Skopje, 22 September 2025 (United Nations/MIA) - University Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje (UKIM) and the United Nations signed a Joint Declaration of Intent in Skopje on Monday. The aim is straightforward: to expand collaboration in helping North Macedonia achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to the vision of the National Development Strategy.

UKIM Rector Prof. Dr. Biljana Angelova highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating: “By signing this Joint Declaration, our University is deepening its partnership with the United Nations in support of North Macedonia’s path toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Together we will promote research, encourage innovation, and expand opportunities for student engagement, ensuring that the knowledge created within academia is translated into tangible benefits for society and contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive future.”

The primary objective of the Joint Declaration is to leverage existing capabilities and explore new strategies to jointly promote research and innovation and international cooperation, strengthened expert discourse on sustainability, more sustainability related curricula and the engagement of young people in inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in North Macedonia.

“One crucial aspect of accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals is that their achievement relies heavily on extensive collaboration. In the true spirit of SDG 17, I am honored to sign this declaration of intent, which presents numerous opportunities for academia and youth to enhance their contributions to the prosperity of the country, and for the University and the United Nations Team on in the country to further expand cooperation” says Rita Columbia, UN Resident Coordinator.

The cooperation between the University and the United Nations will be executed through various modalities, including the promotion of national expertise and research, identification of best practices and accelerators, monitoring and data analysis, public awareness campaigns, expert discourse on sustainability, academic collaboration, and student engagement in form of internships, volunteering and mentorship.

Photo: University Ss. Cyril and Methodius - Skopje