Government and UN sign new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021 – 2025

SKOPJE/ VELES – On the day when the United Nations (UN) commemorates the 75th anniversary of the UN Charter, Bujar Osmani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Rossana Dudziak, UN Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia, signed the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021 – 2025.

The UNSDCF is a key strategic document that will guide the work of all UN agencies working in the country in the next five years. It was developed in close cooperation with the Government, following an extensive consultations process with organizations and individuals from all walks of life.

“Our country will continue to work with the United Nations towards strengthening the principles of sustainable development and building a prosperous and inclusive society”, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said. “Our strong commitment in adjusting the national policies and legislation towards the Sustainable Development Goals is a proof of our will to bring longer, healthier and better life for all our citizens.”  

An important aspect of the new UNSDCF is the comprehensive approach in addressing key national challenges and priorities.

„The meaning of this document is even greater knowing that the activities are complementary and in function towards the European integration of our country,” said Bujar Osmani, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The new UNSDCF 2021 - 2025 is designed to support:

• improved living standards for all people in North Macedonia, through equal access to decent work and productive employment generated by an inclusive and innovative business ecosystem.
• universal access to rights-based quality social services – healthcare, education, and necessary social and child protection – all rooted in systems resilient to emergencies.
• ambitious climate action, sustainably managed natural resources and well-preserved biodiversity through good environmental governance and disaster resilient communities.
• improved rule of law; evidence-based, anticipatory and gender-responsive policies; greater social cohesion; and effective service delivery by transparent, accountable, and responsive institutions.

Following the signing ceremony, representatives of the UN family, together with Prime Minister Zaev, several other Government officials, diplomats and representatives from the Public Enterprise National Forests planted 75 trees near Veles Lake, as part of the UN75 celebratory activities.

“Today we planted 75 trees to mark the 75th birthday of the UN. It was a symbolic pledge towards greener, better and more sustainable future for all people living in North Macedonia,” Dudziak said. “The new UNSDCF is more than pledge. It is an obligation that we jointly undertook, and it represents a firm commitment to improve the lives and outcomes of all the people living in this beautiful country, making sure no one is left behind.”

The tree planting was organized in consultation with the Public Enterprise National Forests at a location that was affected by forest fires more than a year ago. Thanks to the expertise from the PE National forests, tree types and planting time and conditions were chosen based on the practices needed for the seedlings to have the best chance to survive and thrive.

“At the beginning of the Decade of Action, it is clear that we need to ensure that there is sustainability in every action that we take and that we have to work together to overcome all the issues that we currently face. From COVID-19, to the need to increase efforts in protecting and revitalizing our environment, enhancing the economy or strengthening the education, we need to work jointly not only because it is the right way to do this, but also because it is our duty to work together and it is the only way that will ensure full achievement of our goals”, Dudziak says.

During the past week, an online campaign is also being implemented, focusing this year on small actions that everyone can do even from the comfort of their homes to directly contribute for North Macedonia to reach its SDG targets and to build a fairer, cleaner and safer society, where no one is left behind.