There is no longer any doubt that we have for decades been disturbing the ecological equilibrium of our planet and the time has now come to face these grim realities. Without any doubt, climate change is the greatest challenge humankind has ever faced. The science warns us that the climate crisis is now, and it is a “code red” for humanity. The just closed Climate Conference in Glasgow COP 26 coincided with an important milestone on Montenegro’s development path – its 30th anniversary of declaring itself as an ecologic state. Nothing speaks more about the strength of such commitment than Montenegro’s determination to embed it into the heart of its Constitution. When Montenegro chose to continue its development on a green path, 30 years ago, not many people had expected that, this green path would become the only way forward for all. Only 3 decades later, the alarm bells of climate urgency are deafening, with evidence impossible to ignore: temperatures are reaching new highs; biodiversity is reaching new lows; oceans are warming, acidifying, and choking with plastic waste. Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are strangling our planet and putting billions of people at immediate and long-term risk, with many of the changes becoming irreversible. Each year we see extreme weather and climate disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity. And this summer, here in Montenegro was no exception with record number of forest fires. The way out? Five years ago, the Paris Agreement paved for humankind a clear way out of this crisis, pointing that limiting the temperature rise under the 1.5°C in this century is key. Unfortunately, scientists also warn that we are already close to reaching that threshold, which would mean reaching point of no return. In order to prevent this from happening, the world needs to join forces around three critical aspects: First, Mitigation – keep the 1.5°C goal within reach, by securing greater ambition from national governments and more net-zero commitments. Secondly, Adaptation – to increase investment into adaptation from current 21% to at least 50% of the overall international climate finance. Thirdly, the Financing – to reach an agreement on a delivery plan for the $100 billion per year, to improve access to financing and to progress on carbon markets. The responsibility for this ambitious agenda lays with all of us, but primely with the national governments. It is the national leaders who bear responsibility for taking urgent steps to reduce emissions, mobilize funding, and boost resilience, and for delivering on the Paris Agreement. National governments can and should greatly rely on United Nations to be a solid partner, convener, and an honest broker, who facilitates multilateral dialogue for national leaders to deliver a successful climate response. This is exactly what the UN is already doing. We have convened world leaders, top experts and scientist, activists as well as corporate leaders to the Climate Conference in Glasgow, for all of them to join forces for climate action. It’s about making choices Montenegro’s commitment to climate action is unequivocal. It’s evident in its recent commitment to cut Green House Gas emissions by 35% by 2030, with evidence and data collection supported by UNDP. However, we believe, there is potential to significantly reduce emissions even further, in the sectors of energy, transportation, and industry in Montenegro. Montenegro, like many low Green House Emitting countries, have low contribution to the rising global temperatures. Despite that, it is, unfortunately, bound to face the consequences of climate change through its undesirable domino effect on human well-being, health, environment and economy. That is why we must turn our attention equally to adaptation and build a resilient future. UN’s extended arm to Montenegro Most of the action in climate response is to take place in the economic sectors and the experience tells us that climate-smart investments outweigh the upfront costs. Montenegro’s National Climate Adaptation Plan, supported by UNDP, with Global Climate Fund financing, is an opportunity to set the baseline for making smart adaptation investments. Another huge potential lies with young people. We know that young people in Montenegro have strong ambitions to do their part and such ambitions must be met by opportunities. Three out of four respondents are ready to change their living habits, including walk every day, reduce waste, recycle and rationalize further use of water and electricity. It is high time to build on these commitments and positive engagement by the youth. The United Nations in Montenegro also supports small and medium size enterprises, through UNOPS in cooperation with local authorities, this work ensures that neither side stay ignorant of environmental protection, helping them to understand that greening is not just about solar panels. But sustainable solutions in combatting climate change is also about investing in human health. As we have painfully learned from COVID crisis, we need to adapt to orient towards long-term, strategic investments in our futures. WHO tells us that strategic investments in integrated public health and primary health-care systems, as well as mature digital systems, are necessary to be able to deliver on the promise of safe, effective and equitable health services for a post-COVID-19 era. Recent analysis of climate risk from a child’s perspective shows that nearly every child in the world is at risk from at least one of climate and environmental hazards like flooding, cyclones, vector-borne diseases, lead pollution, heat waves and water scarcity. Air pollution is the biggest threat as one billion children are estimated to be highly exposed to exceedingly dangerous levels of air pollution. In the coming period, UNICEF