14 Oct Statement of the President of “Freedom Party”, Mr. Ilir Meta at “World Changers Balkan Summit”
Distinguished guests!
Dear Friends!
Allow me first to warmly thank the organizers for inviting me to contribute to the panel on collaborative governance.
This approach is not just a method of administration; it is a philosophy that seeks to bridge the gap between policies and the people they are designed to serve.
In an era where the challenges we face are increasingly complex and interconnected, the traditional top-down approach to governance is no longer sufficient.
We need a model that is inclusive, participatory, and responsive. Collaborative governance is that model.
At its core, collaborative governance is about partnerships.
It involves the government, private sector, civil society, and the public working together to co-create solutions. This model recognizes that no single entity has all the answers.
Instead, it leverages the strengths and perspectives of diverse stakeholders to address common challenges.
One of the most significant benefits of collaborative governance is its ability to bridge the gap between policies and people.
Too often, policies are crafted in isolation, without sufficient input from those who will be affected by them.
This can lead to a disconnect, where policies fail to meet the real needs and concerns of the community.
By involving citizens in the decision-making process, we ensure that policies are not only effective but also reflective of their actual needs.
This participatory approach fosters a shared sense of ownership and accountability among all stakeholders.
When people feel that their voices are heard and their contributions valued, they are more likely to support and engage with the policies implemented.
In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in facilitating collaborative governance.
Online platforms and social media can be powerful tools for engagement, allowing for real-time feedback and dialogue.
These technologies can help bridge geographical and social divides, making it easier for a broader range of voices to be heard.
Naturally, collaborative governance comes with its own set of challenges.
It requires a shift in mindset from all participants, transitioning from a hierarchical approach to a more horizontal and inclusive one.
It demands transparency, trust, and a willingness to embrace diverse perspectives.
However, the opportunities it presents are immense.
Through collaboration, we can develop solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.
This allows us to build stronger and more resilient communities.
We can create a governance model that genuinely reflects the values and aspirations of the people.
In conclusion, collaborative governance is not just a theoretical concept; it is a practical and necessary approach to addressing the complex issues of our time.
By bridging policies and people, we can create a more inclusive, responsive, and effective governance system.
I was pleased to read in the preface of the North Macedonian new government program that “we will start to implement our vision for Macedonia, which we have restituted to the hands of its people, a vision in which every citizen has the opportunity to progress in life and live their life with dignity.”
A vision in the hands of the people. This is what good governance is all about, and it can be achieved only through collaborative governance.
From what was said above, here is a quick list of measures that aim at bridging the gap between policies and the interests and benefits of the people:
- Ensure democratic, free, and fair electoral processes.
- Formulate quality policies that address the main issues facing the people and the country.
- Accommodate short, medium, and long-term policies with a focus on making the people continuous beneficiaries of good policies and good governance.
- Establish and enhance accountability and trustworthiness of political parties and actors.
- Strengthen the capacity for policy implementation within the government.
- Partner with the media and civil society to transmit policy objectives to the people.
- Combat corruption, conflicts of interest, and the abuse of influence in policy planning and implementation.
- Invest in human capital to improve policy formulation, policy-making, and implementation.
- Enhance transparency in governance.
- Develop a clear vision for the sustainable development of the country, with the aim of benefiting the people, not the prolonged retention of power by any political party or individual.
Thank you.