BASIC PROJECT INFORMATION
Financial Instrument: Civica Mobilitas – Partnership Grant
Type of Action: Digital democracy, youth participation, local governance, AI-driven innovation
Project Status: ongoing
Implementation Period: 01.01.2026 - 31.12.2026
Funded by: the Government of Switzerland through Civica mobilitas
Lead Organization: Youth Alliance - Krusevo
Project Partners: Center for Intercultural Dialogue (CID - Kumanovo) and the Institute for Community Development (CDI - Tetovo)
Overall Objective:
To foster accountable and inclusive local governance through the development and implementation of an AI-powered tool that enables young people to actively participate in decision-making processes in Krusevo, Kumanovo, and Tetovo.
PROJECT LOGIC
IF a functional digital database is established and an innovative AI tool is developed to enable young people to interactively express their ideas, priorities, and proposals, AND IF structured opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between youth, civil society, and local institutions are created, THEN youth participation in decision-making processes will be strengthened, transparency and accountability of municipalities will be improved, and more inclusive, responsive, and trust-based local governance will be fostered.
PLANNED ACTIVITIES
The project foresees an integrated approach combining research, digital innovation, youth participation, and institutional dialogue through the following key activities:
1. Preparation and development of a digital database
A systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and digitalizing relevant documents, strategies, and policies from the municipalities of Krusevo, Kumanovo, and Tetovo will be conducted. This activity will provide a solid data foundation for the AI tool and will include consultations with local stakeholders and institutions.
2. Development and technical implementation of the AI tool
A functional AI tool will be designed and developed with multiple modules (interface, database, analytics, communication, and accountability). The tool will enable interactive youth participation and the systematization of their ideas and proposals for local policies.
3. Co-creation and testing with young people
Three design workshops will be organized with young participants from the three municipalities, where they will actively contribute to the development and testing of the AI tool. Through an iterative process, the tool’s usability, functionality, and practical applicability will be ensured.
Open call for AI Design Workshop in Krusevo
4. Organization of a youth ideathon
A national ideathon will be organized, bringing together young people to generate ideas and solutions to local challenges. The AI tool will be used to support the structuring and prioritization of these proposals.
5. Development of institutional accountability mechanisms
Standardized formats for “AI Local Accountability Reports” will be developed, enabling municipalities to provide structured feedback on youth proposals and ensuring transparent and continuous communication.
6. Organization of local dialogue sessions
Dialogue sessions will be held in Krusevo, Kumanovo, and Tetovo, bringing together young people, civil society organizations, and local authorities to jointly validate and integrate youth proposals into local policies and plans.
7. Communication campaign “My Voice in My City”
A public campaign will be implemented to raise awareness about the importance of youth participation and to promote the project’s results through media, social networks, and video storytelling.
8. Final event and presentation of results
The project will conclude with a final event where key results, youth proposals, and their integration into local policies will be presented, along with the overall impact on trust and cooperation between young people and institutions.
https://civicamobilitas.mk/en/ | https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/north-macedonia/en/home/international-cooperation/strategy.html
