Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi, the British Ambassador Rachel Galloway, the UN Resident Coordinator Rossana Dudziak, and the UNDP Resident Representative Narine Sahakyan met Thursday with Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi and briefed him about the start of the first phase of creation of the National Development Strategy 2021-2041.
The first phase of the creation of this strategic document will be funded by the British Embassy in Skopje, with technical assistance from the UN, through UNDP, and will result in methodology and operational structure that will be applied in developing the strategy, which will represent the second phase of the project, Bytyqi’s office said in a press release.
The methodology, the press release read, will be inspired by modern and innovative development models, adapted to the domestic framework and based on extensive consultation with all stakeholders.
“This will enable the National Development Strategy to take into account intergenerational, gender, interethnic, inter-party and long-term consensus on the priorities of the country, in order to ensure inclusive, green and sustainable development for all, especially for most vulnerable groups,” the press release added.
This project will also identify and strengthen the links between all other strategically important processes taking place in the country, primarily EU integration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and will develop a communication strategy and digital platform including the consideration of as many key stakeholders in the process as possible.
“For us, consensus and inclusiveness in creating strategy are crucial. This National Development Strategy should continue to live no matter who is in power. It will be our roadmap how the country will develop in the next 20 years, so it is important to reach a consensus, this is important and beneficial for the country and all our fellow citizens,” Bytyqi said.
British Ambassador Galloway highlighted the benefits of creating such a long-term strategy.
“All countries that have embarked on this process are already seeing the benefits of creating a development plan that enables consensus in decision-making and legislation in support of the long-term strategy,” Galloway said.
The UN Resident Coordinator Rossana Dudziak stressed the commitment of the entire UN family in the country to provide technical assistance and expertise to the process.
The UNDP Resident Representative Narine Sahakyan underscored the complexity of the process itself, which in order to be sustainable must be based on two important principles – to be adopted by consensus, to be innovative and flexible, so that it can adapt to the challenges and changes.
Supporting the initiative, Parliament Speaker Xhaferi, reaffirmed its importance for the wellbeing of the country in the long run, and called for the active involvement of the parliament in the process and the adoption of the strategy.
This is the first working meeting related to the process of briefing the key political actors, institutions and organizations, which should be involved in the process of creating the long-term National Development Strategy.
Moreover, meetings with the President Stevo Pendarovski, MANU President Ljupcho Kocarev, as well as other stakeholders, including local authorities, parties, chambers of commerce, trade unions, professional associations and CSOs are also planned to be held soon.
