Former President Gjorge Ivanov opens 17th School for Young Leaders

The 17th edition of the School for Young Leaders, an initiative by former President Gjorge Ivanov, has commenced in Ohrid, North Macedonia. Under the theme ‘New World. New Leadership. New Pragmatism,’ the program runs from October 26 to November 7, 2026, utilizing a hybrid format of online sessions and in-person meetings.

At the opening ceremony, Ivanov addressed the necessity for youth to develop critical thinking and cognitive sovereignty to navigate digital information overload. He emphasized the importance of self-reflection and independent decision-making. The event featured addresses from former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, who discussed the value of dialogue and compromise based on his experience with the Good Friday Agreement, and Rick Hathaway, co-founder of Global Learning Lab International, who spoke on social responsibility.

The program includes 40 participants from eight countries and features approximately 30 lecturers, including academics, entrepreneurs, and public sector representatives. Key topics for this year include the impact of artificial intelligence on learning and work, as well as the ethical responsibilities associated with new technologies.