United Nations Country Team in North Macedonia discusses and commits full support for country’s strategic and development priorities

United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in North Macedonia convened to reflect on its work and efforts to support the country's development and progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The retreat brought together representatives from 14 UN entities with operational activities for development in North Macedonia to discuss some current priority topics, i.e. human rights and support to the Government with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and progress towards the formulation of the National Development Strategy (NDS).

UNCT discussed in detail the UPR process and identified ways to support the Government and the Macedonian society with consultations leading to the country’s review by the Human Rights Council. This is an important public and constructive dialogue between the country and UN Member States, during which a country presents what actions it has taken to improve human rights and declare what it will do to address the remaining challenges. In addition, many UN activities in the country in 2023 will also contribute to the commemoration of the 75th  anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and promote national commitments to advance human rights for all.

During the second session, the President of North Macedonia, Mr. Stevo Pendarovski, shared his views on the current context and the strategic outlook for the country and discussed with UNCT the role of the UN in the country.

In the third session, UNDP team presented the National Development Strategy process, allowing participants to provide substantive input and identify strategic contributions from the UNCT. In wrapping up, other important processes supported by UN in North Macedonia that need to be considered in formulating the NDS, such as the demographic analysis, anticipatory governance on migration, health strategy etc. were discussed. It was emphasized that the NDS process needs to remain inclusive for a wide group of citizens, streamline Sustainable Development Goals and include a strong leaving no-one behind component – which remains the key value added from UN.

UN in North Macedonia remains dedicated to supporting the country in achieving its development and strategic priorities, goals and looks forward to continued collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to advance human rights and sustainable development.