Skopje, 7 September 2024 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani and the head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in North Macedonia, Afrodita Shalja, at a meeting Monday discussed the continuation and deepening of cooperation within the current UNFPA 2021-2025 Programme for the country, in line with the UN 2021-2025 Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

The Ministry of European Affairs said the two also discussed opportunities for cooperation within the national IPA funds and other key issues related to the Euro-integration process. 

“Minister Murtezani touched upon ongoing and planned IPA projects and programmes complementary to the UNFPA’s areas of work. Among them, the focus was placed on the ‘EU for Improved Health and Social Protection and Gender Equality’, a project that is a part of the IPA 2022 annual programme. It is expected to significantly contribute to the improvement of the capacities for the implementation and alignment of the legislation on health and safety at work, strengthening the effectiveness of the system for prevention and protection against gender-based and domestic violence, improving the quality of social services and improving the country’s capacities to respond to significant health threats,” the Ministry of European Affairs said. 

The Ministry said Murtezani and Shalja also spoke about activities that the EU will support through the multiannual action plan for the Operational Programme on human capital for the 2024-2027 period, which foresees numerous actions dedicated to employment and mobility of the workforce, social inclusion and reduction of poverty.

The two agreed to further promote partnership and cooperation to address gender issues, youth and inequality. 

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs