North Macedonia

Like other countries in the Western Balkans, North Macedonia has a big youth unemployment problem. Helvetas’ efforts focus on job market development and vocational education and training. We also advocate for the preservation of biodiversity in the east part of North Macedonia.
  • Capital
    Skopje
  • Area
    25,713 km²
  • Poverty rate*
    1% of the population live under the poverty line of $1.90 per day
  • UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX*
    Rank: 78 out of 191
  • Population
    1,836,713
  • People supported per year
    4,000
  • Thematic focus
    Climate & Disaster Resilience
    Education and Vocational Skills
    Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion
* Source: UN Data

The Western Balkans are booming. Despite the economic growth, however, youth unemployment remains a widespread problem, running as high as 50% in large parts of North Macedonia. Dim future prospects induce many young Macedonians to seek work abroad, which only exacerbates the situation they leave behind because companies can’t find skilled workers.

Employment for young people

This is why Helvetas supports cross-border labor market development in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and North Macedonia) to create jobs for young people in particular. We focus our efforts not only on stimulating the private sector, but also on boosting job-hunting services such as online employment portals. We are also heavily involved in vocational training in Macedonia, where Helvetas has been active since 2003. Vocational schools and other education providers join forces with companies to develop and implement practically oriented curricula.

Biodiversity and conservation

Helvetas is also involved in a program for conservation and biodiversity in the region around the Bregalnica River. We are promoting ecologically sustainable agriculture and soft agritourism, thereby creating jobs while safeguarding a unique natural landscape with a variety of flora and fauna.

Visit the website of Helvetas in North Macedonia.

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Our Projects in North Macedonia

 If you would like to know more about our work in North Macedonia, click on each project for details.

North Macedonia Climate & Disaster Resilience

Conserving Biodiversity, Managing Complex Landscapes

North Macedonia Education and Vocational Skills

Market-Oriented Education for a Prosperous Society

© Helvetas / Arben Llapashtica
Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Montenegro Education and Vocational Skills

Building Economies Where All Can Prosper

Education and Vocational Skills

Lack of education perpetuates inequality because poor countries cannot compete economically without a skilled workforce.

Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

In many countries where we work, men and women are unable to claim their rights and participate actively in decision-making processes.

Climate & Disaster Resilience

Every year, we support over 1,000,000 people in adapting to climate change, reducing the risks of disasters, sustainably managing natural resources, and conserving nature.
Contact

HELVETAS NORTH MACEDONIA
Helvetas Eastern Europe Unit
Maulbeerstr. 10
3010 Bern
Switzerland

Phone:+41 31 385 10 10
E-Mail: easterneurope@helvetas.org