HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SPEAKERS
OPENING REMARKS:
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski underlined that sustainability should be viewed not merely as an environmental objective, but as a broader model for economic development that strengthens competitiveness, resilience, and long-term prosperity. He emphasized that in a world shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, energy challenges, supply chain disruptions, and inflationary pressures, sustainability has become a prerequisite for competitiveness. Companies that invest in energy efficiency, digitalization, innovation, and skills will be best positioned to access new markets, investment opportunities, and future growth. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating a predictable business environment, modern infrastructure, quality education, and investment-friendly policies. Highlighting improvements in economic growth, wage growth, and macroeconomic stability, he stressed that the ultimate measure of success is improved quality of life for citizens. Looking ahead, he called for stronger partnership among government, business, academia, and international partners to support the green and digital transformation of the economy.
Timcho Mucunski, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade emphasized that sustainability is increasingly becoming a source of competitiveness and resilience in a rapidly changing global environment. He noted that exporters must adapt to evolving European market requirements, where responsible governance, energy efficiency, transparency, and digitalization are becoming essential conditions for market access. He stressed that sustainability should be viewed not as a burden, but as an opportunity for modernization, innovation, higher productivity, and access to new markets. The Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment to creating a stable framework for green and economic transformation and emphasized the role of economic diplomacy in opening markets, attracting investment, promoting exports, and supporting Macedonian companies internationally. He also called for stronger support for SMEs and greater investment in human capital, noting that businesses capable of adapting quickly to change will be best positioned to succeed in the future.
Rita Columbia, UN Resident Coordinator emphasized that sustainable development and long-term competitiveness require strong private-sector leadership, which was highlighted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Seville in 2025. She stressed that sustainability is fundamentally about improving people’s lives through better jobs, safer workplaces, stronger communities, and more resilient economies. Stressing the close link between competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability, she noted that businesses investing in responsible and sustainable practices are better equipped to manage risks, attract investment and talent, and respond to uncertainty. She underlined the critical contribution of SMEs to North Macedonia’s economy and called for stronger partnerships among government institutions, businesses, financial institutions, and development partners to support their sustainability transition. Reaffirming the UN’s commitment to this agenda, she highlighted the organization’s role in fostering partnerships, mobilizing investment, building capacity, and helping businesses align growth with sustainable development objectives.
Michalis Rokas, EU Ambassador in North Macedonia underlined that sustainability has become an economic imperative and a key driver of competitiveness. He noted that EU’s response to climate, technological, and geopolitical challenges is to strengthen innovation, clean technologies, productivity, and investment, while remaining firmly committed to the green transition. Highlighting growing sustainability requirements across European value chains, he stressed that businesses that adapt will be better positioned to access finance, attract investment, and compete in international markets. For North Macedonia, he described sustainability not only as a requirement linked to EU integration, but as a pathway towards economic modernization, resilience, and long-term prosperity. He reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting reforms, investments, and partnerships that strengthen the country’s competitiveness and advance its European integration process.
Branko Azeski, President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia highlighted the strong engagement of the business community with the sustainability agenda, noting the significant interest shown by companies in the forum and the growing recognition of sustainability as a strategic business issue. He emphasized that sustainability and competitiveness should be pursued together, with businesses supported in translating sustainability requirements into opportunities for growth, innovation, and stronger market positioning. He called for deeper cooperation between government, business, academia, and civil society, as well as stronger regional collaboration and continued efforts to improve the business environment through policy predictability, support for exports, energy transition, rule of law, and the fight against corruption. Stressing the importance of shared responsibility, he underlined the need to build strong foundations that will enable businesses to compete successfully, contribute to higher living standards, and support the country’s long-term economic development and European integration aspirations.
Keynote Address: Marga Hoek, Sustainable Business Speaker, Author and Former CEO
In her keynote address, “Why Sustainability is Becoming the New Currency of Competitiveness in a Fractured Global Economy,” Marga Hoek challenged participants to move beyond viewing sustainability as a compliance, reporting, or risk-management exercise and instead recognize it as one of the greatest business opportunities of the 21st century.
