UNICEF launches Business Advisory Council in North Macedonia

Skopje, 17 September 2026:  UNICEF has launched a Business Advisory Council (BAC) in North Macedonia, bringing together leading business figures committed to advancing children's rights and wellbeing through responsible business practices, innovation, advocacy and partnership.

The Council brings together Nebi Hoxha (Oxa Group), Irena Jakimovska (Comfy Angel), Goran Markovic (Makedonski Telekom), Zhivko Mukaetov (Alkaloid), Ivan Steriev (Macedonian Stock Exchange), and Marjonka Veljanovska (Farmahem), all serving in their personal capacities. Together, they will use their expertise and influence to strengthen business engagement for children and identify opportunities to improve outcomes for children and families.

"Every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and flourish. Achieving that vision requires leadership from across society, including the business community. I am profoundly grateful to the members of the UNICEF Business Advisory Council for bringing their knowledge, experience and passion to this shared cause," said Lesley Miller, UNICEF Representative in North Macedonia. "What inspires me most is not only their personal commitment to children’s rights, but their willingness to motivate and mobilize others. The inaugural meeting marks the beginning of an important collaboration that has the potential to improve the lives of children."

The Business Advisory Council is a UNICEF-convened platform that connects business leadership with UNICEF's mission for children. Members volunteer their time and expertise to advance children's rights, promote responsible business practices, raise awareness of issues affecting children, and support partnerships that create shared value for children, communities and businesses.

Early childhood education and care was identified as the Council's first area for collective action, reflecting its critical role in supporting children's development, enabling women’s labour-force participation, reducing intergenerational poverty and inequality, and laying the foundation for long-term economic prosperity. UNICEF and the Council will explore innovative partnerships that can help more children, particularly the most vulnerable, get the best possible start in life.

By bringing together influential leaders from across the private sector, the Council aims to harness the power of business to help ensure that every child in North Macedonia can survive, thrive and reach their full potential.