President of Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov at a solemn ceremony this evening handed over the certificates to the participants in the second School for Young Leaders, that was taking part in Ohrid under his auspices.

“We live in times of great challenges. We need people that will not only have the knowledge, but also the courage, because courage is what leads to happiness. One can never be happy if not brave. You have been through different forms of education, on different universities, you all have life experience, but I hope that what you have gained here will instigate a change in you and in others around you,” said President Ivanov in his address at the ceremony, where Oxford professors Richard Grayson and Christian Hofreiter were also present, along with the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary Peter Balazs.

Following the intense days spent in acquiring new knowledge, skills and friendships, the President called the young leaders to find ways to use their knowledge and capacities, highlighting his hope that the certificates awarded will always remind them of the beautiful moments during the School, but will also serve their future professional engagements and life in general.

“We hope we have managed to open a different perspective for you, to see the world and Macedonia from a different point of view. That we have enabled you to recognize the challenges of the times we live and what it takes to be a leader nowadays. You have experienced the meaning of offering solution as a group, but also what it means to create a group that can produce solutions,” stressed President Ivanov.

He also pointed out to the need of people, leaders in all the areas of life – “Not only people in politics, we need leaders in education, in culture, in art and sports, in every segment of society. We need those brave young people who will lead and open the pathways. People who possess all the values, that you’ve been gaining during the training. I hope this School also helped you understand that the desire for power is short-lived, but the truth and the righteousness are eternal. The search for the truth is what will inspire you to do good deeds in life. Macedonia deserves leaders like this, and we are proud to have the opportunity to contribute to your efforts of becoming even better. Young people change the world, we are only here to show them the way,” President Ivanov added. 

Around forty young people from Macedonia had the opportunity during the last 10 days to attend lectures, share thoughts and discuss with over 30 lecturers and guests from top-notch educational and professional institutions, politicians and parliamentarians form European countries, presidents of successful companies and business groups.

For Vesna Popovska, one of the young leaders attending this school, acquiring the certificate marks the completion of a very intensive 10-days training of highest quality, but also marks a life experience of tremendous value.

“We were given the opportunity to listen to some of the best world leaders, who came here not only to teach us, but also to inspire and motivate us. I was also able to see that Macedonia has great potential, lots of young people who can take the lead,” said Ms. Poposka sharing her experiences and impressions from the School. She indicated that during the training ideas for specific initiatives and projects were born, and she truly hopes that at least one part of them will be realized.  

“Through inspiring lectures and advises shared we gained knowledge and insight into the life experiences of people with impressive backgrounds from the political, business and societal sector throughout Europe. We need to implement these experiences into the companies we work for, the administration and the NGO sector we represent, but also present an example for our friends and families. Each one of us should be the example for leadership. We are leaders without titles, because the leaders with titles have certain determination and label, and the true leaders are we,” said Borce Ilioski, one of this year’s participants in the School for Young Leaders.