As the EDYN Presidential elections approach, we’re introducing the candidates who aspire to lead our network into its next chapter. Through this series, each of them reflects on their journey, motivations, and vision for EDYN’s future. We begin with Hristijan Ilievski from North Macedonia.
1. Who are you? Give us a short introduction.
I am originally from Skopje, but I have lived in many other places like Rome, Budapest, Riga, and Belgrade for both studies and work. I am a big lover of different languages, cultures, and traditions, and I believe my biggest strength is the fact that I am a polyglot who speaks 5 foreign languages and understands 5 more.
I have a background in international security and European affairs, and possess a detailed knowledge of political developments in several critical regions such as the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the V4. I hold an MA degree in Security Affairs from the European University in Skopje, with a full scholarship from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
What defines me as a person is the fact that I am always open to listen to others, put myself in their shoes, and try to understand their perspectives. I believe I have excellent managerial, organizational, and interpersonal skills, which are crucial characteristics for a future leader.
2. What inspired you to get involved in civic or public life, and to join EDYN?
Growing up in a country where you constantly see and face systemic injustice, high levels of corruption, lack of rule of law, nepotism, and favoritism in both the public and private sectors, I believe it is normal for all “regular” people like us to feel revolted, underrepresented, and to have a spark—or even better, a fire—within ourselves to fight for a better future, for us and for the next generations.
I believe that EDYN can serve as a perfect platform to do so, from the local to the European level, as I see it as the perfect place to meet and engage with like-minded individuals who face very similar, if not identical, problems as I do.
3. What made you decide to run for EDYN President? What is your vision for EDYN in the coming years?
I decided to run for EDYN President because I want to see the organization jump to the next level—becoming one of the strongest youth organizations, if not the strongest, in Europe.
I have a clear plan, vision, and strategy to achieve this, as I have already talked to many international organizations, country representatives, and donors who are willing to financially boost EDYN. My plan is to increase our funds by around $3M for the next four years (2026–2030) and transform the whole organization from within.
4. What do you value most about the EDYN community and the people in it?
What I value the most about our community is the fact that EDYN serves as a platform where future decision-makers can gather, discuss, exchange ideas, and most importantly, interact and make connections among themselves.
In such a globalized world, the key to success is having international friends, partners, and colleagues with whom you share a common goal. I am more than sure that very, very, very soon we will have many Directors, Managers, MPs, Ministers, Prime Ministers, and Presidents who were part of EDYN.
