Balkan Alumni Summit Kicks Off in Skopje

The Balkan Alumni Summit, a three-day gathering organized by the Macedonian-American Alumni Association to encourage young people to advocate for democratic values, counter anti-EU narratives and foster regional collaboration, began in Skopje under the title "Securing Regional Prosperity through NextGen Leadership.", CE Report quotes MIA.

In her opening remarks, MAAA president Zorica Trajkova Strezovska said the summit reflected the association's mission, which she said was "to strengthen cooperation, build bridges and nurture leadership toward lasting change."

"The goal is not only to strengthen our relationship with the US and North Macedonia, but to deepen and expand ties throughout the Balkans," Trajkova Strezovska said.

She added that the central theme of the summit was how to reverse "the challenge of brain drain" by encouraging young leaders and alumni to be drivers of change.

"We will discuss our path toward Euro-Atlantic integration and regional partnership in supporting trade, investment, security and prosperity," she said.

Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy Nicole Varnes noted that this year marked 25 years since the founding of MAAA and 30 years of diplomatic ties between the United States and North Macedonia.

"These anniversaries remind us of the distance we have traveled and the promise that lies ahead," Varnes said, highighting the importance of young people's dedication to improving their communities. Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi stressed the importance of regional collaboration and said that "cooperation is not a luxury, but a necessity."

"Talent does not stop at borders, nor does innovation, nor do young people's ambitions. Ensuring prosperity today is not only about strengthening economies but also about strengthening networks of trust, cooperation and leadership in the region," Gashi said.

Supported by the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia, the regional event has brought together alumni association representatives from across the Balkans — North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bulgaria — to address key challenges related to EU integration, democracy, innovation and investment opportunities.

The summit is taking place through May 29 and consists of panel discussions, interactive workshops and networking sessions for participants to develop strategies to combat corruption, promote digital literacy and strengthen networks that support EU integration, organizers said.