Skopje, 4 October 2021 (MIA) — North Macedonia has never been more committed to its green agenda of projects providing a healthier environment for the country’s citizens, according to Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Economic Affairs, Coordination of Economic Departments and Investments Fatmir Bytyqi in his speech at the conference "Accelerating Green Finance in North Macedonia: Introducing the Green Financing Facility" Monday. "We are undoubtedly fully committed to reducing pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and greening our economy, especially by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and focusing on a more efficient use of energy in the industrial as well as the residential sector," Minister Bytyqi said. Speaking about the country’s energy policies, the Deputy PM said they were comprehensive and required great commitment and work in order to be implemented. “Several strategies have already been adopted: for energy development, energy efficiency and ensuring stability in energy supply for all. “We have started a large investment cycle for a greener future, renewable energy and exploring more energy supply options. “We have realized that investments are crucial for achieving transformation. Our promises, intentions and plans are now turning into action and facts,” Bytyqi said. He said the implementation of all strategic documents would show that economic growth could be separated from carbon emissions and unsustainable consumption and production. According to him, investing in renewable sources should be seen as an investment in the future, in the sustainability of society, and in better life. “This is why we appreciate the potential opportunity for partnership with the Joint SDG Fund, with the United Nations agencies UNDP, the International Organization for Migration, and UNECE, with the EBRD and seven private banks from North Macedonia in establishing the Green Financing Facility,” he said. The government intends to contribute USD 800,000 to this facility, Bytyqi added, noting that it would encourage investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency while raising awareness and nurturing a culture of responsible energy production and use. The conference was also attended by the UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Director of Bureau for Policy and Program Support at UNDP Haoliang Xu; Minister of Finance Fatmir Besimi; Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Naser Nuredini; UN Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia Rossana Dudziak; UNDP Resident Representative Narine Sahakyan; EBRD Financial Institutions, Western Balkans and Eastern Europe Director Aleksandra Vukosavljević; and other experts in developing environmental protection projects. mr/