People: Anita Kodzoman

Don’t change the world, start from yourself

Professional experience: Graduated at the Faculty of Law. For ten years I worked as a professional associate at the public prosecutor’s office in Struga, and then I redirected my professional interest in the field of environmental protection. In the period between 1992-2002 I worked as a coordinator of the cross-border project for protection of the Lake Ohrid, financed by the World Bank, and in the last three years I have been working as a coordinator on environmental programmes at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Macedonia.

Engagement in the civic sector: My initial engagements in the civic sector date back from ten years ago at the Association for civic initiative. Since I started working in the field of environmental protection, I have been a member of EA “Areal” from Struga.

Ambitions: Completing the post-graduate studies in criminology and criminal law, that is the finalization of my Master’s thesis since I finished my graduate exams a long time ago. At the same time, my ambitions are related to the promotion in my career within the UN system. 

Hobbies and interests: I play table tennis, but, unfortunately, I visit the club only occasionally, just to remind myself of the good old times. I am interested in history, especially the history of the ancient civilizations. I also like to travel and meet new countries and cultures.

In her free time she reads: It depends on my mood and on the time I have available. In my family we have always cherished the cult of reading, so we have a big library, which my grandfather had started, and now my brother and I are continuing the tradition. 

At weekends: If I have a two-day weekend, I usually go to Struga because I enjoy the walks by the lake together with my family, especially my nephew and my friends.
 
Toughest decision: In my opinion, one always have to think carefully before one makes any decision, analyse all possible options, all pros and cons. When you have done all that, it is very probable that it is the best decision that you could possibly make at that moment. Therefore, do not ask yourselves the question “what would have been if I…over and over again.   

Which national (local) problem does she find especially important and why: According to me, the unanimously shown readiness to be part of the EU might help to solve the problems in all areas gradually and to change the awareness and the attitude towards the work, the responsibilities, both of the individuals and the institutions of the system. 

Which global problem does she find especially important and why: The poverty and the more visible gap between the rich and the poor countries are one of the biggest problems in the world. I would also like to mention the climate changes as a global problem, since the consequences of it are already felt on global level, and it will become more severe in future unless certain efforts are made to reduce the emission of harmful gasses in the atmosphere.  

What would she change in Macedonia and the world: I hold no ambition to change the world, and, since I am not a member of any political party, neither am I a candidate for the forthcoming local elections, I am not in a position to change anything in Macedonia. 

Advice (message): Don’t change the world, start from yourself.