Excellencies, ladies and Gentlemen. At the outset, let me use this opportunity to extend my gratitude to the Secretary General and to all those involved in the preparation and organization of this meeting, for their leadership and commitment to keep us focused on the Millennium Development Goals. I am honored to have this opportunity to address you at this moment when we all remain united in our desire to build a future with more hope, a new era of prosperity where everyone will be given a chance to live with dignity.
Respected participants. We live in a time when the world is slowly coming out of the global economic crisis. We must not forget that the economic and financial crisis is always a humanitarian crisis as well, because it brings poverty to too many people. The slow progress in the eradication of extreme poverty is yet another problem along with the numerous challenges such as conflicts, lack of food, increase in inequality between countries and regions in the world. We are experiencing a rapid increase in the number and in the intensity of natural and man-caused disasters. Disasters, which in conditions of accelerated climate changes, result in more casualties and greater material damages. Neither the developing countries nor the developed countries are spared of such disasters.
Therefore, we must take immediate actions. Strong political will is necessary. We all know what our countries and international organizations have already achieved. We are all aware of the future challenges and tasks. However, not all countries and regions in the world are facing the same challenges.
Ladies and Gentlemen. The Southeast Europe region, to which my country belongs, has made a tangible progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. In order to conclude this, I must remind you that the entire region, compared to the situation of only ten years ago, has achieved a dramatic success. Ten years ago, in parallel with the Millennium Development Goals, our region was recovering from a traumatic period. Guided by the idea of a common future in the European Union and NATO, with fresh memories of the dark period of conflicts, all in the region have begun to move their societies towards prosperous overall regional cooperation. Everyone in the region was focused on the common goal. This was a precondition to focus also on the Millennium Development Goals. And, thus, we achieved certain results.
What are the achievements made by the Republic of Macedonia in meeting these goals? In areas such as reducing health risks and expanding education, the Republic of Macedonia has made significant progress. Progress is also made in improving the environment. However, we may conclude that in areas such as poverty and development partnership there is little progress made. There is an explanation why insufficient progress is made in these segments. For many of you present here in this room it is strange to hear that partially the reasons for inadequate development should be sought in the actions taken by one EU and NATO member state. Unfortunately I must tell you that the Republic of Macedonia is hindered in the economic development by its immediate neighbor. There is an imposed problem on us concerning the name of my country, which is not only a political problem, but it results in serious implications on our economic development, in attracting foreign investment, something that can directly reduce poverty and unemployment. Macedonia, 15 years after the first trade embargo from the Hellenic Republic, is facing a new blockade, which has no similar characteristics as the embargo from the nineties; but, it has the same consequences. It is a fact that Greece is one of the biggest investors in the Republic of Macedonia, but also it is a fact that the blockades in the integration processes indirectly block the attracting of other investors and investments
But we are not discouraged. We believe that soon we will find a solution with our neighbor, a solution that will ensure our European and Euro-Atlantic future, and thus prosperity for our citizens. We do stand ready for that.
Ladies and Gentlemen. The Republic of Macedonia remains committed to reducing poverty and social exclusion. Therefore, we started with the preparation of a national strategy for social inclusion. I believe that this strategic framework will help us improve the social cohesion.
We dedicate special attention to the Roma community in the Republic of Macedonia. Through “2005-2015 Roma Inclusion Decade” we intended this vulnerable and socially excluded community on the margins of the society to become integrated into all social spheres. This is a huge task that we are implementing in close cooperation with the UN agencies. Nowadays, Macedonia may boast with probably the best treatment for this vulnerable population, not only in the region, but much wider. In the Republic of Macedonia, the Roma population has its own local self-government, schools, media and everything that means a normal life of a community. In the Republic of Macedonia, since its independence until today, the Roma have their representatives in the Parliament, in the Government, in all state administration mechanisms. We are ready to share our positive experiences and lessons learned with everyone.
The key to individual success and social progress lies in the comprehensive education. Therefore, both primary and secondary school in the Republic of Macedonia are mandatory. We increase the opportunities and investments in further education of young people on a daily basis. In the Republic of Macedonia, the project “A computer for each student” is implemented.
We are aware of the synergy of the different Millennium Development Goals. The acceleration of the progress in one area entails accelerated progress in other areas, too. Such synergy is evident in the Republic of Macedonia, where the promotion of maternal health, the health of mothers and children results in low mortality in children. In addition to this is the commitment in the fight against HIV / AIDS, tuberculosis and other serious diseases.
However, there are issues which require a global response. The consequences of the climate changes are already our reality. Therefore, joint action is needed for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
Respected ladies and gentlemen. In the spirit of cooperation and solidarity, we are optimistic that the Millennium Development Goals will be attained. In this regard, we remain devoted and maximally constructive. 
Thank you.