized regional conference. This conference was supported by the Balkan Human Rights Network (BHRN). The focus of the conference was to discover what has been done in the direction of gender mainstreaming in the national institutions after the collapse of communism in the transition countries: Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo and Bulgaria. During the conference the research made in the above mentioned countries was presented in order to see how the provisions of CEDAW have been implemented, what had the Government reported and what has the Shadow report stated; and what have various actors contributed to implementation of CEDAW: Government, NGO sector, and media. Furthermore, the representation of women and men in national and private media was elaborated; as well as the legal framework on gender stereotyping and presenting sex and violence in the media; media campaigns against gender stereotyping in each of the countries and other successful initiatives in this direction. This part was especially important as in the last two decades with the collapse of communism, and birth of the information age - the media (TV, film industry, internet, and magazines) and marketing agencies have continued to strengthen and even aggravate the gender stereotypes. Domestic violence was another issue discussed on the conference. In this regard, there was discussion about actions taken by the Government so far, police practices in dealing with this problem and successful NGO initiatives in preventing domestic violence. Many representatives from the NGO sector, media, shelter centers and other relevant institutions had the opportunity to present their opinions during the conference.
ADI organizes workshop on philanthropy
Gostivar (7/6/2007)
The “Best Practices in Philanthropy” workshop included a presentation on the Law on Donations and Sponsorship of Public Activities.
The Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI), as part of the project Networking of Local Resources, supported by World Learning, through USAID funding, on 7 June 2007 at the Hilton Hotel (Green Center) in Gostivar, held a one-day workshop in which the best practices in philanthropy of USA, Hungary and Slovakia were presented, as well as the Law on Donations and Sponsorship of Public Activities that entered into force on January 1, 2007.
One of the main challenges the civil sector faces is obtaining wider support from local resources towards the sustainability of civil society organizations. Many of these organizations face this challenge, due to their dependency on foreign donations for the implementation and maintenance of long-term programs.
In the workshop, participants discussed and critiqued this situation, as many civic organizations from Tetovo and Gostivar became familiarized with instruments and practices of seeking financial support from the local community.
There is a lack of knowledge of civil society in both the identification of potential support and donors and in the development of relations with them. Contribution to the fundraising from the community and the private sector good practices presentation was given by two Peace Corp volunteers, Kate Robinson and Brendan Close. Nikica Kusinikova from CIRa spoke about new trends and opportunities in Macedonia, while Slavko Lazovski - tax expert from Ministry of Finance, presented the Law on donations and sponsorships of public activities.
At the end of the workshop the conclusion was that there is a need of more detailed knowledge of the philanthropy concept, techniques for fundraising and possible source of funding. Also it was concluded that there is a lack of knowledge of the Law on donations and sponsorships and possibilities that are offered by this law and it was requested that the Ministry of Finance does a bigger promotion campaign for this law.
ADI awards $73.000 to NGOs from Gostivar, Tetovo, Kicevo and Debar
Gostivar (26/4/2007)
In the frame of the “Civil Society in Action” project, the Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI), based in Gostivar, awarded grants to 15 NGOs from the region of Gostivar, Tetovo, Kicevo and Debar totaling $73 000 for implementation of projects in the area of combating corruption, improvement of health care, improvement of quality of life, local economic development and social inclusion of vulnerable groups. The grants were awarded as part of the Program for Local Partner Initiatives, supported by the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“Build on strong values, civil society plays an important role in general society life. Civil society needs to be built on this success and to try to broaden the citizens’ participation in their initiatives”, stated Shpend Imeri, the president of ADI. He added that civil society needs to address two key problems: poverty (especially unemployment) and corruption.
On behalf of the Institute for Sustainable Communities, the Director Stephanie Rust congratulated the grantees and encouraged their further progress in implementation of their projects, as well as the establishment of partnerships between NGOs and local authorities. Support of the civil sector on behalf of the local government was stated by the spokesperson of the Municipality of Gostivar, Njomza Selimi.
According to Lindita Bexheti, the Project Coordinator, the aim of the Program for Local Partner Initiatives is to support the local initiatives which enable active participation of citizens in the decision making process for issues of public interest, contribute in finding solutions to problems which they face and improve the quality of life in the four municipalities.
