Idea Exchange

Delegates from North Macedonia Visit UNC Asheville

By UNC Asheville

August 8^th, 2023

UNC Asheville was host to a special group of visitors in June 2023: a delegation of young leaders from North Macedonia visiting the U.S. as part of an exchange program with the American Council of Young Political Leaders, an organization that provides participants a global perspective through international exchanges.

The Republic of North Macedonia, formerly part of Yugoslavia, is a relatively young republic in southeast Europe, with a diverse mix of ethnic and political groups.

The delegation comprised bipartisan representatives including government officials, political party leaders, and activists, who met with UNC Asheville faculty to learn more about American government and journalistic practices.

The trip was organized with the assistance of UNC Asheville alumnus Drew Heath, a former North Carolina Superior Court judge, and former director of the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

“I wanted to bring the delegates to UNC Asheville because of the expertise of our professors and our beautiful campus,” Heath said. “Our stop at UNC Asheville was the most engaged they had been during their entire trip. The event is an excellent example of the university's efforts to support international connections and share relevant knowledge on a global scale.”

The delegates met with UNC Asheville Interim Provost Herman Holt, who shared information about the state’s higher education system; Mark Gibney, Belk Distinguished Professor of Political Science; and Sonya DiPalma, chair and associate professor of mass communication.

Gibney focused his discussion with the delegates on democracy, the Constitution, and human rights.

“The conversation went over the time limit because they were quite engaged,” Gibney said. They discussed the two-party system, turnout rates among young voters, and gerrymandering, among other topics. “We had a lot of fun. These are people with impressive backgrounds, and I always find it interesting to talk to foreign nationals about American politics—both the myths and the realities of it.”

“I enjoyed speaking to people working in public affairs and local government,” said DiPalma, who noted the delegates were particularly interested in the role of government in journalism. “Media systems are different from country to country. We have the First Amendment and that protects us from government intervention and overreach.”

They also discussed the sustainability of journalism, news consumption habits, and attracting students to the journalism field.

The delegates’ UNC Asheville experience continued with a visit to the men's basketball team practice, and they were introduced to sweet tea at a luncheon in their honor. They spent the afternoon with alumnus Nathan Ramsey Andrew '89, executive director of the Land of Sky Regional Council, at his dairy farm.

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