The Deputy Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Hristina Odzaklieska, participated in the conference “Non-Governmental Organizations – invaluable actors in the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans” which is being held today in Skopje.
According to her, civil society organizations in the Western Balkans are not only contributors, but also key drivers of the Green Agenda, and their representation, initiatives and joint efforts are irreplaceable in the EU integration process.
- The established constant dialogue and strengthened cooperation between non-governmental organizations and authorities from the Western Balkans, as well as the cooperation between regional and European NGOs, brings mutual benefits and enables the building of additional capacities of the non-governmental sector in the region of the Western Balkans. Non-governmental organizations also play an important role in raising the awareness of the citizens of the Western Balkans and sharing information about the goals of the Green Agenda and about the status and progress in the efforts to protect the environment – emphasized Odzaklieska.
She added that it is essential to maintain the independence of civil society, given that civil and non-profit organizations play an active role in shaping and monitoring public policies implemented by institutions.
The conference is organized by the Association for Sustainable Development and Cooperation “ALKA”.