The Macedonian Government continuously undertakes incentives, conducts activities and cooperates with all associated stakeholders to improve the policies for sustainable development. For that purpose, today, the National Council for Sustainable Development held a session in the premises of the Government of the   Republic  of  Macedonia  . During this session, besides the actual members of the National Council, senior World Bank representatives, UNDP representatives, Delegation of the European Union in   Macedonia   and USAID representatives participated.

The first topic discussed during the session was the recent Conference on Sustainable Development Rio +20, a global Conference whose aim was to evaluate progress of the green policies made up to today, to deliberate the new challenges that are about to emerge, as well as to upgrade the political commitment towards sustainable development of all countries. The participating countries, including the delegation of the   Republic  of  Macedonia  , defined their position and responsibilities, as part of the international environmental governance and the international management reforms for sustainable development. Given this frame, it was pointed that the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD) of the Republic  of  Macedonia , which specifies the activities and policies planned to be undertaken by the Macedonian government is in a strong correlation with the priority areas of  Rio  +20 Conference and its final document "The future that we want".

The next activity on this session’s agenda was the progress of the Program for Green Development, presented by representatives of the World Bank. Namely, the Program for Green Development includes initial multi-sector analyses focusing on water, agriculture and hydro-potential, urban development as well as a microeconomic model which are prepared by expert teams composed of representatives from the World Bank, state institutions as well as domestic experts. The sectoral analyses and the macroeconomic model represent a good foundation for development of policies which will directly assist in the process of implementation of the National strategy for sustainable development.

The analysis for the water sector includes a review of current water resources availability in Republic of Macedonia, which shows the way water is being used for production of thermal energy, hydropower, and for irrigation processes (i.e. municipal and industrial use of these water resources), and the impact that climate change will have on supply and demand of water in the next decades. The preliminary results suggest that climate change will bring new challenges related to water supply for irrigation and industrial use, as well as to the electricity production from the existing and planned facilities. Furthermore, the analysis will contribute to the creation of new approach for water management, as the current one dates from 1968.

The results of the analysis for urban development will be used to revise the general urban plans, to update regulations for urban planning, to set targets for greater energy efficiency of cities, and to develop investment strategies financing projects fostering sustainable development.

The macroeconomic model is a tool that will enable the Government through the simulation of specific policies and scenarios in the medium and long term, to apply suitable measures and practices. Therefore, it will increase the quality of government decisions and policies whose ultimate goal is to raise living standard and ensure a prosperous and secure life for future generations.

Due to the success and sophistication of the macroeconomic model that is created through continuous cooperation between state institutions and the World Bank, the example of   Macedonia  , as a leader in this field, will be used for creating similar models in other countries.

The main benefit of the work of the National Council for Sustainable Development of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia is focused on the establishment of policies that will not only ensure economic growth and increase employment, but will also protect, promote and maintain the environment, which will directly result in an increase of the life standard of Macedonian citizens, and ensure prosperous future for our children and future generations. The work of the National Council for Sustainable Development contributes to the implementation of EU Environmental Acquis, which according to the experience of other countries, is one of the most difficult chapters. 

The most important priorities of the National Council are: successful adaptation of the Macedonian economy to the requirements resulting from the climate change, promotion of energy efficiency through effective use of natural resources, reduction of greenhouse gas emission and increase in the share of renewables in electricity generation. This approach, at the same time shall ensure maintaining macroeconomic stability and achieving green growth and sustainable development.