The State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy and Labor, Jumni Ademi, at the Business Forum on Sustainability at the Club of Members of Parliament held on June 8, presented the "Leaders of Sustainable Development" awards, which are organized by the Responsible Business Club Connect in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Labor.
The awards honor companies and individuals who, through their work, contribute to building a sustainable, inclusive and responsible society.
"Sustainable practices, investments in employees, environmental care and responsible corporate governance are no longer a choice, but a necessity for long-term success and competitiveness in the domestic and international markets. Through the National SME Strategy 2025–2030 and the reforms within the framework of the European Union's Growth Plan, we are creating conditions for green and digital transformation, greater productivity and new opportunities for business development," said the State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy and Labor, Jumni Ademi.
The awards were presented to the following companies:
* "Halkbank AD Skopje" - Award for Climate Action and Nature Conservation;
* "Makedonski Telekom"/"Telecom Foundation for Macedonia" - Award for "Partnerships for Sustainable Development";
* "EVN Macedonia" - Award for "Business and Human Rights";
* "Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje" - Award for "Good Neighbors";
* "NLB Banka AD Skopje" - Award for Employee Well-being;
* "Makprogres DOO" - Award for Contribution to Quality Education and Poverty Eradication;
* "Pharmahem" - Award for Gender-Responsive Family Policies for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises;
* "Alkaloid AD Skopje" - Award for Gender-Responsive Family Policies for Large Enterprises.
The company "Pakomak" received recognition for a small company that demonstrates leadership in promoting sustainable development, while recognition for commitment to gender-responsive family policies went to "Replek AD Skopje". Recognition for commitment to gender-responsive family policies in the textile industry was awarded to "Comfy Angel".
The "Goran Lazarevski" Charter for Merits in Sustainable Development was awarded to Marjonka Veljanovska, Executive Director of "Pharmahem", while the "Leadership for Sustainable Development" award was given to Zivko Mukaetov, General Director and President of the Board of Directors of "Alkaloid" AD Skopje.
The forum brought together more than 100 representatives from the business sector, institutions and civil society organizations, who exchanged views and experiences on current trends in sustainability, ESG principles and the role of companies in addressing contemporary development challenges. The event included inspiring speeches and a panel discussion dedicated to the contribution of companies to social development.
"Sustainable development is not an isolated activity, but an integrated approach that connects the economic, social and environmental aspects of operations. Companies have a key role as employers and drivers of the economy, and through their responsible practices they directly contribute to a better society. The award winners are an example that investing in people, community and resources creates social value and long-term competitiveness," said the CEO of Connect, Nikica Kusinikova.
Connect traditionally awards the Sustainable Development Awards in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Labor and with the support of the "Expanding Choice" Program, implemented by the United Nations Population Fund and Connect, financially supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). With this support, this year, for the first time, an award for gender-responsive family policies was also introduced.
The awardees represent inspiring examples of companies and individuals who demonstrate every day that business can be a driver of sustainable development and positive social change.
