Consultation of multiple interested parties in Macedonia del Norte before the development of a new anti -corruption strategy

Skopje, February 27, 2025 -UNODC, in collaboration with the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption of Macedonia del Norte and the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI), convened a consultation of multiple interested parties to review the implementation of the strategy for the prevention of corruption and the conflict of interests (2021-2025) and discuss the way to develop a new anti-corruption strategy.

A coordinated and multisectoral approach, aligned with the principles of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC): It is crucial for the formulation and effective application of national anti -corruption policies. Speaking at the opening, Mrs. Tatjana Dimitrovska, president of the State Commission for Corruption Prevention, emphasized that a national strategy is not only a regulatory document but an active and proactive approach to prevent corruption. Its effectiveness lies both in prevention and the rapid response in the fight against corruption. In addition, he noted that the development of the new strategy will be a collaboration process, involving government institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector and international partners, all dedicated to improving integrity, transparency and responsibility in the country. The Austrian ambassador to Macedonia del Norte, Martin Pammer, acknowledged that fighting corruption is a collective effort and expressed his support for this consultation.

Representative of the UNODC shared information about the support, provided to strengthen the implementation of the convention at the national level and through the regional platform to quickly follow the implementation of the UNCAC, in which it actively participates in Macedonia del Norte. Reference was made to the publication of UNODC National Anti -Corruption Strategies: A Practical Guide for Development and Implementationthat is currently being updated, and that provides extensive information and suggestions on the process of developing anti -corruption strategies.

Representatives of the State Commission for Corruption Prevention shared information on the state of implementation of the current strategy 2021-2025 and the challenges identified.

A panelist from the Civil Communications Center, speaking in a later session, stressed the importance of integrating international commitments, including COSP resolutions and decisions, in the new strategy. Another speaker of the Macedonia International Cooperation Center highlighted the need for effective coordination and emphasized that monitoring should be a shared responsibility. Meanwhile, a representative of the Macedonia Economic Chamber of the North requested a greater participation of the Chambers of Commerce in the process.

The consultation was organized within the framework of “Southeast Europe: Together against Corruption II (see Tac II)“Regional program, implemented with RAI and financed by the Austrian Development Agency. This program is part of the broader Unodc framework, namely to know UNODC Regional Program for Southeast Europe (2024-2029), which recognizes civil society and the private sector as key partners for governments to address the challenges of crimes in the region and undertakes to further improve multiple parties cooperation in this field.