It is worthwhile to mention that out of the 15 projects that were awarded grants by this program, five will be implemented in the Municipality of Gostivar by the following organizations: Information Technology Center, No Border Center, European Link Center, the Union of Albanian Women (Gostivar branch), and Inter Ethnic Project. In the Municipality of Tetovo, also five projects will be implemented by the following organizations: Enterprise Support Agency (ESA), the Center for Public Participation, Gjelberimi, ADA, and the Center for Democratic Development. Three projects will be implemented in the Municipality of Kicevo by the Association of Blind People, the Foundation Informatics Center and the Kicevo Regional Center for Economic Development. Two projects will be implemented in the Municipality of Debar by Tolerant Youth and the Center of Sustainable Community Development (Debar branch).
ADI is implementing the program for local partner initiatives in cooperation with their partners: Enterprise Support Agency (ESA) – Gostivar, RHAM Sonce – Tetovo, Center for Community Development – Kicevo and Women Center – Debar.
ADI presented a quadrennial report to the ECOSOC of the UN
New York, June 2007
As an organization in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), ADI presented a quadrennial report to the Non-Governmental Organizations Committee. The report details the period of 2003-2006 and contains information about mainstreaming the work of the organization. The report also includes information about the contributions of ADI in the work of UN, specifically the cooperation with special councils and agencies. Noteworthy contributions are the project that ADI implemented as a sub-coordinator of the informal regional network (UN-NGO-IRENE) for Eastern Europe for the establishment of the institutional means for gender equality on a local level, the project for regional exchange of volunteers (RIVER SEE), and the workshops for participation in budgeting.
Badinters Majority - Implementation at central and local levels
Skopje (5/4/2007)
The Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI), under the Civil Platform in Macedonia (CPM), organized a thematic forum called “Badinters Majority – Implementation at central and local levels”. The forum was held on 5 April 2007 in the Club of Representatives in Skopje and raised interest among the non-governmental organization representatives and the media.
One of the participants in this forum was Besim Dogani, vice president of the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia. In his statement, he stated that to date, the Parliament has approved 40 laws using the Badinter Majority principle, but there are still situations in which the Badinter Mayority Principle is used for daily politic manipulation.
Dr. Elena Andreevska mentioned that there is no precise operating standard for the implementation of the double majority, but also that every state needs to provide the necessary conditions for effective participation of the national minorities regarding relevant issues that affect their cultural, social and economic life.
“Implementation of the double majority, until now, showed un-accordance in the entire concept at the local and at the central level. In the central level until now the procedures are already installed, now it’s left that the same is done at the local level”, mentioned Albert Musliu, the Executive Director of ADI.
General conclusions from the forum are that the Badinter’s Principle will be implemented less on a national level and more frequently on a local level in the future. Until now more attention was given to the form, while the essence was neglected, this situation should be overcome through strengthening the capacities of the Ministry of Local Governance, enabling them in providing more help to the processes at local level.
Visit of the French Ambassador in Macedonia to ADI
Gostivar (23/3/2007)
The French Ambassador to Macedonia, His Excellency Bernard Valero, on the agenda of his visit to Gostivar, attended a meeting at the Association for Democratic Initiatives. During his visit to ADI’s headquarters in Gostivar, Ambassador Valero met with Shpend Imeri, the President of ADI, and Albert Musliu, the Executive Director. They informed the ambassador about activities that ADI implements in the technical area of civil society strengthening, specifically within education and advocacy of human rights in Macedonia and the Western Balkans, with special emphasis on the rights of ethnic minorities. The Ambassador of France showed interest in local economic development as well as problems the nongovernmental sector is working to improve in the Gostivar region. He praised the staff of ADI for their work toward strengthening of civil society, multicultural society and integration processes.
Report on the situation with refugees and internally displaced persons in Macedonia
Gostivar, 2007
As a member of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE), ADI prepared a report on the situation of refugees and internally displaced persons in Macedonia. The Report provides analysis of the “return” policy in the country, with special focus on Kosovo refugees and IDPs. The Report emphasized some of the critical issues in the country regarding the integration of the refugees, asylum-seekers and IDPs. Also, the Report should initiatate a more detalied and systematic identification of the shortcomings and gaps in national legislation and to suggest recommendations for effective and sustainable reintegration along with the social inclusions of the refugees and IDPs.
