The Mother Teresa Center for Human Dignity and Inclusion
Faith in Action for Future Generations
Explore sectionsWhere Mother Teresa's Legacy Becomes Humanitarian Action.
About
In the heart of Skopje stands a site of profound historical and spiritual significance. It was here, in the city that shaped her early years, that the young Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu began the journey that would eventually lead her to become Saint Mother Teresa, one of the most admired humanitarian figures in modern history.
Today, this site remains largely forgotten.
Yet its significance extends far beyond the borders of North Macedonia. It represents a shared heritage for millions of people around the world who continue to be inspired by Mother Teresa's message of compassion, dignity, and service.
The Mother Teresa Center for Human Dignity and Inclusion seeks to transform this historic location into a living center dedicated to preserving her legacy while addressing some of the most important humanitarian and social challenges of our time.
More than a restoration project, this initiative represents the creation of an international platform where faith, service, culture, education, disability inclusion, and humanitarian action come together in support of human flourishing.
From the World Changer Summit to a global initiative
The origins of this project can be traced to the World Changers Summit Balkan held in Skopje under the leadership of IASC.
The Summit brought together international leaders, academics, humanitarian organizations, innovators, faith representatives, and public institutions committed to advancing peace, cooperation, and human development throughout the region.
During the Summit, delegates visited the historic church site associated with the young Mother Teresa.
The visit revealed both the extraordinary importance of the location and the urgent need to preserve and revitalize a place that carries deep historical, cultural, and spiritual value.
What emerged from those discussions was a shared vision:
To transform an abandoned site into a living center of dignity, inclusion, education, humanitarian service, and hope.
03 Why this project matters
Mother Teresa's life continues to inspire millions of people across every culture, faith, and nation.
Preserving the places connected to her early formation is not simply a matter of cultural heritage. It is an investment in the values she embodied:
- Human dignity
- Compassion
- Service
- Inclusion
- Respect for every human life
The Center will continue Mother Teresa's mission through practical programmes supporting:
- Persons with disabilities
- Vulnerable communities
- Children and youth
- Families
- Humanitarian volunteers
- Elderly populations
- Social inclusion initiatives
- Community resilience programmes
The Mother Teresa Center is envisioned as a regional platform for cooperation, dialogue, and humanitarian engagement.
Aligned with the broader Balkan initiatives promoted by IASC, the Center will contribute to strengthening relationships among North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and neighboring countries through programmes focused on:
- Disability inclusion
- Humanitarian cooperation
- Cultural preservation
- Youth leadership
- Education
- Volunteerism
- Social innovation
The Center will serve not only local communities but the wider Balkan region, creating opportunities for collaboration and shared impact.
Strategic partnership with the Red Cross
A central pillar of the initiative is the collaboration between IASC and the Red Cross of North Macedonia.
The presence, expertise, and community engagement capacity of the Red Cross provide a powerful foundation for the development of meaningful programmes that directly benefit local communities.
Areas of collaboration may include:
- Disability inclusion programmes
- Humanitarian education
- Volunteer development
- Community resilience initiatives
- Youth leadership programmes
- Emergency preparedness
- Social support services
- Public awareness campaigns
Together, the Center and its partners will ensure that humanitarian values are translated into practical action.