Prespa People’s Forum: citizens of Prespa at the heart of cross-border cooperation
The Prespa People’s Forum gives voice to the citizens of the cross-border Prespa region by creating a platform for dialogue between key stakeholders from all three countries, which aims to jointly address challenges related to sustainable development, regional development and tourism. Through the Prespa People’s Forum, the citizens of Prespa have the opportunity to discuss issues that concern them and seek joint solutions, as well as develop cooperation among themselves.
The first citizens’ meeting was held in Dolna Gorica in the municipality of Pustec in Albania, where farmers, tourism professionals and representatives of local government from all three countries met around the same table. The bottom line was that common challenges—from population decline and young people leaving to the climate crisis, which is really hitting home with lakes shrinking—need coordinated action. As a counterbalance, the shift to a sustainable primary sector and the development of mild tourism activities were prioritized, as these are areas that can create new jobs and retain the population in the region.
In this context, women and young people played a special role in the dialogue, offering their own perspective on what “active participation” means. The message was clear: keeping young people in the area and broadening the discussion to include women are not theoretical declarations, but fundamental pillars for a vibrant and sustainable Prespa.
The Prespa People’s Forum is being implemented as part of the PULSE: Prespa United through Local Sustainability and Engagement project in the Town Twinning program (CERV-2024 -CITIZENS-TT), whose main objective is to build strong links between local actors and empower young people to take a leading role in environmental and cultural sustainability.
The project, which runs on a budget of €50,745, is being implemented by the Municipality of Prespa, in collaboration with the Municipalities of Pustec and Resen.
Next meetings of the Prespa People’s Forum will take place in Resen, North Macedonia, and in the Municipality of Prespa. At the same time, the PULSE project is investing in the future with the initiative “Youth for Prespa: Ambassadors of Environment and Culture.” Here, high school students take the initiative: through sports, nature exploration, and cultural exchanges, they build bridges of cooperation and evolve into tomorrow’s leaders who will breathe new life into their region.
