The year 2011 is an important one for the Republic of Macedonia. It is the 10th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, the 20th anniversary of independence of Macedonia, and 40th anniversary of the first world Roma Conference in London.
To pay tribute to these two events and to contribute to their commemoration, local organizations Forum Civil Peace Service Community development institute, Center for Management of Conflicts, Friedrich Ebert Shtiftung, Association of Albanian historians in Macedonia, together with the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Secretariat for Implementation of Ohrid Framework Agreement (SIOFA), and in cooperation with its partner organizations organized a forum discussion on April 8th and 9th 2011, with the title:
“Dealing with different identities — opportunity or challenge for a multicultural Macedonia”.
In the perspective of the organizers this forum served as a door opener for a social dialogue on identity on a larger scale. The discussion was consisted of two components: science and politics.
The first day of the event focused on getting a scientific view of the concept of identity and its links to politics. Five scientists gave their specific views on the subject. A discussion followed by the participants. The inputs make a link between theory and practice, they presented new concepts of identity work, and reflected the role of identity in politics and peace building. Possible integration into the European Union makes the issue of identity even more important.
On the second day the politicians presented their point of view.
Five members of the Parliament of Macedonia presented their understanding of identity, the role it is playing in day to day politics, the importance of identity in maintaining the character of multiculturalism in Macedonia.
The target groups of both events were politicians, scientists, analysts, civil society representatives as well as the international agencies and embassies present in Macedonia.
Of particular interest for the discussion on identity was the connection to the three anniversaries, Macedonia is celebrating. Participants as well as scientists and politicians were encouraged to make a link to these three important events for Macedonia.
With this conference on identity, members of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia officially launched the campaign in honor of 10 years Ohrid Framework Agreement. A special address to invited guest gave Vice Primeminister of the government of Macedonia Mr. Abdilaqim Ademi, and Ambassador of the Federal Republic Germany in Macedonia, Mrs. Ulrike Maria Knotz.
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