AJM and OSCE Work Together to Build a Stronger Safety and Knowledge Foundation for Emerging Journalists

Through an intensive five-day program, young journalists from various newsrooms acquired practical skills and knowledge on personal and professional security, building trust with institutions, as well as applying standards in investigative journalism. The fourth Summer Security Camp organized by the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, which took place from 8 to 12 July 2025 in Ohrid, was dedicated to preparing future generations of journalists to face contemporary challenges in journalism.

Emphasis was placed on dealing with legal risks (including SLAPP lawsuits), digital hygiene, ethical reporting on corruption and crime, as well as teamwork in newsrooms.

Special attention was paid to digital security and personal cyber “hygiene” with Srecko Popovski and Vladimir Mirchevski from 360 Degrees, as well as the safety of female journalists and online threats, which was covered by Maja Jovanovska from IRL. She also spoke about standards in reporting on crime and corruption. Aleksandar Dimitrievski from 360 Degrees spoke about the protection of critical journalistic speech and sarcasm as important aspects of freedom of expression.

Of particular importance were also the sessions on cooperation with institutions. Representatives of the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office – Biljana Arsovska and Gavril Bubevski – discussed transparency and ways to improve cooperation with journalists. Goce Andreevski from the Ministry of Interior shared protocols for communication during crisis situations.

The program included topics such as ethics and safety in journalism, where Leonora Kaliqi from the Council for Media Ethics spoke about responsible reporting as a prerequisite for personal and professional protection. The mental resilience of journalists was also discussed under the leadership of Ognen Janeski, as well as international standards and SLAPP lawsuits explained by Dragan Sekulovski.

Pavle Belovski, president of SSNM, also had a session in front of the attendees, who spoke about the collective protection and rights of media workers, as well as the trade union movement as a prerequisite for the safety of journalists and media workers.

Milan Spirovski and Dragan Sekulovski from AJNM spoke about the experiences and activities of the association, as well as the functioning of the regional platform SafeJournalists.net, which is a network of seven journalistic organizations from the Western Balkans that work to improve the level of media freedom and the safety of journalists and media workers regionally.

Practical team-building exercises led by Ognen Janeski and Nami Isaki, with simulations of risky situations (“Treasure Hunt”), were aimed at developing strategies for collective and personal safety in the field.

At the end of the camp, Mladen Čadikovski, President of the Youth Union of Macedonia, and Kilian Wahl, Ambassador of the OSCE Mission in Skopje, awarded the certificates.

President Čadikovski, in his address to the attendees, emphasized: “This camp for young journalists is not just training – it is an investment in the future of journalism in Macedonia. The safety of journalists is a basic prerequisite for media freedom, but it does not come by itself. Knowledge, support and solidarity are needed. That is why we are here – to provide a space where young journalists can educate themselves, network and build a community that will last beyond these few days. The support of young people is crucial – they are the bearers of new perspectives, integrity and critical thinking that are necessary for society to progress. If we want citizens to receive quality and responsible information, then we must take care of those who create it – journalists.”

The Ambassador of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Kilian Wahl, emphasized in his address: “Such events are crucial in building a new generation of journalists who will strengthen public trust in the media. It is especially important to invest in young people like you, future professionals who will face the challenges of the new era. The public will expect truth from you, not just information. The way you tell stories has power – they can hurt, but also heal. We are proud of this group of participants and believe in your potential. I encourage you to remain curious, ethical and supportive. Learn from each other, build friendships, share experiences – these are the foundations of your future successful career.”

With this activity, the AJM and the OSCE Mission confirmed their commitment to promoting security culture and professional standards as the foundation of a free and democratic society.