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Author: WeBalkans

Hana Kunić

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Interests: Human Rights, International Relations

“I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Law at the same university.
During my studies in International Relations and Diplomacy, I extensively explored topics such as conflict resolution, international law, and global governance, providing me with a robust understanding of the complexities surrounding human rights issues. Transitioning to the field of Law has further has additionaly further equipped me with the legal knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for justice and equality, complementing my passion for human rights.
My journey started with volunteerism during secondary school, broadening my horizons and fostering a passion for activism and youth work. Over the years, I’ve organized numerous youth events and projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad, honing my skills and gaining valuable insights into myself and my aspirations. As part of my commitment to making a tangible impact, I have actively participated in community outreach programs, legal clinics, and other initiatives aimed at addressing socio-legal challenges faced by marginalized communities. From my involvement in a local NGO to my role as National Vice President of AIESEC in Bosnia and Herzegovina, each experience has been a stepping stone towards my goal of advocating for human rights.
My dedication lies in working with and for people, fueled by my educational background and years of activism.
Looking ahead, I am eager to leverage my interdisciplinary background and practical experiences to pursue a career dedicated to promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals.”

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Ivan Durgutov

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: North Macedonia

Interests: International Relations, Human Rights

My name is Ivan Durgutov and I am a graduate lawyer with a master’s degree in Law from the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. Since my secondary school days, I have been a vocal activist in the civic sector, being a member and part of different civic organisations then and now. They include the European Law Students’ Association, the Summer Work&Travel Alumni Association, the Macedonian-American Alumni Association and the European Democracy Youth Network. Right now I am holding the position of an Executive Director of the European Business Association in Skopje. One of my biggest achievements and most life-changing experiences was my participation in SUSI 2019, a leadership programme held in the USA, where I was chosen as a scholar by the US Department of State and participated as one of the eighty most promising leaders under-25 from Europe. Besides this, I have been participating in and facilitating various projects, been part of and completed short-term EVS. Some of my passions involve advocating for human rights, learning and practising diplomacy while representing my country and my peers, and travelling both nationally and internationally.

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Mila Mladenova

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: North Macedonia

Interests: Health and Sustainability, International Relations

“Mila Mladenova is a Doctor of Medicine finishing her degree at the Faculty of Medicine at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. She is a founder & president of Youth Empowerment Association, a non-governmental civil society organization and an alumna of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung scholarship program.

Mila was selected as a Macedonian member of the Youth Advisory Group of the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) and was a participant in the School of Policies of the Presidential Center for Political Education & School of Public Policy “”Mother Teresa””, successfully completing the 2023 cycle of the Council of Europe Schools of Political Studies.

Mila has profound experience organizing and actively participating in numerous national and international development programs, initiatives and projects highlighting health and well-being, environment and sustainability, youth participation & promotion of EU values.”

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Ena Porča

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Interests: Environment, Business and Entrepreneurship

I am a dedicated advocate for youth and environmental causes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With a diverse background in project management, I led initiatives such as Climathon and TEDx, providing platforms for innovative ideas to thrive. I am a committed promoter of entrepreneurial spirit among youth, emphasizing the importance of green entrepreneurship and the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s innovation sector as pivotal for the country’s future. My dedication to fostering positive change and nurturing new ideas continues to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in her community.

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Kristian Petro

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: International Relations, Human Rights

I’ve spent my career focused on helping people and serving as a role model for my country, all while championing the advancement of young people. My beliefs lean towards progressiveness and inclusivity, and I envision a united Europe that includes the Western Balkans. My passions lie in human rights, integration, and democracy, which have driven my involvement with various projects and NGOs in both Albania and Austria. Recently, I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with international organizations. As a young European ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with peers from the Western Balkans, fostering a strong network despite my frequent travels abroad for work. My academic background includes a Master’s degree in Economic Policy in Global Markets from the Central European University in Vienna. I’m particularly drawn to issues related to regional cooperation, human rights, democracy, and the ongoing process of European integration.

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Irena Shumenkovska

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA, YEA of the month, Young European Ambassadors of the Month.

