President Stevo Pendarovski addressed Friday the online conference on higher education in the Western Balkans region, on the topic “Common Values, Competencies and Sustainable Development.”
The event is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service – DAAD.
“This platform for the exchange of experts between the three countries, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service – DAAD, is coming at the right time. In times of pandemic, the importance of higher education and science becomes even more relevant, not only in dealing with the consequences, but also in building our societies on a sustainable basis for the future,” Pendarovski said.
“With the objective to be able to focus on a green and inclusive economy, clean technology, renewable energy, it is necessary to develop a strong partnership between decision makers, the scientific and academic community and the business sector, which requires establishing trust among stakeholders,” he stressed.
The signing of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) between the Republic of North Macedonia and the United Nations for the 2021-2025 period, he said, is designed to support improved living standards for all people in the country, inclusive and green growth, universal access to healthcare, education and social protection, ambitious climate action, disaster resilient communities and improved rule of law.
“Our national efforts for sustainable development are in line with our key foreign policy goal – membership in the European Union. The Republic of North Macedonia deserves and is ready to start EU accession negotiations during Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The integration of our country in the EU, but also of other Western Balkans countries, is in the interest of regional security and prosperity. A possible blockade or delay in start of accession talks would be a big mistake or a big failure of the EU and the German Presidency, which strongly support the European perspective of the Western Balkans. Last but not least, such an outcome will have negative effects on stability and future of the region,” Pendarovski said, adding that we live in a time when we all need to make every effort not only to tackle the effects of the pandemic, but also to design our societies in accordance with the principles of sustainability, and in line with European best practices.
He said that the 2030 Agenda is an obligation for our generation to make full use of human potential to leave a better world for future generations. “The universities play a key role in that process to educate young people and channel their energy and creativity towards the ultimate goal: sustainable development for sustainable societies,” Pendarovski said.
