SAVED 21 LIVES FROM A BURNING NIGHTCLUB: Young Jovan Kostadinov to receive prestigious international award in Sweden!

Twenty-year-old Jovan Kostadinov from Vinica is the recipient of the prestigious international “Youth Courage 2026” award, presented by the Raoul Wallenberg Academy in cooperation with the Swedish Institute. The young man is being honored for exceptional courage after saving 21 lives from the catastrophic fire at the “Pulse” nightclub in Kocani, while he himself was hospitalized due to smoke inhalation.

His selfless act was recognized among young heroes from 15 countries around the world, and the award will be ceremonially presented to him at a ceremony in Stockholm on August 27. The tragedy in Kocani claimed 59 lives, while nearly 200 people were injured.

During his stay in Sweden from August 25 to 28, Kostadinov will take part in the educational program “In the Footsteps of Raoul.” The official program includes a series of activities in the capital of Sweden, as well as a meeting with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.