Presidential Center Stevo Pendarovski

09/06/2026

✨ “Echoes of the Past, Voices for the Future.” ✨

We are thrilled to share the highlights from Module 2 of the “Echoes of Democracy” political school for young professionals in the , held recently in ! 🇲🇰🇪🇺

From exploring how artificial intelligence and civic technology can help scale up public consultations to dismantling deeply rooted political myths, our participants dived deep into what it takes to build resilient democratic societies. We also looked at how Gen Z is actively "hacking" traditional, centralized leadership models in favor of radical honesty and shared ownership.

A huge thank you to our partners, the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Skopje, and the Fondacija dr Zoran Đinđić, as well as our incredible line-up of speakers and young leaders from across the region and Europe. 🙌

🔗 Read the full story, speaker insights, and key takeaways here: https://pendarovskicenter.mk/module-2-echoes-of-democracy-school-empowers-young-professionals-to-tackle-ai-political-myths-and-regional-geopolitics/

21/05/2026

Driving Democratic Transformation in the Western Balkans! 🌐✨

We are thrilled to share that the Presidential Center Stevo Pendarovski (PCSP), alongside our esteemed partners—Open Society Foundations Western Balkans, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Skopje, and the Fondacija dr Zoran Đinđić—successfully hosted a landmark public debate today in Skopje!

As part of Module 2 of the "Echoes of Democracy" School, regional leaders, researchers, and young professionals gathered at Hotel Solun to delve into "Foundations of Democracy and Civic Engagement".

🚀 This event marked a milestone for the Western Balkans: an open, multi-disciplinary dialogue on how Artificial Intelligence can be harnessed to scale deliberative democracy and truly deepen civic participation.

🗣️ Key Takeaways From Our Speakers:

Stevo Pendarovski (Former President of North Macedonia): "Democracy in the Western Balkans is not a distant aspiration — it is a daily practice."

Hana Kapetanovic (Lead Researcher, Demos): "Deliberative democracy scaled with AI could be the most important civic innovation of our generation."

Goran Svilanović (Former Minister of Foreign Affairs): "The path forward demands more than political will — it demands a citizenry that understands its power..."

Nenad Marković (Professor, UKIM): "When we teach young professionals to examine the narratives that shape political behavior critically, we are doing something profoundly radical..."

🌱 Echoes of the Past, Voices for the Future

The "Echoes of Democracy" school is dedicated to equipping the next generation of civic and political leaders across the WB6 with the networks and skills needed to drive real change. Today’s debate proved that open, evidence-based discourse is the brightest path forward.

21/05/2026

🔴 WE ARE LIVE!
Tune in right now to the public debate "Foundations of Democracy and Civic Engagement" hosted by PCSP, OSF Western Balkans, and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Skopje in association with Fondacija dr Zoran Đinđić.

Hear insights from Stevo Pendarovski, Hana Kapetanovic, Goran Svilanović, and Prof. Nenad Marković.

👇 Click the link to watch the livestream:

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19/05/2026

PUBLIC INVITATION | AI & FOUNDATIONS OF DEMOCRACY 📢🤖

What does the future hold for the Foundations of Democracy and Civic Engagement in the Western Balkans?

Join the Presidential Center Stevo Pendarovski for a public debate on regional resilience, featuring a look at scaling up deliberative democracy through the Waves AI platform.

Key Speakers & Panelists:
• Stevo Pendarovski (Former President of North Macedonia) • Hana Kapetanovic (Lead Researcher, Demos — presenting on AI & Waves) • Goran Svilanović (Former Minister of Foreign Affairs) • Nenad Marković, PhD (Full Professor, UKIM)

📅 Thursday, May 21, 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM 📍 Hotel Solun, Skopje

🗣️ Language: English

📥 REGISTRATION: Reserve your seat now by emailing [email protected]

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Skopje Fondacija dr Zoran Đinđić

18/05/2026

Announcing our next speaker for Module 2 of the "Echoes of Democracy" Political School: Dr. Milena Stefanović.

As part of our commitment to equipping young leaders with comprehensive regional insights, the Presidential Center Stevo Pendarovski is proud to welcome Dr. Milena Stefanović, Assistant Professor at the University of Arts Belgrade.

In her upcoming session, "Decoding Leadership Patterns in the Western Balkans," Dr. Stefanović will bridge the gap between cultural theory and political reality. Participants will delve into the unique cultural codes shaping the Western Balkan leadership profile, evaluating how national cultural indexes and a profound generational shift are redefining the region’s political intelligence.

We look forward to an enriching academic and practical discussion on the foundations of democracy and civic engagement.

Welcome to Module 2, Dr. Stefanović!

14/05/2026

Resilience is the core of modern leadership.

We are thrilled to announce Kimberly McArthur, Chief Operating Officer of the Better Politics Foundation, as a guest speaker for Module 2 (21-22 May) of the Echoes of Democracy School!

In an era of rising polarization and high-stakes decision-making, the mental and emotional toll on leaders is often overlooked. Kimberly will lead a transformative session: "The Resilient Leader: Global Perspective on Leadership Capabilities and Mental Well-being in the Office."

Participants will explore:
✅ Strategies for managing the psychological toll of political life.
✅ Ethical decision-making under pressure.
✅ Practical techniques to navigate polarization and build bridge-building leadership.

Leadership isn't just about policy; it’s about the person behind the desk.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Skopje Fondacija dr Zoran Đinđić

11/05/2026

Deconstructing the Narratives of the Western Balkans 🏛️

We are pleased to announce Nenad Marković, PhD, Full Professor at the University of St. Cyril and Methodius (UKIM), as a featured speaker for Module 2 of the "Echoes of Democracy" School.

Professor Marković is a leading voice in political science, specializing in the complex interplay between political mythology and civic behavior. His session will provide participants with a critical lens through which to view the "Architecture of Belief" that shapes democratic participation across our region.

Sessions:
• Public Debate: Foundations of Democratic Resilience in the WB
• Session 3: The Architecture of Belief: Political Mythology and Civil Society in the WB
📍 Skopje | 🗓️ 21 – 22 May 2026

07/05/2026

We are thrilled to host Hana Kapetanovic for Echos of Democracy School, Module 2, on 21 and 22 May!

We’re diving into the pioneering world of AI-powered democracy and how to put people back at the heart of politics. Hanna will be presenting Demos’s groundbreaking research and pilot project on digital deliberation. It’s a privilege to bring these world-class, tech-forward insights to our participants in Skopje. 💡

The Presidential Center is officially the region's hub for the most innovative ideas. 🏛️✨

Find out more about the School: https://pendarovskicenter.mk/projects/

Fondacija dr Zoran Đinđić Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Skopje

04/05/2026

Deciphering the Geopolitical Map of the Western Balkans 🌍

We are proud to announce that Goran Svilanović will be joining us for Module 2 (21 – 22 May 2026 | Skopje) of the "Echoes of Democracy" Political School.

With a distinguished career as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Secretary-General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Mr. Svilanović is a respected voice in regional diplomacy. His insights are vital for our mission at the Presidential Center Stevo Pendarovski to strengthen democratic resilience.

Key Focus:
🔵 Analyzing obstacles to Euro-Atlantic integration for the WB6.
🔵 High-level strategy for regional cooperation and diplomacy.

Fondacija dr Zoran Đinđić Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Skopje

24/04/2026

The energy in Module 1 was unmatched! ⚡️

Now, we’re ready to go even deeper. We are officially preparing for Module 2 of the political school, which will take place on May 21 and 22. Two days of intensive learning, networking, and shaping the future of democracy.