UNICEF launched U-Report, a new tool to empower youth to share their opinion on matters they care about

Skopje, 15 July 2021: At an event in the City Park Skopje, UNICEF together with youth, decision-makers, international organizations and experts, launched U-Report as a platform to support youth participation and empower youth to share their opinion on matters they care about and become positive agents of change in their communities.

U-Report is present 85 countries around the world, with more than 15.000.000 U-Reporters engaged through the platform in important decision-making processes, development of policies and strategies that affect youth and their future. The U-Reporters from our country are now able to become part of the global community by registering on the U-Report MK chatbot on Viber.

The Minister of Education and Science, Mila Carovska, the UNICEF Deputy Representative, Artur Ayvazov, the Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union, Mr. Julian Vassallo, representatives from international organizations and experts, joined the thematic discussion with young people organized around three corners: education, environment and mental health. Young people were able to find out more about U-Report and how to register, to take part in the survey on the chatbot and also engage with the interactive installations in each of the corners by sharing their opinion.

'We listen to young people and this is why through reforms we encourage their critical thinking and strengthen their voice and self-confidence. We are focused on major changes in education, as the best mechanism to shape the way of thinking and behavior of young people. With this, from an early age, they will learn to fight for their rights and standpoints, and in doing so we will jointly contribute to creating and building a better society for all.' said the Minister of Education and Science Mila Carovska.

The corner discussions were based on the inputs received by youth as part of the “Reimagine the future” initiative implemented by UNICEF and the Office of the President Pendarovski. Through an online survey and series of thematic workshops, young people identified education, environment and mental health as the most important issues they care about and want to see changes in the country. U-Report will serve as a platform to represent the voice of youth and continue engaging young people on these and other issues that impact their future.

‘We need to provide the right platforms and mechanisms to ensure meaningful youth participation that will allow young people to actively take part in decision-making processes. Young people have a voice and platforms such as U-Report help to amplify their opinions and help them to stay loud on matters they care about. This tool is only as effective as young people use it to speak out, and as long as decision-makers listen.’ said Artur Ayvazov, UNICEF Representative

The purpose of U-Report is to serve as a tool for exchanging information and collecting data in real-time. The data can help decision-makers in the process of creating strategies, policies and services based on real needs, as well as to monitor progress in achieving strategic development goals and the realization of children's rights.

We encourage young people to become U-Reporters and stay loud. Your opinion matters!