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About ICS

The Institute of Communication Studies is a leading research organization in the field of journalism and media studies, public relations and corporate communications. Our mission is to contribute towards strengthening of Macedonian democracy by working with media, civil society and public institutions, educating a critical public that will ask for greater transparency and accountability through engagement in the policy creation process.

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NGO training on environmental advocacy and lobbying

What is the context for environmental advocacy and lobbying, who are the parties in favor or opposing the changes, what affects the public opinion, why facts are important and how to use them in efficient manner.

These are some of the topics to be covered during the three-day course with more than 20 civil society organizations and initiatives, who will learn, share experiences and work on real-life cases. The advocacy and lobby training is organized by the Institute for Communication Studies (ICS). Using this knowledge, the alliance, consisted of these and other organizations will implement advocacy and lobbying campaign in the course of the next year, in order to put pressure on the Government for sustainable management and use of the natural resources.

“We are glad that the organizations who are here are involved in the campaign since the beginning. This will enable us to get better acquainted of their attitudes, standpoints, views and objectives, in order to jointly identify the objectives we will jointly advocate for in the advocacy campaign”, said Zaneta Trajkoska, director of ICS.

The British Embassy in Skopje supports the event. The Embassy representative, Mr. Richard Mallion, said that for the public it is interesting to notice how an institution reacts to the voice of the citizens. “The larger the voice is, the harder it is for the Government to ignore it. The social media give the power to speak up about the problem. However, the coordination is the key so that the voice can be heard”, said Mallion.

The participants were addressed by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Mrs. Hristina Odzaklieska, who said that she will be committed to consistent implementation of the laws, strategic objectives and implementation of the activities in the field. “The Government Program includes serious tasks and objectives, the field implementation of which will contribute towards protection of the environment. Sixteen laws are currently being drafted in the Ministry”, said Mrs. Odzaklieska.

In the course of the training, the trainers (who are experts in communications and experienced advocators from UK) will share their know-how and experience for planning initiatives related to advocacy, engagement and involvement of the citizens, for working together in advocating the interests of the citizens and articulating requests based on evidence for the purpose of good management. The training participants will acquire skills on how to plan and create communication strategy for supporting their advocacy and lobbying, to set clear and achievable objectives and to use different channels in advocating for solutions to a particular issue.

The advocacy and lobbying alliance is consisted not only of environmental NGOs and initiatives but also of organizations active in the area of law, economy, corruption, European affairs, gender equality and support for the youth. The campaign will also invite faculties, secondary schools, media and other civil activities.

The activities are implemented within the “Connecting the Dots: Improved Policies Through Civic Participation” project, carried out by the Institute for Communication Studies and supported by the British Embassy in Skopje.