Our Impact

In 2011, UMD had a successful 3rd Annual Global Conference that also recognized the 20th Anniversary since Macedonia’s independence. Through UMD’s efforts, the first-ever Congressional Caucus on Macedonia and Macedonian-Americans was formed. Also, in this year, they established a Macedonian companions program.

In 2012, UMD continued to support Macedonia in their mission to join NATO. They also advocated for religious freedom by highlighting issues of the Greek government’s ongoing denial of basic religious freedoms to all Greek citizens and issues of human rights violations against the Macedonian minority in Northern Greece.

In 2013, UMD expanded their operations across Europe by appointing several new representatives in the region. UMD also began to shift focus to medical needs by providing medical attention in Strumica, Macedonia through UMD’s first Dr. Ifan Maksudov Memorial Clinic that helped more than 330 patients. To recognize the work of Macedonian immigrants, UMD held its first Macedonian-American Leadership Conference.

In 2014, UMD urged the Macedonian government and political parties to reach an agreement regarding future voting via electronic means. UMD also expanded their youth programs by promoting Generation M on an increasing number of college campuses and announced their first Macedonian Diaspora’s 40 Under 40.

In 2015, UMD’s President Metodija Koloski and Senior Fellow Gavin Kopel submitted testimony to the U.S. Helsinki Commission in regards to the refugee crisis facing Europe. UMD continued to increase their opportunities for youth by launching the Birthright Macedonia program. Also, UMD recognized the importance of culture by celebrating the release of the “Playing ‘Til Your Soul Comes Out! Music of Macedonia” CD produced by Smithsonian Folkway Recordings.

In 2016, UMD recognized the growth of membership in the Congressional Macedonian Caucus and of their internship program participants. In wake of the devastating floods in Macedonia, UMD presented testimony to Congress for U.S. foreign assistance. UMD also provided critical flood relief funds to Macedonia.

In 2017, UMD increased efforts to combat hate against Macedonians, completed their Stajkovci hospital renovations project, and published the academic journal, Macedonia 2013: 100 years after the Treaty of Bucharest.

In 2018, UMD launched the We Are Macedonian global movement, defended the desired name for Macedonia despite the signing of the “Prespa Agreement,” and launched a strategic partnership with the Holocaust Fund of Macedonia and a joint Holocaust Memory Initiative.

In 2019, UMD pursued staunch advocacy against the Prespa Agreement and Macedonian name change. UMD also highlighted the accomplishments of the Macedonian community during their 15th Anniversary celebration. Throughout 2019, UMD continued its advocacy, education, human rights, and policy initiatives.

In 2020, UMD continued to champion advocacy and continue their organization’s mission during the pandemic in new ways virtually. Early this year, UMD celebrated well-deserved NATO membership for Macedonia. UMD also pursued efforts to encourage Macedonian-Americans to fill out “Macedonian” on the U.S. census. With help from UMD, Macedonia became a civil society organization member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. UMD also addressed issues with Bulgaria attempting to erase Macedonian history and destroy Macedonian culture.