Skopje, 30 October 2025 (MIA) - By signing the Skopje Declaration, we are sending a strong message that the region is not just a follower of the global transition, but an active driver of it. This Declaration is a roadmap of our commitment to a faster green transition, regional connectivity, and investments in innovation and human potential,” the Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, said Thursday evening.

Minister Bozhinovska, UN Development Programme representative Armen Grigoryan, and Director of the UNECE Sustainable Energy Division Dario Liguti signed the Skopje Declaration at the conclusion of the three-day International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-14).

Bozhinovska stated that during the last three days, Skopje served as a global platform for energy vision and sustainable development dialogue. She highlighted that the Forum gathered over 500 participants from more than 70 countries, with over 150 speakers, who, through 35 thematic sessions and panels, offered ideas, solutions, and concrete measures for the future of the energy sector. 

“Here we witnessed a synergy of knowledge, cooperation, and ambition. The Forum showed that when institutions, academia, businesses, and international partners come together, change occurs. Our collective focus was clear: a safe, green, and sustainable energy future. The main guidelines from the Skopje Declaration will be published for everyone to read. It includes new development paths in the energy sector, energy planning, system integration, sustainable development, nature-based solutions, innovation, digitalization, artificial intelligence, integrating nature-based solutions into energy planning, sustainable biomass, ecosystem restoration, and green infrastructure,” Bozhinovska said.

She emphasized that she is proud that a new impulse for energy cooperation, solidarity, and vision is emerging from Skopje, the heart of the Balkans. Bozhinovska highlighted that this is proof that Macedonia can be a platform for ideas that transform the region.

“We extend sincere thanks to the UN, UNDP, partner institutions, academic and business communities, and everyone who contributed to this remarkable forum. The 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development will be remembered as a venue where we begin, not just talk about, the future. Let’s continue together with knowledge, courage, and vision to create the energy future our citizens deserve,” Bozhinovska said.

The International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development kicked off on October 28, organized by the Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, UNDP, and the five UN regional commissions (UNECE, UNECA, ESCAP, ECLAC, and ESCWA). Participants included government officials, experts, representatives of international organizations, financial institutions, and industry leaders, the main actors shaping the region’s and wider energy future.