The 14th International Forum for Sustainable Energy (IFESD-14) which in the past three days has transformed Skopje into a global center of energy dialogue, ideas and visions for the future closed with the signing of the “Skopje Declaration”. The representatives of the United Nations and the five regional economic commissions assessed the organization as “impeccable”, and Macedonia and Skopje as “true hosts on the world energy scene”.
The Forum summoned more than 500 participants from over 70 countries, with over 150 speakers who, through 35 thematic sessions and panels, brought ideas, solutions and concrete steps for the future of the global energy transition.
The signatories of the Declaration agreed that the way forward requires regional connectivity, smart investments, digital transformation and an inclusive energy transition that leaves no one behind.
Bozhinovska: “A new impulse for energy cooperation, solidarity and vision spreads from Skopje”.
In her closing remarks, the minister of energy, mining and mineral resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, emphasized that the forum represents a turning point for the region:
“In the past three days, Skopje has been the global stage for energy vision and dialogue for sustainable development. What we saw here was a movement of knowledge, cooperation and ambition. A Forum that showed that when institutions, science, business and international partners sit at the same table – change occurs”.
Bozhinovska emphasized that the “Skopje Declaration” is a strong message that the region is not just a follower of the global transition, but its active driver:
“I am proud that it is precisely from Skopje, from the heart of the Balkans, a new impulse of energy cooperation, solidarity and vision starts. This is proof that Macedonia can be a platform of ideas that change the region. The 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development will be remembered as a place where we not only talked about the future – but we started it. Let’s continue together to build the energy future that our citizens deserve.” She expressed her gratitude to the United Nations, UNDP, the partners and all participants for their support, adding that this forum will be remembered as a place “where we not only talked about the future – but we started it.”
Armen Grigoryan: “Skopje has shown what global solidarity means in action”
The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the country, Armen Grigoryan, stated that the path towards sustainable, secure and affordable energy is clear, but requires unity and vision:
“Political will, global solidarity and commitment are needed. At UNDP, we are pleased that together with the Government and the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources, as well as with the UN regional commissions, we are working on designing policies, solutions for reducing emissions, inclusiveness and improving air quality. We invest in people and in innovations in order to deliver measurable results that citizens will feel at home, at work and everywhere”, Grigoryan added.
Dario Ligutti UNECE: “The ‘Skopje Declaration’ is a signal of regional ambition and vision” Dario Ligutti, Director of the UNECE Energy Division stated that the document signed in Skopje will remain as important reference point in global energy processes:
“The ‘Skopje Declaration’ represents a strong signal for regional and global cooperation and ambition. It confirms our shared commitment for accelerating a just and inclusive energy transition – a transition that brings real progress for people, the planet and prosperity.” Conclusions: smart technologies, fair transition and green investments
The document concludes by stating that the signatories will work on:
· integrated and inclusive energy policies,
· modernization of electricity networks and digitalization,
· investment in renewables and a just transition,
· promoting green financing and gender equality in energy.
“Together we can transform the global energy system that will ensure the protection of the climate system, foster sustainable solutions and access to energy and prosperity for all”, the declaration concludes.
The 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-14) was organized by the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of the Republic of North Macedonia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the five UN regional economic commissions – ECA, UNECE, ECLAC, ESCAP and ESCWA.
