The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), held in Seville in 2025, highlighted the critical role of the private sector in advancing the 2030 Agenda. Beyond innovation, employment, and tax contributions, businesses shape environmental and social outcomes and are essential to closing the SDG financing gap. Even modest shifts toward sustainable investment can accelerate progress while strengthening long-term competitiveness.

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At the same time, a rapidly evolving global environment—marked by EU regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and CBAM, as well as rising market expectations—places increasing importance on sustainability performance. For companies, particularly exporters, credible sustainability practices are becoming key to market access, finance, and resilience amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

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In North Macedonia, progress on sustainability and ESG standards remains uneven. While larger and export-oriented firms are advancing, many SMEs face challenges related to awareness, capacity, financing, and fragmented frameworks.

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In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, together with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and partners, are organizing a high-level business forum. The forum will reaffirm commitment to the 2030 Agenda and promote dialogue and knowledge-sharing on how sustainability can drive competitiveness, resilience, and growth for businesses in North Macedonia.