Swedish Ambassador visits CED

The leadership of the Center for Education and Development (CED) had the pleasure of welcoming the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to North Macedonia, H.E. Ola Sohlström, during an official visit where the organization’s nearly 20-year work and achievements were presented.

Throughout the meeting, discussions focused on CED’s efforts in rural development, intercultural inclusion, and initiatives that strengthen local communities. A special emphasis was placed on the project: “Empowering Rural Areas: Promoting Sustainability in Local Communities,” supported by We Effect, which aims to foster sustainable development within the Shar Mountain National Park region.

Ambassador Sohlström was briefed on the project’s progress, key achievements, and ongoing challenges, as well as the strategic importance of engaging rural communities in long-term sustainable development processes.

The visit concluded with a field trip to the “Sharri” Cooperative in the village of Vejce, an intervention partner of the project, where collaborative models and growth plans for agricultural and eco-tourism development were presented.

CED Director, Metin Muaremi, expressed his gratitude for the interest and support shown by the Ambassador:

“It is a great privilege for me personally and for CED that the values we have promoted for almost 20 years — coexistence, rural development, and community empowerment — are recognized and supported by H.E. Ola Sohlström.”

Ambassador Sohlström commended CED’s ongoing work in strengthening intercultural collaboration and sustainable rural development in the region, highlighting the importance of such partnerships in empowering local communities.