School for Young Leaders

of President Ivanov

Brochure
SCHOOL
16

16th School for Young Leaders

The 16th School for Young Leaders of President Ivanov took place from November 3–16, 2025, and was delivered in a hybrid format, combining online sessions (November 3–7, via Zoom) with an in-person program in Ohrid from November 9–16, 2015, at Hotel Inex Olgica, Ohrid. Held under the theme “A Youth-Driven Agenda for a Sustainable World,” the 16th School was dedicated to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global efforts to build a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable future.

General Topic
"A Youth-Driven Agenda for a Sustainable World"
Dates
November 3-16, 2025
Place
Online & in Ohrid
Participants
37
Lecturers
27
Sessions
35

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Empowering Leaders, Sustaining the Future

As part of the 16th School for Young Leaders, this year’s ecological action conveyed a powerful message: true leadership extends beyond words—it is grounded in action, care, and legacy. Under the joint motto “Empowering Leaders, Sustaining the Future,” participants joined forces with Eko Fluid in a meaningful initiative to restore the olive grove at Gorica Hill, in the garden of Hotel Inex Olgica in Ohrid.

This symbolic act reaffirmed the School’s commitment to nurturing not only strong leaders, but also a more sustainable and peaceful world. Each tree planted represented a pledge to the future—an expression of responsibility toward the environment, future generations, and the shared values of resilience, peace, and long-term vision.

Leading by Doing: Lessons in Practice and Purpose

Inner Voice – Outer Impact

A Day Dedicated to the Human Soul

As part of the 16th School for Young Leaders, the thematic day “Inner Voice – Outer Impact” was devoted to reflection, self-awareness, and the inner dimensions of leadership. The day invited participants to explore how personal values, emotional intelligence, spirituality, and inner balance shape responsible leadership and meaningful societal impact.

Through powerful lectures and interactive sessions led by His Eminence Metropolitan Georgij, Dr. Aleksandar Mitov, and MA Ivana Hadjivanova, participants engaged deeply with questions of purpose, integrity, resilience, and conscious decision-making. The program culminated in an intimate and inspiring dialogue with the founder of the School, President Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, offering space for collective reflection on how inner awareness translates into outer leadership impact.

A day marked by wisdom, introspection, and growth, reinforcing the belief that sustainable leadership begins within.

Read more about 16th School

15 Years Legacy | Celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the School for Young Leaders of President Gjorge Ivanov

On December 13, 2024, the significant 15th anniversary of the School for Young Leaders of President Gjorge Ivanov was celebrated with a ceremony celebrating its enduring legacy in fostering leadership, personal development, and professional excellence. Over the past 15 years, the School has hosted 588 young leaders and 393 distinguished lecturers, including heads of state and government, ministers, academics, business leaders, military experts, cultural figures, and visionaries from Macedonia and around the world. Their invaluable contributions have shaped generations of future leaders who continue to build on their vision.

Katerina Antovska, President of the Alumni Association of the Ivanov School for Leaders – ISLAA, highlighted the importance of the alumni’s ongoing commitment to various initiatives, demonstrating leadership through dedication, effort, and community engagement.

The ceremony also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the International Center Alliance of Civilizations (ICAC), which has been a co-organizer of the School for the past decade, following a vision of promoting respect, tolerance, and unity among diverse cultures and societies, with a special emphasis on the role of youth in society.

In his address, former President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, reflected on the School’s evolution from an idea to an established pillar of education, personal growth, and professional development. He emphasized the mission of the School: to create generations of young leaders with strong values, critical thinking, and determination to face contemporary global challenges. Underscoring the importance of formal and informal education as key drivers of social progress, President Ivanov reaffirmed his belief in the transformative power of knowledge and leadership. He commended the hundreds of participants who have become leaders, innovators, and advocates of positive change in their respective fields in Macedonia and across the globe.

The event was enriched with messages from global leaders featured in a short documentary, including a special message from former UN Secretary-General, His Excellency Ban Ki-moon.

In recognition of their invaluable support, long-time partners and sponsors received special acknowledgments for their significant contributions to the success of the School, including: Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), Hotel Inex Olgica Ohrid, Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Skopje, Alkaloid AD Skopje, TAV Macedonia DOOEL, A1 Macedonia, Delfino Sixt Rent-a-Car, Vitaminka AD Prilep, Pivara Skopje AD, Turkish Airlines Skopje, Halkbank AD Skopje, EVN Macedonia, Comfy Angel, Petrol Oil Broker AD Skopje, Ezimit Company, Motiva, Authentic Development DOO, Bold DMS, United Macedonian Diaspora.

