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Climate change

New Country Cooperation Strategy for 2026-2030 Fosters Joint Work Between WHO and North Macedonian State Institutions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The first deputy prime minister and minister of environment and physical planning, Izet Mexhiti, recently held a working meeting with the head of the World Health Organization's (WHO) office in North Macedonia, Akeem Ali, and WHO coordinator Simona Atanasova. During the meeting, the final draft of the Country Cooperation Strategy for 2026-2030 was presented. This document represents a crucial framework for collaborative work between the WHO and North Macedonian state institutions over the next five years, focusing on public health, climate change, and environmental quality. The strategy is aligned with the country's national health priorities, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, and its accession process to the European Union.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Country Cooperation Strategy for 2026-2030 is a key framework for joint work between the World Health Organization (WHO) and North Macedonian state institutions, focusing on public health, climate change, and environmental quality.
  • The Strategy is aligned with national health priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the European Union accession process.
  • Integration of health and ecology is considered a necessity and an obligation towards future generations in North Macedonia.
  • The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning will continue to be a driver of policies aimed at improving air quality, clean water, climate adaptation, and sustainable urban planning as prerequisites for better health and well-being.
  • Over 150 representatives from state institutions and civil society participated in developing the Country Cooperation Strategy.
  • The Strategy recognizes the strong links between the environment and health, with a particular focus on air quality, safe drinking water, hazardous waste management, sustainable urban planning, and reducing citizens' exposure to environmental and climate risks.
  • The Strategy aims to reduce health risks caused by the environment and improve the health status of the population.
  • The joint strategy will be signed in autumn 2025, involving the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, and high representatives of the WHO.
  • The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning aims to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable country for all its citizens through this initiative.

Statistics:

  • Over 150 representatives contributed to the development of the Country Cooperation Strategy.
  • The Strategy focuses on improving air quality.
  • The Strategy aims to enhance climate adaptation and sustainable urban planning.
  • The joint signing of the Strategy will occur in autumn 2025.
  • Participation in the Strategy development involved representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (North Macedonia)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • European Union
  • United Nations (UN) - Sustainable Development Goals

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