In North Macedonia, engagement with global and international issues affecting young people is largely driven by civil society organisations working in the youth field. These organisations play a key role in promoting global citizenship, intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, European values and international cooperation, often in partnership with regional and international actors.

North Macedonia is an active member of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), an initiative established within the framework of the Berlin Process to support reconciliation and cooperation among young people in the Western Balkans. RYCO is headquartered in Tirana and operates through local branches in all Western Balkan economies, including a Local Branch Office in Skopje. Through exchange programmes, mobility schemes and project-based funding, RYCO brings together young people from across the region to foster mutual understanding, trust and dialogue, with a particular focus on post-conflict reconciliation, regional cooperation and youth-led initiatives.

At the European level, youth organisations from North Macedonia are represented through the European Youth Forum (EYF), the largest platform of national youth councils and international youth NGOs in Europe. The EYF advocates for the rights and interests of young people within key international institutions, including the European Union, the Council of Europe and the United Nations. Its work focuses on youth policy development and youth work, enabling national youth organisations to contribute to European-level policy debates and initiatives.

In addition, young people and youth organisations from North Macedonia actively participate in European Union programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. These programmes provide opportunities for youth exchanges, volunteering, capacity building and cross-border cooperation, supporting young people’s involvement in addressing global challenges such as climate change, social inclusion, human rights and democratic participation. Participation in EU programmes also contributes to strengthening international competences, solidarity and a sense of European citizenship among young people.