Hoek argued that the current economic model is placing unprecedented pressure on planetary resources, with global material consumption continuing to rise, waste generation accelerating, and environmental degradation creating significant economic risks. She highlighted that climate change and resource scarcity are no longer environmental concerns alone, but direct business and economic challenges that affect productivity, competitiveness, supply chains, investment, and long-term growth
A central message of her presentation was that the scale of solutions must match the scale of the challenges. Incremental improvements are no longer sufficient; businesses, governments, and investors must accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and regenerative economic models. Using the concept of Earth Overshoot Day, she illustrated the urgency of reducing resource consumption, waste, and emissions while scaling solutions capable of creating measurable impact.
At the same time, Hoek emphasized that sustainability represents a major growth opportunity. Citing global estimates linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she noted that sustainable business solutions could unlock trillions of dollars in new market opportunities across sectors such as food and agriculture, energy, materials, cities, healthcare, and circular economy solutions. Companies that contribute to solving societal and environmental challenges are likely to benefit from new sources of revenue, stronger resilience, and increased investor interest.
She particularly highlighted the potential of the circular economy, arguing that businesses must move away from the traditional “take-make-waste” model and instead design products, services, and business models that keep materials in use for as long as possible. Circular approaches can reduce costs, strengthen resource security, create new business models, generate employment, and improve competitiveness. Importantly, she noted that circular economy models are increasingly knowledge- and innovation-driven, creating opportunities for countries and companies that invest in skills, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Hoek also stressed the transformative role of technology in accelerating sustainable development. Advances in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, digitalization, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and circular production systems are enabling solutions to scale faster than ever before. Rather than slowing economic progress, sustainability can become a powerful catalyst for innovation and business transformation.
Addressing the changing market environment, she noted that younger generations of consumers, employees, and investors increasingly expect businesses to contribute positively to society and the environment. Companies that align their strategies with these expectations are likely to gain competitive advantages in attracting customers, talent, and capital.
Concluding her remarks, Hoek called on companies to shift their mindset from simply reducing negative impacts to actively creating positive value. Businesses that become part of the solution - rather than merely minimizing their footprint - will be best positioned to compete, innovate, attract investment, and succeed in a rapidly changing global economy. Her overarching message was clear: sustainability is no longer a cost of doing business; it is becoming the new currency of competitiveness.
PANEL 1: BUSINESS CHAMBERS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Keynote Address: Vladimir Dlouhý, President of Eurochambres emphasized that sustainability and the green transition can create significant opportunities for economic growth, innovation, energy security, and competitiveness. However, he argued that these opportunities can only be fully realized if sustainability policies are accompanied by enabling conditions that allow businesses to invest and grow.
He expressed concern that Europe's competitiveness has weakened relative to other major economies and warned that excessive regulatory complexity, reporting requirements, and administrative burdens are creating obstacles, particularly for SMEs. While reaffirming strong support for climate action and decarbonization, he stressed that sustainability policies must be implemented in a way that strengthens rather than undermines business competitiveness.
Dlouhý highlighted three key requirements for a successful transition: reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, investing in enabling infrastructure and clean energy systems, and improving access to finance and skills development. He called for a stronger industrial strategy that combines sustainability objectives with investment, innovation, market integration, and capital market development.
Addressing North Macedonia's EU accession path, he noted that the green transition should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen competitiveness before accession through greater participation in European markets, investment flows, and value chains. He also reaffirmed Eurochambres' commitment to supporting chambers and businesses in preparing for European sustainability requirements and future market opportunities.
