Birthright Macedonia

03/22/2026

Are you a college student of Macedonian heritage or a young Macedonian looking for an exciting internship opportunity this summer? Or the parent/grandparent/uncle/aunt of a young Macedonian - give them the gift of Birthright Macedonia! Who would like to spend three weeks in Ohrid, Macedonia this summer?

Birthright Macedonia 2026 trip just announced! The 2026 dates for Birthright will be June 26 - July 17, 2026. Deadline for application is May 15, 2026. Apply now! About the Program Birthright Macedonia offers Macedonian youth from around the world the opportunity to proudly declare their Macedonian....

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! ✨ 🇲🇰
Среќна Нова Година!

Thank you for being part of our 2025 story. Here’s to unity, impact, and a stronger Macedonian voice in 2026.

10/05/2025

Питер Далас – човекот кој по 70 години откри дека е Македонец и ја создаде програмата „Birthright Macedonia“

Програмата „Birthright Macedonia“ (Родум од Македонија) која им овозможува на младите од дијаспората да ја откријат својата татковина и да се поврзат со своите корени, има т...

09/08/2025

UMD is thrilled to announce that Marian Ilitch, renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and proud daughter of Macedonian immigrants, will be recognized with the inaugural UMD “Daughter of Macedonia” Award at our 20th Anniversary Gala & Macedonian Diaspora 40 Under 40 Awards on September 27, 2025, in Detroit.

From her business leadership to her philanthropic generosity, Marian’s work has touched countless lives while honoring the values instilled in her by her Macedonian parents. 💙🇲🇰

✨ Join us in celebrating her remarkable legacy at this historic milestone!

🎟 Get your tickets or become a sponsor here: https://umdiaspora.org/a-legacy-of-unity-20-years-of-the-united-macedonian-diaspora/

08/02/2025

🇲🇰 Happy Ilinden and Day of the Republic, Macedonia!

Today, August 2nd, we commemorate two historic milestones that shaped the soul of our nation: the Ilinden Uprising of 1903, when brave revolutionaries rose against Ottoman rule and declared the Kruševo Republic, and the first ASNOM Assembly in 1944, which laid the foundation for the modern Macedonian state.

This day is more than a holiday, it’s a tribute to the enduring spirit of resistance, unity, and the ongoing fight to preserve our Macedonian national identity, language, and cultural heritage.

07/27/2025

🎉 Celebrating Leadership and Legacy! 🇲🇰

The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is proud to honor Jerry Naumoff with the UMD Macedonian Heritage Public Service Award at our 20th Anniversary Gala & Macedonian Diaspora 40 Under 40 Awards in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday, September 27, 2025!

From his leadership as Macedonia’s former Minister for Foreign Direct Investment to his role as a successful entrepreneur and proud Macedonian-American, Jerry has been a tireless advocate for Macedonia’s prosperity and global recognition.

👉 His legacy is one of service, innovation, and pride in our Macedonian heritage.
👉 Don’t miss this special moment as we celebrate Jerry’s contributions to Macedonia and the global diaspora.

📍 Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
📅 September 27, 2025
🎟️ Join us or become a sponsor: http://umdiaspora.org/legacyofunitygala

07/22/2025

As part of the Birthright Macedonia 2025 Closing Ceremony, we are proud to share exclusive interviews with some of our Birthright participants that will be featured on Macedonian National Television MRTV. Their voices, experiences, and emotional reflections highlight the powerful connection between the diaspora youth and their ancestral homeland. We thank all who made this program possible and look forward to inspiring even more young Macedonians next year!

Во рамки на Завршната свеченост на програмата „Родум од Македонија 2025“, со гордост ги споделуваме интервјуата со дел од учесниците на програмата, кои ќе бидат емитувани на Македонската национална телевизија. Нивните искрени сведоштва и емоционални впечатоци го потврдуваат силното поврзување помеѓу младите од дијаспората и нивната татковина. Благодариме на сите кои придонесоа за реализација на оваа програма и со нетрпение очекуваме да инспирираме уште повеќе млади Македонци наредната година!

