Skopje, 25 September 2025 (MIA) – Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska spoke at a conference marking 80 years since the Macedonian language was standardized and honoring the legacy of several Macedonian writers important for Macedonian literature.

"These are mainly writers born in the fourth decade of the 20th century," Minister Janevska said. "Many of the authors who have contributed to the development of contemporary Macedonian literature's diversity of genres, poetics and stylistics were born then." 

"Of course, we will not forget any the others who were born and wrote in other time periods, leaving their mark and helping in the affirmation of Macedonian literature," she added.

Janevska said the government wanted to promote Macedonian culture abroad, as well.

"Given that Macedonian speakers are not numerous, our government aims to raise its visibility around the world," she said, highlighting the value of cultural diversity.

"This government acts and will act from a position of considering cultural diversity a world treasure that should be taken exceptional care of," she said. 

"Respecting all cultures, we emphasize the specific Macedonian culture, which has significantly contributed to the advancement of universal human values," the education minister said.

Macedonian Literature Institute's scholars Natasha Avramovska and Loreta Georgievska Jakovleva said the conference was organized to highlight books by important Macedonian authors and pass them on to younger generations of readers to "stir new curiosities."

Titled "Literary Projections 2025: A Year of Significant Anniversaries," the conference marked the birth anniversaries of renowned Macedonian writers including 125 years since the birth of Risto Krle, 105 years since the birth of Slavko Janevski, 95 years since the births of Georgi Stalev Popovski, Dimitar Solev, Kata Misirkova Rumenova, Simon Drakul and Bistrica Mirkulovska.

It also marked 90 years since the births of Tashko Georgievski, Zhivko Chingo, Slobodan Mickovikj, Liljana Beleva, Gordana Mihailova-Boshnakoska as well as the 55th birth anniversary of Igor Isakovski (1970-2014).

The conference was organized by the Macedonian Literature Institute with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science.

Attendees included deans, directors of public institutions, university professors and family members of the commemorated authors. mr/