UNEP’s Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General meets UNCT North Macedonia to discuss the importance of joint action on environmental issues

Only through a united, holistic approach will we succeed in the efforts to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change; of nature and biodiversity loss; and of pollution and waste. This is the conclusion of the United Nations Country Team’s (UNCT) meeting in North Macedonia with the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms Inger Andersen, who was visiting the country.

Ms Andersen met with representatives of UN agencies working in the country and discussed the importance of instilling the environmental issues in all UN programmes and activities, since what happens with our environment has a far-reaching effect in all aspects of humanity’s existence.

“There is a critical need to mainstream environmental dimensions into the work of the UN in North Macedonia. The UN Environment Programme is committed to strengthening collaboration on joint action towards progress on the sustainable development goals,” said Ms Andersen.

Members of the UNCT noted that while environmental issues are already a sizeable portion of the UN family’s portfolio, greater efforts are needed in mobilizing every person in the country to be an advocate for the environment.

The meeting of UNEP’s Executive Director, Andersen with North Macedonia’s UNCT comes as part of her programmatic visit to the country and the region. Her other engagements included meeting with Government representatives, visit to the Shar Planina National Park, meeting with young environmental activists, academia, CSOs and other key stakeholders.