Stojkoski at a UN Forum in Geneva - and the Press Release Didn't Name a Single Concrete Project

The mayor of Gjorche Petrov, Aleksandar Stojkoski, is in Geneva at the United Nations Forum of Mayors, as the only representative from Macedonia. That is the news. Everything else in the municipality's press release is packaging.

"Together with mayors from all over the world, we are exchanging experiences and ideas for greener, more resilient and more inclusive cities. We are presenting our achievements and opening up opportunities for new partnerships that will bring concrete benefits to citizens," Stojkoski said. Gjorche Petrov, in his words, is an example of successful international cooperation.

The municipality says its presence in Geneva opens doors for cooperation on sustainable development, climate resilience, the design of public spaces and better public services. "Our goal is clear: to turn the experience and contacts from Geneva into better public services, higher-quality public spaces and new projects for our residents," the mayor added.

The press release does not name a single concrete project, partner or figure. That doesn't mean the trip was useless - it means the result still has to show up. The people of Gjorche Petrov will judge the Geneva forum by what they see in their own neighbourhood, not by the photo from the conference hall.