OSCE Minorities Commissioner Vollebaek supports strategy for integrated education during visit to Skopje

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), Knut Vollebaek, visited Skopje on 16-18 March 2011 to assess progress in integrating education as outlined in a government strategy. He also discussed the current political context and its impact on inter-ethnic relations (see accompanying speech).

During his three-day visit, Ambassador Vollebaek strongly supported the strategy in meetings with senior representatives of government and political parties, as well as key stakeholders in the educational system, international representatives and major donors.

He also addressed a joint conference on the role of higher education in fostering inter-cultural dialogue in a multiethnic society, organized by UNESCO and the University of Ss Cyril and Methodius with support from the office of the OSCE HCNM.

“The strategy for integrated education represents a long-term commitment to ensuring that the country’s education system bridges the ethnic gap between the communities and, indeed, fosters integration of the society,” Vollebaek said.

In addition, Vollebaek, Vice Prime Minister Abdulhaqim Ademi and Education and Science Minister Nikola Todorov visited the western town of Kicevo, where they discussed the implementation of the government’s strategy towards integrated education with local authorities.

Vollebaek's visit aimed to boost integration efforts in schools. These efforts contribute to  creating a cohesive and stable multi-ethnic society by promoting inter-ethnic trust and tolerance.