Meet the People Behind CSS-Skopje

Sara Latif Suleyman

Personal Assistant & Office Manager

Sara Latif Sulejman is a security and operations professional with experience in banking, hospitality, and aviation sectors. She has worked in monitoring and operational roles at Skopje International Airport, as well as in banking operations and customer service. Sara holds a degree in Detective Studies and Criminalistics from the European University and has a strong interest in security, risk monitoring, and organizational resilience. She is fluent in Turkish, Macedonian, and English, with working proficiency in Albanian.

PhD (c) Ardonit Ismaili

PhD Candidate in Security Studies, Researcher, Lecturer, and Project Management Expert

m-r Ardonit Ismaili is a PhD Candidate in Security Studies at the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” in Bitola, North Macedonia. He holds a Master's degree in Diplomatic Studies and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from South East European University (SEEU). His academic work and research focus on security studies, diplomacy, peacebuilding, strategic communication, and public policy, with particular emphasis on the role of security in the transition from traditional diplomacy to public diplomacy.

His research interests include human security, societal resilience, hybrid threats, conflict transformation, democratic governance, public diplomacy, and the role of civil society in strengthening peace and security. Through his academic and professional engagement, he seeks to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and practical solutions for contemporary security challenges at both national and regional levels.

Ardonit has extensive experience in project management, research, and capacity-building initiatives implemented in cooperation with international organizations, public institutions, and civil society actors throughout the Western Balkans. Over the years, he has designed, coordinated, and managed numerous projects funded by the European Union, OSCE, NDI, IFES, WWF Adria, RYCO, the Czech Embassy, and other international partners. His work has focused on democratic governance, youth participation, media literacy, peacebuilding, environmental governance, community resilience, and social cohesion.

As a Lecturer at the Institute for Peace and Security (IPS) in Kosovo, he delivers lectures and professional training on peacebuilding, human security, public diplomacy, conflict transformation, civic engagement, and youth participation in security processes. His work supports the development of future leaders and practitioners capable of addressing complex security and governance challenges in multicultural environments.

In addition to his academic and civil society engagements, Ardonit has contributed to research and analytical initiatives through cooperation with policy and research institutions. He previously served as Director of a Research Analytical Center affiliated with a political organization in North Macedonia, where he coordinated research activities, policy analysis, and strategic assessments.

A Fellow of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and an alumnus of the School of Politics at the Presidency of North Macedonia, Ardonit has participated in numerous international conferences, academic forums, and professional development programs across Europe. His work brings together academic research, policy analysis, project management, and field experience in the areas of security, diplomacy, and democratic development.

Delvina Sejdii

Project Manager

Delvina Sejdii is a young professional in international relations, communications, and leadership, currently serving as a Consultant at the Leonor Institute in Dubai, where she has achieved outstanding results in business development and client relations. She previously served as President of the Institute for Political and International Studies in Skopje, leading strategic initiatives, educational programs, and youth engagement projects.

With professional experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, the Agency for Implementation of Languages, and several civil society organizations, Delvina has built a strong profile in diplomacy, public communication, and project management. She is actively engaged with numerous international and regional organizations, including the Meridian International Center, Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), and Red Cross North Macedonia.

Delvina holds a Bachelor's degree in International Communications from South East European University and has furthered her academic experience through studies at Istanbul Medipol University and Arizona State University. Her interests focus on diplomacy, international cooperation, youth empowerment, and strategic communications.

Gonul Bayraktar

Mr. Gonul Bayraktar is bringing extensive experience in education policy, public administration, and governance reform. He is currently a State Counselor for Educational Policy at the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of North Macedonia, where he contributes to the development and implementation of national education and integrity strategies.

Previously, Mr. Bayraktar held the position of Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy (2018-2020), playing a central role in strengthening social protection, equality, and anti-discrimination mechanisms. Earlier in his career, he served as Director and later Professor of Mathematics at the “Tefeyyuz” Primary School in Skopje, where he gained long-standing experience in leadership and education management.

He has actively represented North Macedonia in numerous international initiatives and conferences organized by the European Union, OSCE, UNESCO, UNDP, USAID, IFES, and the Council of Europe, focusing on education reform, anti-corruption policies, and sustainable governance.

Dr. Halim Hida

Dr. Halim Hida, is an educator, diplomat, and scholar with a distinguished career spanning education, governance, and international relations. He holds a PhD from the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje, where he also completed his master's studies at the Faculty of Philosophy.

Dr. Hida began his professional path in education, serving as Deputy Director and professional associate at the municipal school in Kumanovo. His early career also included advisory positions within the Pedagogical Institute of Macedonia and the Ministry of Education, where he contributed to policy development and educational reforms.

Transitioning into diplomacy, Dr. Hida joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served as Consul of the Republic of Macedonia in Bern, Switzerland, and later held senior diplomatic posts including First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of North Macedonia in Vienna and in Bern, initially as Chargé d'Affaires and later as Deputy Head of Mission.

His diplomatic career was complemented by academic and cultural engagements, including professional preparation and specialization in Berlin, Brussels, Vienna, and Bern, as well as advanced studies in German language and culture in Switzerland.

As an author and researcher, Dr. Hida has published extensively in the fields of pedagogy, psychology, philosophy, and diplomacy, contributing over 200 publications in national and international journals and conferences. His works include books such as Methodology of Educational Work in Combined Classes (1995), Family Education Between Tradition and Modernity (2019), School Pedagogy: Contributions for Primary Teachers (2020), Diplomacy and the Missing Political Culture (2022), and Beyond the Diplomatic Briefcase (2023).

