Opening of the 15th School for Young Leaders
President Ivanov and Ban Ki-moon Open the 15th School for Young Leaders
Yesterday marked the beginning of the 15th anniversary edition of President Ivanov’s School for Young Leaders, which will take place over the next two weeks. From October 1-13, 2024, the school will operate in a hybrid format, both online and in Ohrid. This year, under the general theme “Leadership for Peace,” young participants will have an exceptional opportunity to enhance their skills and vision for achieving lasting and sustainable peace worldwide.
The patron and founder of this initiative, former President Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, officially opened the 15th edition of the School for Young Leaders. He emphasized the importance of this initiative, which over the years has inspired, prepared, and encouraged new leaders to meet the challenges of the modern era through collaboration and the creation of positive change. President Ivanov reflected on the characteristics of successful leaders in today’s world—those who work toward establishing, nurturing, and maintaining peace. Expressing concern over global instability and conflicts arising in various regions, he highlighted that peace and dialogue are key to resolving international tensions and building lasting peace. He called for greater cooperation between nations and stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts in preventing wars and promoting human rights and security for all citizens. In the context of current global events, Ivanov emphasized that although much attention is given to wars and conflicts, little focus is placed on achieving peace. He urged for intensified discussions on peace and the creation of platforms for cooperation, instead of focusing on military strategies and weapons. Peace initiatives, he stated, must be at the center of our efforts, as only through understanding and compromise can we build a stable and secure future. He underlined that peace is a complex and costly endeavor, but one that is essential for our survival as a human civilization.
The participants of the 15th School were also greeted by former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who, in congratulating President Ivanov on the 15th anniversary of the School for Young Leaders, commended the remarkable achievements of the program. He recalled his previous lecture to the third generation of the School during his official visit to the Republic of Macedonia in July 2012. Ban Ki-moon wished the young participants success and great achievements, emphasizing the need to learn and apply the concept of global citizenship. He highlighted that global citizenship is characterized as tolerance, benevolence, compassion, and sacrifice. If young leaders embody these traits, they will have the opportunity to achieve much more and secure a better future for all. He stressed that young people must embrace global citizenship to be truly successful leaders who contribute to addressing humanity’s challenges.
The School for Young Leaders represents a unique platform for talented young people from diverse backgrounds, each bringing rich experiences and ideas. Participants are carefully selected based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to social and societal change. They are identified as future leaders who will play a crucial role in creating a peaceful and prosperous future. This year’s school includes approximately 40 participants, and due to its international nature, one-third of the participants are from abroad, alongside participants from the Republic of Macedonia.
The program is designed to help participants enhance their leadership skills, critical thinking, capacity for collaboration, and ability to initiate and implement positive change. Through lectures, workshops, special sessions, panel discussions, and practical projects, young participants will learn how to utilize their potential to build peace and collectively create solutions for global challenges. Around 20 lecturers and more than 30 panelists and speakers from Macedonia and abroad will share their experiences and knowledge with the participants.
The School is organized by the Office of Former President Ivanov in partnership with the International Center “Alliance of Civilizations” – ICAC and the Alumni Association “Ivanov School for Leaders” – ISLAA.
With the ultimate goal of investing in future leaders, this project is fully supported by the business sector in the country. Sponsors and supporters include several socially responsible companies from the Republic of Macedonia, some of which have been involved since the School’s inception.
The School for Young Leaders is an initiative by President Gjorge Ivanov, which began at the start of his first mandate. The first International Training for Young Leaders was held in 2010. Since then, approximately 550 young people from Macedonia and abroad, with diverse academic and professional backgrounds, have participated in the previous 14 editions of the School. Over the years, more than 350 renowned lecturers from Macedonia, Europe, and around the world have delivered lectures as part of the School for Young Leaders. In 2018, the President Ivanov’s School for Young Leaders was recognized as the best socially responsible project in Europe for 2017 by the World Business Angels Investment Forum.
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