The UN Resident Coordinator Office
The Resident Coordinator system in North Macedonia aims to bring together the different UN agencies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level. The Resident Coordinator leads the UN country teams and is the designated representative of the UN Secretary-General for development operations in North Macedonia. The Resident Coordinator leads and strategically positions the UN country team in North Macedonia in support of national priorities, development strategies, and plans.
The Resident Coordinator system encompasses all organizations of the UN system dealing with operational activities for development, regardless of their formal presence in North Macedonia. Working closely with the national government, the Resident Coordinator and country team advocates for the interests and mandates of the UN system while drawing on the support and guidance of the entire UN family. Coordinating development operations promotes more strategic support for North Macedonia's national plans and priorities, makes operations more efficient and reduces transaction costs for governments. This helps the UN to be a more relevant and reliable partner for the government in order to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which was approved by the UN General Assembly at the historic meeting in 2015.
The UN Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia
Rita Columbia brings 20 years of experience in international development, humanitarian, and management. Prior, she served as the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative in Iraq, as well as UNFPA Representative in Moldova, Country Director for Albania and as part of the UNFPA Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia’s Senior Management team.
Ms. Columbia holds a master’s degree in Non-Profit and Health Management from New York University, master’s degree in Public Administration from Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economy and Prognosis and a medical degree from Kazakhstan National Medical University.
