Skopje, April 21^st, 2026 – We are proud to announce the recipients of the Diaspora Recognition for Contribution 2026, selected unanimously by the Committee in cooperation with the Cabinet of the President of Macedonia. This prestigious recognition celebrates the outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Macedonia, both within their local communities and globally.

The selection process this year was highly competitive, with a total of 19 nominations showcasing exceptional dedication, impact, and commitment to Macedonia. The Committee had the difficult task of evaluating a diverse range of contributions, from humanitarian work to business development, and from cultural preservation to social justice advocacy. We sincerely thank all nominees for their invaluable contributions and commitment to our country’s future.

The recipients for the 2026 Diaspora Recognition for Contribution are:

🏅 Dr. Ichak Kalderon Adizes (USA)
A world-renowned management expert, author, and advisor of Macedonian origin, Dr. Adizes has had a profound impact on leadership and management on a global scale. His dedication to sharing knowledge and shaping organizations has touched countless lives, and his commitment to promoting his Macedonian heritage has made him a respected figure in both his professional field and the Macedonian diaspora.

🏅 Antonijo Trpevski (Sweden)
A distinguished and highly respected member of the Macedonian diaspora in Sweden, Antonijo has been recognized for his long-standing social engagement, philanthropy, and tireless support for the Macedonian community. His leadership and dedication to strengthening the cultural and social ties between Sweden and Macedonia have made him a significant force for positive change in both communities.

🏅 Elizabeth Naumovski (Canada)
An influential and active representative of the Macedonian diaspora in Canada, Elizabeth is known for her outstanding work in the media, her deep involvement in community engagement, and her dedication to promoting Macedonian identity and culture. Through her efforts, she has fostered a strong connection to Macedonia and has significantly contributed to cultural awareness and community cohesion within the Canadian diaspora.

These outstanding individuals exemplify the strength, values, and global contributions of our diaspora. Their dedication to their respective fields and to Macedonia serves as an inspiration to us all, demonstrating the importance of building bridges across borders to support the growth and development of our beloved country.

We would also like to extend our appreciation to all the nominees this year. The 19 nominations reflect the immense talent, dedication, and passion that exists within the Macedonian diaspora. The decision-making process was difficult, and although not all nominees were selected this year, we encourage them to continue their invaluable work and remain involved in future editions of this recognition.

In this regard, representatives from Macedonia2025 had the privilege of visiting President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova to inform her of the outcome of this year’s recognition process. The President expressed her appreciation for the high quality of the nominations and commended the principled selection of this year’s awardees, who are making real contributions to the state. She also graciously accepted the invitation to present the awards on May 11th, during the official opening of the Macedonia2025 Summit 2026.

In response to the growing interest from the diaspora, as well as the increasing desire for the younger generation to contribute and engage, we are pleased to announce that in future years, the recognition will expand to include two new categories:
🔹 Young individuals who are making meaningful contributions to their communities and to Macedonia.
🔹 Returnees who have contributed to the development of the country upon their return.

This expansion reflects the growing engagement and dedication of the diaspora and the recognition of the valuable role that both the younger generation and returnees play in Macedonia’s development.

Once again, congratulations to our recipients, and thank you to all those who have nominated individuals and have contributed to making this year’s Diaspora Recognition for Contribution an extraordinary success!