The first Steering Committee meeting of the project “Quality Education for All – Building Democratic Resilience – North Macedonia” was held on 9 June 2026 in Skopje, marking the official launch of the project’s second phase.
Implemented by the Council of Europe and funded by the Federal Republic of Germany, the project aims to promote democracy and human rights in and through education by supporting the implementation of the National Education Strategy 2026–2032, with a particular focus on democratic culture, inclusive education and human rights-based approaches.
The meeting brought together representatives of key national institutions responsible for the development and implementation of education policies, members of the project's Steering Committee , including the Ministry of Education and Science, the Bureau for Development of Education, the State Education Inspectorate, the State Examination Centre, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Centre for Vocational Education and Training and the Commission for Protection against Discrimination. Representatives of the Ombudsman Office and the General Secretariat of the Government of North Macedonia also participated as observers. Participants discussed the objectives, expected results and planned activities of the new phase of the project, while also reflecting on the achievements and lessons learned from the previous implementation period.
Building on the results achieved through the first phase, the project will continue supporting national authorities, institutions and schools in strengthening democratic school governance, fostering inclusive and participatory learning environments, and developing learners’ competences for democratic culture.
Particular attention will be given to supporting the implementation of the National Education Strategy 2026–2032, strengthening co-operation among relevant stakeholders, promoting democratic and inclusive school practices, and enhancing the sustainability of project results.
The new phase will also introduce innovative initiatives aimed at addressing emerging challenges in education, including activities related to digital democratic citizenship and support for democratic culture and participation within secondary vocational education.
Participants underlined the importance of continued interinstitutional co-operation and reaffirmed their commitment to working together towards a more inclusive, participatory and democratic education system that equips learners with the competences needed to actively participate in a multicultural and democratic society.
The project will be implemented over the next three years and will continue supporting education reforms that contribute to quality education for all learners in North Macedonia.
