Dr. Aleksandra Nakjeva Ruzhin has over 25 years of distinguished career in the public service, diplomacy, academia, international  financial institutions, and the corporate financial sector.   She has served as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden and held key executive and advisory roles in policy making and corporate  leadership, including Special Advisor to the Minister of Finance, State Advisor at the Ministry of Finance, Special Advisor to the Major of the City of Skopje, National Coordinator of the Digital Learning Platform, Coordinator of the Pension Reform, and CEO and CFO in the corporate financial sector. She has worked as a consultant for the European Commission, the World Bank, International Telecommunication Union, and the Swedish  Institute, focusing on fiscal policy, innovation, digital skills and education. A former president of the  European Business Association, she has also served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce of  North Macedonia, Presidency of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Council of Foreign Investors,  Deposits Insurance Fund, and the National Insurance Bureau. She currently serves as Secretary  General of the Council of Ambassadors of North Macedonia.  

Nakjeva Ruzhin holds a PhD in Economics, and a Master’s in Public Policy and Management (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA. An active academic, she has been senior lecturer of public finance and industrial organisation at the University American  College-Skopje and a guest-lecturer at the University of Leeds, Stockholm Business School,  University of Pittsburgh, and Faculty of Economics in Skopje, and is widely published in tax policy,  fiscal decentralisation and digital education. She is the recipient of the International Public Service Award of the University of Pittsburgh for  2016 and has received high recognitions for her work in North Macedonia and Sweden.

Afrim Gashi is the current President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia. A lawyer by education, he holds postgraduate qualifications in political sciences and human rights. He has served as a Member of Parliament since 2016, and chaired several cooperation groups and foreign affairs committees. From 2018 to 2024, he was the leader of the political party Alternativa, stepping down after being elected Speaker. Mr. Gashi is an alumnus of the NATO Policy Makers Tour and has a long-standing commitment to democratic dialogue, inter-community relations, and fostering cooperation across the Western Balkans.  

Amer Kapetanović is the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), assuming the role in January 2025 after leading its Political Department since 2017. A seasoned diplomat, he has over 20 years of experience in regional cooperation, EU integration, and economic diplomacy. He has held key positions in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Assistant Minister and Chargé d’Affaires to Germany. With a background in journalism and international relations, Mr. Kapetanovic is a published author and expert on South East Europe. He holds degrees from the University of Sarajevo and has trained in London and Washington, D.C.

Borijan Borozanov has over 20 years of experience in international management and business leadership roles. He is serving as European Operations Director for Johnson Matthey's Clean Air Business, a leading global provider of clean air technologies.

His prior experience includes plant managers role for Johnson Matthey and Aptiv Services, and setting up the new plant of Delphi Electronic Systems in TIDZ Skopje. Prior to his return to Macedonia, Borijan held several positions in the automotive industry in Europe including Strategic Manufacturing Footprint Planner as part of Delphi's Rotational Leadership Development Program. He was also serving as a Head of Investor Servicing Department at Invest Macedonia and helped in the realization of several investment projects in the automotive supply chain in North Macedonia.

He is an engineer architect with an MBA in Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona USA as a Fulbright scholar, and also most recently completed “Executive Development Program” at the Kellogg School of Management as a Zafirovski scholar. Borijan is a passionate supporter of talent development initiatives and a Board Member of Macedonia 2025.

Fatmir Besimi is a professor of economics and finance at South East European University (North Macedonia). He is founder and CEO of Strategers (Strategic Consulting, Policy Research and Executive Education). His early experience starts in banking sector and teaching at University and he served the country in several public positions for two decades (2002-2024). He was elected in the Parliament as Vice-Governor of the National Bank of the North Macedonia, Minister of Economy (two terms), Minister of Defense, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European Affairs (two terms) and he served as Minister of Finance during multiple crisis period (2020-2024). He also was an economist at the World Bank Office in Kosovo (2007- 2008). He has an active international academic life being visiting senior fellow at the London School of Economics, UK, as well as holding several lectures worldwide, such as Webster University in Geneva, the London School of Economics and Political Science, the diplomatic academy in Vienna, the Center for European Politics in Brussels, the Institute for International and European Affairs in Dublin, the University Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland, the Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University, Georgetown University, the National Defense University in Washington, the University of Vermont, and the Military Academy in Zagreb. Besimi is author of three books: Economy and Integration in Times of Polycrisis (2024), Monetary and exchange rate policy in Macedonia: Accession to the European Union (2009) and My notes: Integrations beyond Rhetoric (2015). He is co-author in other books and has published over hundreds of columns and papers on economics and politics. Besimi was elected as Young Global Leaders for 2010" of World Economic Forum and he was awarded with the Order of the Star of Italy; by the Decree of the President of Italy (2015).

