Skopje, 22 February 2024 (MIA) - A constitutive session of the National Development Council was held in the Government on Thursday, as part of the steering structure for the National Development Strategy covering economic, social, environmental, and cultural aspects of the country's development in the next two decades. 

Six strategic areas with strategic goals and priorities for each are established within the strategy. 

"The National Development Strategy reflects the inclusiveness of our country. This process was prepared for almost three years, with the participation of about 14,000 citizens, more than 250 representatives from national institutions, 70 mayors, 50 MPs from the ruling party and the opposition, representatives of chambers of commerce, civil society organizations, over 500 representatives from marginalized and vulnerable groups, as well as more than 1,000 young people and members of youth organizations," caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi told the session. 

He pointed out that the National Development Strategy opens up opportunities, as well as capacities for society's resilience in dealing with the increasing uncertainty and risks in the world, as well as in dealing with global trends, such as climate change and digital transformation.

"The Strategy means a social consensus about what our state interests are and how we will achieve them. All these commitments are in line with the aspirations of the Republic of North Macedonia for membership in the European Union, and strongly demonstrate the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The strategic document will give us the necessary clarity and vision for the development goals of our society. We all have to make an effort now and contribute, together, for the future of our country," said Xhaferi. 

The process of creating the National Development Strategy kicked off in January 2021, at the initiative of Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi with the participation of the Ministry of Finance. It is being implemented with expert and technical support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator Office, the British Embassy in Skopje and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovakia.

The Government said in a press release that following an intensive consultative process, the Law on National Development Strategy was adopted by the Parliament on February 6, 2024, with the support of the MPs from the ruling party and the opposition from almost all political parties. A decision on the establishment of a National Development Council, as part of the steering structure for the National Development Strategy, was made at a session of the Government on February 13, and on February 20, a decision was made on the appointment of members of the National Development Council. 

Photo: Government of the Republic of North Macedonia