New Publication: Powersharing
Gostivar, 2007
In the frame of the project “Power sharing: A new concept of decision-making process in multicultural municipalities”, ADI in collaboration with Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation (MCIC) and the Center for Peace and Democracy (Ian Collins) has published the research report. This report is a result of the process of monitoring within four municipalities in Macedonia: Gostivar, Kicevo, Debar and Struga. This report complies empirical data and an analytical assessment of the process of decentralization, beginnings of the implementation of Badinter’s principle on a local level and the possible ways of developing this model. Also, the report provides an overview of the structures, institutions, and cultural differences in all four municipalities. The project and the research report are funded by the EU and managed by the European Agency for Reconstruction.
Open Forum related with the Law on Volunteerism
Gostivar (1/3/2007)
The Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI), the Center for Institutional Development (CID), and the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), in cooperation with the Ministry of Employment and Social Politics, organized an open forum regarding the Law on Volunteerism. Many representatives of NGOs took part in this tribune, as well as volunteers who are currently serving in the regions of Gostivar, Tetovo and Kicevo. The aim of this forum was to inform participants about the Law and to share experiences and attitudes relating to volunteerism. Mirjana Aleksevska, a representative of the Ministry of Employment and Social Politics, prepared the presentation which explored the content and the process creating the Law on Volunteerism. The participants debated and offered suggestions for better formulating the proposed Law. The presentation was well-received and the Law was deemed necessary for the regulation and protection of volunteerism. This was viewed as a very important segment of the modern society that will contribute to the social and economic development Macedonia.
Photography and documentary exposition
Gostivar (1/2/2007)
An exposition of photography and documentary was held in the cultural house of Gostivar under the organization of the Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI), and with additional support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Over 50 photographs and three short documentary movies culminated the work of students from the wide region of Gostivar, under the leadership of the professional Slovakian photographer Saso Niskach, a former volunteer at ADI. More than a hundred participants had the opportunity to see the photographs realized in Gostivar, Tetovo, Skopje, as well as in the villages of: Vrutok, Pozharan, Novo Selo, Zubovce, Leunovo , Duf, Mavrovo, and Sretkovo. They also had the opportunity to view the three short documentaries that reflect the lives of youth of different ethnicities in the city of Gostivar. The aim of this exposition was to bridge the differences between the ethnic groups that co-exist in Gostivar: Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish and roma. This offered a chance to look at and discuss the cultural make-up and the traditions of all communities that live in this region in the hopes of transcending prejudices among young people. For his special and exclusive contribution in the sphere of the civil society, Saso Niskach was given an award on the “Municipality Day” on behalf of Mayor of Gostivar.
Regional NGO Fair
Gostivar (15–16/12/2006)
The non-governmental organizations from Gostivar and other cities had the opportunity to present their activities on the regional NGO Fair, which was held in the frame of the Macedonian Civic Platform. The fair was organized by Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI) from Gostivar. The NGO Fair was held in the restaurant “Mavrovo”, on December 15–16, 2006. In the Fair 26 non-governmental organizations were presented from Gostivar, Tetovo, Skopje, Kicevo, Struga and Debar. Within the forum activities issues were discussed related to process of decentralization, local economic development, Badinter’s majority, and Roma decade. “Stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, rule of law, human rights, is necessary preconditions for EU accession. Therefore, the civil society should become a strong and forceful factor for strengthening democracy and thus a key to EU integration” stated Mr. Shpend Imeri, president of ADI, at the opening ceremony. The aim of the event is to introduce the public with the activities of civil society organizations, to create space for experience exchange and to increase regional cooperation through coordination and networking of civil society organizations. The regional NGO Fair-Gostivar 2006 is the second event of this kind, the first NGO Fair was held in Strumica. In addition, three more fairs are planned to be organized within the Macedonian Civic Platform.