President Ivanov also expressed gratitude for the collaboration with state institutions, especially the Service for General and Common Affairs. Sincere appreciation was extended to everyone who played a key role in the creation and development of this initiative.

As we proudly reflect on the past 15 years, we continue our mission with vision and enthusiasm – creating leaders prepared to face the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

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15th School for Young Leaders

15th anniversary edition of President Ivanov’s School for Young Leaders, took place over two weeks. From October 1-13, 2024, the school operated in a hybrid format, both online and in Ohrid. Under the general theme “Leadership for Peace,” young participants had an exceptional opportunity to enhance their skills and vision for achieving lasting and sustainable peace worldwide.​

General Topic
"Leadership for Peace"
Dates
October 1-13, 2024
Place
Online, Ohrid
Participants
38
Lecturers
50
Sessions
45

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The 2nd Forum on Cultural Diplomacy, part of the program of the 15th School for Young Leaders hosted by former President Ivanov, took place on October 11-12, 2024, in Ohrid. The forum was co-organized by the Cabinet of former President Ivanov, the International Center for the Alliance of Civilizations, and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin. The theme of the forum was “Young Leaders for International Cooperation, Sustainable Development, and Global Peace,” with young participants from the 15th School of Young Leaders actively engaging in discussions and asking questions.

Opening remarks at the first panel were delivered by former President Ivanov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Timčo Mucunski, Mayor of Ohrid Kiril Pecakov, and Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, former President of Malta. The discussion, moderated by Ambassador Ivica Bocevski, focused on “Leadership, Cultural Bridges, and Legal Frameworks for Post-Conflict Reconciliation.”  The panelists included Mladen Ivanić, former Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2014-2015, 2016-2017); Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland (2007-2014); Yossi Beilin, former Minister of Justice of Israel; Dragoljub Popović, former Judge at the European Court of Human Rights; Katalin Bogyay, President of the 36th General Conference of UNESCO and former Hungarian Ambassador to the UN and UNESCO; and Rachela Mizrahi, a Member of the Parliament. When asked about building cultural bridges among young people, President Ivanov emphasized that intercultural dialogue is crucial for fostering understanding between youth from different cultures. He highlighted that, over the past 15 years of the School of Young Leaders, participants from all continents and cultures have come together, creating an invaluable experience. Personal contact, he noted, is irreplaceable.

In the second part of the forum, opening addresses were given by Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov and Elena Kuzmanovska, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The panel discussion on “Sustainable Development, Security, and Economic Diplomacy for Facilitating Global Governance” featured speakers such as Ali Jalali, former Minister of Interior of Afghanistan; Davor Filipović, former Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Croatia; Dr. Hans Köhler, President of the International Organization for Progress; Nondas Metaxas, former Executive Director of the Cyprus Stock Exchange; and Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, President of the Alba Party in Scotland. The forum’s opening address was given by Dr. Ivan Ivanov, Professor and Chairman of the Executive Board of the International Center for the Alliance of Civilizations. The second panel was moderated by Mark Donfried, Director of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin.

As part of the 15th School for Young Leaders of former President Gjorge Ivanov, there was a central discussion dedicated to peacebuilding and cross-cultural understanding.

The session “Bridging Cultures: The UN Alliance of Civilizations’ Impact on Global Peace” featured Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and High Representative for UNAOC.

Mr. Moratinos shared powerful insights on the importance of dialogue, respect, and unity, inspiring participants to actively contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful world. The session served as both a lesson in diplomacy and a clear call to action for young leaders to build bridges between cultures and communities.

Beyond his inspiring address, Mr. Moratinos engaged directly with the participants, thoughtfully answering several of their questions and offering practical insights drawn from his extensive diplomatic experience. His emphasis on dialogue, respect, and unity resonated deeply with the young leaders, reinforcing their role in building a more inclusive and peaceful world.

The session stood as both a lesson in diplomacy and a meaningful exchange between generations of leaders.

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The promotion of the Masterclasses on Entrepreneurial Excellence program, empowered by the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), was held on May 16, 2024, in the Cabinet of former President Ivanov.  

President Ivanov and Executive Chairman of the World Investment Forum of Business Angels, Baybars Altuntas, addressed the event in front of the present supporters, friends and alumni of the School for Young Leaders. They talked about the cooperation between the World Investment Forum of Business Angels and the School for Young Leaders of President Ivanov, which in 2018 was recognized as the best socially responsible project in Europe in 2017 by the World Investment Forum of Business Angels.

