The Annual Narrative Report 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of ISD’s activities, achievements, and key results throughout the year. It highlights the implementation of projects and initiatives, organizational development, strategic partnerships, and the impact of ISD’s work in advancing its mission and objectives. The report also reflects on challenges encountered, lessons learned, and priorities for the year ahead.
Annual Narrative Report 2025
Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD)
Introduction
During 2025, the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) continued to promote sustainable development, environmental protection, youth empowerment, social inclusion, and good governance through the implementation of national and international initiatives. By working closely with municipalities, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, ISD strengthened local capacities and contributed to sustainable community development.
Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action
During the reporting period, ISD actively contributed to the implementation of the NATURED – Nature-based Solutions for a Just Resilience in the Adriatic-Ionian Cities project under the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme. The action aimed to strengthen the resilience of cities to climate change by promoting nature-based solutions through transnational cooperation. It sought to improve the knowledge and capacities of public authorities and stakeholders, develop climate vulnerability assessments and joint strategies, engage citizens in the co-design of local action plans, and pilot innovative solutions that can be integrated into urban planning and replicated across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
The action developed climate vulnerability databases and digital maps, produced a joint strategy and action plan for implementing nature-based solutions, and strengthened the capacity of local authorities and stakeholders to address climate risks. It increased citizen participation in climate planning, tested pilot nature-based solutions in participating cities, and generated practical tools and knowledge that can be transferred and replicated across the programme area.
Youth Development and Social Inclusion
ISD continued to invest in youth empowerment by supporting the Municipality of Tetovo in the development of the Integrated Action Plan for Youth. The action aimed to strengthen youth participation, inclusion, employability, and digital engagement by improving youth services, promoting entrepreneurship, supporting mental well-being, and fostering cooperation between local institutions, schools, civil society organizations, and young people. It also sought to establish sustainable mechanisms for youth participation in local decision-making and community development.
The action resulted in enhanced youth participation in civic and community initiatives, improved access to youth information and digital services, stronger employability and entrepreneurship support, and expanded opportunities for education, career guidance, and mental health services. It also strengthened cooperation among local stakeholders and created a more inclusive and youth-friendly environment for active participation and long-term local development.
In parallel, ISD implemented projects promoting inclusive education, social inclusion, mental well-being, and equal opportunities for vulnerable groups, contributing to stronger community support systems and improved educational outcomes.
Good Governance and Institutional Capacity
Throughout 2025, ISD continued supporting good governance by implementing initiatives focused on strengthening transparency, civic participation, institutional accountability, and cooperation between public institutions and civil society. Capacity-building activities, public consultations, and stakeholder engagement contributed to more responsive and inclusive local governance.
Partnerships
ISD maintained and expanded partnerships with municipalities, government institutions, universities, schools, civil society organizations, and international partners, including UNDP, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning and partners within Interreg and other European Union programmes. These partnerships strengthened knowledge exchange, innovation, and the implementation of sustainable local development initiatives.
Conclusion
Throughout 2025, ISD further strengthened its position as a reliable development partner by delivering initiatives that addressed environmental sustainability, climate resilience, youth participation, social inclusion, and institutional development. The organization’s activities enhanced local capacities, promoted innovative and participatory approaches, strengthened cooperation among stakeholders, and generated sustainable solutions that will continue to benefit communities and contribute to long-term local and regional development.