In the frame of the UN High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2019, the Central European Initiative – Executive Secretariat, in cooperation with the CEI Italian Presidency, the Italian Permanent Mission to the UN, organised a side-event on  “The contribution of regional cooperation and partnerships to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda: the experience of the Central European initiative (CEI)“.

The event, held at the UN Headquarters, aimed at exchanging knowledge and experiences with all relevant stakeholders regarding best practices of regional partnership, such as the CEI, for the attainment of the UN Agenda 2030 in general, and the SDGs in particular. It was opened and chaired by the Permanent Representative of Italy, Mariangela Zappia, who in her opening speech underlined the role of Italy as a founder and current Presidency and the importance to bring the Initiative’s experience, developed throughout the 30 years of its existence, to the United Nations.

Aleksandar Filiposki, project manager in YES Foundation was between the invited long-standing partners and beneficiaries of the CEI funds and instruments who showcased their experience in developing regional actions for stimulating entrepreneurship in the region, thus contributing the economic growth.

The event was attended by representatives of a number of Permanent Missions of the CEI and other countries to the UN, several National Coordinators and other prominent guests.