Advancing disability inclusion through local partnerships in North Macedonia
Building stronger partnerships with local authorities is essential for creating more accessible and inclusive communities. With this goal in mind, representatives of Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) and its partner organisation CDI Macedonia visited the municipalities of Valandovo and Demir Kapija in North Macedonia, where they met with local government representatives to review progress under the EMPOWERED project and discuss opportunities for future cooperation. The delegation included Mr. Sava Pantelić, Officer for Southeast Europe and International Cooperation of Samaritan Organisations at ASB, Mr. Gordan Velev, Director of ASB Serbia, and Mr. Sreten Koceski, Director of CDI Macedonia, together with members of the project team. During the visits, the delegation met with Mr. Đoko Kamčev, Mayor of Valandovo, and Ms. Natalija Dimitrieva, Mayor of Demir Kapija. The meetings provided an opportunity to review activities implemented so far, discuss achievements and challenges, and identify possibilities for further cooperation in improving the position of persons with disabilities in both municipalities. Particular attention was given to the importance of strong partnerships between local governments, public institutions and civil society organisations in developing sustainable and inclusive solutions. Discussions highlighted the need to ensure that local initiatives and policies respond to the actual needs of persons with disabilities and contribute to improving accessibility, equal opportunities and participation in community life. The visits also reaffirmed the important role of local authorities in supporting the implementation of project activities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of results. Continued cooperation between municipalities and project partners remains essential for translating local needs into practical measures that improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities. ASB and CDI Macedonia expressed their appreciation to the mayors of Valandovo and Demir Kapija for their constructive discussions, openness to cooperation and commitment to advancing more accessible and inclusive local communities. Through ongoing dialogue and partnerships with local authorities, the EMPOWERED project continues to support inclusive local development and strengthen cooperation among stakeholders working to improve the rights, opportunities and participation of persons with disabilities across the Western Balkans. The EMPOWERED project – Inclusion of persons with disabilities, regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans is led by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).