Gjorgji Petrushev, Vice-President, Economic Chamber of North Macedonia presented several initiatives through which the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia is already supporting business sustainability. He highlighted the Chamber's Circular Economy Centre as a platform that connects companies across sectors, facilitates knowledge exchange, promotes joint projects, and helps businesses access financing opportunities related to sustainable development. He also presented the Chamber's newly launched Digital Decarbonization Guide, developed to help exporters and companies better understand and measure their carbon footprint, improve compliance readiness, and strengthen competitiveness in international markets.
Looking ahead, Petrushev emphasized the importance of stronger cooperation between chambers and government institutions in addressing challenges arising from European sustainability regulations, particularly CBAM-related obligations affecting exporters. He advocated for accelerated gasification, support for industrial decarbonization, and the development of a national carbon-pricing framework that would allow part of the financial resources associated with carbon taxation to remain within the country and support domestic sustainability investments, training, and innovation.
He concluded that sustainability should become part of a broader ecosystem that supports economic sovereignty, competitiveness, talent retention, and long-term economic development.
Goran Gjorgjievski, President, Macedonian Chambers of Commerce highlighted the crucial importance of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which account for nearly all businesses in the country and generate the majority of employment and economic output. He argued that strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs must remain a national priority.
According to Gjorgjievski, the sustainability transition should be driven through two interconnected priorities: digitalization and green transformation. He emphasized that digitalization, automation, and technological modernization are essential for increasing productivity, efficiency, and export competitiveness. At the same time, investments in renewable energy and energy independence provide companies with greater resilience and support their transition toward more sustainable business models.
A central message of his intervention was the need for better access to finance. He argued that SMEs require greater access to grant schemes, green financing instruments, and European support programs in order to successfully implement digital and green investments. Expanding such opportunities, he suggested, could significantly contribute to sustained economic growth and stronger private-sector development.
Durim Zekiri, Executive Director, Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia emphasized that competitiveness is increasingly determined not only by price and product quality but also by sustainability performance and carbon footprint. Given that the majority of North Macedonia's exports are directed toward European markets, he argued that adapting to European sustainability expectations is becoming essential for maintaining and expanding export opportunities.
He noted that many domestic SMEs still lack the capacities necessary to meet evolving market requirements and stressed the need for stronger institutional support, targeted investments, and dedicated programs to help companies accelerate their green transition. In his view, sustainability should be treated as a strategic economic issue rather than solely as an environmental requirement.
Zekiri also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between companies and universities in order to foster innovation, research, and knowledge transfer. He called for greater use of innovation-oriented public procurement and argued that sustainability and green transformation should be fully integrated into companies' long-term development strategies.
Jelena Arsova, Executive Director, AmCham North Macedonia highlighted that the environment in which companies operate has changed dramatically since the Sustainable Development Goals were adopted in 2015. Geopolitical uncertainty, climate challenges, technological disruption, artificial intelligence, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and changing investor expectations are reshaping the business landscape and creating new pressures on organizations.
She argued that sustainability should no longer be viewed solely through the lens of the impact companies have on society and the environment. Equally important is understanding how global developments affect businesses and how companies can build the resilience needed to adapt and remain competitive.
Arsova stressed that ESG should be approached as a business management framework rather than simply a reporting exercise. She encouraged companies to develop internal capacities and governance systems that enable them to anticipate risks, respond to changing conditions, and integrate sustainability into decision-making processes.
She further emphasized that competitiveness increasingly depends on the strength of entire economic ecosystems rather than individual companies. Sustainable transformation therefore requires coordinated action among businesses, supply chains, institutions, and policymakers, supported by predictable regulations and a stable business environment.
Ajdovan Ademoski, President, Chamber of Commerce of Macedonia and Turkey (MATTO) emphasized that SMEs need practical support, knowledge, financing, partnerships, and institutional backing to successfully navigate the sustainability transition. He argued that modern business chambers should evolve from representative organizations into service-oriented institutions that actively help companies prepare for emerging market requirements and future competitiveness challenges.
He highlighted MATTO's efforts to support its members through training, ESG-related guidance, digitalization initiatives, anti-corruption and business integrity projects, artificial intelligence applications, green investments, and regional economic cooperation.
