Bijana Spasovska
As Executive Director of the Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN), I lead a regional alliance that works to protect civic freedoms and strengthen democratic development across Southeast Europe. For over 15 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and community action—crafting strategies that amplify public participation, safeguard fundamental rights, and connect local realities to global conversations.
Under my leadership, BCSDN has become a trusted voice in EU enlargement policy and a regional driver of civic engagement. I’ve led initiatives that build cross-border alliances, counter authoritarian pushback, and create meaningful opportunities for citizen participation—even in complex and often contested environments.
My perspective is deeply shaped by the Western Balkans—a region that lies within Europe but outside the EU, where democratic progress is often uneven and civic space is increasingly under pressure. This experience has taught me to work across divides: between institutions and communities, between short-term needs and long-term vision, and between what is politically possible and what is morally necessary.
Globally, I have served as Co-Chair of the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness and as a member of the Global Standard for CSO Accountability. I also represent civil society as an Honorary Member of the EU's European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), contributing to dialogue between organized civil society and EU institutions.
In 2024, I joined the Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program at Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law—joining a small cohort of global leaders advancing democratic innovation. The experience reinforced my commitment to democratic transformation through integrity, reflection, and collective leadership.
I hold an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Bologna and a BA in International Relations from the College for International and Public Relations in Prague, with academic and practical grounding in democratic transitions, development, and human rights.
I bring to my work a leadership style grounded in collaboration, empathy, and strategic clarity. Whether engaging grassroots networks or international institutions, I strive to create space for learning, honest dialogue, and collective action. I believe that leadership is not about prominence, but about accountability—to people, to purpose, and to future generations. What sustains me is not just the urgency of the work, but the people I do it with—those who continue to act with courage, even when the odds are against them.
If elected to the CIVICUS Board, I would bring both hands-on regional experience and a strong global perspective. I am committed to strengthening CIVICUS as a platform for principled advocacy, solidarity, and co-creation—especially for civil society actors working under pressure or at the margins. I believe that the future of civic space depends on how we lead now: with humility, courage, and a shared commitment to justice and dignity for all.
- What is your favourite quote by someone who inspires you?
It was difficult to choose, but these two favourites capture the essence of my belief system:
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity.”
— Marie Curie
These two quotes reflect the interplay between inner discipline and outward responsibility that defines how I live and lead. Marie Curie’s words remind me that building a better world begins with ourselves, but cannot end there. We each have a duty to grow, to evolve, and to carry a shared responsibility for the communities and societies we are part of.
Marcus Aurelius, in turn, reminds me that this journey starts with the quality of our thoughts, our capacity to remain grounded, intentional, and open-minded. How I choose to think—about challenges, people, and purpose—shapes not only how I lead, but how I live. Whether in my work, friendships, or with my children, I believe the mindset we bring into each moment—rooted in clarity, empathy, and reflection—shapes everything around us. Together, these ideas reflect my belief that meaningful leadership is both inwardly reflective and outwardly accountable: it’s about becoming better in order to serve better.
- What skills are you most proud of or want to learn?
I am most proud of my ability to build trust and lead collaboratively—especially in complex and often polarized environments. I’ve learned to listen deeply, navigate with empathy, and hold space for different voices while still moving purposefully toward shared goals. These skills have not only helped me connect with people across sectors and contexts but also enabled me to lead with intention and integrity.
What I want to continue developing are the skills that help civil society stay relevant and resilient in a rapidly shifting world—especially around strategic communication, digital organizing, and the ethical use of technology. I believe learning is a lifelong responsibility, and I’m committed to evolving in ways that strengthen the ecosystems I contribute to.
- What is your vision for civil society?
My vision is of a vibrant, independent, and trusted civil society—rooted in local realities yet globally connected. It is a force that protects rights, defends freedoms, and reimagines democratic futures with courage and creativity. In an age of complex challenges, civil society must be a strategic, purpose-driven actor that enables people to speak, act, and dream beyond constraints. Anchored in solidarity and powered by collective action, it must unite communities, hold power accountable, and offer hope where institutions fall short — channelling civic energy toward justice, dignity, and lasting change.
- What lesson(s) have you learnt from failure?
Failure has taught me that progress is rarely linear—and that resilience, reflection, and humility are essential to meaningful leadership. I’ve learned to see failure not as a setback, but as insight: a moment to adapt, to listen more closely, and to realign with purpose. Some of the most enduring lessons come when outcomes fall short. These moments have deepened my patience, sharpened my judgment, and reminded me that what sustains real change is not just strategy, but self-awareness, collaboration, and a sense of purpose that outlasts any single result.