Dimovski holds a PhD and has experience in various institutions and companies, as well as in the implementation of investment projects financed by international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Council of Europe Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the German Development Bank KfW.

His extensive professional experience includes engagements in institutions and companies such as OSCE-ODIHR, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Mavrovo National Park, the Public Procurement Council of North Macedonia, the Public Transport Company Skopje, Pelagonija AD Gostivar, and the Ministry of Finance through the Municipal Services Improvement Projects (MSIP and MSIP2) financed by the World Bank, as well as the Municipal Council of Gostivar.

In addition, Dimovski has experience in implementing investment projects financed by various international financial institutions, including the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Council of Europe Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the German Development Bank KfW.

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Dr. Gadaf Rexhepi, is Full Professor of Strategy and Innovation at South-East European University, Republic of North Macedonia. He has published around eighty research articles in different peer and refereed journals, among which Business Strategy and the Environment, Journal of Business Research, Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsible and Environment Management, Review of Managerial Science, Industrial Marketing Management etc. Most of his work has been in the field of CSR and Sustainability engaging in research and practical projects.  He has served as a consultant for development of the Rector of South East European University. and he is actively engaged as consultant in many organisations in North Macedonia  From 2020 he is a member of the Council of National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia where he is serving a 7 years term. He received the Award for Excellence 2016 – Outstanding Paper by Emerald Group Publishing (Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy) and many rewards related to highly ranked publications. He is one of the 10 best  scientist in his field according to google scholar.

Ivana Bilić, PhD, is a professor at the Department of Management, Faculty of Economics, University of Split. Her main academic interests are public relations, corporate communication, community management, crisis management, entrepreneurship and reputation management. In the scientific field, she has published two book chapters and more than 40 articles in international journals or at international scientific conferences. She has worked on a number of national and international projects. She is also involved in quality assurance of higher education institutions and study programmes within ENQU accredited agencies in the EU and beyond. She has also worked as a quality assurance expert on internal and external evaluations of European projects. She has also worked as an evaluation expert for scientific projects. She is a US alumna of the Junior Faculty Development Programme and is currently in her second term as a member of the ENAM Board of Directors. She has been involved in promoting youth entrepreneurship and mentoring since 2013 and was previously one of the mentors at the Skopje Startup Weekend 2014.

​Katerina Boshevska PhD is a distinguished leader in financial industry with long practice in senior management, business development and digital transformation. She is CEO of EOS Matrix and EOS ITech in Macedonia and EOS Kosovo, as well as President of the European Business Association. With a PhD in Economics and extensive experience in international collaborations and projects, she drives innovation and strategic growth while championing corporate excellence and regulatory improvements.

Meldina Kokorović Jukan, PhD is a full professor at Department of Finance and Financial Policy the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She has over 20 years of academic career and over 10 years in evaluation practice. Her main academic and professional interests are related to management of financial institutions, corporate financial management, monetary and fiscal policy as well as project monitoring and impact evaluation. She authored and co-authored 5 books and over 60 scientific and research papers published nationally and internationally. Mentored and supervised several master theses, with regular involvement in the evaluation of postgraduate research as well as doctoral dissertation. She holds prestigious Certificate in Evaluation Practice from the Evaluators’ Institute at Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, USA. She has conducted numerous external impact and performance evaluations for international organisations, namely USAID, UNDP, IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF, ADA, GIZ, Save the Children, World Vision, Hilfswerk International, Catholic Relief Services. She was a visiting scholar in 2009 at George Washington School of Business, George Washington University, Washington DC USA under the Junior Faculty Development program.
She is a Fulbright Visiting Scholar finalist for academic 2025/26 year.