Ademoski also stressed the importance of improving access to European financing instruments and support mechanisms for companies in North Macedonia. He concluded that sustainability should be seen not as a cost, but as an investment in future competitiveness, resilience, and economic growth, requiring strong cooperation among chambers, businesses, governments, and international partners.
PARALLEL WORKSHOPS; HIGHLIGHTS
Workshop 1: Innovation, Digitalization and Green Investments for Resilience
Participants agreed that digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability are becoming inseparable components of business resilience and long-term competitiveness. Investments in digital infrastructure, cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, data centers, smart sensors, digital monitoring systems, and smart-city solutions were identified as critical enablers of future economic growth and productivity.
Representatives of EVN, Makedonski Telekom, Pakomak, Zavar Company, TAV Airports, and Eko Fluid demonstrated how digitalization, resource efficiency, clean technologies, and circular solutions can improve business resilience, operational efficiency, and competitiveness. A recurring theme was the growing gap between technological development and regulatory adaptation. Businesses emphasized that innovation often advances more rapidly than existing legislation and administrative processes, creating uncertainty and slowing investment decisions. Participants called for more agile, innovation-friendly, and future-oriented regulatory frameworks capable of supporting technological progress.
Sustainability and circular economy practices were highlighted as important business opportunities. Companies increasingly view sustainability not only as a compliance requirement but as a pathway to improved resource efficiency, stronger customer relationships, operational resilience, and competitive advantage. Significant opportunities were identified in recycling, waste recovery, circular business models, energy management, water efficiency, and smarter use of resources.
Businesses also emphasized that skills shortages remain one of the principal barriers to successful digital and green transitions. Continuous workforce development, reskilling, and technical training were described as essential for future competitiveness.
Workshop 2: Sustainable Supply Chains and Export Readiness
Participants highlighted that ESG implementation and sustainability reporting are rapidly becoming prerequisites for participation in international supply chains. Export-oriented companies reported that European and global buyers increasingly require information not only on product quality and price, but also on environmental performance, governance practices, traceability of inputs, social standards, and carbon footprints. In many sectors, non-financial reporting is becoming as important as traditional quality requirements.
Representatives from Alkaloid, Vitaminka, Makstil, Tikveš, Comfy Angel, and Kostal shared practical experiences demonstrating that sustainability standards are increasingly embedded throughout customer relationships and supply chains. Their examples showed that sustainability is already directly influencing export opportunities, investor confidence, and long-term competitiveness.
Participants stressed that ESG adoption often results in broader organizational improvements, including stronger governance, better internal processes, greater transparency, and enhanced risk management. Sustainability was consistently described as a business imperative rather than a communications or reporting exercise.
The discussion also highlighted vulnerabilities associated with global supply chains, including dependence on imported inputs, logistics disruptions, transport costs, and evolving European sustainability regulations. These factors are increasing pressure on domestic firms to strengthen resilience and sustainability performance.
Workshop 3: Access to Sustainable Finance and ESG-Related Investments
Participants agreed that access to sustainable finance is one of the most important enabling factors for successful green and digital transitions. However, financing alone is not sufficient. Companies also require technical expertise, strong governance systems, reliable sustainability data, clear implementation plans, and internal capacities to manage ESG-related risks and opportunities.
Representatives from EBRD, NLB Bank, ProCredit Bank, Halkbank, and the Macedonian Stock Exchange highlighted the expanding range of financial instruments available to support sustainability-linked investments and the growing importance of ESG readiness in financing decisions. They reported growing demand for investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, decarbonization, digitalization, and resource optimization. Energy-efficiency investments were repeatedly identified as among the most attractive and cost-effective sustainability measures, generating both environmental and business benefits.
The discussion revealed that many companies still face challenges related to ESG measurement, reporting, governance structures, and project preparation. These limitations often reduce their ability to access available financing instruments. Participants stressed that ESG readiness is increasingly influencing lending decisions, investor confidence, and market attractiveness.