will support Montenegro’s children and adolescents’ involvement on air pollution and other climate change issues in the country. But while we focus on the potential work that must be done within Montenegro, we must also be aware of what happens around ourselves. UNHCR warns us that the effects of climate change are increasing hardship on people who are already among the world’s most vulnerable, including refugees. Drought and extreme weather will certainly drive-up competition for dwindling resources on global scale and have tremendous impact on forced displacement, not only on global scale, but will certainly have strong implications for our region and for Montenegro as well. There’s no small contribution By now, all countries should have clearly realized that the old, carbon-burning model of development is a death sentence for their economies and our planet. We need decarbonization now, across every sector in every country. We need to shift subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and tax pollution much more. We need to put a real price on carbon, and channel that back towards resilient infrastructures and sustainable jobs. The United Nations was founded 76 years ago to build consensus for action against the greatest threats facing humanity. But we have never faced a crisis like this one – a truly existential crisis which, if not addressed properly, threatens the future of mankind. Like never before, the world needs solidarity and truly joint action to counter deafening alarm bells of climate urgency. And it needs it now. And why is contribution of a small country like Montenegro so important for the climate response? The answer is simple, because, more than ever, the world needs positive examples of true transformation which can make a real difference. As Montenegro is now planning for its rapid economic recovery and create new opportunities for its citizens, the country has exceptional potentials for building a greener future, with greener jobs and a greener economy, and I am convinced that Montenegro can and will become a role model to the rest of the world on its green path moving forward – it just need to grab this historical opportunity, now.     Author is the UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro    

Podgorica, 5 November 2021 The urgency of climate response was at the heart of the UN Day ceremony under the theme "Climate Action: A wake up call" which was co-organized by the Government of Montenegro and the United Nations system in the country. The 76th UN Day, organized in parallel with the UN Climate Summit COP 26 in Glasgow, marks the 15th anniversary of membership of Montenegro in the United Nations, as well as the 30th anniversary of Montenegro's declaration as an ecological state. In his addressing, Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić pointed out that “challenges are coming and the time is passing. Today, there are several challenges that we all must jointly respond, and those include climate change, the pandemic, and not less important - the energy crisis." Prime Minister Krivokapić emphasized that Montenegro, in that sense, stepped forward thirty years ago when it was declared an ecological state: "That was our response aimed at preserving resources and nature. However, that was not enough. Nature has its laws, too. Some of them we know, and some we don't. And it is precisely the response of nature that we see only when something dramatic happens.” Irresponsible attitude towards the climate challenges will create new problems and severe consequences. In order not to have such consequences, let us unite, lend a hand to each other, forget about divisions and take care of the most sacred thing we have – air, water and land. Zdravko Krivokapić, Prime Minister of Montenegro UN Resident Coordinator Peter Lundberg said that the climate crisis is, without a doubt, the biggest challenge that humanity has ever faced, emphasizing the warning of science of the red alarm for humanity. "The Paris Agreement provided humanity with a clear path out of the crisis, which implies set of steps aimed at limiting the rise in temperature to 1.5°C in this century. The responsibility for this ambitious agenda lays with all of us, but primely with the national governments,” said Lundberg, recalling that the United Nations had brought together the world's leaders and top climate experts at the Glasgow Climate Summit to jointly pursue efficient climate response.  Lundberg praised Montenegro's strong commitment to green transition evident in the country's clear commitments to reduce greenhouse gases emissions. Montenegro's firm commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 clearly speaks about the country's responsibility and commitment to tackling climate change. Peter Lundberg, UN Resident Coordinator Lundberg said and sincerely congratulated Montenegro on its 15th anniversary of membership in the United Nations. United Nations Day is celebrated around the world in memory of 24 October 1945, when the Charter of the United Nations entered into force. The ratification of the document marked official foundation of the United Nations and its key goals – establishment of peace and security, support for development and social progress, and protection of human rights. The United Nations was founded by the leaders of 51 countries, and today the organization has 193 member countries. Montenegro became a member of the United Nations in June 2006, as the 192nd member of the organization.   Photo Gallery

