Skopje, 27 February 2024 (MIA) - The Government adopted Tuesday the text of the National Development Strategy 2024-2044 and decided to forward it to the Parliament.

The National Development Strategy is the most comprehensive strategic document that defines the main goals and measures for the development of Republic of North Macedonia over the next 20 years, relating to the proper implementation of projected measures that have a major impact on many processes in the country, as well as raising the quality of people's lives, the Government said in a press release.

This document defines the main national development goals, strategic areas and priorities for accelerated, inclusive, balanced, gender-responsive and sustainable development of North Macedonia, considering the country's aspiration to join the European Union by 2030 and the commitment for sustainable development within Agenda 2030.

The Strategy defines six strategic priorities:

1. Economy based on knowledge, innovations and digitization, a highly integrated economy in international trade and international finance, and a workforce that meets the current and future labor market needs;

2. Sustainable local and regional development that ensures cohesion;

3. Demographic revitalization, and social and cultural development;

4. Rule of law and good governance;

5. Secure, safe and resilient society; and

6. Green transformation.

Development of the human capital and digitization of the society are the central elements and a basic prerequisite for progress in each strategic area.

The National Development Strategy was drafted over a three-year period, involving about 14,000 citizens, more than 250 representatives of national institutions, 70 mayors, 50 MPs from the ruling and opposition parties, representatives of business chambers, civil society organizations, over 500 representatives of marginalized and vulnerable groups, as well as more than 1,000 young people and members of youth organizations.

The National Development Agency was created in partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator Office and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), funded by the British Embassy to Skopje and Slovakia's Ministry of Finance, reads the press release.

Photo: Government