Meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of the United Nations–North Macedonia Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026–2030

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of North Macedonia, Rita Columbia, held the first meeting of the Joint Steering Committee for the implementation of the new United Nations–North Macedonia Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the period 2026–2030 today.

At the meeting, the joint workplans for the upcoming period were adopted. A review was also made of the achievements to date in implementing the Cooperation Framework, as well as of the priorities for the period ahead.

In his address, Minister Mucunski emphasized that the role of the United Nations remains essential as a platform for dialogue, a driver of development policies, and a guarantor of the rules‑based international order.

“It is particularly significant that we are entering a new cycle of global leadership within the United Nations system, with the upcoming election of a new Secretary‑General. This opens new opportunities to further strengthen the effectiveness, reforms, and relevance of the Organization in addressing contemporary challenges, as well as to renew and reinforce trust in multilateralism. The new Cooperation Framework 2026–2030 represents a strategic foundation for further deepening the partnership between the Government and the United Nations system,” Mucunski stated.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Rita Columbia, highlighted the importance of the joint efforts of all societal actors in the sustainable development process and expressed gratitude for their contributions.

“In 2025, the United Nations in North Macedonia acted in unity in support of the country’s national priorities, while at the same time completing the 2021–2025 Cooperation Framework and laying the foundations for the new vision for the 2026–2030 period. The progress achieved is a shared success. I thank the Government for its strong partnership, as well as our development partners for their trust, support, and cooperation. I particularly value the role of civil society organizations, the academic community, youth and women’s organizations, and the private sector, whose contributions were essential. Together, we are building a greener and healthier future for the generations to come,” Columbia said.

During the discussion, members of the Joint Steering Committee from the Government and the United Nations Country Team exchanged views on the Government’s priorities in the current period, as well as on the continued support that the UN system can provide in implementing national development goals and the new Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030.