Concept of one society and inter-culturalism focus of OSCE-supported high-level conference in Skopje

SKOPJE, 3 October 2019 – The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev; the Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje, Clemens Koja; the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Lamberto Zannier and the Head of the Delegation of the European Union, Samuel Žbogar today addressed the high-level international conference Towards the Concept of One Society and Inter-culturalism organized by the OSCE Mission to Skopje and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Over 100 participants attended the conference representing state institutions, major international organizations, academia and civil society. They engaged in constructive dialogue on the government-proposed National Strategy for Development of the Concept of One Society and Inter-culturalism. Participants provided critical insights into the Strategy’s relevance to reverse separation trends and enhance integration of the country’s diverse society.

“As a country, we have laid the foundations of intercultural understanding,” said Prime Minister Zaev. “We have demonstrated our political will to preserve and foster diversity, and that we can live together respecting diverse languages, cultures and religions.” Zaev said that the goal of the government is to further strengthen integration of the society through inter-cultural dialogue, mutual understanding and the inclusion of all its members. “To this end, the implementation of the Strategy aims to build key pillars for one society for all, ensuring equal protection of rights and equal opportunities for all citizens.”   

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Clemens Koja, commended the endeavors of the Prime Minister and the Government in producing a comprehensive and far-reaching strategy, which capitalizes on the Ohrid Framework Agreement. “The Strategy has the potential to bridge divides and deepen integrative processes, while advancing inter-ethnic relations and dialogue among all cultures and identities, building a more cohesive, prosperous and stable society.”

Lamberto Zannier, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities said that the Strategy breaks from past politics and policies. “With adequate resources, political will and inter-institutional co-operation, it has the potential to connect all the main elements of a sound integration policy building on the Ohrid Framework Agreement. If successfully implemented, the Strategy would help strengthen social cohesion and make all citizens feel welcome, irrespective of their ethnic background,” said Zannier.

The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia, Samuel Žbogar, said: “The EU welcomes the strategy of the government for developing One Society and inter-culturalism. 'United in diversity' is one of the most recognizable slogans of the EU. Respect for human dignity and rights, equality and freedom are inextricably linked to fundamental EU values such as democracy and the rule of law.”