LocationsFrom Creating the Path to Inspiring Others: Youth Participation in Veles
October 16, 2026
Youth awards 2026
When Vladimir Smilev became Youth Officer of the Municipality of Veles in 2021, the role itself was still new. The Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies had only recently been adopted, and municipalities were beginning to translate their provisions into practice.
Youth activities
Vladimir describes those first years as a “path into the unknown.” Rather than waiting for all the answers, he began building the mechanisms young people needed to participate.
In the years that followed, Veles established its Youth Centre and a Local Youth Council. This September, the Municipality is taking another step forward by starting the preparation of a Local Youth Strategy and Action Plan with UN support.
For Vladimir, the purpose behind all these processes has remained the same:
“I have always supported and encouraged young people to become more involved so that they can be part of the decision-making processes in the community where they live.”
Youth activities
Recognizing the people behind youth participation
This year, on International Youth Day, Vladimir received the “Partners of Youth Award”, in the Youth Officers category. Organized by the National Youth Council and the Ministry of social policy, demography and youth, this award recognizes Vladimir’s commitment to support youth participation, enhance cooperation among young people and the institutions.
The recognition reflects something that is sometimes overlooked when we talk about youth participation: young people need opportunities to participate, but they also need institutions and people within those institutions who are willing to listen, support and open doors for them.
Youth awards 2026
“Youth Officers can be that bridge. They help turn policies into practice and create spaces where young people can move from being consulted to actively participating in decisions. This was also at the heart of UNDP's decision to support the inaugural award in this category.” said Deputy Resident Representative at UNDP North Macedonia - Anna Chernyshova, at the award ceremony.
Youth awards 2026
And perhaps the best evidence of Vladimir's impact comes from the young people who are now following the path he helped create.
From volunteering to having a say
Youth activist - Teona
Teona Gaptarska first became involved as a volunteer and active member of the Youth Centre Veles. She was already participating in activities where young people's voices were heard, but she wanted something more – greater involvement and greater influence.
She joined the Initiative Board for establishing the Local Youth Assembly, became part of the Assembly and eventually a member of the Local Youth Council of Veles.
Today, she is part of processes that bring young people's ideas directly to local decision-makers.
Youth activities
“I have the opportunity to be part of processes where young people's ideas are not only heard, but also taken into consideration and presented to the Mayor and the Council of the Municipality of Veles.”
For Teona, the experience has also shown that participation is about more than having a formal seat at the table. It is about learning how institutions work, gaining confidence and having the space to develop and defend your own ideas.
That is where Vladimir's support has made a difference.
“He encourages us to think for ourselves and, most importantly, gives us the space to learn, propose and make decisions ourselves.”
For young Council members who initially knew little about local government and administrative procedures, Teona says his experience and support have given them the motivation and courage to keep going even when a situation seems impossible.
Youth activities
Creating participation that lasts
Vladimir and Teona’s stories also show how youth participation can come full circle.
Vladimir was just 16 when he first became involved in youth work. Today, with decades of experience behind him, he is helping shape the path of a new generation – sharing his knowledge and giving young people like Teona the space and confidence to make their own decisions.
From being a young person looking for opportunities to participate, he has become someone who creates those opportunities for others.
This is also at the heart of UNDP's work through the Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust project. UNDP has supported Local Youth Councils in Veles, Bitola, Ohrid and Gostivar, youth-led initiatives across five municipalities, and the development of the National Youth Strategy 2023–2027 through a participatory process involving more than 1,500 young people, civil society representatives and institutions.
Youth activities
More than 200 participants have also taken part in capacity-building activities for local authorities related to youth policies over the past four years. Today, initiated by UNDP, a network of youth officers is being created with aim to exchange experience and contribute to their professional development.
Five years ago, Vladimir was finding his way through a new role and what he called a “path into the unknown.”
Today, young people like Teona have a Youth Centre where they can connect, a Local Youth Council where they can participate, and a channel through which their ideas can reach municipal decision-makers.
Now, it is their turn to take that work forward.
As Teona says:
“Our story is still being written, and I believe the best is yet to come.”
And perhaps that is the strongest measure of Vladimir's recognition: not only what he has achieved himself, but the young people who now have the confidence and opportunity to continue what he helped start.
***
The Partners of Youth Award in the Youth Officers category was presented as part of the International Youth Day 2026 celebration, bringing together the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, the National Youth Council of Macedonia, the OSCE Mission to Skopje and UNDP. UNDP supports youth participation through the Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust project.
