Skopje, 25 September 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Economy and Labour Besar Durmishi met Thursday with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia, Rita Columbia, discussing deepening cooperation between the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and the United Nations, including the relevant ministries, through joint projects and activities aimed at promoting economic and social development, the Ministry of Economy and Labour said in a press release. 

Talks focused on strengthening the position of women in society, especially in the areas of economic development, entrepreneurship and leadership development. Particular attention was also paid to gender equality policies and the prevention of discrimination, as a key prerequisite for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Participants in the meeting also tackled initiatives for the development of policies to support youth by providing greater access to quality education, training in modern skills, employment opportunities, and active involvement in decision-making processes.

Minister Durmishi and UN Resident Coordinator Columbia also discussed the significance of the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, which will be held November 4-6 in Doha, Qatar. The summit, said the Ministry, will provide a global platform to renew and reinforce the key commitments of the Copenhagen Programme for Action - eradicating poverty, creating decent jobs, promoting social inclusion and equality.

The event will bring together heads of state and governments, as well as representatives of civil society, the private sector and academia. In addition, a Political Declaration will be adopted, committing member states to take concrete steps in promoting social policies and implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Interlocutors expressed a joint commitment to intensify the partnership between the Government and the United Nations, with the aim of taking concrete initiatives to support the economic independence of women, create new opportunities for young people and improve the quality of life of all citizens.

Photo: Ministry of Economy and Labour