The trilateral EMPOWERED conference in Skopje, dedicated to empowering and including persons with disabilities, was successfully held with a focus on employment, alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and strengthening regional cooperation. The event brought together representatives of state institutions, embassies, civil society, organizations of persons with disabilities, employers, and experts from the region to exchange experiences, good practices, and concrete proposals for further progress.
Opening remarks were delivered by:
- Mr. Marjan Risteski — Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economy and Labor, Republic of North Macedonia
- Mr. Gjoko Velkovski — Deputy Minister for Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Republic of North Macedonia
- Mr. Kevin Maas — Head of Press and Culture, German Embassy in Skopje
- Mr. Fatmir Sabriu — State Secretary, Ministry for Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Republic of North Macedonia
- Mr. Sreten Koceski — Director, IRZ (Republic of North Macedonia)
- Mr. Gordan Velev — Director, ASB Serbia
Main themes and panels The conference was structured around three key panels addressing comprehensive aspects of inclusion:
- Regional cooperation, alignment with the UN CRPD and institutional reforms: Panelists reviewed existing legal frameworks across the region, identified gaps in CRPD alignment, and discussed mechanisms for coordinated regional reform and exchange of best practices.
- Policies and support for the employment of persons with disabilities, inclusive education and private-sector practices: Successful employment models, training programs, workplace accommodations, and the role of education systems in preparing persons with disabilities for the labor market were presented. Particular emphasis was placed on fostering cooperation with employers and developing incentive policies.
- Participation of persons with disabilities in policymaking and strengthening regional advocacy networks: Panels emphasized the importance of direct inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes, improving visibility of their needs, and empowering local and regional networks for more effective advocacy.
Panelists:
| * Mrs. Monika Trajanova, Member of the Inter-party Parliamentary Group on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Member of Parliament, Republic North Macedonia * Mr. Dejan Gorgievski, Association for Disability and Justice, Republic North Macedonia * Ms. Suada Hawa, National Agency for Employment and Skills, Albania * Mr.Petrit Bllaca – PREDA Plus, KosovoMs. Bardhylka Kospiri, Senior Advocate for Disability Rights, Albania * Mr. Enron Seiti, Help the Life Association, Albania * Mr. Fatmir Sabriu, Secretary of State, Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth RN Macedonia * Mr. Aleksandar Rončević – EMPOWERED project consultant, presentation of survey results * Mrs. Biljana Talevska, Director – Association of Protective Companies of Macedonia * Mr. Zarko Selkvoski, President – National Union of the Blind of the RN Macedonia * Mrs. Vlora Limani Hajnuni, Advisor, Ministry of Justice, R. Kosovo * Mr. Xhenis Beqiri – Down Syndrome Kosovo * Ms. Migena Spaho, Director of Social Services, Municipality of Tirana, Albania * Ms. Doljana Velia, Activist for Disability Rights, Albania |
Key outcomes and recommendations – The conference produced concrete recommendations to enhance inclusion and employment of persons with disabilities, including:
- Improving coordination among state institutions, civil society and the private sector to accelerate CRPD alignment.
- Developing targeted employment and training programs, with financial and administrative incentives for employers who hire persons with disabilities.
- Strengthening inclusive education through cooperation between schools, higher education institutions and employers to ensure relevant skills and flexible education pathways.
- Increasing participation of persons with disabilities in policy-making and establishing monitoring mechanisms to track implementation of adopted measures.
- Intensifying regional cooperation and exchange of experience through joint initiatives, networks and projects.
Organizers and support – The event was organized by ASB South East Europe, CDI Macedonia — ИРЗ Македонија, Albanian Disability Rights Foundation and PREDA Plus Foundation. The EMPOWERED project is implemented by ASB and regional partners with financial support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The trilateral EMPOWERED conference in Skopje reaffirmed the importance of joint action to build barrier-free communities and create sustainable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. In the coming period, it will be essential to implement the recommendations, strengthen partnership mechanisms and continue the dialogue so that inclusion becomes a tangible reality at local and regional levels.
Together we build barrier-free communities.
