Skopje, 30 May 2025 (MIA) - On the sidelines of the Astana International Forum in Kazakhstan, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova met with Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations and current Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute; Christoph Heusgen, former Chair of the Munich Security Conference; and Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations for Youth Affairs.

The President’s Office said the meeting with Ban Ki-moon discussed international rules and principles “upon which the global organization rests and that they must serve as a foundation for the solution of all conflicts and disputes facing the world, while small and middle powers should hold equal roles in the creation of the future and international order”. 

“Siljanovska-Davkova highlighted the commitments of the Global Green Growth Institute and its vision for a global transition that will integrate economic development, reduction of poverty, social inclusion and economic sustainability. Noting that the country is committed to the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals in its national strategies, she said work is being done with the UN Office on drafting key strategic documents, including the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026-2030 (SDCF),” the President’s Office said.

Touching upon the efforts to tackle climate challenges, the President said the country is taking decisive steps, “considering its location in one of the most vulnerable regions in the world, the Mediterranean”.

Siljanovska-Davkova stressed that with the Law on Climate Action the country is accelerating its green transition, while seeking continued access to EU climate financing, independent of the Euro-integration status. 

“At the meeting with Christoph Heusgen, former Chair of the Munich Security Conference, the President voiced gratitude for his support and noted that preserving peace and stability in the Western Balkans remains one of the country’s top foreign policy priorities. Adding that the enlargement of the EU is not only political and economic, but also a security issue, she noted that EU membership will reduce polarization in society, strengthen social cohesion and ensure our society and institutions will be more resilient to all forms of foreign influence,” the press release said.

The German diplomat expressed "useful views on finding a solution to overcome the blockade of the Macedonian EU integration while respecting the fundamental principles and values upon which the European Union is built". 

During the meeting with Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN for Youth Affairs, Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized the activities of the global organization related to young people and the plans for the region.

“Highlighting that the Youth2030 strategy is a turning point, as the first systemic youth strategy of the UN, demonstrating institutional commitment to addressing youth challenges in a coordinated manner, Siljanovska-Davkova stressed the importance of the establishment of the Youth Council under her auspices as a means to encourage greater inclusion of young people in social processes,” the President's Office said.

Photo: Office of the President of the Republic of North Macedonia