RSPD Presented at the 12th World Forum for Democracy: Building Regional Partnerships for Democracy
12, November 2024
The 12th Council of Europe World Forum for Democracy 2024, held in Strasbourg from 6 to 8 November 2024, brought together global voices to discuss the most pressing issues facing democracy today. The forum gathered over 500 youth and other participants from Europe and worldwide, with innovative minds in politics, business, civil society, culture, and science, to drive ideas for a strong and democratic Europe.
On the margins of the Forum, the Academy for Political Development organized a significant event for the Regional School for Political Development titled “Innovative Partnerships: Strengthening Cooperation of the Schools of Political Studies.”
This event focused on the strength of regional collaboration within the Council of Europe’s Association of Schools for Political Studies, emphasizing the powerful impact of bringing together around 60 young leaders and experts to develop solutions, initiate projects, and promote positive change in SouthEast Europe. Additionally, new opportunities for cooperation between the schools were explored, further strengthening ties and expanding joint efforts across the region and beyond.
All three partner organizations — the Academy for Political Development in Croatia, the School of Public Policy “Mother Teresa” in North Macedonia, and the Foundation BFPE in Serbia — are integral members of the Council of Europe’s Association of Schools for Political Studies, emphasizing their shared commitment to strengthening democratic leadership and promoting regional cooperation.
Representatives from these organizations — Mr. Igor Roginek, Mr. Zhidas Daskalovski, and Ms. Svetlana Stefanović — emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and shared learning. They discussed how the exchange of ideas and experiences among young leaders can spark change. They addressed ways to sustain and potentially expand the Regional School for Political Development’s impact in the future. Alumna from this year’s program, Nina Zubac, also shared her perspective, reflecting on the program’s significance, highlighting the program’s ability to inspire leadership and connect young changemakers across borders.
The World Forum for Democracy is a unique platform for political decision-makers and activists to debate solutions to critical challenges for democracies worldwide. Thus, it was an excellent opportunity to present the joint cross-border effort of the three schools. By identifying and analyzing experimental initiatives and practices, the Forum highlights and encourages democratic innovations at the grassroots and their transfer on a systemic level to strengthen the foundations of democratic societies.
Participation in the World Forum for Democracy ensured the RSPD’s visibility among relevant stakeholders in the broader region and European recognition as an innovative initiative promoting youth political involvement in Southeast Europe.