Malinka Ristevska Jordanova has been engaged in the EU integration process in Macedonia and in the region since the late nineties. She held high administrative positions in the Macedonian Parliament and Government/Secretariat for European Affairs, including chairing the Stabilisation and Association Committee with the EU and its Subcommittee on Justice and Home Affairs.
Ristevska Jordanova is a founder and former Director (from 2011 to February 2017) of the think tank European Policy Institute - Skopje. In her research, Dr. Jordanova has focused on the application of the EU policy of conditionality, as well as on the transposition of the EU acquis. She has also been engaged as an expert in the EU accession process in the countries of the region.
She has been active in advocating EU related reforms in a merit-based process.
Currently Dr. Ristevska Jordanova is a Member of the Security Council of North Macedonia.
In her youth, she was an AFS exchange student, graduating high school in NY, USA.

Marko Troshanovski is President of the Institute for Democracy, Macedonian think tank based in Skopje. He holds BA in political science and MA in Political communication from the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, North Macedonia. He is Fulbright alumni at the University of Kansas, USA and PhD exchange visiting research fellow at the University of Groningen, Netherlands. He is also an Alumni of the American Council Young Political Leaders program of the State department and former member of the Strategic council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia. His main field of expertise is political communication and public opinion research. In recent years his work Is  managing program activities that deal with Good governance, reginal integration process, and EU enlargement challenges in Western Balkan. Husband and father of three, passionate about nature, agriculture and music.  

Prof. Dr. Nikica Mojsoska-Blazevski is the Chief Executive Officer at Macedonia2025. Nikica’s prior experience was in academia, at the University American College-Skopje, as a professor and a dean of business school. Prior to that she worked for 9 years in the Ministry of Finance, at different positions and finally as a head of the Macroeconomic Policy Department. Nikica has an extensive experience of over 20 years in research, consultancy and advisory in economic policies, labour markets, social systems and education in Macedonia, as well as the Western Balkan region. She has been so far working with major international economic organisations and institutions, such as the World Bank, ILO, RCC, UNDP, UN Women and the European Commission. She has served as an economic and labour market advisor to the government institutions in the Western Balkan region. Mojsoska-Blazevski is author of many journal articles and several book chapters, and member of the world-renewed research associations. She is a vice-president of the management board of the Economic Chamber of Commerce of Macedonia.

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Nikola Dodov is a dedicated and innovative professional from Skopje, Macedonia, currently serving as the Acting director of the Fund for Innovation and Technological Development. He is coming from the private sector as a CEO of an IT company. With a strong background in IT, marketing, and eco-informatics, he has been actively involved in various fields including project management, renewable energy, and digital marketing.

He is an eco-informatics consultant, providing solutions for managing e-waste and promoting energy efficiency. Alongside, he supports software and web development projects and plays a key role in digital marketing strategies. Nikola's work extends to leadership in non-profit sectors, including his role on the National Council for Civil Society Cooperation and multiple projects promoting youth education, 3D design, and tourism in Macedonia. His extensive experience also includes administrative and technical roles in various institutions, including the Government of Macedonia. Nikola has a passion for educating others, having worked as a trainer and international lecturer on social issues, human trafficking, and professional skills. He holds a degree in Information and Computer Technologies and speaks English fluently.

Originally from Macedonia, I moved to the U.S. in 2017 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science at Brown University, where I specialized in AI and served as a Teaching Assistant for the Deep Learning course. After graduating, I joined Meta Platforms Inc. in Menlo Park, California, as a Software Engineer, spending three years on a Privacy Infrastructure team. There, I focused on ensuring regulatory compliance for data use, particularly around purpose limitation. Now back in Macedonia, I work as a Programmer at Ultra DOO, where I help modernize software systems across both the private and public sectors.

Ms. Teodora Stolevska is an experienced project management professional with over a decade of service in North Macedonia's civil society sector. She has over 10 years of experience in project design, management, monitoring, and reporting for domestic and international donors of small, medium, and large grants. Ms. Stolevska has experience in managing large-scale organizations and mediums, designing and preparing policy briefs and establishing and managing coalitions and networks of CSOs. She is also adept at policy advocacy and coordination of campaigns, and events. She is currently working as the Head of Programs at the Regional Youth Cooperation Office, where she manages regional programs and local activities implemented in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Hercegovina and Montenegro. In her previous position of Executive Director in Youth Educational Forum she managed a team of 25 full-time staff members, and 20 part-time staff members for an organization entailing 4 programs, a medium, and 21 local offices.

