Guest Author: Ognen Janeski 

This October, Tbilisi, Georgia, was the 'axis mundi' for the U.S. Exchange Program Community from across Europe. On October 6th, 2023, I had the privilege of representing the Macedonian-American Alumni Association (MAAA) at the EPAG/ENAM Conference. This event was organized with a joint effort of the US Government Exchange Program Alumni Association of Georgia (EPAG) and the European Network of American Alumni Associations (ENAM). It brought together alumni from US exchange programs, all driven by a shared commitment to democracy.  

EPAG, with a decade of experience, is a home for over 1500 alumni from Georgia who have participated in various U.S. exchange programs. Their mission is clear: to build a professional network, foster intellectual collaboration and create enhanced employment opportunities among Western-educated professionals.

ENAM, the regional umbrella organization, is the bridge that connects U.S. exchange programs alumni across Europe. With a presence in 36 countries and over 300,000 alumni, they focus on building relationships among member associations and promoting engagement within the broader U.S. Exchange Alumni Community, comprising more than one million members.

This year, EPAG played host to ENAM’s assembly and conference for the third time in Tbilisi, Georgia. The conference's theme centered around democracy in Europe, especially in the context of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and the roles of civil society and media in democratic development.

During Session I, the repercussions of the Ukraine conflict on the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region were explored. The shifts in foreign policies, EU policies, and the state of democracy development were discussed. The talks were both insightful and thought-provoking.

In Session II, titled "From Inequality to Inclusion", the participants delved into the critical issues of inequality and inclusion. The importance of these elements for the health and resilience of democratic institutions became evident. In a world marked by shrinking democracies and growing societal polarization, the dialogue on inclusion and equality was more crucial than ever. 

Session III emphasized the pivotal role of civil society and media in shaping public discourse and fostering transparency. The participants explored the significance of these elements in relation to Georgia's EU candidate status. Additionally, the issue of disinformation, its impact on various groups, and strategies to counter it were addressed. 

EPAG/ENAM Conference was a journey filled with shared experiences, ideas, and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Europe's democratic landscape. As a representative of MAAA, I am excited to share the knowledge gained to further MAAA’s mission for promoting democracy, transparency, and accountability in our society.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Skopje for their support regarding my attendance of this special event, as well as to the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi for financing this conference. This event underlines the significance of initiatives that advance democratic values. The connections we made and the knowledge we gained at this conference will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing efforts in strengthening democratic ideals.