07/18/2025

UMD had the honor of organizing the Birthright Macedonia 2025 Closing Ceremony together with friends of UMD at Wineberry in Skopje. In partnership with the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC), this year’s program once again proved to be a powerful experience that connects young Macedonians from around the world to their roots. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants and wish them the very best in their future endeavors, with the hope that we will see each other more often here in Macedonia.🇲🇰 We are grateful for the trust and support of MCIC and for the opportunity to bring this meaningful journey to life. With great excitement, we now look ahead to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the program in 2026. We encourage everyone to register for next year’s program and follow our website for more information.

ОМД ја имаше честа да ја организира Завршната свеченост на „Родум од Македонија 2025“ заедно со пријателите на ОМД во Wineberry во Скопје. Во партнерство со Македонскиот Центар за Меѓународна Соработка (МЦМС), овогодинешната програма уште еднаш се покажа како исклучително искуство што ги поврзува младите Македонци од дијаспората со своите корени. Им упатуваме искрени честитки на сите учесници и им посакуваме многу успех во иднина, со надеж дека почесто ќе се гледаме во Македонија. 🇲🇰 Искрено сме благодарни за поддршката од МЦМС и за можноста да ја реализираме оваа значајна програма. Со голема радост гледаме напред кон одбележувањето на 10-годишнината следната година. Ги охрабруваме сите да се пријават за програмата во 2026 година и да ја следат нашата веб-страница за повеќе информации.

07/16/2025

Today, the Birthright Macedonia 2025 participants visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and enjoyed a tour led by Boro Mirchevski, Head of diaspora affairs and a dedicated advocate for the creation of the National Strategy for the Diaspora. We sincerely thank him for guiding us through the Ministry and giving our students a meaningful and personal experience with one of the country’s key institutions

07/15/2025

🇲🇰For the third and final Heritage Weekend of Birthright Macedonia 2025, our participants experienced the iconic Galička Wedding on the slopes of Mount Bistra. Surrounded by centuries-old traditions, music, and dance, they witnessed one of the most unique cultural celebrations in Macedonia. This unforgettable weekend was a powerful way to conclude the program, connecting our youth with their roots in the most authentic way possible.🇲🇰

🇲🇰За третото и последно викенд-патување во рамки на програмата Birthright Macedonia 2025, нашите учесници имаа можност да ја доживеат автентичната Галичка свадба на падините на планината Бистра. Окружени со вековни традиции, музика и ора, беа сведоци на едно од најуникатните културни прослави во Македонија. Овој незаборавен викенд претставуваше совршен завршеток на програмата, поврзувајќи ги младите од дијаспората со нивните корени на еден навистина посебен начин.🇲🇰

07/10/2025

🇲🇰 UMD – A Historic Day of Dialogue Led by Chairman of the Board Argie Bellio 🇲🇰

Under the leadership of UMD Chairman of the Board, Argie Bellio, the UMD had a powerful day of high-level meetings and impactful engagements focused on strengthening the ties between Macedonia and its global diaspora.

🔹 Chairman Bellio led a historic meeting with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, where they discussed the critical role of the Macedonian diaspora in shaping the country’s future. The President expressed her deep support for UMD’s work and youth engagement, and we are honored that she will be joining us at our 20th Anniversary Gala on September 27 in Detroit.

🔹 In a pivotal meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timčo Mucunski, Chairman Bellio reiterated UMD’s commitment to preserving Macedonian identity abroad and offered collaboration on key diaspora initiatives. The Minister recognized UMD’s long-standing efforts and expressed willingness to work more closely with the organization in the future.

🔹 Chairman Bellio also met with Goran Angelov, Director of the Agency for Emigration, for strategic discussions on diaspora outreach, return programs, and strengthening institutional cooperation. Following the meeting, participants of Birthright Macedonia 2025 learned more about the Agency’s role in cultural preservation and diaspora support programs.

🔹 The day also included a meaningful conversation with Zoran Atanasov, Economic Advisor to the Secretary General of the Government, on the economic potential of engaging diaspora professionals and entrepreneurs in national development.

🔹 Birthright Macedonia Participants visited the Macedonian Assembly, where they met with MP Marija Petrushevska and spoke about the work in Parliament and acknowledged the powerful emotional connection the diaspora youth have with their homeland.

🔹 UMD concluded the day with a heartfelt dinner among friends, including longtime UMD member and supporter, Mishko Josifov.

Chairman Bellio’s leadership during this visit helped reinforce UMD’s strategic goals and opened new paths for lasting collaboration between Macedonia and its global community. 🌍