In the context of the excellent cooperation so far and the announcement of the program that will be implemented jointly, as well as in the direction of the possibilities for future joint projects, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the World Investment Forum of Business Angels and the co-organizers of the School, the Cabinet of the former President Ivanov, the International Center Alliance of Civilizations and the Alumni Association of the Ivanov School for Young Leaders ISLAA.

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14th School for Young Leaders

The 14th School was built around the theme “Education – Transformation – Leadership,” exploring the essential connection between learning, change, and leadership in an increasingly complex world. The program highlighted the transformative power of education as a lifelong process that shapes personal growth and broadens perspectives. It addressed the importance of adaptability and innovation amid rapid societal, cultural, and technological shifts, while underscoring leadership as a shared responsibility to inspire meaningful and positive change. The School aimed to cultivate core leadership values, including integrity, empathy, ethical judgment, and the ability to motivate others, equipping participants to lead with purpose in evolving environments.

General Topic
"Education – Transformation – Leadership"
Dates
October 7-19, 2023
Place
Online, Ohrid
Participants
38
Lecturers
26
Sessions
32

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The seventh day of the 14th School started with a visit to the University of Information Science and Technology “St. Apostle Paul” in Ohrid.

Prof. Dr. Anis Sefidanis, also a lecturer at the School, along with the Dean of the University, Prof. Dr. Goran Shibakovski, were excellent hosts to President Ivanov and the participants in the 14th School for Young Leaders of President Ivanov.

The University visit was organized for a lecture delivered by Dr. Ismail Serageldin, the Director of the Library of Alexandria. Dr. Serageldin presented a lecture titled “The Legacy of Alexander of Macedon” to the participants of the School for Young Leaders and the students of the University of Information Science and Technology “St. Apostle Paul”.

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The former president of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, during his visit to the University of Texas-Tyler in the USA, signed an Agreement of Understanding and Cooperation between the School for Young Leaders and the University of Texas-Tyler.

The agreement foresees a 5-year cooperation that includes the exchange of students and participants in their program activities, joint projects in the field of education, opportunities for joint certified programs, etc.
On behalf of the American university, the agreement was signed by their president, Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun.

At this year’s 14th consecutive School for Young Leaders, which will be held in October in Ohrid, it is planned that five students from this university will participate, as well as three professors in the capacity of lecturers.
During Tyler’s several-day visit to Texas, former President Ivanov addressed the students of the Department of Political Science on the topic “Challenges of Political Science in the 21st Century”. He also had a meeting with Mayor Don Warren and other city officials. Tyler.

 

During the 13th School for Young Leaders, which took place from September 16-30, 2022, with a focus on the general theme of “Moral Leadership,” the decision was made to honor Pope Francis with a prestigious recognition  “Moral Leader of Today”. 

The School for Young Leaders recognized His Holiness as an embodiment of the qualities of a modern-day moral leader and the Catholic Church in the Republic of Macedonia took the initiative to organize a visit to the Vatican. 

President Ivanov, accompanied by his Cabinet, Bishop Kiro Stojanov from the Catholic Church in Macedonia, representatives of the ISLAA – Ivanov School’s Alumni Association, as well as friends and supporters of the School for Young Leaders, attended the General Audience. It was an exceptional opportunity for President Ivanov to personally present the recognition to Pope Francis. 

Expressing his gratitude, Pope Francis thanked President Ivanov for the recognition and warmly recalled his visit to Macedonia, which had been hosted by President Ivanov. The Pope conveyed warm greetings to Macedonia and its people, emphasizing the lasting impression that the visit had left on him.

 

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13th School for Young Leaders


The program, operating under the general topic "Moral Leadership", aimed to increase awareness among participants regarding the global deficiency of ethical leadership in an era marked by growing uncertainties and challenges. The participants acquired knowledge concerning the fundamental principles of leading towards comprehension, coexistence, and progress, as well as the effective methods for formulating strategies to tackle future challenges.

