Skopje, 11 November 2023 (MIA) - The Socio-Ecological Forum Skopje 2023 with a focus on the energy policies of the Western Balkan countries and the European Union is taking place in Skopje on Saturday. Participants in the forum exchange views on how to better develop municipalities in the interest of the citizens. The forum brings together MPs, experts and mayors, discussing social justice in the context of climate change. 

FES Dialogue Southeast Europe head René Schlee said participants in the forum are here to look at the problems of the region. 

Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Kaja Shukova, highlighted the importance of such forums. According to her, this is an opportunity to exchange experience. Shukova added that she is always a part of the forum and supports it, stressing the importance of the environment, especially climate change, for the socio-economic development of a country.

Mayor of Centar Municipality, Goran Gerasimovski, expressed his satisfaction with the event, noting that he has shared the success story of an energy-independent Municipality of Centar. He also mentioned the opening of an energy office in the municipality, where citizens will be introduced to the opportunities offered by the municipality in terms of projects and assistance for energy-independent households, subsidizing facades, elevators, and roofs.

Swedish MP Lena Bäckelin also voiced satisfaction with being part of the forum, pointing out that the forum's participants are here to inspire each other and to learn from each other. 

Jelena Pekić, member of the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, pointed out that these are very important topics for the whole region. 

Sedat Arif, Deputy Mayor of Malmö, who was born in Skopje, noted that there are many important issues that need to be discussed, adding that he will share the Swedish experiences.

The Socio-Ecological Forum Skopje 2023 is organized by the Friedrich-Ebert – Stiftung (FES), Olof Palme International Center and the Progres Institute for Social Democracy. 

Photo: MIA