Skopje, 15 November 2024 (MIA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade hosted on Friday a meeting on the drafting of the new United Nations - North Macedonia Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the 2026-2030 period. 

UN Resident Coordinator Rita Columbia said in her opening remarks that the meeting will discuss key priorities until 2030, focusing on how to accelerate the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She added that the outcome of the discussion will serve as the foundation for the new UNSDCF 2026-2030, "guiding the work of UN agencies in North Macedonia throughout that period."

She noted that the UN team in the country is nearing the end of the design of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, which is helping North Macedonia to make progress in terms of its national priorities.

"And while the team has made significant achievements in the country, more effort is needed to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals that underpin the National Development Strategy and the European Union accession process... The UN family is here to listen to you and discuss how we can best support the country in achieving these goals," said Columbia. 

She added that at the meeting they represent 14 UN agencies present in the country, and another eight that have regional representation and are absent at the meeting "also support North Macedonia in achieving its goals."

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stressed that "the UN with its agencies is our proven partner for dialogue and an active supporter in many sector strategies and policies."

"We share a common mission to improve the overall climate of society, we live with concrete programs and projects that concern improving the well-being of the population and society as a whole. In that direction is our openness for deeper cooperation through dialogue for the relevant ministers, deputy ministers in the Government present here today, in order to conceptualize a strategic framework that should provide an answer to all the complex challenges we face. The new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026-2030 represents a collective commitment to the Sustainable Development Agenda, with our inclusive approach, highlighting the partnership of the Government, civil society and the private sector to successfully implement national priorities and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, and thus improve the living conditions of all our citizens," said Mickoski, noting that inclusiveness is at the core of the Framework.

He mentioned that the National Development Strategy 2024-2044 was adopted last month, adding that it is a comprehensive document for the country's economic, social, environmental and cultural development in the next two decades. He pointed out that "complementarity is urgently needed" between the new Framework and the National Development Strategy, adding that "only through joint activities can we create a sustainable future beneficial to all of us."

The host of the meeting, Minister Timcho Mucunski, pointed out that the Framework includes clearly defined goals and measures to monitor progress, adding that it should be the country's strategic plan and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals aimed at key areas such as poverty, climate change, the rule of law, health, education, peace.

"But what is of major importance is that it offers a people-centered approach, highlighting inclusiveness by focusing on marginalized and vulnerable communities, ensuring that no one is left behind. This Framework represents an opportunity to take a significant step towards achieving the Global Goals for Sustainable Development, while creating a model that reflects the specific needs of our society. For us, sustainable development means building a society in which everyone has an equal chance to progress, regardless of their socio-economic status, ethnicity or place of residence," Mucunski told Friday's meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. 

Photo: MIA archive