PACT is an internationally recognized professional qualification program designed by our UK partner, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and adjusted by the CEF to specific country needs. Acknowledging our project-based support delivered so far and taking into account the relevance of our work in the area of the planned reforms, the Ministry of Finance of North Macedonia requested additional support from the CEF through the implementation of a certification project on level 2 (diploma level). The effort will build on and deepen the results achieved together in the preceding projects on level 1.

New generation of students was welcomed by Filip Nikoloski, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Finance of North Macedonia, H. E. Henrik Markuš, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovakia in North Macedonia, Tatjana Kovačič, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Slovenia in North Macedonia, Jana Repanšek, CEF Director, and Tommaso Scali, Senior International Lead, Key Accounts at CIPFA.

“For the past 20 years since CEF’s establishment, we have been supporting public institutions of North Macedonia as our member state. In the area of certification of public accountants, CEF has facilitated the learning process that resulted in issuing of 78 certificates and 32 diplomas in this country. I cannot be prouder of the results of our joint efforts so far.  I’m certain this iteration of the PACT program will be another great milestone and bring new achievements to build upon.” said Ms. Repanšek as she greeted the new generation of PACT students.  

During the welcome address Mr. Scalli noted that CIPFA is delighted to be collaborating with the CEF to deliver excellence in IPSAS qualifications, demonstrating our commitment to supporting national governments, state enterprises and public sector institutions around the world as they move towards implementing IPSAS. Mr. Scali also congratulated the leadership of North Macedonia, for promoting the professionalization of the finance function within government. In his view this will lead to more trust in the government and better outcomes for citizens in terms of better services from the tax revenues.

After the opening ceremony, we continued with the training of trainers where local tutors experienced and then practiced different participatory learning methodologies. The aim was to strengthen their abilities to present and manage a classroom effectively both online and face-to-face. We also looked into how to make online sessions interactive and engaging with the use of different tools. The training was also an excellent opportunity for tutors to re-connect after not seeing each other for a long time. They expressed immense gratitude to the CEF for organizing such learning and networking opportunities.

The PACT project is financed by the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia through Slovenian Aid. In addition, the Ministry of Finance of North Macedonia and the CEF provide in-kind support.