October 27 - New York City - The world spends an astounding US$423 billion annually to subsidize fossil fuels for consumers – oil, electricity that is generated by the burning of other fossil fuels, gas, and coal. This is four times the amount being called for to help poor countries tackle the climate crisis, one of the sticking points ahead of the COP26 global climate conference next week, according to new UN Development Programme (UNDP) research released today. The amount spent directly on these subsidies could pay for COVID-19 vaccinations for every person in the world, or pay for three times the annual amount needed to eradicate global extreme poverty. When indirect costs, including costs to the environment, are factored into these subsidies, the figure rises to almost US$6 trillion, according to data published recently by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Instead, UNDP’s analysis highlights that these funds, paid for by taxpayers, end up deepening inequality and impeding action on climate change. "The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed outdated aspects of the global economy. It includes the fact that the world continues to spend billions of dollars on fossil fuel subsidies, while hundreds of millions of people live in poverty and the climate crisis accelerates. Against this backdrop, we must ask ourselves: is subsidizing fossil fuels a rational use of public money?" said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator.  Fossil fuel subsidies are both inefficient and inequitable. Across developing countries, about half of the amount of public resources spent to support fossil fuel consumption benefits the richest 20 percent of the population, according to the IMF. “Addressing fossil fuel subsidies is a politically charged issue, but the facts show that reform is both necessary, and when done correctly, supports the poor, creates jobs, and protects the planet,” said George Gray Molina, Lead Economist of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support and co-author of the research. “We hope this research will catalyze the conversation on the critical role reform can have in driving green and fair transitions in all countries.” The report, published ahead of the upcoming G20 and COP26 meetings, is being launched in the context of a growing recognition of the need for reform of fossil fuel subsidies by economists and policymakers as well as the IMF and World Bank. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has also made a strong call for reform. To spotlight the hugely negative effects fossil fuel subsidies have on people and planet, UNDP has produced an engaging short film as part of a new campaign in which one of the world’s most well-known extinct animals, the dinosaur, gives a speech to the UN General Assembly urging world leaders to shift away from fossil fuel subsidies and “Don’t Choose Extinction.” Led by a cast of celebrity voices from around the world — the Don’t Choose Extinction campaign aims to raise public awareness of how fossil fuel subsidies are canceling out significant progress to date towards ending climate change and are driving inequality by benefitting the rich. The main contributor to the climate emergency is the energy sector which accounts for 73 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. The energy sector in Montenegro accounts for 74.5 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel subsidy reforms would contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and benefit human health and well-being, and they are a first step towards correctly pricing energy – one that reflects the ‘true’ and full cost of using fossil fuels to society and the environment. But UNDP’s analysis shows that fossil fuel subsidy reforms can also be unfair and harmful for households and society if they are poorly designed. While fossil fuel subsidies tend to be an unequalising tool - as the lion’s share of the benefits concentrate among the rich - these subsidies also represent an important portion of poor peoples’ incomes that otherwise must be paid for energy consumption. Fossil fuel subsidies’ removal thus could easily become an income- and energy-impoverishing strategy. This contributes to making fossil fuels reform difficult, and imposes a key barrier to transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources. With that in mind, UNDP’s research advocates for a progressive and gradual response to reforms. It includes analysis of success stories gathered from  several countries across regions as well offering a ‘toolkit’ for policymakers to support fossil fuel subsidy and energy pricing reforms. The toolkit allows for a phased approach that is just and equitable and includes income protection and compensation for less advantaged groups. “When we consider how we are going to pay for the fight against climate change, fossil fuel subsidies mean that we are effectively starting at a point of minus US 423 billion dollars,” added Achim Steiner. “Reform is not easy and  the transition to clean energy presents a range of difficult challenges in many countries. Indeed, each country needs to take their own path. But we also know that we must move away from these energy sources that are contributing to our planet’s decline. Ending financial support for them in a way that is fair and equitable is a critical element of that transition. The recent IPCC report, which the UN Secretary-General described as a ‘code red’ for humanity, shows that only the most ambitious climate action will limit global warming to1.5 degree Celsius. This is what science dictates is needed to avoid a climate catastrophe.”  The Don’t Choose Extinction campaign features a collective intelligence platform, the Global Mindpool, to help tackle the most important issues of our time. Linking insights from around the world - on the climate emergency, the crisis in nature and inequality – the Global Mindpool will support UNDP to better inform and equip policy makers in government, civil society, and the private sector.   For more information on the ‘Don’t Choose Extinction’ campaign, visit www.dontchooseextinction.com.  

