Certificate Awarding Ceremony for Atanas Bliznakoff Scholars at the Macedonia2025 Summit

From

March 12, 2025

As part of this year’s Macedonia2025 Summit, the ceremonial awarding of certificates was held for the scholars of the Atanas Bliznakoff Program for Student Excellence. The event highlighted not only the academic dedication of young talents but also the broader mission of the program—ensuring equal access to quality higher education for all students.

Currently, the program supports over 130 active scholars, while the alumni network continues to grow and make significant contributions across various professional fields. Each year, 40 new scholarships are awarded to the most promising students from “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje.

📚 The scholars come from over 30 municipalities across the country and study at a wide range of faculties—from medicine and engineering to arts and social sciences. This diversity makes the program a platform for truly inspiring collaboration, idea exchange, and personal and professional growth.

During the Summit, additional program activities were also highlighted, including:

✅ Intergenerational mentoring – support and exchange of experiences among scholars themselves

✅ Mentorship with experienced professionals – over 100 mentorships with seasoned professionals and members of the Macedonian diaspora

✅ Training and workshops for personal and professional development

✨ Special attention was given to the Internship Initiative, aimed at expanding opportunities for scholars through collaboration with the private sector.

“This is not just financial support. This is a belief in the potential of every young person. A belief that academic success should not be limited by socio-economic barriers,” emphasized Nena Manchev, Manager of Leadership and Education Programs, in her address.

Special thanks were extended to “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje, as well as to the representatives of the Atanas Bliznakoff Foundation—Sofi and Mitre Kutanovski—whose vision and support stand behind the success of this program.

🎓 The ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates of excellence, symbolic financial prizes, and Diners Club cards to the scholars.