General Topic
"Moral Leadership"
Dates
Sep 16-30, 2022
Place
Online, Skopje, Ohrid
Participants
37
Lecturers
36
Sessions
31

More Insights

During the Opening Session of the School in 2022, an exceptional moment unfolded as the participants were greeted with a letter on the general theme of “Moral Leadership” sent by His Holiness Pope Francis. The esteemed Bishop Msg. Kiro Stojanov had the honor of reading the letter aloud to the attendees. Following the letter from the Pope, the former President Ivanov, on behalf of the School for Young Leaders, presented His Holiness Pope Francis with the recognition of being a “Moral Leader of Today” that was accepted by the esteemed Bishop Mons. Dr. Kiro Stojanov on behalf of Pope Francis.

In 2022, the 13th generation of young leaders paid a visit to the Municipality of Ohrid, where they had the opportunity to engage with local officials and the Mayor of Ohrid. As part of their experience, the young leaders were assigned a group project focused on developing digital solutions to promote and enhance connectivity within Ohrid. The Mayor, serving as a member of the Evaluation Committee, actively participated in the assessment of the project proposals. Ultimately, the most outstanding proposal was chosen and presented to the Municipality of Ohrid, potentially paving the way for future collaboration and implementation. During the visit to the Municipality of Ohrid, members of ISLAA delivered a presentation of ISLAA activities and projects to the participants.

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12th School for Young Leaders


The program under the general topic "Leadership in Action" offered young participants a unique opportunity to learn from the exceptional experience and knowledge of the lecturers. Their insights inspired the enthusiasm and commitment of the young participants and encouraged them to take bold actions and emerge as leaders in their respective fields. The program aimed to prepare a generation of young professionals who were equipped to lead in moments of need, taking actions and making a positive impact on society, unlocking their true leadership potential.

General Topic
"Leadership in Action"
Dates
Nov 12-27, 2021
Place
Online, Skopje, Ohrid
Participants
36
Lecturers
20
Sessions
17

More Insights

The program of the 12th School for Young Leaders had a Dialogue session which was led by Dr. Gordica Karanfilovska and Dr. Daniel Gjokjeski, former coordinators of the International Training for Young Leaders. This Dialogue Session had two days of online activities and it provided visions and reflections on the general theme of the school, “Leadership in Action,” as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the conditions and challenges faced by young people. The participants also had the chance to share their perspectives on potential solutions. During the two sessions, the participants collaborated in groups in order to develop their proposed solutions. This interactive approach ensures that each individual’s unique insights and ideas are heard, fostering an enriching and dynamic environment for constructive discussions. The sessions aimed to encourage an exchange of diverse perspectives and create a platform for young leaders to contribute their thoughts and ideas on shaping a better future. By focusing on the theme of “Leadership in Action” and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sessions also addressed pressing issues that affect young individuals and their communities.

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11th School for Young Leaders


The online training program on the general topic "Leadership in Times of Global Crisis" brought together young participants who gained a wealth of knowledge and essential skills. Through engaging sessions and interactive discussions, participants honed their leadership abilities and learned to navigate and lead during challenging times. The program allowed the participants to share experiences and broaden their perspectives. By empowering themselves with valuable insights, participants were equipped to make a positive impact and lead effectively amid global crises.

General Topic
"Leadership in Times of Global Crisis"
Dates
Dec 5-20, 2020
Place
Online
Participants
39
Lecturers
17
Sessions
20

More Insights

In 2020, due to the shift to online activities, the 11th generation of young leaders seized the opportunity to participate in a virtual event: the Presentation of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Award 2020. Through this online platform, they had the privilege of attending and engaging with the award ceremony, experiencing the recognition and celebration of outstanding individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Despite the virtual format, the event provided an enriching experience for the young leaders to witness and appreciate the achievements and impact of the recipients.

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Foundations of a Leadership Legacy

The First Ten Schools for Young Leaders
(2010–2019)

The first ten editions of the School for Young Leaders, held between 2010 and 2019, laid the foundations of a unique leadership platform dedicated to values, dialogue, and long-term societal impact. These formative years shaped the School’s identity, bringing together diverse young leaders from across countries and disciplines, and establishing a strong tradition of excellence, responsibility, and global engagement. The legacy of the first decade continues to guide the School’s mission and inspire new generations of leaders.

Read More about the first ten editions of the School for Young Leaders

Because you are ready to become a LEADER.

Enroll now in the School for Young Leaders of President Ivanov. Become part of an extraordinary community comprised of aspiring young leaders from diverse backgrounds and with varied interests. Expand your network, foster lifelong friendships, and gain invaluable insights from your fellow participants. Join us today and embark on a transformative journey of growth, learning, and leadership development.

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Video - the first 10 Schools
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