Financial institutions highlighted an expanding range of available tools, including green credit lines, blended finance, grants, technical assistance, guarantee schemes, sustainability-linked products, and capital-market-based financing instruments.
PANEL 2: INSTITUTIONAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Sanja Bozhinovska, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources outlined the Government’s efforts to establish a modern legislative and policy framework that supports decarbonization, renewable energy development, and energy efficiency. She highlighted the adoption of the new Energy Law, fully aligned with European standards, and presented the strong investor interest in renewable energy projects, including approved projects totaling 4,000 MW and significant demand for battery storage systems.
The Minister emphasized that energy efficiency remains a priority both for the public and private sectors. She announced major investments in energy-efficiency improvements in public institutions, supported by financing from the French Development Agency, alongside dedicated funding mechanisms for businesses through the Development Bank.
She also presented key innovations introduced through the new Renewable Energy Law, including legal recognition of agrivoltaics, citizen energy communities, prosumer models, and the future introduction of Contracts for Difference (CfD) mechanisms intended to provide greater certainty and support for investors.
Stefan Andonovski, Minister of Digital Transformation highlighted digitalization as one of the most powerful instruments for achieving sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. He argued that companies increasingly compete not only through products and prices but also through standards, processes, and digital capabilities. Digital transformation therefore plays a critical role in enabling businesses to meet evolving sustainability requirements.
He presented several digital tools and initiatives available to businesses, including electronic government services, interoperability platforms, digital certification systems, and digital innovation hubs supported by the European Union. While substantial progress has been made in expanding available digital services, he noted that many companies are still not fully utilizing these opportunities.
Particular emphasis was placed on support for SMEs through the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), which provide free digital transformation plans, advisory services, and access to technology expertise. The Minister also highlighted government-supported training programmes in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, project management, and digital skills development.
Concluding his remarks, Andonovski called for more practical cooperation between institutions and businesses, stressing the importance of moving from discussion to implementation through concrete digital transformation projects.
Steffen Hudolin, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation emphasized that sustainability has become an integral part of economic competitiveness, investment attractiveness, and long-term resilience. He stressed that European markets increasingly reward companies that are resource-efficient, transparent, well-governed, and socially responsible. Businesses demonstrating these characteristics are more likely to attract investment, access finance, and retain skilled employees.
He highlighted the economic benefits associated with the EU integration process, noting evidence that accession-related reforms contribute to higher levels of foreign direct investment, stronger innovation performance, and improved competitiveness. Sustainability-related reforms should therefore be viewed not as isolated obligations, but as part of a broader modernization agenda.
Hudolin also stressed the importance of alignment with European legislation and standards, particularly in areas related to environment, climate, and competitiveness. He underlined that export-oriented sectors are already facing growing demands from customers regarding sustainability performance, energy sources, and production methods, making early adaptation increasingly important.
Finally, he reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to supporting North Macedonia through technical assistance, reform support, and financing instruments linked to the Growth Plan and Reform Agenda.
Yumni Ademi, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy and Labour presented the Ministry’s approach to supporting business competitiveness and sustainability through a combination of financial support, capacity building, and regulatory reform. He explained that government support is organized around three complementary pillars: direct financial assistance, non-financial support through training and advisory services, and improvements to the regulatory environment.
He highlighted ongoing support programmes that provide funding for competitiveness enhancement, entrepreneurship development, innovation, and implementation of modern standards, including ESG-related practices. Through the Law on Financial Support of Investments, substantial funding is made available to support hundreds of companies annually.
The State Secretary also underlined the importance of specialized training programmes delivered through partnerships with foundations and civil society organizations. In addition, he presented ongoing work to simplify administrative procedures, modernize legislation, reduce compliance burdens, and improve the overall business environment through reforms including insolvency legislation and governance of state-owned enterprises.
He concluded by emphasizing that improving competitiveness requires simultaneous investment in businesses, skills development, and institutional modernization.