ADI publishes new book: Citizenship – Between theory and praxis
During August of 2006 ADI published the book “Rule of law in the ex Yugoslav Republics and Albania: Citizenship – between theory and praxis”. Analyses included in this publication are related to citizenship and the legal frame which addresses the issue of citizenship of all states which became independent after the segregation of the former SFRJ, as well Albania. All analyses are made by national ATF (Advocacy Task Forces) of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosova and Serbia, which are part of the Legal Issues Group (LIG) of Balkan Human Rights Network (BHRN) and South East European Refugee Assistance Network (SEE-RAN). The LIG includes about 30 NGOs that are active in the field of refugees and human rights. Many of these NGOs have a long history of providing legal assistance and other support to refugees, IPDs, and returnees, while other NGOs members are engaged in human rights activities which are more analytical and advocacy-oriented. In all analyzes included in this publication reflects that the problem of the citizenship is identical, with small exceptions for Albania and with evident disparity in Kosova, because it is a specific case. The analyzes in total reflect the national and international legal frame, constitutional guarantees on citizenship, the implementation of the Law in practice and the relations among other Laws. Actual cases of the problems of obtaining citizenship are also presented. Finally, there are recommendations which resulted from the analyzes. This publication is part of a future cycle dedicated to topics such as employment, property rights, pensions etc. Download the book in PDF format.
Training Municipality Councilors on Badhinter’s Law
According to the project “Power sharing- new concept of decision making processes in Multicultural municipalities in Macedonia” four trainings named “The role of human rights in the community development” were held in multicultural municipalities as Gostivar, Struga, Kicevo and Debar. The trainings started on 25th and 26th June 2006 on municipality of Gostivar, continuing to the municipality of Struga on 1st and 2nd of July as well as the municipality of Kicevo on 15th and 16th of July and the municipality of Debar on 22nd and 23rd July 2006. All trainings were held during a month. The duration of the training was two days per a city. The composition of the participants included municipality counselors, NGO representatives, and participants from different Associations. During the trainings different themes that are recent and that are in the interest of the society were elaborated basically as Human and Minority rights and a big accent during was putted on Badhinter's’s Principle. The training was led by an expert that has a huge knowledge for the chosen issues of the training that in the same moment represent the main factor of the political and democratic processes in Macedonia that are in a development. Training Municipality Councilor’s about Human and Minority rights as well as Badhinter's Law was the aim of the training. It is a fact that the places where the need of the implementation of Badhinter's Principle, is not known well by the persons who are directly included on its implementation in the respective municipalities. That is why a lot of Counselors during the training had shown big interest about the topic Badhinter's Principle because that is the most actual and common topic of all multicultural communities that represents the main democratic craft of the relation between minorities and majorities in Macedonia. The main aim that was provided by the project itself and the project coordinator in other hand was that these trainings should help people to realize the importance of Human and Minority rights/Badhinter’s Law and to practice it correctly. The target groups on these trainings were Municipality Councilor’s, because municipalities do the decision making process according to Badhinter’s Law and they are the ones that have more need for activities and trainings like these. The trainings were successfully held and all participants showed their gratitude for the proper theme of the training and the proper topics included on the training.
Corridor 8 back on the Agenda of Priorities
The first meeting of the Focus Group of the project “Corridor 8 – partners beyond politics” the idea of which is to stimulate the cooperation of the countries where this European corridor is passing was held on April 11th and 12th at Photo from the meeting of the Focus Group Hotel Continental in Skopje. The project is being financially supported by the Danish Foreign Ministry program FRESTA and is implemented by the Association for Democratic Initiatives ADI – Gostivar. Participants in the Focus Group were experts from Macedonia, Albania and Bulgaria, countries through which the Corridor 8 is passing. The experts were with different backgrounds: governmental, media, NGO representatives. The common conclusion of the meeting was the idea to develop a cross border initiative to influence relevant factors in order to bring back Corridor 8 on the agenda of priorities and increase the impact of the civil sector in this regard. The project will continue through March 2007 and in addition to lobbying activities, conferences and exhibitions will be organized, a bus with journalists and artists coming from the three countries will travel from Vlora (Albania) to Burgas, respectively through the axis where Corridor 8 is envisaged to be constructed. The Corridor East-West is part of a bigger project that includes the construction of the gas line Vlora – Burgas, as well as roads, railways, pipelines, transportation networks and infrastructures. The construction of the Corridor not only will decrease the distance between Europe and East in the economic and political aspect, but it will in the same time connect the economic potential of the region.
