Author: WeBalkans

Hajdana Todorović is a Psychology student at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, originally from Podgorica, Montenegro. With an academic background shaped by international education in England and Italy, she is deeply interested in the intersection of psychology, human rights, and international relations. Her experience at the Center for Social Work of Montenegro strengthened her commitment to public service and social responsibility. Actively engaged in international conferences and policy forums, she contributes to discussions on governance and democracy. She aims to pursue graduate studies abroad and build a career within the United Nations system, promoting dialogue and European values in the Western Balkans.

Country: Montenegro

Interests: International relations, communications and social media

Nađa Stojanović is a young Montenegrin leader and political science student specializing in International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Montenegro. Her academic focus lies in European Union integration processes, international cooperation, and the promotion of equal opportunities as foundational principles of democratic societies. She currently serves as President of Erasmus Student Network Montenegro (ESN Montenegro), where she leads initiatives aimed at strengthening international student mobility, intercultural dialogue, and youth participation. Through close cooperation with the Office for International Cooperation and Mobility at the University of Montenegro, she actively contributes to enhancing student exchange programmes, institutional partnerships, and the overall internationalization of higher education in Montenegro.

Nađa is also a member of the Youth Initiatives Council of the President of Montenegro, where she contributes to policy dialogue and strategic recommendations related to youth empowerment, civic engagement, and inclusive development. In parallel, she is professionally engaged with the Network for European Policies – MASTER, where she participates in the design and implementation of programmes focused on European public policy, women’s empowerment, and community-based development. This experience represents a significant component of her professional development, providing her with practical insight into policy-making processes and strategic planning within the European context.

She is additionally a member of the Ulysseus European University Alliance, a transnational academic alliance uniting eight European universities with the goal of fostering innovation, mobility, and cross-border collaboration among students and researchers. Nađa has represented Montenegro at high-level European forums, including “Your Europe, Your Say” organized by the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels, where she advocated for stronger youth participation in European decision-making processes. She also participated in the “Shared Horizons – Itineraries in Europe” programme organized by the French Institute, addressing ambassadors and senior representatives on the perspectives of youth from the Western Balkans. Her work in media literacy and critical political analysis was recognized by the Institute for Media and Diversity in Belgrade for her contribution to combating misinformation and promoting responsible media engagement among young people.

Beyond institutional engagement, Nađa is actively involved in humanitarian initiatives, leading and coordinating campaigns that support children and marginalized communities. She believes that education, dialogue, and solidarity are the most powerful tools for sustainable societal transformation.

Her profile reflects strategic thinking, integrity, and a strong commitment to European values. Nađa aspires to contribute to shaping inclusive policies that strengthen democratic institutions, advance EU integration in the Western Balkans, and ensure equal opportunities for all.

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Country: Montenegro

Interests: Human rights, health and sustainability

My name is Zorana Popivoda and I come from Podgorica, Montenegro. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Computer Science where I developed strong analytical thinking and problem solving skills.

I am a careful, optimistic and cheerful person, known for my persistence and strong communication abilities. I enjoy teamwork, learning new skills and taking on new challenges that help me grow both personally and professionaly.

I am proud to be a member of the YEA organization, where I look forward to contributing my knowledge, positive attitude and dedication and gaining valuable experience through collaboration and new opportunities.

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Country: Montenegro

Interests: Human rights, business and entrepreneurship

Matija Svorcan is a Master’s student at the Faculty of Political Sciences and is also pursuing postgraduate specialist studies at the Faculty of Business and Tourism in Budva. He completed a professional training program at the European Policy Network (MASTER) and undertook an internship with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in the Parliament of Montenegro.

He has several years of experience in the journalism and civil society. On two occasions, he participated in cultural exchange through the student “Work and Travel” program in the United States of America.

During his undergraduate studies, he interned at the NGO Parents and served first as a member of the Managing Board and later as a member of the Supervisory Board of MAPSS, an NGO operating within the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Montenegro.

Through his engagement in the YEA program, he aims to focus on promoting media literacy and advancing European integration processes.

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Country: Montenegro

Interests: International relations, communications and social media

Đorđa Kovačević is a student of International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Donja Gorica. Through academic exchanges at the University of Tartu in Estonia, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg in Austria, and the University of Maine in the United States (where she was sent as the first-ranked scholarship recipient for Montenegro (ex Global UGRAD)) – she has developed a strong comparative perspective on European integration, transatlantic relations, and multilateral diplomacy. Participating in over ten conferences across Europe and the United States has further deepened her passion for diplomacy and international cooperation.

From 2024 to 2025, Đorđa served as President of BBYO Balkans, leading regional initiatives and representing young leaders at international forums. She also worked as a Social Media Coordinator for BBYO Balkans and the Student Business Center at the University of Donja Gorica, combining her interest in diplomacy with digital communication and youth engagement.

Her dedication to empowering young voices and strengthening dialogue across borders continues to shape her academic and professional journey.

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Country: Montenegro

Interests: Media, arts and culture, Human rights

Kristina Perović is a student from Podgorica, currently pursuing a degree in Political Science, majoring in Media Studies and Journalism, at the University of Montenegro. She is passionate about youth participation and media literacy, with several years of experience in youth programs and non-governmental initiatives focused on empowerment, civic engagement, and social responsibility.

Kristina has been actively involved in community work since the age of 17 and has independently organized and facilitated media literacy workshops aimed at strengthening critical thinking and responsible media consumption among young people. In 2024, she was selected as an Information Ambassador for the European Youth Card (EYCA) project for the 2024–2026 term, organized by the NGO Center for Youth Education. She also serves as a representative of her study program at the faculty and is a member of the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro.

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