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Organised by the Youth Council of the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Macedonia, this forum had as its central topic the "Youth Vacuum in Elections and Policy Making" and Ambassador Bailey, in relation to youth involvement in elections and politics, said "to address this issue and to discuss this topic, there is no better place than South East European University”.
Ambassador Bailey also remarked to the numerous students present that voting is the essence of democracy, and he encouraged young people to become politically engaged and to vote. "Those who go first to the polls are those of an older age, and the young people vote in the election much later during the voting day. Changes and problem solving begin with the free vote, and young people need to vote”
The Rector of South East European University, Prof. Dr. Zamir Dika, spoke about the role of the University in creating a culture of debate. "South East European University at all times remains committed to providing a quality education process and excellence in teaching. This will prepare students after graduation to be compatible with democratic standards and be active democratic citizens of the XXI century," he said.
Regarding the involvement of youth in elections, the panellists pointed out the need for motivation and confidence-building to attract young people towards engaging in important political processes.
“The main issue of the youth vacuum in elections is how to transfer those youth from the position of applauding masses into an active mass, one that can contribute in problem solving in a society”, said Prof. Dr. Veton Latifi.
Prof. Dr. Ylber Sela said that “Universities should not politicize the students, but should embed in them the political culture, discourse of pragmatic politics, and wakefulness against the deviations of policymakers." He concluded his speech with the statement of Nelson Mandela: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," because according to him, the change depends on the sound education of students.
Following the discussion there were questions and comments from audience members who were interested in current issues and recent political developments. Among others, Prof. Dr. Rufi Osmani emphasized that the commitment of the international community was the only guarantee for a fair process in the democratic parliamentary elections in Macedonia.