From May to September 2024, under the GCF Readiness and Preparatory Support Project, "Building Capacities for Sustainable Development of Human Capital in North Macedonia," established working groups—comprising professionals from national institutions, the civil sector, and the international donor community—collaborated to develop sectoral action plans aimed at addressing climate change challenges. These documents include:
1. Action Plan for Decarbonization of the Health Sector
2. Action Plan for Integrating Education for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Mainstreaming into Primary, Secondary (including VET), Higher, and Adult Education
3. Action Plan to Support the Development of Green, Climate-Smart, Gender-Sensitive, and Inclusive Employment Across Key Economic Sectors
For each of the sectoral documents, a series of productive and collaborative workshops were organized, gathering a wide range of stakeholder representatives from government agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Facilitated by national and international experts, these workshops served as platforms for in-depth discussions, knowledge exchange, and co-creation. Through these sessions, stakeholders worked collectively to design actionable and sector-specific strategies to address climate change challenges within the health, education, labor market, and social policy sectors. This inclusive approach ensured that each action plan reflects the unique needs, perspectives, and expertise of all involved, fostering alignment and commitment to the climate resilience goals for North Macedonia.
1.Action Plan for decarbonization of health sector
The Action Plan for decarbonizing the health sector in North Macedonia centers on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increasing resilience against climate impacts. Key strategies involve energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure, water conservation, sustainable transportation, and waste management enhancements. It aligns with national climate goals, such as the commitment to a 51% GHG reduction by 2030 and 72% by 2050.
To implement these objectives, the document proposes a governance framework led by the Ministry of Health (MoH), with structured roles for institutions like the Institute of Public Health and local governments. Stakeholder engagement is prioritized, encouraging partnerships across government, healthcare providers, and the private sector. Capacity building for healthcare professionals and community education on climate resilience is a focus, alongside targeted measures for vulnerable populations.
Monitoring progress involves Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for emissions reductions, energy use, and resilience measures, supported by data collection and reporting systems. Financial mobilization strategies emphasize international funds, public-private partnerships, and government budget allocations. A risk management framework addresses potential climate, financial, and operational risks, with emergency preparedness plans for climate-related health crises. Through these actions, the plan aims to align the health sector with sustainable practices while ensuring readiness for climate-related health challenges.
2.Action Plan for integration of the education for sustainable development and climate change mainstreaming into the education in the country.
The action plan for integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Climate Change Education (CCE) into country’s education system outlines a comprehensive framework to enhance climate literacy and equip students with green skills across all levels of education. Key objectives include embedding ESD and CCE in curricula, strengthening educator and institutional capacity, and investing in supportive infrastructure. The plan is aligned with national strategies, such as the National Development Strategy 2024-2044, and aims to meet UNESCO’s call for 90% of countries to implement green curricula by 2030.
Implementation involves creating an inter-institutional project team led by the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) and engaging multiple stakeholders through a quintuple helix approach, ensuring collaboration between government, academia, industry (private sector), and civil society. The plan includes extensive training for teachers and public administration, infrastructure upgrades like green energy systems for schools, and a centralized digital platform for resources within the ministry. Financial support is anticipated from national and international sources, with incentives for private-sector investment in green education infrastructure.
A robust monitoring framework will track progress, and risk management strategies are outlined to address potential institutional, environmental, and general project risks. Overall, the action plan aims to create a sustainable, climate-resilient educational system that empowers North Macedonia’s youth to address global environmental challenges.
3.Action Plan to support the development of green, climate-smart, gender sensitive, and inclusive employment across the key economy sectors.
The Action Plan for North Macedonia focuses on creating a climate-smart, inclusive, and green job market to support sustainable economic growth and meet the country’s climate commitments. Its objectives include promoting green job creation, ensuring social inclusivity, and fostering climate resilience across key sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly construction, and waste management. The plan aligns with North Macedonia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting the country’s ambition to reduce CO₂ emissions.
Key implementation strategies involve capacity building through targeted training programs, updating policies for climate-smart employment, and leveraging partnerships with government agencies, the private sector, and international organizations. A robust stakeholder engagement framework ensures continuous collaboration, with roles defined for ministries, civil society, educational institutions, and private sector representatives.
The Action Plan establishes performance indicators for monitoring outcomes, such as job creation rates, green skills development, and gender inclusivity in the workforce. Financial mobilization strategies aim to secure funding from diverse sources, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), international financial institutions, and public-private partnerships. Risk management provisions address potential financial and institutional challenges, ensuring flexibility and resource efficiency in achieving a green, resilient, and inclusive labor market for North Macedonia.
Read the Action Plans here:
1_1_Health Sector Action Plan_ENG.pdf
1_2_Health Sector Action plan_ENG.xlsx
2_1_Education Sector Action_Plan_ENG.pdf
2_2_Education Sector Action_Plan_ENG.xlsx
3_1_Employment Sector Action_Plan_ENG.pdf
3_2_Employment Sector Action Plan_ENG.xlsx