Skopje, 15 November 2025 (MIA) – Macedonia has a quality system of formal vocal education which in cooperation with the business sector has been producing workforce the economy needs. The system is being upgraded and recently, seven regional vocational education and training centers have been established. We are also focused on developing and promoting informal education and training of adults so as to keep on reducing the gap between supply and demands in the labor market. These two segments will be in the focus of our educational policies in the coming period.

This was stated by Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska, who participated in a panel Saturday on informal education as a lifelong learning concept, held at the third Global Congress on Population, Health and Human Development in Cairo. 

The country, she said, has been implementing a successful inclusive policy in formal education and informal education should be used as a lifelong learning concept, which allows continuing personal development.

“It’s a challenge that 25% of the population in Macedonia, aged 25 to 64, decides to upgrade themselves continuously throughout their lives, to develop the acquired skills to secure employment or to advance in their work. Our intention is to reach the European average of 47% and that is why we have adopted a new, more effective legal solution, a new Strategy for Adult Education and through promotional activities we encourage them to continue their education, increase their employability and be more competitive on the labor market,” said Janevska.

In cooperation with the European Commission’s Joint Research Center, the minister noted, the country prepared a smart specialization strategy, which points the areas where the country has the potential for development. As a result, Janevska said, the government has been channelling human resources and investments. Vocal formal and informal education are beneficial for successful implementation of this strategic document so as to allow economic progress of Macedonia.  

Egyptian Deputy Education Minister Ayman Bahaa, Professor Mostafa Rifat, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Universities, and UNICEF and World Bank representatives also took part in the event. 

In addition to attending several panels and presentations at the Global Congress on Population, Health and Human Development, Minister Janevska also held a meeting with Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mohamed Ayman Ashour in which the establishment of a working body was agreed aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in higher education and science.

Photo: Ministry of Education and Science