The initiative by the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia to advance decarbonization and corporate sustainability ranked among the top three highest-rated initiatives globally at the ISAR Honours 2026, an accolade presented by the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) under UNCTAD – UN Trade and Development.

The recognition was conferred during a formal ceremony in Geneva following a selection process that included organizations and institutions from diverse global regions. With this award, the Economic Chamber’s approach gains international recognition as a practical model bridging policy development, capacity building, and concrete business solutions with the global sustainable development agenda.

The initiative, titled "Advancing Decarbonization and Corporate Sustainability Through Policy Development, Capacity Building, and Practical Business Solutions: The Experience of the Economic Chamber," assists companies in transitioning from fragmented activities toward systematic measurement, monitoring, and reporting on their sustainability performance.

The Chamber’s approach integrates the Online Decarbonization Guide, the step-by-step CBAM Guide, the Circular Economy Center, and dedicated programs on ESG and sustainability reporting. Through practical methodologies and sector-specific guidance, enterprises receive hands-on support in measuring emissions, establishing targets, drafting decarbonization roadmaps, and conducting sustainability reporting.

"The green transformation is not a distant objective—it represents an immediate opportunity for companies today. That is why we established the Circular Economy Center and developed the Decarbonization Guide, aiming to help enterprises navigate the green transition more smoothly," stated Branko Azeski, President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia.

The headquarters of UNCTAD – United Nations Trade and Development Agency in Geneva

To date, the Chamber’s initiatives have supported more than 180 companies, with over 35 receiving direct expert assistance in preparing sustainability reports and decarbonization roadmaps. More than 850 business community representatives have completed specialized training sessions, while these activities have contributed to mobilizing over €18 million in green and circular economy investments. Surveys also indicate an increase of more than 60 percent in corporate awareness, comprehension, and readiness concerning the green transition and associated disclosure requirements.

Through this initiative, the Economic Chamber establishes a practical sustainability infrastructure—spanning knowledge sharing and capacity building, tools and methodologies, to measurement, data collection, and reporting. The objective is to ensure companies not only understand evolving regulatory mandates, but also translate them into sound commercial decisions, improved risk management, and new avenues for investment and competitiveness.

The Economic Chamber will continue to advance its practical tools, training modules, mentorship support, and regional cooperation, enabling businesses to turn sustainability into measurable outcomes, enhanced competitiveness, and sustained commercial value, President Azeski highlighted.