The life standard of the elderly people is falling down
Mavrovo (08-09/02/2006)
Association for Democratic Initiatives in cooperation with Croatian Committee in Helsinki and The Center for Human Rights in Belgrade organized the conference “Presentation of national reports on the legal position of elderly people in Croatia, Macedonia and Serbia”, 8 - 9 of February, in Mavrovo, Macedonia. The representatives and experts from these organizations represented the analyses and facts for position of the elderly people in these countries, after which there was a discussion for their status and position, perspectives and the rights of the elderly people, with an intention to encourage the measures that should be taken for the older persons position improvement. In the discussions on this issue, its own contribution gave Government representatives from the Ministry of Work and Social politics, as well as the experts and representatives from NGOs.
The second day of the conference, the focus was on the social position of the elderly people, and was discussed the position of the elderly people in multiethnic society, services for the elderly people and their position in the decentralization process as well as the elderly as target group of the political marketing. At the end of the conference it was concluded that there is a big decreasing of the elderly people’s life standard in the region and it should be taken institutional rates ,especially in the rural families. The participants in the conference agreed that it is necessary the solidarity between generations to be strengthened and that the youth should care more for the elderly. The globalization as well as the poverty were underlined as the major factors that influence on the ignoring of the elderly. The participants of the conference “Presentation of national reports on the legal position of elderly people in Croatia, Macedonia and Serbia” agreed that the Scandinavian model of looking after the elderly people is more adequate for the countries of the region.
Training workshop “Participatory budgeting”
Skopje (20-21/02/2006)
Public-Private Finance Institute (PPFI) in partnership with United Nations Department for Socio-Economic Affairs (UNDESA) in cooperation with the Association for Democratic Initiative( ADI) and with support of the funding by the Cross-Border German Fund for Stability pact, organized training on subject: ”Participatory budgeting”, on 20-21 February,2006. The training workshop took place in the hotel Continental, Skopje and it was targeted for the representatives of the civil society, Government institutions, especially planning and budget departments, representatives from the media, business sector as well as representatives from international organizations. During the two-days training, were presented the initiative “Citizens and the budget”, Fiscal policies and their importance, kinds of taxes and their percentages, Budget relations with development strategies and midterm budget, local government budget, civil engagement and civic participation, Advocacy - Lobbying and media and a real case of citizens impact on the budget-education budget in Albania was presented. UNDESA is a vital interface between global policies in the economic, social and environmental spheres and national action. UNDESA/DPADM mission is to assist Member States in ensuring that their governance systems, administrative and financial institutions, human resources and policy development processes function in an effective and participatory manner by fostering dialogue, promoting and sharing information and knowledge, and providing technical and advisory services. Public-Private Finance Institute is a regional think tank, based in Albania. PPFI mission is to encourage and support the implementation of free market economy, by closely co-operating with national, regional and international institutions. PPFI’s main focuses of work are the issue of public finance, budget transparency and participation. ADI is a regional think tank, non-governmental organization, established in Gostivar, Macedonia, in 1994. ADI aims to protect and promote international human rights standards and values, and to strength civil society in SEE. At the end of the training all of the participants were given certificates.
Civil Society in Action: Partnerships for Positive Social Change
Skopje (02/14/2006)
Today the Association for Democratic Initiatives signed a contract with USAID and the Institute for Sustainable Communities to strengthen civil society in the Northwest region of Macedonia. This project titled “Civil Society in Action: Partnerships for Positive Social Change” will link concerned citizens with NGOs to implement policy change in the municipalities of Gostivar, Tetovo, Kicevo and Debar. ADI will provide re-granting assistance to citizens/informal citizen groups and NGOs that would like to pursue municipal initiatives in these cities in the areas of corruption, environment/healthcare, economic development and inclusion of vulnerable groups.
In May 2006, ADI will hold public debates for citizens and NGOs in the areas of corruption, environment, healthcare, economic development and inclusion of vulnerable groups. At the debates participants will discuss issues of concern to them at the local level and be informed of application procedures to implement their own municipal initiatives to address their concerns. If you are interested in participating in these debates contact ADI at 042 22 11 00 for more information. Also, information will be distributed in the media in the near future on the times and dates of public debates in Gostivar, Tetovo, Kicevo and Debar.