Country: North Macedonia

Interests: International Relations, Human Rights

My name is Irena Shumenkovska and I am a doctor of science in the field of political
science. I have completed BA, LLM and PhD degrees at the Department of Political Sciences at the Faculty of Law ‘Iustinianus Primus’, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. I have been elected as a young European Ambassador for the Western Balkans, and the narrower areas I work with are international relations, European integration and human rights. I am an active participant in NGOs for youth policies and a member of the Macedonian Political Science Forum. As an active participant in the Euro-Atlantic Council, I have been appointed as a NATO Youth Ambassador, and I am also a member of the European Democratic Youth Network. As an active participant, I am part of the Presidential Center for Political Education, the “Mother Teresa” School of Public Policy, the Ivanov School for Young Leaders, the NATO Academy and the Youth Leadership Academy supported by NDI. In addition, I was a delegate to the Faculty Student Assembly at the Faculty of Law ‘Iustinianus Primus’ in Skopje. As a young scientist, I am the author and co-author of scientific papers published in domestic and foreign scientific journals, and I am also a participant in domestic and foreign conferences, summer schools and projects.

 

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Anđela Radulović

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Montenegro

Interests: Human Rights, International Relations

“Anđela Radulović completed her bachelor studies at the Faculty of Legal Sciences at the University of Donja Gorica, after which she continued her two-year master’s studies at the same Faculty in the field of Justice and Public Administration – Criminal Law field. As a Global UGRAD scholar, she spent her third semester of bachelor academic studies at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, USA. As a member of the “”Gavro Vuković”” team, she participated in the Regional Moot Court competition. She has recently completed a traineeship in the Political Section of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, after which she took an oath before the Montenegrin Bar Association and has started her legal traineeship at the law office “Veselin D. Radulović”.
She speaks English and uses Italian.”

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Olta Shehu

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: EU Integration, Human Rights

Olta Shehu is a recent graduate of University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania, with a strong commitment to pursuing a career in psychiatry and advancing the field of mental health. Her interests lie at the intersection of clinical practice, mental health advocacy, and the broader social determinants that shape well-being. Beyond her medical background, Olta is actively engaged in community initiatives and youth-driven projects focused on empowerment, inclusion, and social development. She approaches mental health not only as a medical priority but also as a fundamental human right, advocating for equitable access to care, dignity, and support for all individuals. Her work is closely aligned with values of human rights and European integration, reflecting a dedication to fostering resilient, informed, and inclusive communities. Through her involvement in regional and international initiatives, she contributes to strengthening dialogue, civic engagement, and youth participation, particularly in contexts that support the Western Balkans’ path toward EU integration.

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Gjorgji Ristov

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: North Macedonia

Interests: Business and Entrepreneurship, International Relations

Gjorgji is a dedicated professional currently pursuing his master’s degree in business law at the International Balkan University (IBU). With a background in law and a passion for empowering others, he serves as a career services specialist at IBU, where he provides valuable guidance to individuals navigating their professional paths. Known for his commitment to excellence, Gjorgji is dedicated to both his academic and professional pursuits. Outside of his studies and work, he enjoys staying informed about legal and business developments and is always eager to expand and share his knowledge

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Eight North Macedonian municipalities selected for EU funding to develop civil society partnerships

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The municipalities of Bitola, Gevgelija, Gostivar, Kocani, Kriva Palanka, Kumanovo, Ohrid, and Veles have been selected to participate in the second phase of the EU-funded Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans  (ReLOaD2) in North Macedonia.  
The selected municipalities will be the primary recipients of financial assistance and technical support for this project. The project aims to enhance the capacities of municipalities and civil society organisations (CSOs) to engage in productive partnerships and contribute to improved service delivery and implementation of local priorities in line with municipal development strategies. Municipalities will be assisted in the introduction and institutionalisation of transparent mechanisms for financing CSOs from municipal budgets, which will ensure increased civic participation in decision-making processes and provision of public services.  
The ReLOaD2 project team will work with local officials in implementing activities such as capacity building training to ensure full transparency in future funding of civil society from local budgets. The project will also promote youth engagement and support the implementation of youth initiatives to improve local economic perspectives.  
The ReLOaD2 project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme.