Best Buddies International Expands to North Macedonia

Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the isolation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has launched its programs in North Macedonia. The expansion follows a new partnership with Foundation Ice Begov, a Skopje-based humanitarian organization.

The initiative brings Best Buddies’ mission of friendship, inclusion, and opportunity to North Macedonia. Foundation Ice Begov, which supports people with disabilities and vulnerable communities through humanitarian initiatives and inclusive activities, will collaborate on program implementation.

Best Buddies North Macedonia will initially focus on establishing Friendship programs in schools. These programs pair students with and without IDD to develop leadership skills and create inclusive school environments. The Best Buddies Citizens program will extend these efforts to adults with and without IDD, creating lasting community friendships.

“At Best Buddies, we believe friendship is the foundation of inclusion,” said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “Launching Best Buddies in North Macedonia is an exciting step forward for our global movement. Through our partnership with Foundation Ice Begov, we have an opportunity to create meaningful connections between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, strengthen inclusive communities, and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to belong.”

Snežana Saramandova of Foundation Ice Begov expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are incredibly excited to partner with Best Buddies International and bring its Friendship programs to North Macedonia,” Saramandova said. “Our work has always been rooted in bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and creating a community where everyone feels valued and included. Through Best Buddies, we look forward to creating new friendships in our schools and communities and giving people with and without disabilities more opportunities to connect, learn from one another, and experience a true sense of belonging.”

Best Buddies International continues to grow its global network by partnering with local organizations committed to inclusion. The North Macedonia launch aims to create sustainable opportunities for friendship and community inclusion for individuals with IDD.