Skopje, 23 June 2022 (MIA) – President Stevo Pendarovski presented the Engineering Ring award to top 12 graduate engineers in North Macedonia on Thursday, in a formal ceremony hosted in front of the presidential Villa Vodno. This is the 19^th time this award has been handed out by the Engineering Institution of Macedonia and the Chamber of Certified Architects and Certified Engineers, under the auspices of the President of North Macedonia. “Without a doubt, this achievement helps us affirm engineering professions, and this event itself also serves to promote engineering. We can be proud of quality new engineering staff, which is appreciated all over the world, from what we’ve been able to see over the years at these events, as well as from seeing the list of award winners. The winners of this award, machinists, architects, IT technicians, electrical engineers, construction engineers, agricultural engineers, forest engineers, are the driving force of every country. These young people are contributing to the Macedonian economy, and the well-being of all our citizens,” President Pendarovski said. He believes that engineering professions will become more valued, as it is the case in developed countries, so they will attract the interest of young people. In order for this to happen, the President expects competent institutions to contribute to the further development of engineering in the country. “Esteemed winners of the Engineering Ring, I’d like to once again reiterate my hope that each and every one of you continues to improve, progress, and professionally realize themselves in their homeland,” Pendarovski said, adding that investing in young engineers, and young people as a whole, can’t stay as mere political rhetoric. It has to become reality as well. The President said that issues can only be resolved through creativity, innovation, resilience and confidence. The driving force has to be the youth, whose knowledge, skills, energy and motivation can help us overcome all challenges. “With a wish for a prosperous, modern, and economically strong North Macedonia, where you will find a place to belong, I’d like to congratulate you for winning this year’s award,” the President told the winners. dk/nn/