Skopje, 27 February 2024 (MIA) - Accelerating digitization, taking part in climate action, protecting biodiversity, circular economy, gender equality, social progress and sustainable economic growth were part of the topics presented on Tuesday through a publication on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), prepared by the United Nations Development Programme North Macedonia (UNDP North Macedonia) and the Institute for Human Rights, said the UNDP.

"SDGs are a brave and ambitious agenda that aims to eliminate poverty of all forms by 2030. This means creating activities that focus on the most vulnerable categories and improving services and resources at their disposal. Despite all efforts from various stakeholders, North Macedonia still has a long way to go to achieve the SDGs; our office is here to support all processes for achieving joint aspirations. The publication promoted today also contains ideas from citizens, because we wanted to give space to their thoughts on how to overcome pressing development challenges," UNDP Resident Representative in North Macedonia, Armen Grigoryan, said.

The publication consists of 14 authors' articles on accelerating the achievement of the SDGs in North Macedonia and leaving no one behind. Authors include academics, civil society organizations, experts and students. 

"We believe that the 2030 Agenda can serve as a roadmap to the future, fostering inclusive growth and protection of human rights. In achieving SDGs, it is necessary to ensure that the most vulnerable among us are not neglected or marginalized in our fight towards progress," stressed Human Rights Institute Executive Director Jelena Kadric.

In addition to the presentation, Iustinianus Primus Faculty of Law dean Sasho Georgievski, European Policy Institute Director Simonida Kacarska, Economic Chamber of North Macedonia Vice-President Zoran Jovanovski and journalist Katerina Topalova also spoke about the way they and the institutions they represent work to achieve the SDGs. ssh/nn/

Photo: UNDP and Institute for Human Rights