Skopje, 27 February 2025 – UNODC, in collaboration with the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption of North Macedonia and the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI), convened a Multi-Stakeholder Consultation to review the implementation of the Strategy for Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest (2021-2025) and to discuss the roadmap for developing a new anti-corruption strategy.
A coordinated, multisectoral approach—aligned with the principles of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)—is crucial for the formulation and effective enforcement of national anti-corruption policies. Speaking at the opening, Ms. Tatjana Dimitrovska, President of the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption, emphasized that a national strategy is not just a normative document but an active and proactive approach to prevent corruption. Its effectiveness lies in both prevention and rapid response in the fight against corruption. She further noted that the development of the new strategy will be a collaborative process, engaging government institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector, and international partners—all dedicated to enhancing integrity, transparency, and accountability in the country. The Austrian Ambassador to North Macedonia, H.E. Martin Pammer, acknowledged that combating corruption is a collective effort and expressed his support for this consultation.
Representative of UNODC shared information on the support, provided to strengthen the implementation of the Convention at a both national level and through the Regional Platform for Fast-tracking the implementation of UNCAC, in which North Macedonia actively participates. Reference was made to the UNODC publication National Anti-Corruption Strategies: A Practical Guide for Development and Implementation, which is currently being updated, and which provides extensive information and suggestions on the process of development of anti-corruption strategies.
Representatives of the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption shared information on the status of implementation of the current strategy 2021-2025 and the challenges identified.
A panellist from the Center for Civil Communications, speaking in a later session, underscored the importance of integrating international commitments, including CoSP resolutions and decisions, into the new strategy. Another speaker from the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation highlighted the need for effective coordination and emphasized that monitoring should be a shared responsibility. Meanwhile, a representative from the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia called for greater involvement of Chambers of Commerce in the process.
The consultation was organized within the framework of the “Southeast Europe – Together Against Corruption II (SEE-TAC II)” Regional Programme, implemented with RAI and funded by the Austrian Development Agency. This programme is part of the broader UNODC framework, namely the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe (2024- 2029), which recognizes civil society and the private sector as key partners to governments in addressing the region’s crime challenges and commits to further enhancing multi-stakeholder cooperation in this field.
