Skopje, 30 October 2025 (MIA) - By signing the Skopje Declaration, we are sending a strong message that the region is not just a follower of the global transition, but an active driver of it. This Declaration is a roadmap of our commitment to a faster green transition, regional connectivity, and investments in innovation and human potential,” the Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, said Thursday evening.

Minister Bozhinovska, UN Development Programme representative Armen Grigoryan, and Director of the UNECE Sustainable Energy Division Dario Liguti signed the Skopje Declaration at the conclusion of the three-day International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-14).

Bozhinovska stated that during the last three days, Skopje served as a global platform for energy vision and sustainable development dialogue. She highlighted that the Forum gathered over 500 participants from more than 70 countries, with over 150 speakers, who, through 35 thematic sessions and panels, offered ideas, solutions, and concrete measures for the future of the energy sector. 

“Here we witnessed a synergy of knowledge, cooperation, and ambition. The Forum showed that when institutions, academia, businesses, and international partners come together, change occurs. Our collective focus was clear: a safe, green, and sustainable energy future. The main guidelines from the Skopje Declaration will be published for everyone to read. It includes new development paths in the energy sector, energy planning, system integration, sustainable development, nature-based solutions, innovation, digitalization, artificial intelligence, integrating nature-based solutions into energy planning, sustainable biomass, ecosystem restoration, and green infrastructure,” Bozhinovska said.

She emphasized that she is proud that a new impulse for energy cooperation, solidarity, and vision is emerging from Skopje, the heart of the Balkans. Bozhinovska highlighted that this is proof that Macedonia can be a platform for ideas that transform the region.

“We extend sincere thanks to the UN, UNDP, partner institutions, academic and business communities, and everyone who contributed to this remarkable forum. The 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development will be remembered as a venue where we begin, not just talk about, the future. Let’s continue together with knowledge, courage, and vision to create the energy future our citizens deserve,” Bozhinovska said.

The UN Development Programme representative, Armen Grigoryan, said it is a privilege to speak today at the closing of the 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development in Skopje.

“Over the past days in Skopje, we have moved from ideas to intentions, and from intentions to action. We understood that energy policy is not just about megawatts and grids, but about jobs, bills, health, and opportunities for people. We heard how regional connectivity can strengthen resilience and security, how digitalization can make systems smarter and cleaner, how financial resources can flow faster towards energy efficiency and renewables, and how a just transition must include workers, communities, women, and youth from the very beginning,” Grigoryan said.

He pointed out that UNDP is proud to stand alongside the Government and the Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia, as well as the UN regional commissions, as a practical partner, helping countries to develop policies, reduce investment risks, and create solutions that lower emissions, reduce poverty, and improve air quality.

“Our commitment at the closing of the Forum in Skopje,” he emphasized, “is simple: partnership, investment, and implementation, partnership across borders and sectors, investing in people and innovation, and delivering measurable results that citizens will feel at home, at work, and on the move.”

“With the conclusion, we simultaneously open a new chapter. The Skopje Declaration expresses our shared direction. Let it be more than words, a practical plan guiding this coalition over the next 12 months, with clear goals and transparent reporting to the community. Gratitude to the Government for its leadership, and to all speakers and participants for your insights and for making this Forum exceptional. Special thanks to Minister Bozhinovska, whose leadership and commitment were crucial to the Forum’s success. I hope our partnership continues to grow through future joint initiatives. Finally, congratulations to the five UN commissions, without whom this Forum would not have been possible,” Grigoryan added.

The Director of the Sustainable Energy Division (UNECE), Dario Ligutti, said that this forum was an important step on the path toward energy transition.

The International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development kicked off on October 28, organized by the Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, UNDP, and the five UN regional commissions (UNECE, UNECA, ESCAP, ECLAC, and ESCWA). Participants included government officials, experts, representatives of international organizations, financial institutions, and industry leaders, the main actors shaping the region’s and wider energy future.

Next year, the International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development will be held in Xi’an, China.