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The OSCE Mission to Serbia, on November 26, 2019, in Belgrade, presented one of the 2019 Person of the Year awards, to the President of the Association of Citizens’ “Monitor”, prof. dr Aleksandar Ivanovic.

This award recognizes citizens of Serbia who contribute to the promotion of the OSCE values in the country. This year, the award focuses on youth as a means of enhancing security and stability in the OSCE region, and the importance of adapting to change.

Professor Aleksandar Ivanovic was awarded the prize for advocating a comprehensive approach in the areas of the rule of law and human rights. “Professor Ivanovic has made significant contributions in educating future generations on the rule of law, particularly incorporating clinical legal education and practical learning opportunities into students’ educational experiences. He initiated numerous projects and research initiatives aimed at combatting hate crimes, promoting multiculturalism and non-discrimination while fostering youth inclusion and co-operation among young people across the region.”, the OSCE Mission said in a statement.

In addition to Professor Ivanovic, the winners of its 2019 Person of the Year Award include Sonja Stojanovic Gajic, a member of the Board of Directors of the Belgrade Center for Security Policy, and Bojan Cvejic, Web Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief at the daily Danas.

Sonja Stojanović Gajić, member of the Managing Board of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, is awarded for her dedication to promoting civilian oversight of the security sector in Serbia and youth inclusion in reform efforts. “She performed a number of important roles, including as a member of the Gender Equality Council of the Ombudsperson and as co-chair of the Working Group for Chapter 24 within the National Convention of the EU. She has worked on numerous security initiatives including programmes introducing Serbia’s youth to research and reform efforts.”, the OSCE Mission said in a statement.

Bojan Cvejić, Web Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief at the daily Danas, was responsible for the development of the digital edition of daily Danas, leading to its recognizable unique profile, different from the print edition.  “He has significantly improved the digital/web and social media presence of the daily Danas by implementing skills and knowledge obtained in various media-related training courses organized by the OSCE. His accomplishments also include a fresh and novel approach to achieving self-sustainability of the daily Danas in a challenging, fast-changing technological environment. In his work, Cvejić combined, in a creative manner, quality and ethical journalism, entrepreneurial management and innovative perspective.”, the OSCE Mission said in a statement.

Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Andrea Orizio, stressed that the Mission has made efforts this year to develop a new media strategy, as it will ensure media freedom, ethics, professionalism and literacy and add that journalist safety remains a priority.

“All our activities are based on the principle of working with young people and for young people, especially in the fields of security, human rights, freedom of the media and the rule of law. The best values ​​influenced on our selection for this year’s Person of the Year Award. With this award, we choose to recognize individuals which actions behave according to the OSCE principles, ”Orizio explains at a ceremony at the Hyatt Hotel.

Presentation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic, who said that Serbia will remain committed to the values ​​and goals that the OSCE represent and continue to be a partner of this mission.

“Serbia is pleased with the cooperation achieved by the OSCE Mission and supporting which this organization, provides to our organizations and institutions, is very important. Serbia will be a sincere partner of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, which will continue to provide support and assistance, “Dacic said.