With over two decades of leadership in global manufacturing, I specialize in driving operational excellence, lean transformation, and sustainable growth. I currently lead Operational Excellence at Telamon EMEA, a key player in telecom and industrial solutions.

Previously, I served as Plant and General Manager at Lear Corporation and ARC Automotive, and held senior operations roles at Johnson Controls, where I led production and continuous improvement initiatives across high-volume automotive plants.

Academically, I hold an MBA in General Management from the University of Sheffield (UK), an M.Sc. in Operations Management from the University of Pennsylvania (USA), and a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of St. Cyril and Methodius (North Macedonia). I’m also a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Process Kaizen Engineer, and APICS-certified in Supply Chain Management.

Passionate about building high-performance teams, optimizing complex systems, and delivering measurable results in dynamic environments.

Vasilka Salevska-Trajkova is Manager of External Affairs for North Macedonia at Philip Morris Tutunski Kombinat – Prilep. In parallel she’s Management Board Member at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia. With two decades of experience across government, academia and the corporate sector, she has served in senior advisory roles in multiple ministries and as Associate Professor in International and EU Law. She holds a PhD in European Constitutional Law and an MA from the College of Europe in Warsaw. Vasilka is a widely published expert on enlargement and constitutional law, and a frequent contributor to policy and innovation dialogue across the region.

Assoc. Prof. Viktorija Trajkov, PhD was born in Bitola.

Trajkov is a graduate professor of English and Spanish, a master's degree in the field of public relations on the topic: "The influence of public relations on political campaigns". She has a doctorate in economics at the University "St. Kliment Ohridski" Bitola, in the field of marketing and branding. Trajkov is also a professor at the University of Skopje in the subjects: political marketing, economics, and marketing pricing policy.

She speaks English, Spanish and Italian.

She is the author of several domestic and international scientific papers. Trajkov is also part of international and domestic projects in the field of economics and education: P-Will- COST (European Cooperation in Science and technology) Action Management, and she has also been a lecturer and participant in numerous projects and several international trainings.

Ms. Verica Jordanova is a journalist, PR expert, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience at the KAPITAL media group, where she gained recognition for her editorial work and business journalism. In 2015, she launched Inovativnost, a project and portal promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital marketing in Macedonia and the Balkans. With over 60,000 followers, it is the country’s leading source on startups and technology.

She has consulted for Macedonian and international institutions, including the EBRD and EU-funded projects, focusing on leadership, women’s entrepreneurship, and branding. Ms. Jordanova frequently moderates and speaks at international conferences such as the Mobile World Congress and IFA Berlin.

She led the “Inno Tech Club” initiative for youth and served as president of the Macedonian-American Alumni Association (2019–2021). She holds degrees in Journalism and Strategic Communications and was a visiting scholar at Columbia University, Missouri. In 2005, she received the Jean Monnet Award for journalism.

Zoran Martinovski is a development finance and sustainability professional with over 30 years of international business experience from Europe, United States and emerging markets. He spent 20 years with the International Finance Corportaion, holding various leadership roles and implementing private sector investment transactions, advisory mandates and technical assistance programs with major focus on sustainable finance. 

Since 2020, he leads PrimePoint Partners, a management consulting boutique which provides advisory services to corporate sector and development finance institutions in the Western Balkans region, with specialization in M&A, ESG, SMEs, access to finance and trade facilitation. 

He is a president of the Prime Blue Institute, a sustainability center of excellence with major focus on blue economy, green and blue transformation and startup support programs. He is also a chairperson of the Blue Economy Summit, a newly established platform aimed at promotion of sustainable blue economy and freshwater preservation.

He also serves as the president of supervisory board of Tikves Winery, the largest wine producer in Southwest Europe. 

Mr. Martinovski is an economist with an MBA from the University of Kentucky, with completed number of prominent executive training programs worldwide. He is a Ron Brown Fellow and a Harvard Kennedy School Alumnus.