Skopje, 8 November 2024 (MIA) - The working committee on the National Development Strategy, an advisory body providing expert and technical assistance in the implementation of the 2024-2044 National Development Strategy, met Friday, according to a press release by the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources.

According to the Ministry, the goal of the activities is to achieve the ambitions for economic growth, social justice and sustainable development, as defined by the strategy.

“In his introductory address, the Government’s Secretary General Igor Janushev highlighted the importance of the initiative and expressed gratitude to the UNDP and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Slovakia for their assistance. Janushev stressed that the adoption of the 2024-2044 National Development Strategy and the 2024-2028 Programme for its implementation marks the beginning of a serious process of the country’s long-term development,” the Ministry said. 

The Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, highlighted the opportunities and challenges on the path ahead.

“Macedonia faces serious challenges in the energy sector. Although the per capita consumption of energy is lower than the EU average, we have a high degree of energy poverty and environmental degradation. In 2020, 24 percent of the population faced energy poverty, three times above the EU average. Our goal is to balance between reducing energy poverty and increasing economic productivity, while meeting environmental standards. Our priority will be the transition to clean energy and increasing energy efficiency in all sectors, especially through support for vulnerable groups, such as women and less developed regions. At the same time, we will invest in modern technologies and renewable sources for higher energy efficiency in industry and households. Through the just transition in the energy sector, we will create green jobs and ensure gender equality in new projects,” Bozhinovska said. 

According to Bozhinovska, the first two to three years will be key for the implementation of the most important measures, and she urged the members of the committee to propose concrete measures for a swift realization. 

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources