Damjan Zlatanovski

“Hi there, I’m Damjan, a Macedonian YEA and a student.

I’m currently pursuing my Telecommunication and Information Technologies studies at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies (FEEIT) in Skopje. Within the university community, you’ll often find me at the heart of the action, whether it’s as a member of the Faculty Student Assembly, volunteering in FSA committees, or representing students’ interests on the Teaching-Scientific Council.

As a YEA and an activist, I’ve devoted myself to causes close to my heart: environmental sustainability, arts and culture, and empowering youth voices. Together with young changemakers, I’ve played a role in shaping the National Youth Strategy 2023-2027. As a YEA I’ve had the privilege and the honor of sharing the stories of Macedonian youth’s activism as a speaker at the European Parliament during EYE 2023 in Strasbourg.

The YEA network has allowed me to expand my network and develop my skillset as a part of all sorts of events, workshops, and discussions, but more importantly, it has given me the platform to act, and do it now. Me and my fellow Macedonian YEAs have successfully engaged youth from all corners of society, raised the most stressful topics of today, and given the spotlight to young people. I believe that only united we can play our part in achieving the 11 European Youth Goals.

Recognition, such as the YEA Award for Team Player and Natural Leader at the YEA Summit 2023, is both an honor and a reminder of the responsibility I carry. Aside from the network I have joined the Global Shapers Skopje Hub, and the SUSI Student Leaders from Europe 2024 program.

Beyond academia and activism, I am a regular editorial opinion writer for Youth Association for Creative Expression “Kultura Beta”. My poetry was included in the “New Birth of the Word: an Anthology of Young Macedonian Poetry”. I also enjoy painting, for which I have a small online gallery shop. And amidst it all, I cherish life’s simple pleasures—cooking, a good cup of coffee with the closest people, spending time with my five dogs, and embarking on adventures to new horizons.

I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next!”