Gjorge Ivanov

President Dr. Gjorge Ivanov was born in Valandovo, on May 2, 1960. His father's name is Aleksandar, and his mother's name is Todora. After completing his primary and secondary education in Valandovo, he started his law studies at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje.In the course of his studies, he became politically active in the liberal and reformist-oriented youth organizations. In 1988, he began his seven-year long career as journalist with the national broadcaster "Macedonian Radio Television", where he was ultimately promoted to the position of Editor of the Third Programme. During his media career, he was also active in the political system reformation efforts. After the collapse of the one-party model and guided economy of the then Yugoslavia, Gjorge Ivanov's activism in the youth movements was aimed at promoting political pluralism and free market economy. He proceeded with this activity at the University, where he started working in 1995. He earned a Master's Degree in Political Science, elaborating the thesis entitled: "Civil Society - New Contradictions of an Old Debate". His PhD thesis was focused on building democracy in divided societies, particularly elaborating the case of the Republic of Macedonia.At the Political Studies Department within the Iustinianus Primus Faculty of Law in Skopje, Professor Ivanov worked on introducing new scientific views on politics among his students, teaching them political theory and political philosophy. Thus, he promoted new teaching methods which helped open Macedonian academia to the Western universities, bringing contemporary literature closer to the students and connecting Macedonian faculties to global databases, even in the early stages of development of the Internet. In 1999, he was appointed Visiting Professor to the South-East Europe Programme at the University in Athens, Greece. Aware that opening Macedonia to the West would be a process requiring efforts of several upcoming generations, Professor Gjorge Ivanov became active in the European Union TEMPUS Programme for the Republic of Macedonia, introducing reforms in the curriculum and Master Programmes in English language. As professor, he stayed and delivered lectures at a number of foreign universities and participated in many international projects. He was Head of the Political Studies Department and Vice Dean of the Iustinianus Primus Faculty of Law in Skopje.Gjorge Ivanov is a leading expert in the field of civil society and among the very firsts to introduce systematic research of this area in the Macedonian academic society. He was a consultant to prominent think-tanks and research centers. Generations of leaders have passed his training in political management. Professor Ivanov is one of the co-founders of the first Macedonian political science journal "Political Thought". He is founder of the first Political Science Association in independent Macedonia. Ivanov is also one of the founders of the Institute for Democracy, Solidarity and Civil Society, a renowned Macedonian think-tank which has helped shape the political landscape in Macedonia and served as guide to many young talents in the politics. Although never a party member, Professor Gjorge Ivanov was active in designing the reform policy of the political party VMRO-DPMNE, the party that supported his presidential nomination at the 2009 elections.During his first term in office as president, he sustained a record diplomatic agenda with more than 200 bilateral meetings with heads of state; more than 150 meetings with prime ministers, speakers and heads of diplomacy; more than 100 official, working and informal visits and participations at international events. During his tenure, he held more than 430 meetings with other foreign dignitaries, high and senior officials of international organizations and religious leaders. He hosted over 40 official and working visits of heads of state to the Republic of Macedonia. He welcomed thousands of citizens of various ethnic and religious groups, professional associations and non-governmental organizations in the President's Office. He was a patron of numerous domestic and international cultural, scientific and sporting events. He has decorated a number of individuals and institutions in the country and abroad, including five former and current heads of state. During his presidency, he never forgot to meet and discuss with students. He delivered lectures not only at all public universities in the Republic of Macedonia, but also at the top foreign universities as part of many of his official visits. He received the best students and conveyed their suggestions and remarks to the rectors of the universities and the competent Ministry, in order solutions to the challenges to be jointly found.He introduced the "Best Young Scientist" award.He became recognizable with the School for Young Leaders, which has provided new knowledge, experience and skills to more than 150 young people. With his commitment thereof, he has attracted over 100 renowned university professors, statesmen and experts as lecturers at the School.Professor Gjorge Ivanov has received numerous invitations to give lectures at renowned universities in the European centers. In October 2009 in Ankara, he was awarded the title Doctor Honoris Causa at the TOBB University of Economics and Technology, one of the most prominent private universities in Turkey, where the President spoke on "The Millet System – Forgotten History or Recipe for the Future". The title Doctor Honoris Causa a second one during his term of office, was awarded to President Ivanov by the Rector of the Istanbul University in March 2011. On that solemn occasion, Professor Gjorge Ivanov held a lecture on "The Megapolis as a Societal Management Model of the 21st Century".In October 2011 in Bucharest, Romania, President Ivanov received the title Doctor Honoris Causa at the Christian University “Dimitrie Cantemir“. The last awarded title Doctor Honoris Causa, was received by the macedonian president in Nevsehir, Tyrkey, at the University “Haci Bektas Veli“ in April, 2015. In October 2013, he was named Honorary Professor at the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China, and in February 2014, he gave a lecture and was named Honorary Professor at the prestigious Moscow State University "Lomonosov". In September 2011, President Ivanov was awarded the highest Order of the St. Lazarus Order from Jerusalem. In December 2013, President Ivanov was awarded the Order of St. George's House of Habsburg-Lotringen.In March 2012, in Salzburg, President Ivanov was sworn in as Protector of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. In December 2013, President Ivanov became a member of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences.This is only a small part of the activities of President Ivanov during his term of office, in which he is dedicated, on a daily basis, to the strengthening of the state unity at the national level and opening of new horizons for the Republic of Macedonia, for the Macedonian economy, education, science, culture, art, sports and creating a better future for young people. Led by the principle of openness to all in the foreign policy and diplomacy, President Ivanov contributes to cherishing the existing and establishing new friendships and partnerships for the Republic of Macedonia in Europe and throughout the world.Аt the presidential elections held in April 2014, President Ivanov was re-elected for a new five-year term of office.President Ivanov is married and has one child.