Center for Change Management (CCM) organized the second workshop in Skopje in the framework of Europe for Citizen Project “Youth involvement in a constructive dialogue: Communist Past in Contemporary Western Balkan” (YOU-WB).
In a blended format from 18-20 June 2021, the workshop brought together academics, researchers, experts, civil society activists, and young people to discuss the involvement of youth in a constructive dialogue regarding the past focusing on peace, transition, and self-determination in the case of North Macedonia.
In addition to the two days of the workshop, presentation by speakers, and participation of young people, the third day included visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art-Skopje – Its History and its Future.
The agenda was well-thought-out, with the participation of important figures, academics, researchers, professors and students from Macedonian universities with experience and contributions in the field of communication studies, economy, history, minorities, politics of the communist period in Macedonia and its impact on the younger generations and on Macedonian democracy.
The theme of the workshop was “The effect of rapid social changes during post-communist transition and people’s perceptions in Macedonia”. It reflected the effect of rapid social changes during post-communist transition and people’s perceptions in Macedonia. A national and a transnational civil dialogue referring to the past and the fight for democracy under totalitarian. Ethnonationalist Conflict in Post-communist States Varieties; Internal conflict dynamics are critical, especially interactions between ethnic majorities and minorities in the final days of communist rule. The threats to democratic achievements, civic rights, counterbalances.
About 40 young people attended the two days workshop and together with the panelists, discussed topics related to the period of communism and the transition of the Balkan countries, but with an emphasis on the case North Macedonia.
Professor Maleski and Professor Frchkoski had their presentations on the first day on the topics: Independence Through Peaceful Self-determination (The case of Macedonia) and Policy of identities and liberal democracy in transitional countries in the region. The second day was attended by 7 panelists Ass. Prof. Dr. Natalija Shikova was speaking about building multicultural society: developing and sustaining dialogue among the communities , Prof. Dr. Jeton Sasivari focused on the constitutional aspects of Transition in North Macedonia: governance of political parties vs. Governance for Citizens, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marina Andeva had an interesting presentation about the Minorities’ rights: individual or collective protection, Prof. Dr. Mirjana Maleska took everybody back in the time of the revolutions from 1989, the history and the legacy. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Petrusevska Ristovska had an interesting topic- “Spaces of oblivion”, she is an artist and shared with the participants her photos of old buildings in Skopje and what’s her point of view, how she sees things through her camera. Vladimir Janchevski, researcher had a presentation of “provocative Images, Again(St): Contemporary Art interventions in Public Space” and toured students through the Museum of Contemporary art in Skopje the next day. Mr. Agron Biba an actor and director, was talking about the Youth Perspectives, through true stories examples from the past and talked about the importance of communism and explained why it is important on a personal level as well.
Communism, although long gone, is still part of many countries around the world. It left a great impact on many people, many thinkers, economists, philosophers, opinion makers and even on sports and popular culture.
“Youth involvement in a constructive dialogue: Communist Past in Contemporary Western Balkans” / YOU-WB project is funded by the European Union in the framework of Europe for Citizens, European Remembrance strand and led by Center for Comparative and International Studies in partnership with with Mediterranean Center; SCiDEV; Patrimoine sans Frontières: PERIPLI and CCM
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Center for Change Management Coverage of Event
