Skopje, 8 May 2026 (MIA) - The sixth annual Generalka Weekend, the largest national volunteering eco-campaign, kicked off in Skopje early on Friday. Thousands of citizens are cleaning public areas in all municipalities nationwide. The campaign aims to raise public awareness on environmental protection and responsible waste management through active involvement of citizens, institutions, schools and businesses.

President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova opened the event in Skopje, saying the Generalka Weekend campaign should turn into a daily habit.

"It would be nice if we start every day in his way, like the people of Japan. The first thing they do is clean where they live, around their buildings, and then go to work. This should be our life philosophy as well," said President Siljanovska Davkova.

She said humanity is "waging war with the planet", which leads to self-destruction, adding that nature and the living world are older than humans and deserve protection.

Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski thanked the Generalka Weekend organizers for their noble cause in stimulating environmental awareness across the country.

"According to my information, over 80,000 volunteers are cleaning in 80 municipalities and the City of Skopje. Elementary and secondary schools are also involved, thus creating habits and awareness for environment protection in cities and populated places," said Mayor Gjorgjievski.

Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Muamet Hoxha said Generalka Weekend is proof that changes are possible when citizens, institutions and the private sector work together.

"Generalka Weekend has shown for several years that when citizens, institutions and the private sector are united, change is visible. The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning has continually supported these initiatives because this is a way to jointly build awareness on environmental protection and turn this into a daily habit," said Minister Hoxha.

Austrian Ambassador Martin Pammer said Generalka Weekend is "an impressive Macedonian brand," wishing that the campaign contributes to more efficient removal of waste.

"Let the awareness on the common challenges, which we can overcome together through collective action, accountability and responsibility, further strengthen," noted Ambassador Pammer.

"Generalka Weekend," held since 2021, is envisaged as a 10-year national initiative. It has involved over 100,000 volunteers from all 81 municipalities until now, with more than 1.5 million kilograms of waste collected at over 500 locations across Macedonia.

Photo: MIA