Fifth Socio-Ecological Forum

Yesterday, the fifth Socio-Ecological Forum was held in Skopje, organized by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung – Skopje Office and the Progress Institute for Social Democracy. The forum brought together local and international experts, activists, civil society representatives, and political actors around the theme “Placemaking for Socio-Ecological Justice.”

The event began with an educational walk through the central urban area, where participants explored public space through observation, dialogue, and shared reflection. Citizens highlighted the need for more greenery, shade, accessibility, and inclusiveness, as well as public spaces that support community well-being and dignity.

This year’s forum focused on placemaking as a participatory approach that understands public space as a shared social process. In the context of growing social inequalities and environmental challenges, placemaking was emphasized as a key pathway toward creating fair, green, inclusive, and resilient cities.

The program also included a screening of the documentary film Skopje Remix, which presents nine stories depicting the city’s subcultural scenes and their role in activating and revitalizing public spaces.

Through thematic workshops and a panel discussion, participants worked on concepts for climate-resilient public spaces, improving accessibility and inclusion, and enhancing energy efficiency in urban planning. Discussions underlined that public space must be planned according to the real needs of citizens and serve the community as a whole.

The fifth Socio-Ecological Forum once again reaffirmed the importance of public space as a key resource for social and environmental resilience and as a starting point for a just and sustainable urban transformation.