By Teodora Ladjic  On 28 October 2021, UNHCR Montenegro, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, Embassy of France and United Nations, organized for the first time ever in Montenegro, the International Conference on Statelessness: Best Practices in Montenegro and France, with the financial support from the Joint SDG Fund. The conference was organized in light of the 60th anniversary of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and the upcoming 7th anniversary of UNHCR’s #IBelong global campaign to end statelessness by 2024. Experts from France, the UNHCR, the UN system, the Western Balkans region and Montenegro, including relevant embassies, ministries, international organizations, NGOs and local government representatives, jointly assessed that Montenegro is on a good path to achieve the #IBelong goal of eradicating statelessness by 2024. The emerging global issues, such as the climate change and the global pandemic, have shown that having a nationality, and all the rights and protections that emanate from it - remain essential for the inclusion in responses to these challenges. Given that stateless persons are not recognized as nationals of any country, and often do not possess any identity documents they have no state protection and no access to basic human rights that people otherwise take for granted. Ms. Gillian Triggs, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, in a video address reminded that statelessness is a global issue that affects the lives of millions of people. Ms. Triggs recalled that supporting people to get a nationality enables societies to capitalize on the capacities and talents of all their members. She commended the commitment of the Government of Montenegro to address statelessness, highlighting the establishment of statelessness determination procedures, and thanked the Government of France for sharing the expertise as the EU Member State. Statelessness can be resolved. Today’s Conference is a vivid example of the determination of some States to solve this problem. It is wonderful to see the continued commitment of the Government of Montenegro in solving the problem of statelessness. By working together, we can make statelessness a faint memory of a by-gone era. Ms. Gillian Triggs, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Montenegro has already achieved a lot in its efforts to eradicate statelessness. In 2017, UNHCR, together with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare identified 607 persons as at risk of statelessness. The Ministry of Interior and UNHCR continued to work closely on finding solutions for each of these persons, and in 2021 brought this number down to 423. Roma and Egyptians continue to remain at the highest risk of statelessness in Montenegro, as they often neglect the importance of civil registration. Statelessness can be an intergenerational issue, whereby children may ‘inherit’ statelessness from their parents and remain trapped in a legal limbo “from cradle to grave”. According to the Montenegrin national statistical agency MONSTAT, more than 50% of at risk of statelessness/stateless persons in Montenegro are children. Montenegro ameliorated this issue through the introduction of 2015 Law on Non-Contentious proceedings, which facilitates birth registration of persons born outside the national healthcare system. Furthermore, the 2018 Law on Foreigners introduced for the first time ever a statelessness determination procedure (SDP) and so far, 9 persons have been recognized as de jure stateless in Montenegro through this procedure. Mr. Jean Yves Bouchardy, UNHCR Representative to Montenegro, reaffirmed UNHCR efforts to ensure that no child is born stateless in Montenegro. He commended Montenegro for making significant strides in the application of international standards and the country’s overall efforts in eradicating statelessness. The Representative thanked partners from France for sharing the best practices with Montenegrin counterparts, particularly in areas of citizenship, birth registration and statelessness determination procedures. UNHCR is fully committed to supporting Montenegro in achieving its goals to eradicate statelessness, which is also an important criterion in the process of country’s accession to the European Union. In the years to come, UNHCR will focus on further strengthening cooperation between Montenegro and the countries of origin of stateless persons, support for the already established good birth registration practices and a more comprehensive use of statelessness determination procedure. Jean Yves Bouchardy, UNHCR Representative to Montenegro. Mr. Christian Thimonier, Ambassador of France to Montenegro, reiterated the Embassy’s strong cooperation with UNHCR and the Government of Montenegro. Ambassador alerted that statelessness is deeply rooted in the global context and recalled major hot spots and crises around the world, showing that everybody could become a stateless person. The conference, said Ambassador Thimonier, presents a new impetus for the cooperation of France and Montenegro to tackle such a complex issue as statelessness. He noted that states should continue with the exchange of good practices in statelessness eradication and commended Montenegro for its commitment to sustain its long tradition of multiculturality, tolerance and openness for those forced to flee their homes. Montenegro, supported by UNHCR, has demonstrated a continuous commitment to reduce and eliminate statelessness by being a party to the 1954 and 1961 statelessness Conventions. In October 2019, at the High-Level Segment on Statelessness in Geneva, Montenegro pledged to persistently improve birth registration and strengthen capacities of the Government institutions to efficiently implement statelessness determination procedure. Mr. Miroslav Zekovic, Assistant Minister of the Interior of Montenegro, expressed high consideration for UNHCR in Montenegro and the gratitude of the Government for its continuous support in finding lasting solutions for stateless people. He added that the authorities in Montenegro have been dealing with statelessness for more than a decade. The Assistant Minister highlighted the importance of regional cooperation for acceleration of civil procedures in the countries of origin of stateless persons, as well as the importance of strengthening consular services provided by diplomatic representations in Montenegro, particularly for issuance of civil documentation. Mr. Zekovic added that the conference opens the door for the beginning of cooperation with the Republic of France and expressed hope for a UNHCR-supported study visit to France in 2022. The Conference served as platform for the exchange of best practices between French and Montenegrin experts working in the area of statelessness eradication (government officials, judges, academics). The experts from France, including the Conseil d'Etat, OFPRA, researchers from the Universities of Bordeaux and Lyon and the French Embassy in Montenegro, spoke about the best administrative and judicial practices in the field of statelessness in France, the international standards and the socio-economic rights of stateless persons. UNHCR’s work on ending statelessness in the country is one of the major pillars of the joint UN Montenegro programme on integrated social protection and employment - called Activate!, which is funded by the UN’s Joint SDG Fund. So far, 992 people, both formerly displaced and internally displaced and those at risk of statelessness, were provided support by UNHCR for legal status regularization under this programme, which aims to enhance the capacities of the social welfare system in Montenegro and support vulnerable people in accessing social protection and employment.   Photo Gallery