Jusuf Ismaili

Mr. Jusuf Ismaili, has a lifelong professional career dedicated to public security, policing, and institutional service within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia.

He belongs to the first generation of graduates from the Secondary School for Internal Affairs “Elisie Popovski Marko” and the Faculty of Security - Skopje, establishing a foundation for a distinguished career in law enforcement and security management.

Throughout his decades-long service, Mr. Ismaili held numerous operational, managerial, and advisory positions within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, contributing to the strengthening of institutional integrity, internal control mechanisms, and public trust in security institutions. Among his senior roles, he served as Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, where he provided strategic and professional guidance on key security and organizational matters.

Academician Prof. Dr. Ljupco Kevereski

Academician Prof. Dr. Ljupco Kevereski is a distinguished Macedonian psychologist, university professor, and internationally recognized expert in the education and development of gifted and talented students. With a career spanning decades in teaching, school psychology, and higher education, he has made significant contributions to both practical and theoretical aspects of education.

Prof. Kevereski currently leads accredited postgraduate programs at the Pedagogical Faculty in Bitola, focusing on innovative approaches to nurturing giftedness, talent development, and educational excellence. Throughout his academic career, he has taught a wide range of courses including general psychology, educational psychology, developmental psychology, and applied psychological disciplines, shaping generations of educators and psychologists in North Macedonia and beyond.

An accomplished author, Prof. Kevereski has published numerous books and research papers addressing key topics such as the identification and mentorship of gifted students, emotional intelligence, leadership, communication, creativity development, and the psychology of tourism. His work bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing valuable guidance for educators, parents, and professionals working with talented learners.

Prof. Kevereski is an active participant in the international academic community, engaging in conferences, research projects, and collaborative initiatives in North Macedonia, Slovenia, and other countries. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to education, he was elected an academician of the Serbian Academy for Education, marking a significant acknowledgment of his leadership and expertise in the field of gifted and talented education.

Prof. Dr. Marina Malish Sazdovska

Prof. Dr. Marina Malish Sazdovska is Full Professor at the Faculty of Security - Skopje, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” - Bitola. She is an accomplished expert in criminology, environmental crime, and security sector reform, with over three decades of experience in academia, public administration, and international cooperation.

She began her career as a Police Inspector at the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of North Macedonia, later serving as Director of the Police Academy – Skopje, and Vice Dean and Head of Criminalistics Department at the Faculty of Security. Currently, she also heads the Council for Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Security – Skopje.

Prof. Dr. Malish Sazdovska has authored and co-authored more than twenty-five scientific books, studies, and policy documents in the fields of environmental criminology, intelligence studies, crisis management, and security policy. She has actively participated in numerous international scientific conferences, NATO and OSCE programs, and EU-funded research projects on issues of environmental criminalistics, security management, intelligence, and sustainable security governance.

Her expertise includes environmental justice, intelligence systems, crisis management, and the intersection of security and environmental protection, with a strong record of mentoring, training, and public engagement through programs for judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement professionals across Europe.

Prof. Dr. Zoran Ivanov

Prof. Dr. Zoran Ivanov is a distinguished Macedonian security expert, academic, and former senior intelligence officer with extensive experience in national security, military operations, and strategic governance. He has held prominent positions in both military and civilian sectors, contributing significantly to the security landscape of North Macedonia and the broader Balkan region.

Dr. Ivanov served as the Director General of the Intelligence Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia where he led the national intelligence service, overseeing operations critical to the country's defense and security interests. Prior to this role, he was the Head of Military Intelligence within the Ministry of Defense, where he played a pivotal role in shaping military intelligence strategies and operations.

During his military career he served in various capacities, including in special operations. Notably, he was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006, where he was awarded the U.S. Army Bronze Star Medal for Merit and Courage for his exemplary service.

Dr. Ivanov holds a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree from the Institute of National History, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje, focusing on the evolution of the Balkan security environment. He also earned a Master of Military Arts and Science from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA. His academic pursuits have been complemented by specialized training in special operations and intelligence from various military and civilian institutions in the United States.

In addition to his military and intelligence career, Dr. Ivanov has been actively involved in academia and policy research. He was an Assistant Professor at the International Entrepreneurship Department at TOBB ETU and has served as the Director of Balkan Studies at the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV). His research interests encompass defense strategy, international and regional security, military operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, and policy making

Ambassador Darko Angelov

Ambassador Darko Angelov is a distinguished diplomat, foreign policy expert, and government affairs professional with more than twenty-three years of experience in international relations, European affairs, and strategic governance. Throughout his career, he has held a number of senior positions, including Ambassador of North Macedonia to Greece and Hungary, Chief of Staff to the President of North Macedonia, and senior staff member within the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Council of Europe. Currently he is the Head of the Security Co-operation Department at the OSCE Presence in Albania.

His professional experience spans diplomacy, international security, democratic governance, regional cooperation, and advocacy, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of European and transatlantic affairs. Over the years, he has contributed to policy development and institutional cooperation across Southeast Europe and beyond, working closely with governments, international organizations, and civil society actors.

Ambassador Angelov holds graduate and postgraduate degrees in Political Science and International Relations from Utrecht University and Central European University. He is the author of The New Era of European Defense: EU and NATO's Juxtaposition, reflecting his long-standing research and expertise in European defense, security policy, and the evolving relationship between the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. His work continues to focus on European security architecture, geopolitical developments, and the future of transatlantic cooperation.