Today in Ankara, in the framework of his official visit to the Republic of Turkey, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, delivered a lecture on "Challenges to higher education in the third millennium" in front of the members of the Council of Higher Education of the Republic of Turkey and the rectors from all state and private universities of the Republic of Turkey.
In his lecture, President Ivanov referred to the historical changes in the education process, making a parallel between the millet system and the Macedonian model of integration without assimilation, as well as to the importance of respect of diversity rather than tolerance.

"One of the curiosities we are proud of - the first television program in the Turkish language was broadcast on the Macedonian television in Skopje in 1967. The Turkish state established its television in 1969. For two years in the air, a picture and a Turkish language word from Macedonia was broadcast. The first professional Turkish-language theater outside Turkey was in Macedonia, which will soon celebrate 70 years of existence. It indicates that there is no tolerance but respect for the other. Therefore, this philosophy offers solutions to the situation in the Middle East and the Caucasus. When you respect the other, you can expect respect for you, too. If you tolerate someone, he will know that you do not love him, that you just have patience for him", President Ivanov said in the lecture before the Turkish academic community.

President Ivanov also talked about the kind of education that is needed and is most appropriate for the new generations.

"We live in a time of great transformation, when knowledge requires a different interpretation, because young people will live in a completely different world in which the knowledge we have acquired is no longer beneficial. But if they understand the principles, they understand the laws and understand one thing called ethics, they will never face problems in life. The one who obeys moral laws, he also respects natural laws. The one who is in balance with nature, he is always accompanied by good people", President Ivanov said, who was presented with books by Ottoman authors.

President Ivanov stressed that Macedonia and Turkey need universities that will help young people reach their goals and boost their potential in the 21st century. According to him, the digital transformation of universities creates conditions for personalized study programs, which through technology parks enable creation of personnel for the fourth industrial revolution.
The President of the Council of Higher Education of the Republic of Turkey, Dr. Jekta Sarac, in his opening address, referred to the academic and political career of President Ivanov and informed that the Department of Macedonian Language became operational this week at the University of Ankara. He called on academics and rectors to support the co-operation with the Republic of Macedonia in the field of higher education.

The lecture was attended by Macedonian students in Ankara who had a meeting with President Ivanov. They shared their experiences in the education system in Turkey and stressed that they were greatly honored and pleased to attend the lecture of President Ivanov.

There are 185 state and private universities in the Republic of Turkey, with more than 7 million students.