BERIN
NORTH
MACEDONIA
18 YEARS
"It is hard to
forgive, but
you can forgive
the past for a
better future."
Berin remembers the precise moment when he first realized he had a strong political voice. Attending a highly anticipated event with several distinguished politicians, it became clear that most people raising their voice did not want to start a profound political debate. Some were merely interested in self-promotion. Frustrated, Berin considered leaving, when a friend encouraged him to express exactly those feelings. So, he got up and spoke with conviction: „You are talking to the youth, not diplomats or other politicians. Give us a direct answer so everyone can understand you.“ This call for simplicity, honesty and empathy later became a driving force behind his activist work.
Growing up in Skopje, North Macedonia, Berin describes himself as having been a person who lost interest in things very quickly. No matter what sport he started with, he soon gave up on it. However, it was not for a lack of effort or diligence on his part. In fact, Berin became a champion in North Macedonia and in the Balkans in karate after dedicating himself to the sport. Nevertheless, the deep yearning and drive to find his true calling persisted, and Berin was determined to find it.
Things changed when he made the transition from middle school to a high school with 2,000 students. Not only did his social circle expand, but he also witnessed a shift in the tone between social and ethnic groups, which became rougher. While everyone was simply trying to find their place, some people got lost along the way. Then came the bullying.
It was a harshness that Berin refused to accept. So, he created a workshop where the students were trained in how to recognize bullying and how to stop it. This marked the beginning of his activist career and to him becoming President of the Union High School Students of North Macedonia at the tender age of 17.
As Berin’s career as President took off, he was introduced to a lot of people, media attention and pressure. He describes his position as both: a risk and a privilege. The privilege is the respect and admiration of the people, while there was also a risk of failure, regarding the sheer number of challenges that must be addressed in a relatively brief period. This constant flashlight on him led to Berin losing himself in his professional matters.
At that point, he decided to take a one-month sabbatical to refocus on what was truly important to him: empathy, honesty, simplicity - and fun. It is often said that these years will never come back, and that is a fact. However, today, Berin strives to maintain a healthy work-life balance, leveraging the motivation and inspiration he gains from his professional pursuits, while prioritizing time with friends and peers, seeking to stay connected to their daily lives and challenges to also be able to better represent their needs on the political stage.
A key objective is the fostering of a positive outlook for younger people’s education and lives in general, as well as to secure ongoing peace and reconciliation. Berin believes the youth can and must challenge older generations’ narratives that are shaped by past experiences and focused on conflict, diversity, and ethnic divisions. It’s up to the young to unite, to create a new narrative and to speak up in unity, irrespective of ethnic, race, religion or origin.
Berin is certain that North Macedonia joining the European Union will provide young people his age with greater opportunities. They will be able to pursue higher education across Europe, which will undoubtedly broaden their worldview and hopefully, will lead to young people returning to their home to fight for the region’s prosperity and progress, just as Berin thrives to do every day.