The State Audit Office participated in the conference “Shaping the Future of Skopje: Culture, Urban Policies, and Sustainable European Cities,” which brought together over 400 participants, including representatives from local and central government, European institutions, the civil sector, the academic community, and international partners. The event, organized by the City of Skopje in cooperation with UNDP and supported by the Delegation of the European Union, is an important step in Skopje’s preparations for the title of European Capital of Culture 2028.
At the conference, the Auditor General, Maksim Acevski, took part in the panel session “From Strategy to Action,” alongside experts from Malta, Estonia, and Poland, which focused on the transformation of strategic objectives into tangible results. He emphasized that high-quality planning and clearly defined programs form the foundation of effective public policies, with a focus on the role of public enterprises in delivering quality services at the local level.
“Without a clear strategy, accountability, and professional management, there are no sustainable results. Local self-government units face limited fiscal capacity and dependence on central government funding, which makes strategic planning and the delivery of public services more difficult. These challenges are particularly evident in urban greenery, where adequate mechanisms are lacking and legal requirements are not being met. A more efficient and accountable approach to management is needed to ensure sustainable urban development,” the Auditor General stated.
The State Audit Office remains committed to promoting good governance, strengthening accountability and transparency, and ensuring the responsible use of public resources to support sustainable development and improve the quality of public services.
