2025 Concordia Annual Summit

Keynote Remarks: H.E. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of the Republic of North Macedonia

  • Democracy, Security, & Geopolitical Risk
H.E. Gordana Siljanovska Davkova

Session Summary

Important
Quotations

"What I want to say from the very beginning is that no state or union, regardless of how economically, politically, or militarily powerful it may be, can survive without Concordia. Concordia is deeply connected to peace, and without unity, nothing can be achieved."
H.E. Gordana Siljanovska Davkova

Key
Takeaways

  • The Concordia vs. Discordia Paradigm: The international community faces a fundamental choice between unity (Concordia) and discord (Discordia). As President Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized, “no state or union regardless of how economically, politically or militarily powerful it is…cannot or can survive without Concordia.” The current era is characterized by “rivalry, conflict, disagreement at almost every level – geopolitical, geoeconomic and geocultural.” 

 

  • Parallel International Orders Challenge Multilateralism: Rather than a unified global system, we are witnessing the emergence of “parallel orders…each of them has its own rules and interests and values.” This fragmentation undermines the multilateral framework essential for small and medium-sized nations to participate meaningfully in global decision-making.

 

  • Gender Leadership Gap Perpetuates Conflict: The absence of women in top international leadership positions represents a critical oversight. President Siljanovska-Davkova noted the “shocking” reality that after 80 years, the UN has never had a female Secretary-General, suggesting that “maybe after 8 years with man, maybe led or inspired…by the god Mars wars are something expected.” 

 

  • Double Standards Undermine Democratic Integration: The EU enlargement process suffers from inconsistent application of Copenhagen criteria, with some candidate countries facing “veto by neighbors” despite receiving positive assessments. This bilateralization threatens regional stability and democratic progress.

 

  • Institutional Reform Urgency: Both the UN and EU require structural changes to address 21st-century challenges. The need for “more powerful general assembly” and reformed consensus mechanisms reflects the inadequacy of post-WWII institutional frameworks.

Action
Items

  • Strengthen Multilateral Dialogue Mechanisms: Establish regular forums for small and medium-sized countries to coordinate positions on global issues. Create structured dialogue channels between EU members and candidate countries to address bilateral disputes multilaterally. Develop cultural diplomacy initiatives as complement to traditional diplomatic approaches.

 

  • Reform UN Leadership Selection Process: Advocate for gender-balanced rotation in UN Secretary-General selection. Support initiatives to “reform the United Nations” with enhanced General Assembly powers. Promote transparency in international organization leadership appointments


  • Address EU Enlargement Process Reform: Develop proposals to modify consensus requirements for EU membership decisions. Create mechanisms to prevent bilateral disputes from blocking multilateral integration processes. Establish clear, uniform application of Copenhagen criteria across all candidate countries.


  • Combat Information Warfare and Build Trust: Implement comprehensive media literacy programs emphasizing “independent and objective media” as essential for democracy. Develop fact-checking networks across democratic institutions. Create cross-border cooperation frameworks to counter misinformation campaigns.


  • Strengthen Democratic Resilience Framework: Build institutional capacity based on “rule of law…separation of powers…checks and balances…participative political culture.” Develop early warning systems for democratic backsliding. Create support networks for democratic transitions in regions facing authoritarian pressure.


  • Address Human Capital Flight: Implement policies to retain qualified professionals in candidate countries facing “exodus” of “best students, the most qualified.” Develop EU-wide programs providing opportunities for engagement while maintaining regional ties. Create investment frameworks that make remaining in home countries economically viable.

 

  • Fill Geopolitical Vacuums Proactively: Recognizing that “vacuum is a very dangerous thing and there is no vacuum in geopolitics”, democratic institutions must. Accelerate integration processes for willing partners. Provide clear membership timelines to prevent regional instability. Develop transitional support mechanisms for countries in democratic transition.

 

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