Skopje, 3 June 2025 (MIA) - The Institute for Security, Defence and Peace at the Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje is committed to promoting awareness of defence thought in the country. It is now recognized as one of the leading research institutions in North Macedonia, known for its credibility and expertise. Through its academic work, the Institute offers quality education and plays an active role in shaping national and international security policies, it was noted during the international conference in Skopje on Tuesday marking 50 years of the Institute for Security, Defence and Peace.

Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska in her address at the conference, noted that discussions on security and defence often focus on institutions and their capacities, on military and civil preparedness, but it is knowledge, education and science that truly build peace and stability.

Janevska stressed that today’s security threats are far broader than in the past, with frequent challenges like cyberattacks, disinformation, climate change, health crises, and unpredictable risks, each demanding a scientific response.

“That is why the support for the Institute for Security, Defence and Peace, which serves as a key pillar of scientific research in this field and a place where academic wisdom meets practical need,” Janevska added.

In his address, Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski highlighted two projects aimed at benefiting both the state and the Institute.

“The first, of key importance, is the revival of the secondary police school in Macedonia, a former symbol of police professionalism. Professors from the Institute will be actively involved, and we hope to begin implementation in 2026,” Toshkovski stated.

He stated that the second project, which will be made possible through amendments to the Law on Internal Affairs, involves the direct employment of top-performing students from this Faculty within state institutions, particularly within the Ministry of Interior.

Toshkovski said that with such projects, unity, and a shared vision to improve life in Macedonia, young people can be encouraged to stay in the country.

The Rector of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Biljana Angelova, highlighted at the event that the Institute for Security, Defence and Peace is continuously committed to research and education in defence. It was founded to develop new theoretical and practical approaches for enhancing national and regional security.

She noted that the Institute is one of the leading scientific centres in the country, recognized for its credibility and expertise.

“Through its academic research, the Institute offers quality education for new generations and specialists and actively contributes to national and international security policy development. The Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, as one of the oldest and most respected universities in the country, is founded on a long tradition of research, innovation and ongoing support for the academic community,” Angelova added.

Rector Angelova added that it is especially important that the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, through the Institute for Security, Defence and Peace, actively researches the latest topics in the field of security and defence, making a significant contribution to the formation of policies aligned with contemporary global security challenges.

As she pointed out, through its scholarly works and research projects, the Institute serves as an expert guide for policies shaping the future of security in Macedonia and beyond.

Oliver Bakreski, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje, stated that the Institute selflessly advocates for the recognition of defence thought.

“We have an Institute that tirelessly works to promote defence thinking, focusing on how to implement the best practices and policies that align with national security interests. This means 50 years of hard work, 50 years of outstanding results and achievements, 50 years of great enthusiasm, and 50 years of the proper approach to issues of vital importance to the state,” Bakreski said.

Photo: MIA