ZAEV Academy for Public Policy 23-24

The "ZAEV Academy for Public Policies" aims to provide continuous education and skill improvement for participants, fostering an understanding of the public policy creation process. The academy will define the exact number of students, required professional qualifications and competencies, application and selection processes, as well as the program's schedule of lectures, interactive workshops, seminars, and visits. The implementation of this academy will also commemorate two internationally significant days

15 September - International Day of Democracy

The first module of this Academy will be the celebration of the International Day of Democracy on 15 September declared by the United Nations General Assembly to build a society with inclusive democratic governance, with respect for human rights and the rule of law. The celebration will include the organization of activities for achieving social justice, encouraging economic and social development of the community and cohesion of society.

21 May - World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

The second module of this Academy, in addition to other activities, will mark the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on 21 May, declared by the United Nations General Assembly to build intercultural dialogue. The activities will be aimed at creating a public policy with respect for social, ethnic, national, religious and cultural differences as a speciality. Among the previously mentioned activities will be the opening of a local gallery (in the underground square on the territory of the municipality of Strumica), which will help future generations to connect with history, and at the same time build an intercultural society. This gallery will aim to promote the diversity of cultural wealth, as the best guarantee for a peaceful and just world of cultural diversity.

These days will be observed through the following activities:

Policy Research Projects

Launching "Policy Research Projects" driven by participants, focusing on specific areas such as health, education, or the environment.

  • Setting clear deadlines for different phases of the research projects to ensure progress and foster a sense of responsibility toward task completion;
  • Encouraging participants to conduct interviews, surveys, or case studies to gather primary data and insights for their policy recommendations;
  • Organizing periodic presentations on research progress or workshops where participants can share their results and receive feedback from fellow participants and experts;
  • Encouraging participants to publish their research results or present them at public policy conferences or symposia to maximize their impact and visibility.

Policy Simulations

Organizing "Policy Simulations" where participants assume the roles of policymakers involved in debates, negotiations, and decision-making processes.

  • Identifying relevant public policies or societal issue scenarios for participants to simulate, ensuring they reflect real-world challenges and involve multiple stakeholders;
  • Assigning roles to participants, such as policymakers, interest group representatives, and experts;
  • Introducing elements of unpredictability and complexity into the simulations to challenge participants to adapt their policies in dynamic environments;
  • Encouraging participants to analyze the implications and consequences of their policy choices and organizing debriefing sessions after each round to discuss results, lessons learned, and reflect on decision-making processes;
  • Engaging policymakers as mentors or advisors during the simulation exercises, providing participants with constructive guidance, advice, and feedback.

Policy Speaker Series

Hosting an interactive "Policy Speaker Series" featuring public policymakers, experts, and leaders who deliver lectures and engage in discussions on key policy topics.

  • Identifying influential policymakers, experts, and leaders who can contribute to the interactive sessions and ensure a wide range of perspectives and topics are covered;
  • Promoting interactive sessions that allow participants to ask questions, engage in dialogue with speakers, and gain real insight into real-world policy challenges and encouraging participants to organize follow-up workshops to delve deeper into specific policy areas and foster ongoing engagement.

Design and Implement Public Policy Advocacy Campaigns

  • Encouraging participants to design and implement public policy advocacy campaigns focusing on current issues.
  • Mentoring participants in the development of strategic advocacy plans, including specific goals and action steps, and providing multimedia training to effectively convey their message through interviews, texts, or public announcements;
  • Creating a digital platform on the Foundation's website where participants can share their advocacy experiences, inspire and motivate others to engage in the public policy process, and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of their campaigns through feedback collection and tracking changes or outcomes of public policies.
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